Dan C.
Yelp
I recently dined at Yarumba Restaurant located at the Palmetto Plaza next to Rana Furniture which you can see off the Palmetto Expressway. We chose this place based on the previous reviews and for the love of Dominican food. I must say it was a bigger establishment than I had expected with plenty of tables and ample parking outside. Upon entering, I noticed the restaurant was bustling with activity although we were given the choice of tables that were available for our party of four.
I was pleasantly surprised by the speed at which the food arrived at my table after we ordered. The tostones rellenos de churrasco appetizer were somewhat disappointing. While the meat was tender and flavorful, the plantain itself was dry, and the tostones were hard. On the other hand, the green plantain mofongo exceeded my expectations. It was soft, slightly sweet, and paired well with the accompanying broth for dipping. The broth itself was a standout, adding depth and flavor to the mofongo. The fried pork was soft and exceptionally seasoned. Additionally, I must mention that the hot sauce provided was amazing, adding a kick to every bite.
Unfortunately, my experience at Yarumba was marred by slow service, with instances where the server would disappear for extended periods, leaving me waiting for over 10 minutes. This aspect certainly detracted from the overall dining experience.
Also, it is important to note that Yarumba automatically added a 20% tip, along with a 3% credit card charge. This practice is off-putting to me and I believe is counter-productive to good service. Also, adding a 3% credit card fee to a bill of over $200 seems to me like a desperate attempt to fleece the customer. Yes, there was an option to pay cash and avoid this fee, but most consumers today rely on the convenience of credit card use.
In conclusion, Yarumba offers an authentic Dominican dining experience with a diverse menu and plenty of parking available, especially on Sundays. The service can be slow due to the high number of tables, and there were occasional instances of extended absences by the server. The tostones rellenos de churrasco could use some improvement, as the plantain was dry and the tostones were overly hard. However, the green plantain mofongo was enjoyable, with a pleasant sweetness and flavorful broth. The fried pork was undoubtedly a highlight, tender, deliciously seasoned, and a definite must-try.
Again, be aware of the automatic 20% tip and 3% credit card charge.
