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Dominican Flavors Arrive in Elmira
24 Mar
Summary
- New restaurant Little Dominicana opened on March 13.
- Owner Rosse Linares brings authentic Dominican cuisine.
- Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

A new culinary destination, Little Dominicana Restaurant, began serving authentic Dominican cuisine on Friday, March 13, at 315 E. Water St. in Elmira. This prime downtown spot was formerly occupied by Turtle Leaf Cafe. The owner, Rosse Linares, who previously ran a hair salon, transitioned to the restaurant industry to share the rich flavors of her ancestral homeland.
Dominican food, a vibrant fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino influences, centers around rice, beans, plantains, and meats. Linares emphasizes that all dishes are homemade and prepared fresh. The restaurant is currently open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday to Saturday, with dine-in and takeout options available.
While still a work in progress, Little Dominicana Restaurant has seen positive early customer responses. The establishment is already available on DoorDash and will soon be featured on Uber Eats. Linares is systematically working on improvements and expansions for the business.




