The most happening and deservedly longest-surviving of Plaza España’s restaurant row, Pat’e Palo is for anyone tired of the same old bland pasta and chicken. Large, both physically and in terms of its selection, the menu includes creatively designed dishes such as Angus beef carpaccio in truffle oil and mushrooms and Chilean sea bass in a chili-and-black-bean stew.
The gnocchi in roquefort cheese and casava sauce (RD$635), one of the least expensive items on the menu, is excellent. Stick around for dessert – crème brûlée is the specialty – and an extensive wine and cigar list are for those who want to spend an extra hour or two hanging out in the candlelight.
Because of its popularity (or maybe a reason for it), there's something of a prepackaged vibe to the efficiently professional waitstaff's service; pirate-like headscarves are part of the uniform. English and French menus available.
