What started as a small business with a home base in the Dominican Republic has now become a beloved culinary destination in Clermont, Florida.
This is the story behind the latin hub that brings people together through food and a dash of spice.
At Santiago's, they believe in the power of bringing people together through Caribbean and Latin food. We´re proud to say that our family restaurant has been doing just that for over 40 years.
Their story began in the Dominican Republic, where the Santiago family crafted traditional dishes like pollo guisado, rice and beans, and flavorful pork using locally sourced ingredients. When the family moved to America, they brought their love for cooking and homemade flavors, which led to the creation of a successful restaurant.
Today, Santiago's continues to honor its roots by sharing the rich tapestry of Latin American cuisine with the Clermont community. We do it by offering a variety of tasty dishes from Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, and other Latin American cuisines.
Santiago's humble beginnings were marked by a momentous event that took both the family and the community by surprise. When the doors of Santiago's opened for the first time, expectations were modest, but the response was overwhelming.
Within two hours, word of the authentic Latin American cuisine spread, and the restaurant was filled to capacity. The demand was so incredible that the establishment sold out of its dishes.
As a family-owned restaurant, Santiago's values the connections made with customers. They cherish the opportunity to learn and grow by accommodating specific dish requests from patrons.
Whether you're yearning for a particular dish from your childhood or wish to explore a new flavor combination, we are eager to deliver.
At Santiago's, every dish is crafted with care and prepared using fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. We take pride in offering a genuine taste experience that captures the essence of our diverse cultural traditions. Here are a few of our customers' favorite dishes:
Don't forget to try the irresistible empanadas, filled with a variety of savory fillings that will transport you to the streets of Latin America with every bite.
"We try to cook as if 'mom' was making it. The restaurant keeps it true to the tradition by making it as authentic as possible, which starts with sourcing the right ingredients and spices.”
At Santiago's, they believe that the secret ingredient to their success is love. Every dish is treated as if it were prepared in their own home, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
Unlike other establishments, Santiago's refrains from using powdered or dry spices, with one exception: Dominican oregano. They purchase at least 500 pounds at a time to ensure its availability throughout the year. To maintain its distinct aroma and taste, they grind the oregano on their premises, preserving its flavor.
Additionally, Santiago's invests in creating a unique blend of green pepper, garlic, and cilantro to give their dishes a distinct taste.
"We cook with love; that’s a true ingredient because we love our customers, and we wouldn’t be who we are today without them.”
As a family-owned restaurant, Santiago's values the connections they make with its customers. They cherish the opportunity to learn and grow by accommodating specific dish requests from patrons.
Their passion for serving delicious, authentic cuisine extends beyond the restaurant walls, as they often enjoy these same dishes in their own homes during off hours. Cooking is their passion, and they take joy in sharing their culinary traditions with the community they love.
Join us at Santiago's and indulge in a dining experience that celebrates tradition, love, and the joy of sharing incredible food.