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anyone tired of the same old bland pasta and chicken. Large, both physically and in terms
of its selection, the menu includes creatively designed dishes like foie gras with dark beer
jam and risotto in squid ink and shrimp
brunoise
with lobster tail and roasted arugula. The
lobster ravioli (RD$630), one of the least expensive items on the menu, is excellent. Stick
around for dessert - crème brûlée is the speciality - and an extensive wine and cigar list
are for those who want to spend an extra hour or two hanging out in the candlelight.
Because of its popularity (or maybe a reason for it), there's something of a prepackaged
vibe to the efficiently professional waitstaff's service; pirate-like headscarves are part of
the uniform. English and French menus available.
La Bricola
MAP
ITALIAN
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-688-5055; Arzobispo Meriño 152; mains RD$850; noon-3pm & 6pm-midnight Mon-Sat)
From the candlelit open-air patio to the soft melodic piano, La Bricola embodies romance
- a meal here is the perfect place to pop the question. Set in a restored colonial-era palace,
the ambience can't help but trump the food, which is international- and Italian-inspired
mains, including fresh fish specials. Despite the almost regal, fairytale setting, service is
more welcoming than stuffy.
La Taberna Vasca
MAP
MEDITERRANEAN
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-221-0079; cnr Calle Hostos & Las Mercedes; mains RD$650; noon-3pm & 7pm-midnight
Tue-Sat, from 7pm Mon)
Now housed in a beautifully restored 500-year-old building, this
charming bistro's intimate dining room and lush patio ooze romance. The kitchen turns
out well-prepared seafood and meat dishes inspired by French and Basque cuisine; we re-
commend the duck confit and paella.
