Trattoria Pizzarelli — Restaurant in Santo Domingo

Nice Setting, Average Flavors I've visited several Pizzarelli locations across the Dominican Republic, and my experience has shown that quality can be hit or miss. This particular branch, perched at the corner of Roberto Pastoriza Avenue and Federico Giraldino Street in the heart of Santo Domingo, makes quite the first impression. You're greeted by a striking sculpture of a pig fashioned from cutlery and bottles—mostly forks—a quirky touch that sets the tone for the space. The dining room isn't large, but it's thoughtfully decorated and warmly lit, with street views framed by wide glass windows. A nice detail is the semi-open kitchen: low walls topped with glass panels let you watch the action as your meal is prepared. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite live up to the setting. We tried ravioli and other pasta dishes, and while perfectly edible, they were forgettable in both flavor and presentation. Service was polite and adequate, but not especially attentive or remarkable. Prices aren't outrageous, yet they are high enough to raise expectations for something more memorable. In short, the overall experience was just average. Given the location, ambiance, and pricing, I was hoping for a dining experience that felt...

The place was packed both times I went. I went both days I was in the area, willing to drive for 20 mins so that should say enough about how good the pizza was. Pricey, but worth it. Wish they made larger pizzas but aside from that, all 3 pizzas were done in 20 minutes from my order time, even with 30-40 people seated or standing. They also offer outside seating which is a bit quieter and nicer. There were no available seats when I last went. 8/10 because of the atmosphere, was a bit loud, but it is a great place, with fast service and professional staff. You can see your pizza being made in their stone oven, very quick turnaround. Only saw one pizza be returned to the counter, no fuss no arguing, just good service, and...

I’m not usually a fan of pizza chains, but I happened to step into Pizzarelli by chance for a quick bite. We tried three different pizzas—the Vesuvio, Carnevale, and one topped with Serrano ham. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by their thin, well-balanced slices. Each pizza was carefully prepared, and the flavors were on point. Definitely a spot worth revisiting when a pizza craving hits in...