Dolce Italia Bavaro — Restaurant in Higüey

We come here all the time because the food and service are consistently excellent.

However, and this is a big however, I've been both overwhelmed by how good the dessert is and also thoroughly disgusted. Hopefully this problem can be fixed.

The gelato and mini cakes stay in the fridge for a week even at time. They take on that fridge taste and the cakes harden. The torroncino, for example, which is incredible when fresh, will be served from the same batch 1 week later.

At that point, its 6 USD for a stale cake..or 4 USD for a gelato cone that tastes like frostbite. Their gelato is handmade but definitely not fresh as we go there sometimes twice a week and they'll have the same batch from a week ago.

One thing I do now is only get gelato if the batch is full and fresh. I also ask when the cakes were made. I had a few unpleasant surprises.

Other than that, excellent pasta,...

Stay as far away as possible. Been to DR about 20 times, so I know my way around. First time we came, sat down to eat. Restaurant was empty except one other table. Wait staff (I think at least 5 employees) was congregating everywhere but around customers. Sat for 20 minutes, did not even get asked about a drink. We left. Only when we were leaving a waiter asked if everything was OK. No it was not. Came back next day to try the Gelato. 2 small scoops each. Would pay maybe $10 to $15 max in New Jersey for that portion. $21.00. YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY, TWENTY ONE US DOLLARS FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD COST 10 DOLLARS IN DR. STAY AWAY, THIS PLACE IS A RIPP OFF AND THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMERS. Go down the street, much cheaper Gelato other places. Gelato was OK. Nothing crazy, certainly nothing worth that price. Pistachio was the best, rest...

This restaurant had really great food and service seemed great. Unfortunately, after a decent sized bill and leaving a very good tip they still used my credit card info and proceeded to make numerous transactions on my card. I’m incredibly disappointed in the low morale of the staff and I will definitely be sure to let anyone know about this restaurant and caution them to not use their credit card but I would also just avoid in general if this is the type of staff hired. It’s businesses like this that make people cautious to spend money to help support the Dominican Republic's economy. What an absolute shame and disgrace.

Update: after the restaurant quickly responded to my review I have yet to get a response to my email…hoping to hear from you soon as I’m still quite upset...