Mesón de Bari — Restaurant in Santo Domingo

Awesome! Six friends decided to go on vacation to Punta Cana RD from March 22 to 29, 2022. We went to the Capital on March 24, early in the morning directly to the Colonial Zone. We walked towards the Cathedral. The streets are kept clean as are the tourist areas. They have opened bars and restaurants around. On our route to El Meson de Bari, we noticed a number of empty and deteriorating structures. The Meson is at Calle Hostos 302 | y Urena, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic. The Meson was a pending issue. Four of us had been at the Meson practically since its inception. So we went looking for him. At this time, the place is under restoration, but they continue to provide service in a neighboring structure. We are excited to return to that place! Upon arrival, we were received by Mackinly, who would be our waiter. He has been working there for 21 years, so we talk about those times... We started our culinary journey with some super cold Presidentes Light. Two of our friends ordered a tripe dish, exquisite! It had the right color, consistency, food and flavor. The others ordered cod croquettes very well cooked. One of our friends had an upset stomach, and Mackinly kindly made her a remedy that helped even though she couldn't eat anything! Each one ordered different dishes: Guinea wine with white rice, beans and tostones; Rice and beans with creole bifteck(2), rice and bean with codfish in creole sauce(2) and steak with mushrooms sauce and salad. All the food was delicious... The desserts... We asked for "dulce de lechoza", cheese custards. Very...

Just to note the restaturant is underegoing renovations at its old location. It is currently located a few blocks up the street across from Hotel Novus.

I am a fan of the late Anthony Bourdains travel show, "No Reservations". His segment on Santo Domingo inspired me to come to this restaurant.

I was a little disappointed by the food. I started with an Empanada de Bacalao (salted cod pie). That was a good. It was expectedly salty, but it had a good flavor.

I had the Chivo Guisado (goatmeat stew) as my main dish. It was served with stewed beans and rice. The stew had a good flavor but it was too salty for me. I had a hard time eating it. I expected it to be more more approachable and with a normal amount of salt.

I also had a lemonande for a drink. The total price came to 1,606.40 Dominican pesos about $27.40 in US dollars. A hefty price tag for lunch in this city. You can get a daily special for 150-300 Dominican pesos which is about $2.6-5.19 in U.S. dollars.

The restaurant is undergoing renovations at its old location. Currently it is across the street from Hotel Novus. The current location is beautiful and has a great atmosphere.

Also the restaurant has another location in another part of the city. Double the adresss if you are driving or taking a taxi there.

My final thought is that the restaurant is worthy if a foodie and want try out the place for its reputation. I feel it was good but not...

Meson de Bari is a culinary gem that deserves nothing less than a 5-star rating. This restaurant beautifully crafts true Dominican dishes, elevating them to a sophisticated status that leaves a lasting impression.

The arenque dishes, the bacalao, and the concon with beans took me on a nostalgic journey, reminiscent of the flavors enjoyed at grandma's house. The authenticity of these dishes is unmatched, showcasing the culinary mastery of Meson de Bari.

What truly completes the dining experience is the homemade typical Dominican desserts. Each dessert is a sweet celebration of Dominican flavors, leaving a satisfying and delightful note to end the meal.

The ambiance of Meson de Bari adds to the overall charm, creating a warm and welcoming space that complements the rich flavors of the food. The staff is attentive, providing excellent service that enhances the dining experience.

In summary, Meson de Bari is a culinary haven for those seeking an authentic and elevated taste of Dominican cuisine. It's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates true flavors and a dining experience that feels like a...