Breakfast & Morning Coffee
Start your day with traditional Dominican breakfast fare or international options at these outstanding morning spots.
Santo Domingo
- Los Tres Ojos Café | $$ | Colonial Zone - This charming café near Plaza España offers traditional Dominican breakfast with a modern twist. Their mangú (mashed plantains) topped with pickled red onions and locally sourced eggs is exceptional. Don't miss their specialty coffee made from beans grown in the Dominican highlands.
- Lulú Tasting Bar | $$ | Colonial Zone - While known for evening tapas, their breakfast service offers fresh pastries, European-style breakfasts, and some of the best coffee in the city. The colonial courtyard setting provides a tranquil start to your day.
Punta Cana
- Tropical at Paradisus Palma Real | $$$ | Bávaro - This upscale breakfast buffet offers everything from traditional Dominican breakfast items to international favorites. The fresh tropical fruit station and made-to-order omelets are highlights.
- Delicias Bakery & Café | $ | El Cortecito- A local favorite serving fresh-baked bread, Dominican pastries (try the quesitos), and strong Dominican coffee. Their chocolate de agua (traditional hot chocolate) is rich and authentic.
Puerto Plata
- Coffee Shop Café | $ | Downtown - A simple but delightful spot where locals gather for traditional Dominican breakfast. Their mangú con los tres golpes (plantains with eggs, cheese, and salami) is the perfect introduction to Dominican morning cuisine.
Brunch Spots
For those leisurely late mornings, these brunch options combine the best of breakfast and lunch with stunning views.
Santo Domingo
- El Mesón de la Cava | $$$ | Mirador Norte - Set in a natural limestone cave, this unique restaurant offers an elegant Sunday brunch buffet featuring both Dominican and international dishes. The setting alone makes it worth the visit.
- Adrian Tropical | $$ | Malecón - This open-air restaurant overlooking the Caribbean Sea serves a mix of Dominican classics. Their mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic, pork rinds, and protein of choice) is among the best in the city.
Samaná
- The Beach Restaurant at Sublime Samaná | $$$ | Las Terrenas - Enjoy a sophisticated beachfront brunch with a menu that changes weekly. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and mimosas with freshly squeezed orange juice make this a perfect weekend indulgence.
Punta Cana
- Fresh Fresh Café | $$ | Bávaro - A health-conscious option serving smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and fresh juices. Their outdoor garden seating creates a peaceful atmosphere away from the resort bustle.
Lunch & Casual Dining
Midday meals in the Dominican Republic range from quick street food to leisurely beachside dining.
Colonial Zone (Santo Domingo)
- El Conuco | $$ | Gazcue - Experience traditional Dominican cuisine while enjoying live folklore shows. Their sancocho (hearty meat and vegetable stew) is legendary and perfect for a filling lunch.
- Jalao | $$ | Colonial Zone - Located in the historic Colonial Zone, Jalao offers elevated Dominican classics in a beautiful setting. Their mofongo relleno de camarones (plantain mash stuffed with shrimp) is not to be missed.
Beach Areas
- La Yola Restaurant | $$$ | Punta Cana Resort & Club - Built to resemble a traditional Dominican fishing boat, this overwater restaurant offers fresh seafood with stunning views. The grilled octopus and catch of the day are consistently excellent.
- Luis Beach Club | $$ | Las Terrenas, Samaná - This beach club serves fresh seafood with your feet in the sand. Their fish ceviche and coconut fish are prepared with the day's catch from local fishermen.
- Neptuno's Club Restaurant | $$ | Sosúa, Puerto Plata - Perched on a cliff overlooking Sosúa Bay, this restaurant offers Mediterranean-Dominican fusion dishes. Their seafood paella serves two and pairs perfectly with the panoramic views.
Mountain Regions
- Baiguate Restaurant | $$ | Jarabacoa - After a morning of hiking or river rafting, enjoy traditional Dominican mountain cuisine. Their chivo guisado (stewed goat) is a regional specialty worth trying.
- La Casita de Papi | $$ | Constanza - Famous for their trout dishes using fish farmed in the cool mountain streams. The rustic mountain setting adds to the authentic experience.
Happy Hour & Sunset Cocktails
Catch the legendary Caribbean sunset while enjoying cocktails at these prime locations.
Santo Domingo
- Rooftop at Billini Hotel | $$$ | Colonial Zone - Offering panoramic views of the Colonial Zone, this sophisticated rooftop bar serves creative cocktails and light appetizers. Try their Mamajuana-infused specialty drinks.
- Level 1 Ceviche & Cocktail Bar | $$ | Naco - This trendy spot offers half-price ceviches and signature cocktails during happy hour. The passion fruit mojito pairs perfectly with their fresh fish ceviche.
Coastal Areas
- Altos de Chavón | $$$ | La Romana - This replica 16th-century Mediterranean village features several bars with spectacular views of the Chavón River. Enjoy a Cuba Libre while watching the sunset over this unique setting.
- Sunset Bar at Playa Bonita | $$ | Las Terrenas - This beachfront bar offers daily happy hour specials with unobstructed sunset views. Their piña coladas made with local rum and fresh pineapple are the perfect sunset companion.
- Onno's Bar | $$ | Cabarete - Watch kitesurfers against the setting sun while enjoying two-for-one cocktails during happy hour. Their mojitos are consistently rated among the best on the island.
Dinner Destinations
From family-friendly to romantic evening dining, these restaurants offer memorable dinner experiences.
Santo Domingo
- Pat'e Palo | $$$ | Colonial Zone - The oldest restaurant in the Americas (established 1505) offers European-inspired cuisine with a Caribbean twist. Dine in the historic Plaza España with views of the first cathedral in the Americas.
- Travesías | $$$$ | Piantini - This contemporary restaurant showcases Dominican ingredients prepared with modern techniques. Their tasting menu takes you on a journey through Dominican flavors reimagined.
Punta Cana
- La Palapa by Eden Roc | $$$$ | Cap Cana - This elegant beachfront restaurant offers Mediterranean-influenced seafood dishes. The lobster risotto is their signature dish, best enjoyed with waves lapping nearby.
- Montserrat Manor Restaurant | $$$ | Bávaro - Set in a colonial-style mansion surrounded by gardens, this restaurant serves Dominican-international fusion cuisine. Their slow-roasted pork with sweet plantains is exceptional.
Samaná & Las Terrenas
- Mi Corazón | $$$ | Las Terrenas - This intimate Italian-Dominican fusion restaurant offers handmade pastas and fresh seafood dishes. The romantic garden setting makes it perfect for couples.
- The Beach Club at Peninsula House | $$$$ | Las Terrenas - Exclusive beachfront dining featuring a French-influenced menu that changes daily based on available ingredients. Reservations essential.
Elegant Fine Dining
For special occasions or an extraordinary culinary experience, these restaurants offer the finest in Dominican luxury dining.
- Passion by Martín Berasategui | $$$$ | Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana - Seven Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui brings his culinary expertise to this adults-only fine dining restaurant. The tasting menu with wine pairings offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
- Mesón de Bari | $$$ | Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo - Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, this restaurant serves elevated Dominican classics. Their seafood mofongo and braised oxtail are standouts in an elegant setting.
- La Casita at Casa de Campo | $$$$ | La Romana - This refined Spanish-influenced restaurant offers waterfront dining overlooking the marina. Their paella is prepared traditionally and serves two generously.
- Blue Koi | $$$$ | Cabarete - This Asian-fusion restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with a Japanese-Dominican menu. The Wagyu beef with local root vegetables exemplifies their innovative approach.
Night Cap & Evening Entertainment
End your evening with craft cocktails or local rum at these atmospheric night spots.
- Lax Ojo Bar | $$ | Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo - This speakeasy-style bar offers expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting. Their house-infused mamajuana (traditional Dominican liqueur) variations are worth trying.
- Coco Bongo | $$$ | Punta Cana - More than just drinks, this high-energy venue offers spectacular shows combining music, acrobatics, and dancing. Arrive early for the best views of the performances.
- Onno's Bar After Dark | $$ | Cabarete - This beachfront bar transforms into a lively nightspot with live music several nights a week. Their rum selection is impressive, with knowledgeable bartenders to guide your choices.
- Avo Lounge | $$$ | Downtown Santo Domingo - This sophisticated rooftop lounge offers hand-crafted cocktails and panoramic city views. Their mixologists create custom drinks based on your preferences.
Scenic Restaurants Worth the Journey
These dining establishments offer not just excellent food but extraordinary settings that enhance the overall experience.
- La Casita de Yeya | $$ | Barahona - This simple seafood restaurant sits on stilts over the water with magnificent views of Bahía de Neiba. Their freshly caught fish is prepared simply to let the quality shine through.
- El Mesón de la Cava | $$$ | Santo Domingo - Dining inside a natural limestone cave creates an unforgettable ambiance. Their Dominican-international fusion menu features dishes like coconut shrimp and churrasco steak.
- La Veranda at Casa Colonial | $$$$ | Puerto Plata - This elegant rooftop restaurant offers panoramic ocean views and a sophisticated menu blending Mediterranean and Caribbean influences. The seafood tower for two is spectacular.
- Eden Roc Beach Club | $$$$ | Cap Cana - This exclusive beachfront restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with your feet in the sand. The fresh catch prepared "pies en la arena" style is their specialty.
Local Food Experiences & Street Food
For the most authentic taste of Dominican cuisine, venture beyond restaurants to these local food experiences.
- Mercado Modelo | $ | Santo Domingo - This bustling market features food stalls serving traditional Dominican dishes. Try the yaroa (layers of mashed plantains, meat, cheese, and sauce) from the vendors on the second floor.
- Boca Chica Fish Shacks | $ | Boca Chica - These simple wooden structures on the beach serve the freshest seafood. Order fried fish with tostones (fried plantains) and a cold Presidente beer for the quintessential Dominican beach meal.
- Street Food Corner | $ | Santiago - In the evenings, street vendors set up near Parque Duarte serving chimis (Dominican burgers), yaroa, and quipes (Dominican kibbeh). Follow the local crowds for the best vendors.
- Los Pinos Market | $ | Puerto Plata - This local market offers traditional Dominican breakfast fare from 6-10 AM daily. Try the mangú con los tres golpes (plantains with fried cheese, eggs, and salami) for an authentic morning meal.
Pricing Guide
- $ = Under RD$500 (Under $10 USD) per person
- $$ = RD$500-1,500 ($10-30 USD) per person
- $$$ = RD$1,500-3,000 ($30-60 USD) per person
- $$$$ = Over RD$3,000 (Over $60 USD) per person
Dining Tips for Dominican Republic Visitors
- Reservations: Highly recommended for fine dining establishments, especially during high season (December-April)
- Tipping: 10% service charge is often included in restaurant bills; additional tipping for exceptional service is appreciated
- Dress Code: Most beach restaurants are casual, but fine dining establishments may require closed shoes and collared shirts for men
- Timing: Dominicans typically eat lunch between 12-2 PM and dinner after 7 PM; many kitchens close by 10 PM except in tourist areas
- Water: Stick to bottled water in restaurants; most establishments use filtered ice, but it's acceptable to ask if concerned
Must-Try Dominican Dishes
- La Bandera: The national dish consisting of white rice, red beans, and meat (usually chicken or beef)
- Mangú: Mashed plantains topped with pickled red onions, often served with fried cheese, eggs, or salami for breakfast
- Sancocho: A hearty stew made with various meats and root vegetables
- Mofongo: Mashed plantains with garlic and pork cracklings, often stuffed with meat or seafood
- Tostones: Twice-fried plantain slices served as a side dish
- Habichuelas con Dulce: Sweet bean dessert popular during Easter season
- Mamajuana: Traditional Dominican drink made by soaking rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs
Embrace the diverse culinary landscape of the Dominican Republic, where each meal offers a window into the country's rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. From beachfront seafood feasts to elegant dining in historic settings, Dominican cuisine offers something for every palate and occasion.