Ambience, ambience, ambience!!

Da Vinci's is a gem of a restaurant in Antigua. Every item on Da Vinci's menu will tempt you because they combine ingredients so creatively. Our meal here exceeded all others that we experienced in Antigua - in taste and quality.

The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. Seating flows into various dining rooms, the walls are covered in Da Vinci art, and gilded life-size angels dangle from above. All the furniture is antique, and candles are lit at night to create a mysterious parlor atmosphere.

I ordered the amazing chuletas amareto (Q65), which were smoked pork chops smothered in a perfect pear-and-apple chutney served with buttered whipped potatoes and local vegetables. My father ordered pollo de gioconda (Q70), broiled chicken breasts in a tangerine-and-bleu cheese sauce.

The service was attentive but serious, complimenting the mood of the restaurant. Da Vinci's could serve as a romantic date location or a quiet place to savor the distinct flavors not found elsewhere in Antigua.

Upon entering, we were left speechless. The Christmas decorations were breathtakingly beautiful and lent the restaurant a festive and elegant air. Part of what was once a home, there are multiple rooms in which to dine. The walls are painted tones of red, terracotta and ecru. The furniture is of a dark wood, and the tables are dressed with richly colored linens. This was by far the most beautiful restaurant of our trip. The food was right up there, too.

Originally, we were to sit near the fireplace, but a misbehaving flue sent us to the courtyard. It was lovely, with low lighting among the plants and a starry sky. The table was beautifully set, and there was good music playing far in the background. The waiter was attentive but not at all intrusive; our water glasses were kept full; and the ashtray was kept clean, without us even noticing.

The menu is extensive, offering mostly Italian fare with some international dishes and local dishes to add variety. Although not inexpensive, it was much cheaper than we had expected considering the surroundings. Everything sounded so good; the decision so hard. We ordered a lot!

We started with the mushrooms in a red wine sauce and the bruschetta. Both were very good. The mushrooms were perfectly seasoned, and the bruschetta was piled high with vine-ripened tomatoes. Libby’s first course was the mushroom and wine soup; mine was the cream of spinach soup. Both were good, but I think the spinach was better. We then had the beef tenderloin with pears and blue cheese and the pork chops Gran Marnier. Both were served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. The pork chops were perfectly tangy, and the pears and blue cheese were the perfect combination of sweet and sharp. Everything was exquisite. Libby even ate her vegetables!

To get here from the central park, go west 1 block on C4, turn right on Av. 6, and then go 2.5 blocks. Da Vinci is on the left. It is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 3pm and for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm to 10pm.

sample menu
Vioaldi Salad……Q38
Orange, tomato, mozzarella, and green olives in a vinaigrette
Sopa de Lima……Q30
Chicken and lime soup with a touch of ginger and coconut
This is a house specialty
Pollo a la Gioconda……Q70
Sautéed chicken in a slightly spicy blue cheese and tangerine sauce
Pasta Traviatta……Q90
Spinach linguini and scallops in a light mussel and white wine sauce
Pizza Boticelli……Q45
Tomato, carrots, broccoli, pimentos, onions, olives, and mozzarella
US$1Q7.50