Dominican Republic Restaurant Guide

While it might seem like a hole in the wall, Empanadas y Mas has some of the best food in the area. This family-run restaurant is only a short walk from the beach, so after a day of swimming, stop in for homemade empanadas and ceviche and pair it with a housemade mojito. The restaurant has only 4 tables, so reservations are recommended. Empanadas y Mas even has an herb garden, so everything you order is as fresh as possible.

At Wacamole, live music on Wednesdays, eclectic lighting, all-outdoor seating and vibrant colors create a playful and lively experience. Offering a variety of Mexican food, this restaurant’s food highlights include the tacos al pastor, their signature fresh “Holy Guacamole,” margaritas and mojitos. The lively atmosphere and generous portions make this a local favorite. Don’t miss the churros, they are out of this world!

Cabarete Coffee is the only coffee shop in the area offering organic, fair trade, fresh roasted and shade grown, bird friendly coffee. This shop is committed to sustainability and giving back to the community through several partnerships, including the Mariposa Center for Girls, Mariposa Mountain School and Mariposa Upcycled Sails, with 100% of profits supporting the Mariposa DR Foundation. Cabarete Coffee supports local farmers by using local ingredients on the breakfast and lunch menu. Besides lattes, smoothies and fresh juice, you can order omelets, pastries, sandwiches and salads. The restaurant is cash only.

Offering a refined yet relaxed beach-side setting close to the sand, El Dieciocho Las Terrenas has a romantic and warm environment ideal for a date night. This authentically Italian restaurant offers fresh carpaccio, homemade pasta, risotto, and seafood including tuna and calamari. While the food is fantastic, the show’s real star is the impeccable service. The waitstaff go out of their way to make every guest feel welcome and at home.

With tasteful decor, fantastic service, comfortable seating and a vast menu, El Lugar isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a dining experience. El Lugar offers plenty of dishes to choose from, including complimentary croquettes, salads, burgers, seafood, quality steaks and meat platters, and pasta. You can pair all of that delicious food with one of the many handcrafted cocktails on the drink menu, like a mojito, piña colada, or other tropical favorites. Owner Bruno personally checks on each table to ensure guests are satisfied. The rooftop terrace offers lovely ocean breezes.

Located in Bluemall Puntacana, both the interior and exterior spaces at Bachata Rosa are equally beautiful. The outdoor patio is lit up with colorful lighting and beautiful tables on warm evenings. At the same time, the inside has lovely mosaic-tiled floors, indoor greenery and a lovely bar area with colorful bottles. The menu offers several kinds of pizza, seafood, beef, tacos and sushi, so there is something here for even the pickiest eaters. The restaurant was originally inspired by the music of Juan Luis Guerra, a Dominican singer, and the themed decor remains, with each menu item originally named after one of his songs. This restaurant is an ideal spot for music lovers who appreciate excellent food!

Outdoor dining spaces abound at La Yola, designed to resemble a traditional fishing boat. You’ll definitely want to sit out on the marina-view deck in the evening, lit up with hundreds of string lights. This restaurant also boasts a waterfront bar area and a covered, semi-indoor dining room. A unique glass viewing portal lets you watch fish swimming below. Enjoy a drink from their designer drink menu while relishing in the tropical environment of this venue. You can choose from many different cocktails, like a Beer Margarita, a Watermelon Spritz, and Sinfonía Tropical. The dinner menu abounds with specialties including red snapper, ceviche, octopus risotto, and lobster. Don’t forget about dessert – the artisanal ice cream will be the cherry on top of a perfect meal. Or check out the live music on Saturdays.

Owned by an Italian couple who have worked in the restaurant business for over 30 years, Bliss serves homemade pasta, fresh seafood, U.S. Angus steak and homemade desserts. Menu delicacies include gazpacho, ravioli, grilled octopus, lamb chops in a red wine sauce and their signature tiramisu with chocolate shavings. The food selection is excellent, but the environment might be the best part of this restaurant. The lush outdoor patio has a swimming pool in the center, reflecting the stars above and the warm lighting of the covered bar area. The restaurant recently moved to a new location in La Ciénaga, Cabarete.