Feeling overwhelmed by all of the options, I decided to ask the man next to me if he frequented the restaurant. Not only was he a regular, but he was also Dominican and meeting his beautiful mom and adorable grandma for lunch. He asked me about my preferences and then told me to order the ropa vieja. He even checked in with me afterward to see if I liked it. I LOVED it! That, the dirty rice, the yuca-casserole, and the plantains were my favorites. My 14-year-old son had been a few times with his dad and told me to try the fresh juice. I sampled all three and ended up with a cup of cucumber lime mint. The lady behind the counter remembered him and said he usually gets the empanadas. This may be my new favorite restaurant in Berry Hill. I especially love that we can eat outside. It's always fun to try something new but it's WONDERFUL when that experience is five-star-review-worthy. read more

Service is amazing and true authentic Dominican cuisine. Like a piece of home . Some of the best in Nashville , would most definitely recommend. read more

Holy cow I'm from Cuban parents and this food is Authenic and Good! Reasonable prices. Nice location. Go eat there.

When you combine great Cuban & Central American food with exceptional+knowledgeable service, you get a restaurant like Merengue! My wife and I arrived around 7pm on a Friday night. We were greeted warmly by both servers behind the counter, with one taking the lead on explaining how things worked. We both chose the "buffet" (actually, it's cafeteria-style), one chicken and one pork, both with rice. My wife chose pinto beans while I went with lentils, and both were well-seasoned. My wife got the traditional salad with Ranch (no biggie...just a green salad), while I opted for the steamed veggie salad (which seemed to be in a very mild vinaigrette, which I really enjoyed. The food was all tasty and fresh, despite being served cafeteria style. The decor is simple but functional. The booths and chairs have been painted in a decorative but not garish style. Seating was available both inside and out, which means this place will only get more popular as the weather warms up. There were only two downsides to the whole experience, and both were largely out of the restaurant's control: 1) Parking is severely limited (if its busy, you may need to park on the street), but what's inside MORE than overcomes any inconvenience, plus any walk you might take won't be too far (and let's face it: You and I both need the exercise); and 2) They can't get good Cuban bread right now, so they're not serving an authentic Cuban sandwich. The server wasn't sure why, but believes it may have something to do with a continuation of the rebuilding process following the hurricanes that struck Central America, especially Puerto Rico. I was disappointed -- I LOVE a good Cuban sandwich, dipped in sauce -- but also admire their dedication to doing things the right way and not lowering their standards. One other item of note: I always think it's a good sign if you see people from the restaurant's represented culture enjoying a meal at that restaurant, and that was certainly the case with Merengue! Many tables and the parking lot as we were leaving were filled with smiling, friendly folks who seemed to be there for a taste of home. I definitely applaud their choice! read more

This was really wonderful. We were visiting from out of town and my wife picked it. Nothing fancy here in terms of the atmosphere or service, but honestly, who cares? The staff were certainly friendly and efficient, and the food was delicious. If you like something a little different, you really ought to try it. We had a little bit of several different plates, and sampled empanadas, different meats, and sales. The side of beans was surprisingly delicious. Garbanzos. If you are reading this, owners, please point me to a recipe...I'll have to make them myself because we live so far away. (Denver). read more

Searching for an authentic Cuba food place for our entire group of 18 people this was perfect! You can choose from menu or just stand in line for plate. We tasted quite a few dishes and everything was delicious ! read more

Mofongo Cafe - We loved our plates! Delicious and good size portions plus the accommodation for entire group! - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Authentic Latin food! Friendly folks work there! We moved here from the Miami area and have been starving for good Dominican food and finally found this new treat in Nashville. I just wish they were closer to where we live because we would go more often. Try the Mofongo! read more

We was here today for our lunch and I have to say this new spot is amazing that food is great and flavor!! We did try the mofongo with fried pork was super delicious!! And the rice with chicken and rib too yummy!! Also the fried yuca.... I really recommend everyone to stop by here and you will love it! That place inside is so welcome also believe or not the give the bottle of water for free!! Great service read more

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This place was a last minute decision on our way back home. Sooooo glad we stopped here. Service was great (friendly, happy and fast) and the food was even better! I had the cerdo frito mofongo... cooked to perfection delicious everything was so fresh, I felt like I was back in PR!! Finished with a slice of flan.... Definitely will come back during our yearly visit to Nashville!! read more

Really good food. Especially the fried pork and plantains. I've had the buffet and the menu listed dinners. Everything I've tried has been great. I highly recommend this gem read more

Authentic food, friendly staff, and a nice new, clean space. This spot is great for a quick lunch stop or low-key dinner. We are so excited that this cafe is now open! We live nearby so once we saw the outdoor deck being built we knew this was going to be our summer spot. The food has so much flavor and seems to be very authentic. I was eating and enjoying dishes I have never heard of before. The Dominican juice was SO tasty too. I was a little confused on how to order, but I know they will put their signage up soon. I ordered 2 meats, rice, beans and 1 drink for dinner which came out to about $15 for dinner. Would love to see a few more options for dessert because I love dessert. Excited to see this place grow. I hope the Berry Hill community embraces it! read more

I love this place! It was recommended to me buy a guy in the building I work in. The food was was awesome. I had fried pork with beans and rice , the pinto beans. The decor has a Cool vibe and the two ladies ....one of them I presume was the owner , were eager to please and seemed happy to see us. The service was great the food was hot and I would definitely go back and recommend this place to people who are looking for good Latin food in a clean bright atmosphere. I couldn't decide what to eat because it all looked so good so next time for sure I'll try the chicken. read more

So excited to have such a fantastic, authentic dominirican restaurant like from back home. My meal brought me right back to Staff, food, cleanliness all amazing. can't wait to become a regular! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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AMAZING food and family friendly. This is the best authentic Latin food I've ever had in the cutest space! They have 2 outdoor decks, and when my family of 4 came at lunch, we had the whole deck to ourselves which made eating at a restaurant with toddlers possible. The kids played in the sunshine, and we enjoyed the AMAZING tostones, empanadas, and rice. (Plus the bathroom has a legit changing table which was nice!) read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

If you're not looking you may miss it. Outstanding restaurant. We try to stop by every time we're in the area. Try it. You won't be disappointed. read more

If you like Dominican food this is the place for you great service friendly service. I had Mofongo and chicken. Best part was my Sour sop drink. This place was super clean. read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Five stars is not enough. FANTASTIC food and staff. Fresh and made to order. Highly recommended!

Wow! What a cool place, and great casual atmosphere! My friend from Colombia took me here today and I loved it. She has been here many times. The food is very authentic and flavorful. I had chicken, pork ribs, rice and plantains. My friend who is Colombian had the sancocho Soup, which she said was delicious and again, very authentic. Evelyn the manager and owner is super friendly, and makes you feel at home. Wonderful place, hope to come back soon! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

We did the buffet. Serving size was generous; enough food to save half for lunch the next day. Delicious chicken and pork with rice and pinto beans. Added on the fried Plantains which were perfectly yummy. read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Unreal! This place is amazing - we were hoping to sit outside for our first time to a restaurant in months, and we hit it at the perfect time for lunch. The food was delicious - we got mofungo with shrimp in coconut sauce, two kinds of empanadas, and a Cubano sandwich. One of the best sandwiches I've every tried. The mofungo was delicious and brought us back to our favorite trip to Puerto Rico. Every bite was perfect - can't wait to come back! read more

So-so. Not great but they have quite an extensive choice so there may be good selections. We had a coconut based dish with shrimp.

Had not planned on eating here, however thankfully our original place was too crowded so we ended up having lunch and thank goodness we did! Hidden gem indeed!! The rice and beans plus the choices of meat are incredible. Fall of the bone chicken and pork ribs, deliciously sweet plantains and a wonderful variety of sides makes this place unique. Will definitely return. read more

This restaurant has awesome food and great service! Very good selection and tasty options

Food was good but the service is a little strange I stood there for several minutes without even a "we will be right with you" then I went to the register and the lady after ringing up her last customers was very attentive. The food was very good , although it had a slight burnt flavor from probably a dry steam table . I would give 3 stars in reality but I'm going to give it another try . read more

What a BIG BIG LET DOWN !! I just got back from being in Puerto Rico for 3 weeks, that's where I'm from. I heard about this place, but never really had the time or desire to visit the Cafe. But, it was a cold rainy day and I was wanting some PR food. The place is nice , clean, warm. I was greeted well and asked if this was my 1st time at the cafe. They told me about the food the was on the hot table, I said, no way, looked like its been sitting there all day. So, I asked about the Mofongo with shrimp. My question was: was it made to order and if the plantains were fresh and very green, to be told yes. Not even 10 minutes went by and was given my order. I said to my self, there is NO WAY in the world that this was made to order in 10 minutes. But it look nice , so I said, let me try it. Then meal came with a sad looking salad, I asked for some type of dressing and some mayo ketchup , I was told I had to pay extra for that. I took two bites and stoped!!! There was my answer, that this was not made to order. First it was cold, the plantains were not all green, they seem to have boiled the plantains and then mash them ( real Puertorican Mofongo is made with fresh green plantains and it's fried then mashed!!! ) . The food had no seasoning. I got up and threw the food away. I would have been fine to walk away if they had. Told me the truth. They don't even come around to ask you , his is the food, are you liking the food, nothing. These folks don't seem to be Puerto Ricans or Cubans. I just don't like being LIED to!!! Never Again.. read more

Awesome place! EVERYTHING was good! We had the goat, beef and chicken stew. The beans were AWESOME. AWESOME service! Very authentic Dominican and the Cuban Ropa Vieja was on point! Husband had the Tres Leches very very good! Will definitely be coming back for more and more. read more

Authentic Puerto Rican food in Nashville??! We are so there! This place didn't disappoint. And we are so excited that we don't have to wait until we visit PR, NY and FL to eat good food. The food is served buffet style and if you have allergies like me (severely allergic to tomatoes and seafood), that's okay because the staff was very nice with directing me to the foods that will be safe for me to eat. I had 0 problems with a food allergy which is a plus for me! read more

Found this place last week. Great food! Cuban sandwich was plenty for 2. We live 21/2 hrs away. Had to pick grandson up at airport today. Made a beeline right back here. Eating again and getting to go for grandson! read more

So good. So salty. So authentic. The rice and beans are so delicious and tasted like my welas! Great customer service and friendly employees. Highly recommend. I can't wait to come back! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Love this place. Best Latin food in town. The rice and beans are amazing. The meat is cooked to perfection. The juices make you feel like you are on an island. You can tell the people who cook the food take pride in their flavors. Highly recommend. read more

Thank you Merengue Cafe! This is one of those food referrals you DONT regret Yes, go ahead and try everything because you're bound to find something you like. I personally enjoy the Pollo Guisado aka Chicken stew. Don't forget fried plaintains withe read more

Mofongo Cafe - Pollo Guisado, fried plantains, and white rice - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I first ate here a month ago as a recommendation from a friend, and now I eat here at least once per week. Everything I have eaten here has been delicious. For starters, come around lunch time for the buffet, so you can sample most of their food offerings at once. Then, you'll want to eat their mofongo. My favorite is the "Camarones al coco" (coconut shrimp). In this photo, I ordered mofongo, but I wanted both seasoned chicken and shrimp. Dee advised me to have the shrimp and chicken on the side, so I could split the mofongo to mix separately with each meat. In addition to the food, they are always playing fun salsa music. This should be a weekly spot for you and your friends/coworkers. You're welcome! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

It is a rarity for me to give out 5 stars but Meringue deserves it! Food quality and taste, outstanding. Authentic cuisine from Cuba, PR, DR. Prices are very reasonable. Service/staff = very friendly and helpful for a first time visit. We'll be back very soon, no doubt! Seasoned chicken and empanadas were A Mazing! read more

It's ya boy Justin keeping it live in the 615. My tastebuds needed something "islands" on Saturday. For a long time when I usually get that itch, I would go to another restaurant. However, Merengue Cafe is my new go to spot. The food is wonderful and at a great price. Definitely check this place out. read more

Lord yesssssss! I have lived in Miami the last 15 years and recently moved to Nashville 8 months ago. I have been craving some Cuban food for sooooooo long! This place nourished my stomach and my soul! Hands down amazing food and beautiful smiling faces behind the counter! read more

You can definitely tell they cook with love, from the feeling you get when you walk into to place to the first bite you put In your mouth, Bursting with natural flavors and much too choose from I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to satisfy a craving. read more

This was the best meal I've had since visiting Nashville. It's Cuban food and I decided to try goat for the first time. It was absolutely delicious. They give you a ton of food too! Service was great and they recommended to go visit the opry for the Christmas lights and we did it was beautiful! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Hidin Gem for sure!!! The food & atmosphere made us feel like we were on the island of Puerto Rico! Awesome food!!! Great experience! We'll be back!!! read more

An exciting and flavorful treat to your palate from the average, mundane, overdone style that the Nashville food scene brings us. Very authentic, homely feel to this restaurant. Staff is helpful and very friendly. You can ask questions and they'll be glad to assist. These Latin dishes are a welcome surprise to your mouth, and a great change from the abundance of basic dishes that the Nashville scene offers; primarily hot chicken (Hattie B's, you weren't the founders!), basic pizza, commercial BBQ (we're not Memphis!) and over-priced steaks (no 3-star Michelin in this city!). It's nice walking into a restaurant that's not trying to be with the crowd and acts more focused on bringing a dish to their customers that they are great at making. It also comes at a very affordable price! This is a restaurant that is very easy to root for. If you are looking for something new and something good, then this is it. There's a reason why this place has great reviews! Try it for yourself, you'll see! read more

This place is amazing! So happy to have found this gem in Nashville. The food is authentic and delicious!