Best restaurants in the Dominican Republic
Dominican food rarely makes it onto the resort buffet in its best form, which is a shame — comida criolla is one of the Caribbean's most satisfying cuisines. Knowing where and what to eat turns any trip up a level, whether you're based in the capital or a beach town.
What to order: the criolla essentials
Start with the national plate, la bandera — rice, stewed beans and braised meat — and its celebratory cousin sancocho, a slow-cooked seven-meat stew. Mangú (mashed plantains with fried cheese, salami and eggs, aka 'los tres golpes') owns breakfast, and fried fish with tostones defines the coast.
Street classics deserve a try too: chicharrón, empanadas, and fresh fruit shakes (batidas). Wash it down with local rum or an ice-cold Presidente beer served 'vestida de novia' — frosted white.
Santo Domingo: the country's dining capital
The capital has the country's most ambitious kitchens, from contemporary Dominican tasting menus to old-school comedores. The Zona Colonial concentrates atmospheric courtyard restaurants around Calle El Conde and Plaza de España, where terraces face the Alcázar de Colón; the modern Piantini and Naco districts host the higher-end contemporary scene.
Beach towns: seafood and expat kitchens
Las Terrenas punches far above its size thanks to its French and Italian communities — proper bakeries, trattorias and beachfront fish restaurants at Playa Bonita and the fishermen's village. Bayahibe and Boca Chica do simple, excellent fried fish and seafood rice by the water, and Cabarete adds international surf-town cafés to the mix.
Eating well from a resort base
If you're staying all-inclusive in Punta Cana, book one or two dinners outside: the Bávaro area has a growing strip of independent Dominican, Italian and steakhouse options, and the marina zones of Cap Cana add polished waterfront dining. It's the easiest way to taste the country without leaving the region.
Frequently asked questions
What dish should I try first?
La bandera at lunch — it's the everyday national plate and every comedor makes its own version. If you see sancocho on a menu, order it.
Is it worth leaving the resort to eat?
Yes — even one dinner outside shows you a completely different side of Dominican food. Prices off-resort are also generally lower for better cooking.
Which town has the best food scene outside the capital?
Las Terrenas, thanks to decades of French and Italian residents running bakeries, bistros and beach restaurants alongside Dominican seafood spots.
Do I need reservations?
In Santo Domingo's better restaurants and in high season in Las Terrenas and Cap Cana, yes. Casual beach comedores are walk-in everywhere.