Restaurante El Higüero — Restaurant in Santo Domingo

My 1st review and of course experience was disappointing on account of flavors of a staple of Dominican foods and I must add that everywhere I go I typically start off with staple foods. In this case I ordered "Mangu" (mashed or pureed green plantains) which come accompanied with Salami, eggs and semi melted cheese. The presentation was beautiful and the service was fast but much to my surprise the food was cold.

The "mangu" was semi dry and I almost didn't recognize the cheese as it came in "tiny-cute breaded" triangular pieces.

Mangu is such a simple and delicious dish that it was heart breaking. I was the only guest since I came after they had just opened in the am 😥.

Additionally, I was surprised as to the small menu of dishes they had.

The location, layout and overall look of the place is great and I may be willing to try it again in hopes of finding that the great appeal of the physical location is in tune with the flavors of so many great local and simple restaurants of the area or better yet, mama's cooking. PS: Santo...

Comí esta noche en El Higüero. Las meseras fueron amables y atentivas, y el ambiente es hermoso. Pero la comida fue absolutamente horrible. La peor yuca hervida que he probado en la vida; tan dura como una roca y sin ningún sabor. Y el pescado al vapor fue una mezclada de duro y crudo y con ningún sabor sino el limón que aplasté. I mean, seriously, it was the worst boiled Yuca I have ever tried; I couldn’t penetrate some of the pieces with a kinfe and just gave up. Plus, it had absolutely no flavor! Not boiled nearly sufficiently enough and then placed flavorless in a serving dish for me to ineffectively stab with a knife? The steamed fish was equally awful and disgusting. A mix of hardness and rawness, it turned my stomach trying to to swallow it (it took a lot chewing, which steamed fish never should) but since I was starving after a vigorous workout I was desperate. Plus, no flavor, again!! Learn how to boil yuca and steam fish at a minimum, and then add some flavors to justify your pricing. No, I will not ever...

We visited this restaurant based on a friend’s recommendation. Upon arrival, we were surprised that there was no hostess to greet us, especially considering the great reviews this place has received. We requested to be seated on the patio but were told there were no available tables, even though we clearly saw an empty table with no reservation sign.

We were seated inside, where our server greeted us, though not in the most polite manner—she got straight to the point. After taking our drink and appetizer order, she never checked on us again until we had to call for her attention. She seemed bothered and stood about five feet away, almost as if she was acting as a security guard rather than a server.

The food was underwhelming, and I had expected a better dining experience overall.

P.S. I’ll give this restaurant another try, as it may have just been an off day. Hopefully, my next visit...