Urbahn

Zona Viva Cuisines: European

About

Its location in an upscale shopping mall may not bode well for those looking for unique atmosphere, but on any given Saturday evening, this place is alive with hungry, middle-class Nicaraguans who come here to savor delicious morsels dipped in bubbling sauces. Alcohol-powered burners are placed in the middle of each table, until the oil is spitting hot and begging to be dipped with meat, shrimp, chicken, sausage, or bacon -- you name it. Meat fondue is the specialty, but they also do cheese and chocolate, as well as conventional salads and pasta. Even if you're not hungry, it's fun to come here and attempt to "cook" -- kids should get a special kick out of dipping their food. The restaurant has a well-appointed interior but all the action is outside on the pleasant, open-air terrace, which is shared with other restaurants. The wine list is decent and includes good Australian Shiraz and Argentine whites.