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…
Must-see restaurants in Dominican Republic
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…
Central Highlands
This Spanish-style bakery across from the Esso gas station at the northern end of town serves excellent espresso and lots of baked treats, both sweet and…
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…
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.
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…
Punta Cana & the Southeast
Imports gourmet Italian and European brands; stocks fresh meat and cheeses; and serves quick-fire pastas and pizza in an attached open-air pavilion.
Central Highlands
Before you climb Pico Duarte, fuel up on eggs and ginger-flavored coffee at this yellow wooden house on the way to La Ciénaga de Manabao.
North Coast
A standout beach restaurant, serving fish, burgers, fried chicken and more. The owner and staff members could not be nicer.
Punta Cana & the Southeast
Fresh seafood is offered at this simple and bare-bones Dominican place on the town square, walkable from the ferry pier.
Santo Domingo
Upscale and trendy Spanish restaurant serving some of the best tapas in the city. Live music Saturday nights.
Punta Cana & the Southeast
Small shop serving up beat-the-heat gelato, creative panini (RD$210 to RD$495) and good espresso drinks.
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…
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 Pedernales
Among the best value in town for size, taste and price. Enjoy sit-down service at picnic tables on a streetside outdoor patio or order hefty grilled…
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…
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…
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…
Central Highlands
This casual restaurant sits below a tall, thatched roof and offers heaping plates of mofongo (fried plantains mashed together and mixed with a variety of…
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…
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…
Santiago
Paolo, the Italian owner here, is full of character, and he's been welcoming Santiago’s powerful and bohemian alike since 1995. Curiously decorated with a…
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…
Santo Domingo
Owned by Hotel Riazor next door, Manolo has an indoor dining room and an elevated outdoor terrace that is great for a leisurely meal or drink. However,…
Santo Domingo
The mod design of colored mirror tiles and the informal vibe match the somewhat playful menu. Groups can choose to grill at their table, but regardless of…
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…
Bávaro & Punta Cana
Simple and social, Kat's is an open-air corner bar that hits the spot for American-style hangover cures – bacon, eggs, hash browns, breakfast burritos –…
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…
Dominican Republic
Pasteleria Chichita, one block east of Parque Colón, has been churning out San Cristobal's culinary claim to fame, pastel en hoja – literally ‘pastry in…
Bávaro & Punta Cana
Get down with Dominicans at this pleasant, if ordinary, open-air palapa where the RD$200 plate of the day is the working man's staple in Bávaro. It's…
Santiago
This open-air pavilion is where groups of friends roll up after a night of dancing and boozing. A few large-screen TVs are tuned to sports and the…
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…
Santo Domingo
Vegetarians will want to try out this long-running cafeteria-style restaurant and yoga center (beginner hatha classes 6pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
