El Quenepo

El Quenepo Review

Elegant yet unpretentious, El Quenepo brings fine dining and a touch of class to the Esperanza waterfront. Six stable doors on an inviting powder blue building open to expose ocean views. The menu, which changes yearly, features local herbs and fruits such as quenepas (limes) and breadfruit in the artfully prepared dishes that owners Scott and Kate Cole call "fun, funky island food." Scott is the chef, known for his seafood specials highlighting the daily catch; Kate is the consummate hostess. Start with the popular grilled Caesar salad followed by sensational mofongo stuffed with shrimp and lobster in sweet-and-spicy criollo sauce. Oenophiles will appreciate the large wine list, and the sangria is delicious. Lucky walk-ins can grab a seat at the more casual high bar tables, but for the true experience of this gem, make a reservation.