Food and staff waa amazing. Seasoning was on point. I really felt like if I was eating my mother's cooking. Definitely will return!

My sisters were visiting town from California last week and were blown away by this restaurant. The owner was wonderful and took the time to walk us through all the items on the menu. We did the dinner plates with sides of croquettes and juice. The croquettes with yucca cheese were fantastic. I'll definitely be back soon! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I have never tasted anything better than this. It is soooo good, and I would definitely recommend this. I will make sure to come back for sure. read more

For those in Nashville who wonder why people from the Caribbean are so proud of their food and how it is different from Mexican food, all questions will be answered at the Merengue Cafe. Sitting down to some oxtail with rice and beans and sweet plantains took me back to my grandmother's table or a hillside get together where the cooking was communal and the food ample. Perfectly seasoned and set in a building made to look like a bohío(look it up) Merengue Cafe makes you want to return just as soon as your meal is done. Just one suggestion, play the music louder, then it will really feel like you're on the island. read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Best Latin food in Nashville . If you are looking for authentic Cuban food , friendly service and a laid back atmosphere this is the place for you. It has become our "go to" anytime we are in the area . PS Their Maduros (fried plantains) are to die for . read more

Stopped by their location to get some lunch while visiting family in Nashville. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and food is my weakness. I've traveled the world and everytime I see a Puertorican restaurant, I make the point stop by and support. Well, first impression when we came in it was ok I has a cafeteria feel from back home. My wife and aunt ordered from the bar (costillas, arroz con habichuelas y ensalada/pollo guisado con arroz y habichuelas), i ordered the mofongo con bistec encebollado. For these three meals our tab came up to $46. Kind of high for what we were eating but if the food was good, it would be worth it. My wife's and her aunt's food had good flavor and all but it didn't have that puertorican flare, but it was still good nonetheless! My mofongo comes out after a few minutes and my first impression is that it looked more like mangu than mofongo, the bistec encebollado didn't look nothing like the puertorican bistec, and the salad looked plain but everything smelled delicious. Took my first bite of the mofongo and it was good but tasted like a hybrid between mangu and mofongo, very interesting but again not I was expecting. The bistec encebollado was just a flat iron steak and they throw some pickled onions used for mangu from the food bar on top of it. This also tasted pretty good but not what I was expecting. Bistec encebollado is made with cubed steak, onions, a lot of garlic and cooked slowly in olive oil and vinegar. My overall experience was pleasant, prices are a little high, but great tasting food. I will not recommend it if someone has never experienced puertorican food before because they will not get the true experience. You can describe it more like a puertorican/dominican/cuban fusion restaurant. Would I stop by again, I believe so but next time I'll try their sandwiches and empanadillas. read more

I had merengue cafe in my bookmarks for a while and when AJ suggested getting something new for Saturday dinner we headed to this cozy family owned restaurant. They have a steam table with two types of rice, two types of beans, variety of meats cooked in sauces, three types of salad and additional sides. They have sweets as well. The printed menu has tostanos and mofungos. AJ ordered the pork mofungo with fried chicken. It's plantain mashed with meat and formed in a cup shape. It was delicious, cooked well and very flavorful. I had the chicken from their steam table, pigeon peas, Dominican rice and empanadas. The food knocked my socks off ! It was seasoned perfectly and packed with flavor. I don't enjoy beans that are not cooked in indian style a lot but the pigeon peas had me doing my happy dance. The food is made my the owner's mother and you can tell it's made with love. The decor is clean and well done. They have bright paintings of the Caribbean on the walls that had me wanting to go to the beach. I also had the mango drink. Again being indian I have high standards for anything with mango and it did not disappoint. It's fresh and made in house. Please go try this place, it's absolutely worth it ! read more

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This was our first time there. The host/server was very friendly and explained the menu to us. My husband got the plate with pork, rice, pintos and vegetables. I got the beef and chicken empanadas and a potato salad. Delicious! We also got a piece of their tree leches cake and it was perfect. The place was clean and inviting. We will definitely be back! read more

The food here is delicious!! It is hearty and full of flavor. On top of that, the service was incredible. The young gal that helped us was so informative and knowledgeable about what is in everything. They have vegan and vegetarian options. My husband (not vegan) and I (vegan) loved EVERYTHING we got to eat. He got the pork and the chicken stew and said both were savory and delicious. I got the seasonal vegetables and they were so filling and hearty. We tried all of the rice options and they were all yummy. We highly recommend this spot!!! read more

Short ribs were tasty and juicy. Black bean rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Mac salad wasn't so hot... wasn't bad by any means just not fantastic. Tasty beverages as well. Green hot sauce was so spicy and one of my favorite nuances to the meal! Would've given it a 4 star but tbh, the food was a little too cool temperature wise. Maybe because it was about an hour before the closed for the day though! read more

Great addition to our great city. The place is the way a Puerto Rican/Cuban restaurant should be set up like...mom and pop cafeteria style. The mofongo was on point and even though there was a communication error in the order we got shrimp and red sauce with tostones but the staff quickly corrected it. The reason we gave 4 stars vs 5 is because the congri rice was a little dry. I think it was due to the way it is stored in the food line. We also had white rice and the red beans which were killer. The place is clean and inviting and the patio is a great option to eat in. We will for sure be back to dine in but for sure we will get take or delivery. Do you guys Uber Eats? read more

First off, this isn't a buffet. Second, I called ahead asking what the price of two people would be for this so called "buffet" and was told around 9 dollars, when my boyfriend and I went, they charged us 14 dollars each and didn't even give us a receipt after it was paid. I don't understand why this place has so many stars because the food here is mediocre. Not only did everyone in our table get plates at different times but there isn't much of an option in terms of food. I wish they had potatoes or some kind of starch because not everyone eats rice. I was extremely disappointed not only with the food, but with the price and staff. On my plate I didn't even have rice so I don't understand the 14 dollar charge. I had high hopes for this place but it let me down hard. Overpriced and not great options. read more

Stumbled upon this gem randomly and so glad that we did! We ordered to go but we will for sure be back to try more of their food. They have a cafeteria style line where you can order off of what is served and also an a la cart menu available. We ended up getting plate and an order of empanadas. The plate comes with rice, beans, meat and a salad. We chose the chicken dish they had, the darker rice of the two options, pinto beans, and the macaroni salad. I want to say the empanadas were their Mexican style that was spicy and had a mixture of chorizo. The chicken was a stew type with a delicious flavor, the rice and beans were perfect, and the macaroni salad had the right mixture of mayonnaise and seasoning to make it memorable. If you can handle spicy food, the empanadas with the chorizo mixture was bomb.com. They gave us a few sauces with it and the green one was deliciously spicy. No complaints about anything. Everything we tried had a distinct and excellent flavor. We only ordered one plate with the intention of eating light. They gave us such a large portion the leftovers were enough for us to eat lunch the next day! The restaurant definitely has a mom and pop shop atmosphere. Didn't have issues parking because we were there on a random evening. They do have a small parking lot and street parking available. Check them out! I'll definitely be back. read more

This place is awesome. So authentic! It was my first time trying oxtails...loved them! I didn't really know how to order the food. After speaking with the very friendly staff, I got some food from the buffet with a side order of empanadas. Note: The term Buffet in this restaurant means Customizable...not all you can eat. You can pick from the different options in the precooked food area and make your own plate...but they don't allow you to go back for a second helping. It was a great place. Definitely a must try when in Nashville. read more

What a delightful dining experience at Merengue Cafe. Authentic Cuban cuisine seasoned very well and delicious. Short ribs, chicken, beans empanadas and such. You see the items to choose from , friendly folks and a clean restaurant. Try 'em out...... read more

This was probably my favorite meal in Nashville. I went the day I was leaving town and I couldn't be happier with what I had. I got rice, pork, coconut beans and avocado salad. I also got an order of beef empanadas to try. Everything was delicious, the rice was flavorful and the pork was amazing. The empanadas were giant and tasty. I was only able to eat one or the empanadas and it hurt me dearly to not be able to bring my leftover one on the trip back with me. I also really wanted to try the fried yucca and the plantains but was limited by my stomach capacity. I will definitely be back whenever I'm in Nashville. read more

Super friendly staff. My mother in law is Korean, she was not familiar with the food and they take time to explain to her all the differences in dishes and ingredients. Everything taste so good and well prepared. The place was shined clean!!! read more

I spent some time in the Dominican in college and was thrilled when I found this little gem. I had the shredded beef, rice and beans, salad, and empanadas and they were all as amazing as I remember them. I was a little taken a back by the $17 total when I got to the register because it is such a casual place but for the amount of food, I think its fair. I will definitely be back! read more

THANK YOU. Finally an authentic spot serving genuine Spanish food. My fiancé is Cuban so this stuck well to our roots. I just reviewed the menu and i did not have the opportunity to get some dessert sooo i might be coming here for lunch tomorrow. GET THE JUICE - whichever one they are serving! Fresh, delicious! This place is tucked away in Berry Hill, don't miss it! read more

Most AMAZING Dominican food I've ever had. Friendly staff, clean setting, beautiful designs in the cafe. I highly recommend the steak, beans, and rice. And if you're not getting their fresh juice, YOU'RE WRONG. Just kidding, but seriously, they could open a juice bar and make it with that alone, no doubt. The back patio has a big tree for shade, so eating outside is very peaceful. Just beware there are some of bugs, (obviously, cause nature) so if one gets in your food, DONT be that person that complains. Have some common sense. You're outside. The kitchen is spotless and so are the bathrooms. If I had the money, I'd eat here every day! read more

OMG. Came here after seeing the reviews and now I totally understand why they got 5 stars! Without question an amazing restaurant and the best Spanish carribean food I've ever had! You can tell they cook it with so much love and it just goes down so easily! read more

Amazing!!! I haven't had this food since I left NYC! It took me back to my memories in the Bronx and Washington Heights. I had the goat, white rice, gandules, and maduros!!! It did not disappoint. The empanadas and croquettes were equally as good. I definitely recommend this restaurant! My husband and I will be back. While the jarritos are a favorite, the restaurant made juices were really delicious! read more

It's about time that Nashville established a Dominican restaurant with Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine, too (of course!). Merengue cafe has everything you may have never heard of and everything you have ever wanted after a visit from the Caribbean. I had to start off with the Picadera Pequeña; it's a DEEP FRIED dream come true - cheese, salami, pork, chicken and more!!! Not much to say other than get a plate and then start your diet. :) You won't be disappointed. Of course, I had to try the Mofongo con Camarones en salsa de coco. All I need to say is that it tasted like home cooking. On those cold nights, on any night, it would be almost criminal if you didn't try their Sancocho; it's like a beef stew but more magical! It was perfect. Merengue Café is the real deal. It's as authentic as anything I've ever had from the homes of friends and my own family. The restaurant goes out out of its way to make sure everything is fresh and has that authentic taste that comes from love. Best of all the people working there treated me like a regular. They were all super nice answering all my questions about their entire menu! The place is very clean. There's nothing like this menu outside the East Coast so take advantage of this restaurant if you're traveling through town. Check the specials because I was told they change them regularly, all the more reason to come back. read more

Very good food and fresh natural juice!!! Come here for lunch or dinner but you get so much food I'm pretty sure you will wish it was dinner because you would be asleep. I'm the picture I have rice with beef and an avocado salad. Good prices as well! read more

Mofongo Cafe - Dominican Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I am always looking for some good Caribbean food in Nashville, so it was nice to see these authentic dishes. The restaurant was clean and staff was friendly. The food was really tasty, seasoned well and reminded me of home. They are still building the menu, but the dishes on display that night were all good. The chicken looked good, but we didnt try it. We tried the pork! amazing! The beef was great, the eggplant was so good, i'm thinking about heading there right now to get some more! I will definitely be back and I hope they continue to keep the food quality up. read more

Delicious! Be careful this restaurant can get addicting. I went once with my friends and we found ourselves there two or three more times within the month. Great food,ready to order, clean, wonderful welcoming staff & wonderful environment. if you don't know a lot about the Food they'll be happy to help you choose something from the menu. everything is pretty traditional. I'm Central American and i absolutely love eating here. If you're looking for something new, try this. read more

My only complaint is that the options are all so delicious, it's difficult to choose! The food is fresh and warm. The restaurant is clean and the staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable. I can see Merengue's becoming a regular lunch spot -- consistently great food, fast, and one of the only restaurants in Berry Hill with decent parking. read more

A tasty little spot in a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The food is served either counter style, or you can order off the menu. I had the counter plate, with delicious yellow rice, beans, ropa vieja (flavorful and so tasty), croquetas (fried yucca balls with cheese), and a tomato cucumber avocado salad. The amount of food I got was enough for three meals, a very reasonable price. I was excited that they had beers and sangria (in a juice pouch!), as well as fresh fruit juices. I will come back - even though it's not quite New York or Florida caliber, it was tasty, and a welcome different food in the Nashville area. read more

Authentic Dominican and Puerto Rican food. We had the ox tail and the chicken, both perfectly braised in delicious sauces. Beans and rice, fried plantains, potatoe salad, and pasta salad. Guavanana juice. Everything we tried was homemade and tasted so good. Happy to see this restaurant open in the Berry Hill neighborhood. I hope they last a long time because we'll be visiting this place for lunches and dinners. read more

This place is SUPER delicious & authentic ! I'll be a regular here ! The people here are so kind & welcoming also !

I am seriously confused by the rave reviews. My family must have come on an off day or maybe the real chef quit and someone was filling in. If I could give it less than 1 star I would. Went here today after visiting the botanical gardens. We were a party of 5 adults and 1 toddler. We ordered several different items, paid and waited. After maybe 15 minutes first orders came to the table which wasn't too bad. My sister in law ordered a pernil (pork) sandwich which was more bread than meat. She said it was dry and tasteless. The meat turnovers were so so. My daughters sampler plate came after a 40 minute wait. Dry over fried pieces of chicken, and pork. Also tasteless. Tostones and fried cheese and fried salami, and limp french fries. She could barely eat it. My order was a combo of white rice and beans with bistek encebollado. My plate came 50 mins after the order was placed. The rice was clumpy and the beans tasted canned. The meat was dry (como la suela de un zapato) and also tasteless. We are hispanic and know what real dominican and puerto rican food should taste like. We grew up eating it. And this didn't even come close to what our mamitas and abuelas made at home. I could not stomach more than a few bites n just took rest home. (Only to dump it later) My stomach is still upset hours later. Our dog had the bistek. He'll eat anything. Don't waste your money here. I'm sure there are better places to eat. read more

Living here for the last five years and of course I miss good Caribbean cuisine. Especially from the Greater Antilles. Well, Merengue just opned, but their buffet style dining caters to my needs. Had carne mechada, rice and gandúles (chick peas) and they were good. Took my wife and a friend there and they had a blast as well. I look forward to another visit and get my Caribbean food fix. read more

After the hype I have to say we were disappointed. Our group of five drank tap water and paid over $80 with tip. Staff was friendly but honestly they didn't do anything deserving a tip of more than a couple dollars. We were told the mofongos were very popular but the whole time we were there we were the only people who ordered then. Others who came after us got the buffet platter and were gone before our food even came, so it was very slow. Food was a little boring in flavor - the coconut sauce was the only savior for mine and my wife said after a while her throat hurt because stuff was all so dry. read more

I'm Dominican and I found the food to be authentically Dominican. Everything was excellent, the customer service the restaurant has great decorations reminded me of home. Majarete was out of this world good and it's a typical local dish in Dominican Republic. They even have country club. The owner mentioned to me they will be adding more local dishes and I can't wait. Highly recommended. read more

One of the best food I've tasted in Nashville. It has such an amazing and friendly atmosphere. It is a cultural experience from the food to the decorations. It is great to be able to pick from a quick food bar or to order from the kitchen. They have a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options. It is truly a one of a kind place. I recommend the sweet and savory guava and cheese empanadas. read more

I really wanted to like this place... but it wasn't the most amazing food ever. Definitly great to find some more Cuban, DR, ad PR food, but the food tasted a bit bland and lacked some flavor. It's also a bit pricey for a whole meal, so watch out for that. I would suggest trying once, but it wont be my go-to place. read more

Oh my gosh! This food is spectacular. So warm, comforting and satisfying, and I'm not even Cuban! It really is awesome home-made, fall-off-the-bone meats and wonderful, flavorful sides. I actually went because I have a sweet tooth and I love sweet plantains, which were perfect. I will go again as soon as possible. read more

Okay nashville NEEDED a place like this! Being from Miami, I find it hard to find yummy Puerto Rican / Cuban/ dominican food here but this place got it right! I got the mofongo with chicharron de cerdo (fried pork) and it's a must! My friend got the sancocho and loved it! If you love this kind of food this will make you happy. Yummy flavors done right read more

I was thrilled to find this place. I love Latin American food and I wasn't disappointed. Everything tasted great and the service was wonderful! read more

Made to order empanadas are the best! Their Cuban sandwich is also the real deal -- no veggies except pickles, which is how it should be ;-). Two thumbs up from two Cubans in Nashville. read more