Without doubt, there’s some absolutely amazing hotels and resorts where you can eat to your heart’s content when staying in the Dominican Republic, but we’d consider it to be a tad remiss not to highlight all the amazing Dominican Republic food that is available at restaurants, shacks, cafes and bars throughout the island.
It’s no exaggeration that the Dominican Republic is the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. There’s a plethora of iconic dishes that are not to be missed.
Taking influence from Creole, Spanish, African, Taino (indigenous) and many other influences, you can enjoy both fine dining and full Caribbean comfort food experience at a fantastic selection of restaurants.
There’s a magnificent range of incredible restaurants, from street food to fine dining, giving you plenty of foodie options so you can dine somewhere different every night.
So, where can you find the best restaurants to enjoy Dominican Republic food?
Wherever you stay in this tropical paradise, you’ll find incredible restaurants around every corner.
Don Pepe
With over thirty years of experience serving some of the best Dominican Republic food on the island, Don Pepe offers some of the best and most authentic Spanish cuisine in Santo Domingo.
From seafood to meats and paella, this traditional menu also offers other types of food and is also renowned for its expansive wine cellar where there are over 500 different types of Spanish red wine.
La Yola
If local produce served overlooking the sea is high on your list when thinking of the best places to enjoy Dominican Republic food, then look no further than La Yola which is an AAA Three Diamond award-winning restaurant.
It’s perched on stilts (nonetheless!) overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters near the Punta Cana Resort & Club Marina and offers fresh Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine which is served alongside vegetables which have been cultivated in their own in-house organic garden.
Dishes to try include the king crab and the delicately cooked red snapper as well as the delectable crème brûlée which is an absolute triumph!
El Mesón de la Cava
Nestled away in an intriguing natural, limestone cave that has been carved out over the years by the cascading waves, El Mesón de la Cava is one of the most well-renowned restaurants in Santa Domingo and is one of the best restaurants to enjoy Dominican Republic food.
An ideal restaurant to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the city, you are immediately transported into a tranquil and secluded dining experience within the beautiful, limestone cavern.
There’s also an idyllic outdoor terrace chock-full of flowers and lush vegetation if you prefer more space.
When it comes to traditional Caribbean flavours and fresh seafood, El Mesón de la Cava is a fantastic restaurant to visit and is a great place to disconnect from the outside world.
La Palapa
For a memorable dining experience that includes a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, La Palapa by Eden Roc is a chance for visitors to enjoy fresh Dominican Republic food while also getting to enjoy some of the best views this Caribbean country has to offer.
As you might expect, La Palapa boasts some of the freshest seafood in the Dominican Republic and both the sushi and ceviche are standout dishes you simply have to try.
Like many of the restaurants on the island, La Palapa brings together both Caribbean and
Mediterranean cuisine is a sophisticated fusion and also offers an elegant and memorable dining experience.
Mesón d'Bari
With exquisite interiors (we’re lusting after that tropical-themed wallpaper!)
The stunning Mesón d’Bari which is located in a converted two-story building in the Ciudad Colonial section of Santo Domingo, is a historical restaurant serving traditional Dominican Republic food.
It’s one of the favourite restaurants of the locals and is a real hub for the local community as well as visitors. Look out for the local artwork for sale from local Dominican Republic artists.
You’ll find dishes like cangrejo guisado which is fresh crab stewed in brown sauce, filete a la criolla, a Creole-style fillet of beef with onions, tomatoes and sweet peppers and crab-meat empanadas, stewed conch and spicy goat meat.
Los Tres Cocos
In the delightful location of Puerto Plato, Los Tres Cocos is among the local restaurants offering Dominican Republic food that the locals adore.
Located close to the beach, this is a great casual dining option and the French onion soup, Cajun-style shrimp and the Angus Churrasco are some of the most popular and renowned dishes on offer.
