Review: Elizondo Restaurante | Santo Domingo
I was hesitant going into Elizondo Restaurante.
It was one of the few restaurants in Santo Domingo that you can book online and it had a five star average on TripAdvisor, something that the skeptical me would attribute to fake reviews and accounts. Also, it’s a Spanish restaurant and I was more into fining Dominican restaurants while in the DR… But on a hungry night (and a lazy night) it was near and it looked good. I rolled out of bed and readied myself for dinner.
Exterior of Elizondo Restaurante in Santo Domingo
I made a reservation for one, but I didn’t need it. The tables were empty and most people seemed to come in closer to 10PM. I was seated promptly and handed a menu – I don’t speak Spanish but the owner translated everything for me which was very helpful. He also made recommendations but based on his personal favorites. Normally, I am wary of this, but he spoke with such passion and about where the food comes from and how it is cooked, I decided to follow his recommendations.
Elizondo Menu
He mentioned that this restaurant was best for groups so everything is meant for 2-4 people. I was eating alone so I knew I wouldn’t finish the meal but I ordered like the portions were for one person so that I could taste multiple things. I quickly ordered a Sangria (it’s in the glass of wine section) but declined the free wifi password, though that would be handy for other travelers, I imagine.
I got a delicious sangria
I ordered the squid (Chipirones), Picana (steak that apparently comes from the butt of the cow), and the Platano Maduro (sweet plantains) – I also got the bread because the waitress recommended it for the squid. Upon ordering the steak I was asked how I wanted it cooked, I didn’t comprehend this question, so I ended up getting it medium though I normally prefer medium rare. More on this later.
Interior of Elizondo Restaurante
Here’s the gist of it: Order exactly what I got.
The squid arrived and immediately I could smell the garlic and the herbs. The owner mentioned there was an olive oil sauce that everything was cooked in and I guess this was it. Aroma – this was true aroma. I just hoped the flavors were as good as the smell.
The squid (Chipirones) — the owner calls it a “no brainer”
The flavors were really darn good. The squid was cooked to perfection and had a great texture and there was enough calamari on the plate to feed three or four people. The sauce wasn’t fully absorbed by the squid but as suggested by the waitress, I dipped the bread in the sauce and it was probably the best bread-dipping experience in my recent life. The bread had its own flavor which came out when you dipped it into the olive oil and garlic, something I wanted to experience again and again until my bread basket was empty. The squid was amazing and I scooped up extra sauce with each bite just to add some more flavor, while washing it down with a truly phenomenal sangria. The sangria is on the sweet side so keep that in mind, but it is stronger than you think.
My meal
Next up was the Picana which came with the sweet plantains I had ordered. The cut of meat is imported from the USA, which is odd because I’m not super sure I’ve had meat in the USA that tasted as flavorful as this. The owner explained that they essentially age the meat once they get it which is why it is so tender. The cut is full of fat which some people take off, but the owner begged me to keep it on (I love fat anyways) and it was the melt-in-your-mouth kind of fat that is found in a beautifully marbled cut of beef. Because of this, it makes sense that it was cooked medium as marbled meats aren't great rare... In sum: It was incredible.
The Picana — medium
The garlic, herbs, and olive oil surrounded the meat along with some if its own juices. I couldn’t finish it all since it’s enough food for four, but I brought it home. The plantains were cooked to perfection and sweet, as promised. You know, island sweet.
I engaged in conversation with the owner who has an interesting story, if you have time to listen. He’s not a cook by trade but he is by passion. This restaurant is his dream so he is happy to be spending the rest of his productive life putting everything into this restaurant to serve people a taste of Spain with first class service. I always love meeting people who are living their best lives so it made me happy listening to his story. I checked in with every table and genuinely seemed to care about the food and the experience everyone had.
The very sweet plantains
I honestly felt like, just for a moment, I had been transported to Spain. I haven’t been in 10 years but while sitting in this restaurant I had flash backs of Spain and the urge to visit again. Because of this, I will highly recommend to friends and dub this a must-try for anyone visiting Santo Domingo.
TOTAL COST: $2649.60 RD ($55 USD)
This doesn’t include the $200 tip and keep in mind normally this is split with a large group
Av Simon Bolivar #217
Plaza Juan Dauhajre
Santo Domingo
