Las Galeras
Clinging spectacularly to the edge of a cliff, El Monte Azul offers postcard-perfect views and a good-value menu split between French-leaning meat and…
Must-see restaurants in Península de Samaná
Las Terrenas
The Dominican chef at this sophisticated French bistro deserves a few Michelin stars for his steak au poivre (pepper steak; RD$550), one of the most…
Las Galeras
Don't turn around. Sure, the rough road might take out the axel on an ordinary car. And the paved and messy parking area doesn't inspire confidence. And…
Península de Samaná
José, the friendly French chef-owner with a Spanish name – who comes from a family of nine, five of whom are chefs – has been running this intimate French…
Las Terrenas
The beach-club component of the Peninsula House hotel – open to nonguests as well – is a wonderful little plantation-style bungalow on a private lawn…
Las Terrenas
Hands-on Belgian owner Bruno found a Las Terrenas niche: fulfilling carnivorous desires with juicy, rich burgers (go for the one with Reblochon cheese)…
Restaurante Il Pirata da Manuela
Las Galeras
Locals, Italians even, claim the homemade gnocchi and other pastas made by the owner-chef, originally from Torino, are the best on the peninsula…
Las Galeras
This American West–themed grill is a bit of a curious choice, even for the culinarily omnivorous. But it's a welcome change of pace from the more standard…
Las Terrenas
A charming Argentinian-Israeli couple run this informal restaurant with outdoor tables in a central mini-plaza. Ignore the modest setting. The chef is…
Las Galeras
Located across from BanReservas on the main road, this is an excellent seafood option, notably for its paella (the owner is Spanish), which could hold its…
Península de Samaná
The recently renovated front patio and neon-lit bar are definite ambience downgrades (though you can still opt for the older, stone-walled dining area),…
Las Terrenas
A convivial little spot for risotto (mushroom and red wine, saffron and sausage, shellfish) and fresh seafood, though the ambience won't floor you –…
Las Galeras
Occupying one side of the town's prime intersection and upping the bar for Las Galeras dining, at least as far as the sophisticated design and…
Las Terrenas
Dig your toes into the sand, shoot the breeze with the server over the daily catch (there's no menu), and sit back and wait for tasty lobsters the size of…
Península de Samaná
Service can be an issue here, but there's no denying the food is tasty, especially the fish in Creole sauce (tomatoes, onions and peppers). There are…
Las Galeras
When the multitasking French chef-owner is less taxed, this centrally located open-air restaurant does reliably good and large pizza and pasta dishes as…
Las Terrenas
Transport yourself to Paris at this pleasant bakery serving fresh croissants and other traditional French pastries and desserts. The street-side patio…
Las Terrenas
When the Italian chef is in the kitchen cooking, this old-fashioned throwback does very good pasta. The wide-ranging menu hits all the usual fish and meat…
Las Galeras
A simple open-air place with outstanding food thanks to chef Rubi: fresh fish, lobster, grilled chicken etc. Order anything in the wonderful coco sauce…
Las Terrenas
Continental quality gelato, the ideal apres-beach refresher, is served up at this small spot where the main access road to town dead ends at the beach…
Península de Samaná
The burgers, burritos, pastas and pastries aren't anything special but it has a pleasant outdoor patio right across from the ferry dock and is very…
Las Terrenas
One of the largest and best supermarkets in town, this is the place to go for canned food, pasta, produce, imported foods, snacks, wine and any other…
Las Terrenas
Occupying the busiest corner in town – and milking that for all it’s worth – this open-sided tropical brasserie has an eclectic menu of international…
Península de Samaná
Malecón mainstay La Mata Rosada has an extensive menu of seafood and grills. The sophisticated front patio with white tablecloths is the town’s most…
Las Galeras
Of the restaurants at Playita beach, Isabel is the only one to sit right on the sand. Owner-chef Isabel has done little more than throw a steel grate over…
Las Galeras
A good bet, this French bakery in a converted house on the main street serves salads, baguette sandwiches, and pastries including almond croissants, lemon…
Península de Samaná
Good for a quick pre- or post-whale-watching bite with a little bit of everything from tacos and cheeseburgers to pasta and mofongo (mashed plantains with…
Península de Samaná
Across from the ferry dock, this simple French-run cafe is a good bet for French-leaning quick meals, burgers and salads throughout the day.
Las Terrenas
Service leaves mucho to be desired, but the Italian owners turn out the best pizza in town, with a few tables right on the sand.
