10 Great Restaurants in Santo Domingo

These great restaurants in Santo Domingo are mainstays in the city’s ever-evolving gastronomic scene. Dominican cuisine is a superb clash of flavours from around the world, with influences that stretch from Spain to Africa. To experience some of the country’s very best restaurants, you won’t be surprised to learn that the capital of Santo Domingo is teeming with options.

Whether you want to sample traditional dishes that explore local flavours or an extravagant feast that showcases a global perspective, there’s no shortage of world-class restaurants to consider. Here, we highlight some of the most renowned spots for when you want to experience the best offerings by Santo Domingo’s chefs.

1. El Mesón de la Cava

Exceptional Caribbean and French cuisines in an inventive setting

Ideal para: Alimentação

Dinner at El Mesón de la Cava is undoubtedly a unique experience for diners visiting Santo Domingo. Opened in 1967, this long-standing institution sees Caribbean and French-inspired dishes served inside the depths of a natural limestone cave. On the menu, you’ll find everything from wood-grilled octopus and Monterrey chicken breast to seafood paella.

Accompanying your meal is an extensive wine list that brings together remarkable bottles from local and international vineyards. Throughout El Mesón de la Cava’s numerous spaces, including an attractive outdoor terrace, you’ll come across a wide variety of genuine trinkets left behind by pirates and guerrilla fighters.

Localização: Av. Mirador Sur 1, Santo Domingo 00000, Dominican Republic

Abre: Daily from 11.30 am to 11 pm

Telefone: +1 809-533-2818

2. Laurel

Incredible fine dining without the massive price tag

Ideal para: Alimentação

Laurel is widely recognised as one of Santo Domingo’s top fine-dining restaurants. Providing visitors with a world-class culinary experience that doesn’t feel overly uptight, it’s the ideal place for a lavish yet relaxed lunch or dinner with your loved ones. Renowned for its inviting atmosphere and stellar service, diners are spoilt for choice when picking something to eat.

With a wide variety of options on the menu, including seafood, pizzas and salads, there’s also a selection of vegan and vegetarian meals to ensure there’s something for everyone. To start, consider the Memphis Nachos, while ginger- and soy-glazed salmon and the signature Laurel burger are outstanding mains.

Localização: Calle Andrés Julio Aybar, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Abre: Friday–Saturday from midday to 1 am, Sunday–Thursday from midday to midnight

Telefone: +1 809-908-0200

3. Buche Perico

Fresh Caribbean dishes surrounded by greenery

Ideal para: Alimentação

Bucho Perico ensures diners feel like they haven’t left behind the Dominican Republic’s pristine landscape. Situated in the historic district of Ciudad Colonial, lush plants stretch from the towering glass ceiling all the way to the floor. There’s even an indoor waterfall to complete the restaurant’s tropical atmosphere.

Having found a suitably cosy spot, you’ll be presented with a refined Caribbean menu featuring a wealth of delicious dishes. Ranging from fresh tuna and ripe banana ravioli to shrimp pasta and pork ribs, you won’t be disappointed when the plates arrive. There’s also a stellar wine list offering award-winning bottles from around the globe.

Localização: Calle El Conde 53, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

Abre: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm

Telefone: +1 809-475-6451

4. Pat’e Palo

Meaty feasts grilled to perfection in a historic location

Ideal para: Alimentação

Pat’e Palo is undeniably one of the most popular restaurants in Santo Domingo, beloved for its considered European-style cuisine and warm tavern setting. With the building dating back around 500 years and described as the first tavern in the Americas, you’ll find landmarks such as Alcazar de Colón and Columbus Park within close proximity.

There are 3 individual spaces at Pat’e Palo – the main restaurant, the bar, and the patio. Here, you can enjoy classics like beef ribeye, fire-roasted pork ribs or traditional mashed plantains. With Pat’e Palo open for brunch, lunch and dinner, head along and experience unbeatable flavours any time of the day.

Localização: Plaza Espana, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

Abre: Daily from 11.30 am to 1 am

Telefone: +1 809-687-8089

5. Don Pepe

The city’s best seafood for over 30 years

Ideal para: Alimentação

Don Pepe is the place to be in Santo Domingo when you’re craving top-notch Spanish cuisine. Situated in the upmarket neighbourhood of Piantini, this luxurious location is reflected in the restaurant itself, with lavish interiors and inventive dishes on the menu. Having opened its doors more than 30 years ago, Don Pepe is a go-to destination for tourists in search of the city’s best flavours.

For lovers of grilled and seafood dishes, ensure this place is high on your dining shortlist. There are incredible lamb chops and suckling pig, alongside traditional plates such as arroz con calamares (Spanish rice with squid) and arroz con pollo (Spanish rice with chicken). With a red wine list containing over 500 bottles from Spain’s top regions, dinner is bound to be unforgettable at Don Pepe.

Localização: Calle Porfirio Herrera 31, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Abre: Daily from midday to midnight

Telefone: +1 809-563-4440

6. Jalao

Enjoy unforgettable dining, dancing, and live music

Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna

Jalao is where locals and tourists head to experience vibrant Dominican culture. Spread throughout a massive space, this much-loved restaurant features 5 distinctive bars and a huge stage so you can dance the night away in style. With traditional Dominican details adorning virtually every surface, Jalao is a hugely popular spot for a reason.

Alongside this colourful, tropical-inspired design, the food is just as special. To start, yucca flower empanadas are a great choice before diving into mains such as handmade gnocchi, Dominican stew, spicy red wine oxtail and pork ribs. For a lively night full of local food, dancing, and live music, don’t miss your chance to experience Jalao.

Localização: Calle el Conde, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

Abre: Monday–Friday from 6 pm to 2 am, Saturday–Sunday from 12 pm to 2 am

Telefone: +1 809-792-1262

7. El Conuco

Live music and authentic Dominican dishes that are bound to impress

Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna

El Conuco is great for experiencing the Dominican Republic’s famous hospitality as you’ll be presented with great food and entertainment as soon as you step inside. Although it’s on the more touristy side of restaurants in Santo Domingo, that doesn’t mean the flavours on display aren’t as authentic as anywhere else in the city.

You’ll find a top selection of tacos loaded with Dominican-style steak, goat stew or roasted pork ribs. There are also delightful seafood options, such as cod served with Creole seasonings and Atlantic shrimp served with mango and dates. As you enjoy your meal, talented merengue and bachata artists will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Localização: Calle Casimiro de Moya #152, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Abre: Daily from 11.30 am to midnight

Telefone: +1 809-686-0129

8. Aubergine

Escape the city for European-inspired cuisine and unmatched views

Ideal para: Alimentação

Aubergine might not be located within the bounds of Santo Domingo, but it’s assuredly worth a trip into the hills. Situated in the tiny town of La Colonia, among the San Cristóbal mountains, this charming restaurant offers first-rate dishes and panoramic countryside views from a lofty terrace.

Drawing on culinary inspirations from across Europe, Aubergine represents a striking change from many other restaurants in town. Highlights on the menu include salmon with ricotta cheese, mozzarella chicken breast and the restaurant’s modern spin on sushi. For a refreshing dessert that rounds out your entire dining experience, try the avocado ice cream.

Localização: Paseo del Manantial KM 6, Cambita Garabitos 91000, Dominican Republic

Abre: Friday–Sunday from midday to 6 pm (closed Mondays to Thursdays)

Telefone: +1 809-729-9364

9. La Briciola de Santo Domingo

Cuisine and ambience best shared with friends and family

Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna

La Briciola de Santo Domingo is the perfect spot for when you want to experience the romance of Santo Domingo. First opened in 1994 in a bustling part of the city, the Italian and Mediterranean cuisine on display ensures the restaurant has remained a popular destination over the following years. Alongside regular jazz concerts and live pianists, dinner is often a dreamy affair.

With several luxurious open-air dining areas surrounded by plants and Spanish decor, spending a night here with your closest companions will leave a lasting impression. La Briciola de Santo Domingo keeps customers coming back for more with its extensive menu of homemade pasta and seafood classics.

Localização: Calle Arzobispo Meriño 152A, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

Abre: Monday–Saturday from midday to midnight, Sunday from midday to 6 pm

Telefone: +1 829-719-2078

10. SBG Sophia’s Bar & Grill

Glamorous dining with strong cocktails and delightful international plates

Ideal para: Alimentação, Vida noturna

Sophia’s Bar & Grill is set in a trendy neighbourhood among Santo Domingo’s top landmarks. The restaurant’s interior combines leather sofas, dark wood accents, and imposing pillars to generate an undeniably classy atmosphere. Its menu caters to international tastes, with dishes derived from cuisines from around the world.

While succulent grilled dishes are undoubtedly a highlight, diners at Sophia’s Bar & Grill will also find delicious carpaccio and an innovative sushi bar. You can also enjoy some of the best cocktails in town, with a range of unique drinks packing a big punch.

Localização: Calle Paseo de los Locutores 9, Santo Domingo 10149, Dominican Republic

Abre: Monday–Friday from midday to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from midday to 7 pm

Telefone: +1 809-620-1001

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