Fritanga Nicaraguan Cuisine — Restaurant in St. Louis

Yesterday was my first unpleasant experience with this restaurant. I have been a big fan of Fritanga for a couple of years now — specifically the Tilapia a la Tipitapa. Most of my friends that I have invited here usually try the Bistec Encebollado. In the past whenever I tried some of theirs, it always tasted delicious with a savory flavor.

I took my mother and sister here for the first time yesterday and I urged them to try the bistec. It came out looking differently from how it usually is. There was a lot of onions and sauce all over it. My mom took one bite and instantly made a face. I was surprised she didn’t like it. I took a small piece to see anything was wrong and it tasted like someone has poured sugar in my mouth. This dish has never tasted sweet before and had a weird aftertaste. My mother asked the manager could she send it back because it wasn’t to her taste. He told her she could order something else but would have to pay for the bistec. Apparently they don’t do exchanges. My sister didn’t like it either but let it go once she heard him say this. I felt that was very unfair and lacked consideration. There has been a subtle lack in consistency in the way certain dishes have been prepared for a while. The tilapia’s sauce will be watery sometimes and other times thicker with more flavor. The chicken empanadas are juicy sometimes and some days a drier. However, a dish should never do a one eighty from savory to sweet. I would’ve never recommended it if I knew it would taste so differently and as unappetizing as yesterday was.

I frequented this restaurant regardless of the time I ordered my usual tilapia and they accidentally gave it to someone who had ordered food after me and there was no more tilapia left. When they told my friend they had ran out meat and needed to go to the store, we remained patient. I understand that this is a mom and pop which doesn’t pump out mass food and I love supporting local STL businesses. However, this was truly disappointing and felt a little petty considering the dish was mad incorrectly....

Fritanga has Nicaraguan food, made very accessible. Located on Jefferson near I-44. There is just street parking, but it's easy to come by. The server was friendly and attentive. They were willing to give suggestions to the "newbies" in the group.

Start with a cocktail. My favorite is not listed on the menu, but it is a must order. You can get the Nicarita (similar to a margarita but with rum) with mango puree instead of lime, served with a sugar rim. Super sweet, but very strong. I also ordered the banana soda because "why not" and it was delicious. Tasted like I was drinking a banana Laffy Taffy.

The table is given a tray with 3 sauces: a spicy sauce, a chimichurri sauce, and another sauce that could go on anything. They are perfect for pouring on your meat dishes or even your rice/beans.

My favorite entree is the Canoa de Maduro: sweet plantain with meat of your choice topped with mozzarella cheese. Very saucy! Comes with one side. My choice was the Gallo Pinto (Nicaraguan dish of mixed red beans and rice) which was perfect to mix in the sauce of the plantains. If you aren't into sweet plantains, they have a similar dish made with green plantains instead.

The Carne Asada (national dish of Nicaragua) is a good leaping off point for someone new to Nicaraguan food (or plantains). With this dish and most of the other entrees, you can choose two sides. The Pollo al Chimichurri is another "safe" starter dish. Only downside of some of the meat dishes, they are overcooked and dry. You'll be happy they provide you with the 3 sauces at the start of the meal (unsure if they will give you more if you request).

The staff was wiping down every table and chair with Clorox wipes when the tables were turned over. The tables all were given a fresh sheet of while paper as a "table cloth" when a new group was seated. I was very impressed with their...

I recently visited Fritanga, a Nicaraguan restaurant, and had a wonderful dining experience. I started with the chicken empanada, which was incredibly flavorful and had a perfectly crispy crust. The filling was well-seasoned and the portion was generous.

For my main course, I ordered the Bistec encebollado, a sirloin steak marinated in a delicious mojo criollo. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, and the flavors from the garlic, herbs, and spices were mouthwatering. The steak was topped with slow-cooked caramelized onions, adding a touch of sweetness to each bite.

The entire meal was not only delicious but also very hearty. The portion sizes were generous, leaving me satisfied and content. The restaurant itself was clean, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. The staff members were friendly and provided excellent service, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.

One aspect that stood out was the wait time, which was surprisingly short. I didn't have to wait long to be served, allowing me to enjoy my meal without any unnecessary delays. Overall, my first visit to Fritanga was a delightful experience. The food was delicious, the place was clean, the staff was great, and the wait time was minimal. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to savor authentic Nicaraguan cuisine in a welcoming...