RESTAURANTE CAMPUNO — Restaurant in Santiago de los Caballeros

I ordinarily stay away from writing reviews but I feel like I need to do others a service here that was not done for me by previous reviewers as the overall score I saw here was the reason I chose this restaurant when I was in Villa Olga

The food was not good and it was overpriced... to the point that I was angry that their chef had the audacity to serve that to people and charge them, let alone charge a higher price for it. I wish I took photos. Additionally, the menu description was inadequate to describe dishes we ordered.

The calamari appetizer was about 4 small pieces or body parts of calamari each on a pile of pureed yuca. It wasnt good and that dish cost close to 600 DOP. The mixed seafood for two was mostly a bunch of soggy fried pieces of mixed seafood in a bucket - more like a small trash can - with a couple of smelly mussels and two large prawns on the side. Neither the taste, the smell nor the style of preparation were good. The cost of this dish was approaching 2000 DOP.

Maybe they do other things well that isn’t seafood but that they serve people what they served us and charge the prices they do, leads me to believe that their other decisions and capabilities aren't worth the chance.

Response to Owner’s response: First, I did say something, to start with the calamari. Your wait staff essentially said that’s what it is and walked away. We told them we didn’t like the mixed seafood as well as they could see the amount we left and the server did ask about that.

Second, if you interpret my valuation of the cost of your food to what I received as me not being able to afford your food, you’re clueless. I live in a far more expensive place with far higher prices in the San Francisco Bay Area… and I make a very good income in Northern California by the way since you raised the matter of my wallet. I’ve eaten at Noah, El Tablón Latino and Camp David Ranch amongst other good restaurants in Santiago and have no complaints about those places. What I ate at your restaurant was simply not good and not remotely worth what you charge, regardless of the wealth of the customer...

Based off the raving reviews in such little time that this restaurant has received I thought I was walking in to a very special place... and that's somewhat the case. The ambience and theme is great, there's a massive parking lot (a rare thing in Santiago indeed), and a creative spark going on in the menu.

But... out of the many options in the menu two of the ones my partner tried ordering were not available and we finally hit the jackpot on our conservative third, okay. After waiting surprisingly long (but not uncomfortably long) for being one of only two tables occupied at the restaurant at the moment, we were finally served. The Churrasco and Mango Salmon we ordered were very good, beautifully presented with moderate portions, I was pleased with the food, however, the prices are far too high. Deal-breaker high. My partner and I joked that the owners were Dominican New Yorkers who came down expecting New York Restaurant prices to be accepted... not in a city where the average income is

I recently visited Campuno Restaurant in Santiago, and while there were certainly some highlights, a few service-related issues held back the overall experience.

The Positive: The ambiance of the restaurant is stylish and modern, with a great layout and attention to detail in the décor. The menu selection is diverse, with creative takes on Dominican and international cuisine. The flavors were enjoyable, and the presentation of the dishes was impressive. It’s clear that the kitchen team puts real effort into their culinary craft.

What Could Be Improved: Unfortunately, the service fell short of expectations. Our server was not welcoming or attentive throughout the meal, and I often had to actively reach out just to get her attention for basic things. When I politely asked to be moved because the air conditioning vent was blowing directly onto our table, she seemed annoyed rather than accommodating, which added unnecessary discomfort to the experience. Additionally, the food arrived at the table noticeably below room temperature, which took away from what otherwise could have been a great meal. The dessert was not great and very basic. The brownie was dry. The whip cream slice taste like the Hershey pie from Burger King. I would completely avoid it!

Final Thoughts: Campuno has a lot of potential, especially in terms of its menu and atmosphere, but the service experience needs improvement. I’d be willing to return, hoping for a more attentive and professional level of...