Must-see restaurants in North Coast

  • Restaurant Casa Veintiuno

    Sosúa

    A bit out of town and tucked into an eponymous guesthouse up a hill, this poolside Italian restaurant serves the finest meals in all of Sosúa. The menu…

  • Mares Restaurant & Pool Lounge

    Puerto Plata

    Distinguished chef Rafael Vasquez-Heinsen has converted his elegant home into a candlelit destination for foodies. The kitchen turns out what might be…

  • Gordito's Fresh Mex

    Cabarete

    A California transplant opened this immediately popular Dominican version of Chipotle, and they're now discussing plans to expand to new locations in the…

  • El Bergantin

    Puerto Plata

    Housed in a revamped Victorian-era building on Puerto Plata's central square, this Caribbean grill and pizzeria makes you feel fancy just walking in. From…

  • Los Charros

    North Coast

    This warm, breezy restaurant is right on the beach and features a menu full of succulent, authentic Mexican fare like quesadillas and tacos. Try the house…

  • Michael's Stone Bar

    Sosúa

    Perched on a cliff at the very southern end of Playa Sosúa, this simple, traditional beach shack combines million-dollar views with freshly prepared crab,…

  • Kaffe

    Puerto Plata

    This homey, adorable cafe in downtown Puerto Plata is a welcome respite from the hot, bustling city streets. All manner of coffee drinks are on offer,…

  • Tony's Bar

    Sosúa

    The best bar on Playa Sosúa is Tony's, for its seafood but also for the incredible coco locos (coconut cocktails). Tony, who is Dominican but speaks…

  • Wilson's at La Boca

    Cabarete

    This is a little BBQ shack on the Yasica River in Islabon, around 8km southeast of town on the way to Sabaneta de Yasica. The eponymous Wilson, who speaks…

  • Otra Cosa

    Cabarete

    Located at a secluded spot with marvelous sea breezes at dusk, this French-Caribbean restaurant guarantees a pleasant dining experience. You can listen to…

  • Restaurante Chez Arsenio

    Cabarete

    Occupying a spectacular stretch of the western end of Playa Encuentro, the restaurant at Hideaway Beach Resort (primarily condo rentals) serves up a wide…

  • Beicaraibi Rincón Italiano

    North Coast

    This palapa-topped, beachfront hut serves up delicious pizzas with a variety of fresh local toppings, and also Italian dishes like pulpo carpaccio (thin…

  • Bliss

    Cabarete

    It may not be on the beach, but sitting around the small, crystal-blue pool with a top-shelf glass of wine in your hand, you can be forgiven for not…

  • Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles

    Cabarete

    Just outside of town, this third-wave coffee shop offers all the latest in coffee. Its aesthetic, with mason jars, pallet furniture, lanterns and a 2000s…

  • El Manguito Restaurant & Liquor Store

    North Coast

    Nestled at the side of the highway just east of the Costa Dorada complex (and just west of Playa Dorada) is this good-value seafood joint with a diverse,…

  • Cabarete Coffee Company

    Cabarete

    A tiny, cozy spot with all-day breakfast menu (waffles, omelets and even bagels), paninis and smoothies made with organic and locally sourced ingredients…

  • Mojito Bar

    Cabarete

    One of the few reasonably priced beachfront places, Mojitos has an excellent selection of natural juices, healthy salads, Dominican food and sandwiches …

  • Le Papillon

    North Coast

    This fine dining restaurant, 100m east of Cofresí up a small hill, serves excellent meals in a large palapa-roofed dining area with dark-wood tables, a…

  • Baia Lounge

    Sosúa

    This waterfront space is part of Gansevoort Dominican Republic, an ultramodern condo development on a tranquil beach at the end of town. The Mediterranean…

  • Sunset Grill

    Cabarete

    This restaurant at Velero is the best spot in town to watch the sunset, and serves up Dominican cuisine along with fresh seafood, meats and pasta. Top…

  • Las Velas Restaurant

    North Coast

    This waterfront establishment at the marina is a great place to kick back with a Presidente and meet some boaters and fisherfolk. It's a pretty relaxing…

  • Café de Paris

    North Coast

    Not at all like Paris, this hot-pink-and-white cafe sits right on Laguna Gri-Gri and makes an excellent spot for fresh juice or a cocktail. The plato del…

  • Restaurant Coco Mar

    North Coast

    Look for this restaurant with oceanfront outdoor seating just before the green monstrosity of the Hotel Montechico. Buoys and fishing nets hang from the…

  • La Casita de Papi

    Cabarete

    An institution in Cabarete, this homey beachfront restaurant does a great garlic shrimp paella dish as well as lobster and grilled fish, under twinkling…

  • La Parrilla de Luis

    Cabarete

    Ignore the noise and fumes from idling motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) and pull up a plastic chair to enjoy delicious plates of barbecue chicken and yucca.

  • El Farolito

    North Coast

    A standout beach restaurant, serving fish, burgers, fried chicken and more. The owner and staff members could not be nicer.

  • Blue Moon Hotel & Restaurant

    Cabarete

    Set in the mountains a short drive from Cabarete, this bungalow-style hotel and restaurant hosts family-sized Indian dinners (minimum eight people). Food…

  • Fresh Fresh Café

    Cabarete

    This low-key health spot offers build-your-own-grain bowls and smoothies loaded with local, organic fruits and vegetables. Everything is made right in…

  • Lilo Cafe & Restaurant

    North Coast

    Businesspeople and office workers popularize this contemporary place across the street from the grocery of the same name. The menu is fairly typical with…

  • La Finca

    Sosúa

    This longtime Sosúa culinary landmark with a colonial-era design scheme takes its cuisine seriously, both in its presentation and price. Steak and seafood…

  • Taberna El Conde

    Sosúa

    Housed in a charming old building with interior arches and wrought-iron chandeliers, the El Conde is an institution in Sosúa; sadly it appears to be…

  • Tostacos & Sushito

    Puerto Plata

    Offering tacos, burritos, sushi, sashimi and a few Dominican and American options in between, this casual, outdoor restaurant will appeal to a variety of…

  • Le Petit Francois

    North Coast

    This beachfront bar, liquor store (and, OK, it's a restaurant, too) seemingly has it all: lobster, booze, Dominican food, French food, French Canadian…

  • Jamvís

    Puerto Plata

    This gargantuan open-air pizza joint sits above street level on the Malecón, offering a pleasant sea breeze, great views and an elaborate playground. Good…

  • Happy Hippo

    North Coast

    This bright and cheerful beach cafe is owned by Hill Van Gogh, an artist who claims to be a distant relative of Vincent Van Gogh. Her mamajuana (a drink…

  • Belgium Bakery

    Cabarete

    One of a few serviceable breakfast options in Cabarete: strong coffee, bread, passable croissants and large omelets. Though it fronts a parking lot and…

  • Front Loop Café & Grill

    Cabarete

    Named after an especially radical kitesurfing move, this little cafe is more relaxed than its neighbors. Top-shelf seafood is super fresh: try the mahi…

  • Bologna

    Sosúa

    Locals come back for the pizza and pasta, as well as the Oreo cheesecake, at this family-friendly place just north of the town center. The vibe,…

  • Kilometro Zero

    Puerto Plata

    A friendly open-air place where you can pull up a seat at the bar or a picnic table to chow down on pasta (close to 20 varieties), surf and turf (RD$2500)…

  • Pomodoro

    Cabarete

    Pomodoro serves the best crispy-crust pizza on the beach. A new owner has introduced a side operation of delicious gelato, and kept the live jazz…