El Meson de la Cava
A Santo Domingo landmark, this restaurant is located in the unusual setting of a natural cavern. The restaurant serves fine Dominican and international cuisine. It offers a variety of creative dishes, including grilled chicken breast with honey and Marsala wine sauce, red snapper with coconut sauce and lobster thermidor. An evening at El Meson de la Cava is an unforgettable experience.
Av. Mirador Sur 1
Telephone: 809-533-2818
Price: $$$
Sophia’s Bar and Grill
This Santo Domingo restaurant is a place to see and be seen. A restaurant popular among trendy young Dominicans, Sophia’s serves innovative international cuisine in a stylish setting. Dishes include Chardonnay poached salmon, lobster lasagna, and braised veal cannelloni, as well as imaginative burgers and pizzas.
Paseo de los Locutores 19 (Piantini)
Telephone: 809-620-1001
Price: $$$
Cantábrico
Located in Gazcue near the Colonial Zone, Cantábrico is considered to be one of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Serving Spanish cuisine, the specialties include tapas, a delicious seafood platter, paella and roast suckling pig.
Av. Independencia 54 (Gazcue)
Telephone: 809-687-5102
Price: $$
Il Cappuccino
Il Cappuccino is known for its great Italian food, excellent service and relaxed atmosphere. The Italian chef prepares a wide selection of delicious traditional dishes. Entree choices include ricotta and spinach tortelloni, Angus sirloin, grilled fish and a variety of pizzas.
Máximo Gómez 60
Telephone: 809-682-8006
Price: $$
Mitre
Mitre is one of the hippest Santo Domingo restaurants. It features chic minimalist decor and is located in the city’s commercial downtown. Mitre serves Italian and international cuisine, including a range of homemade pastas, meat and seafood. The menu features creative dishes like goat cheese ravioli, duck breast salad, tenderloin risotto and sesame tuna steak. The restaurant has both interior and courtyard seating.
Gustavo Mejia Ricart, corner of Abraham Lincoln
809-472-1787
Price: $$
La Bohème Bistrot
This romantic French restaurant offers a large menu, great service and a charming atmosphere. Specialties include the mushroom and cheese crepe, tuna filet with passion fruit sauce, and chateaubriand, as well as pasta and rice dishes. La Boheme Bistrot frequently has live music.
Fco. Prats Ramirez No.151 (Piantini)
Telephone: 809 540 6327
Price: $$
Porter House Grill Restaurant
This Santo Domingo restaurant has a quiet, dark, inviting atmosphere. It specializes in meat and fish dishes, and offers a great selection of wines. Options include lobster and shrimp bisque, tenderloin steak, sirloin steak, honey mustard baby back ribs and Cajun tuna.
Av. Abraham Lincoln #918, corner of Jose Amado Soler
Telephone: 809-542-6000
Price: $$
Adrian Tropical
The stunning seaside setting makes Adrian Tropical a particularly enjoyable spot for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is also popular for dinner and is open all night. It serves traditional Dominican fare, including fresh tropical juices, mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork), and sancocho (meat stew).
Av. George Washington 2
809-221-1764
Price: $$
Elysee
The best bakery in Santo Domingo, Elysee offers creations by a French-trained pastry chef. In addition to delicious breakfasts, this stylish Santo Domingo restaurant serves lunch and early dinners (closes at 8 pm). Breakfast choices include egg dishes, French toast, and a wide selection of pastries. Elysee also serves a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, crepes and more.
Manuel de Jesus Troncoso 23 A , Piantini
Telephone: 809-566-6600
Price: $
Peperoni Café
This hip, upscale Santo Domingo restaurant serves innovative international cuisine. Specialties include Thai noodles with stir-fried vegetables, spicy tuna tartar, crab with coconut and curry, and fig-glazed veal chop.
Sarasota 23, at Plaza Universitaria (Piantini)
Telephone: 809-508-1330
Price: $$$
Don Pepe
Don Pepe is held by many to be the best Spanish restaurant in Santo Domingo. It offers a wide variety of dishes, including garlic soup, paella, Spanish ham, peppers stuffed with seafood, and Galician-style squid.
Calle Mañuel de Jesus Troncoso 5 (Piantini)
Telephone: 809-563-4440
Price: $$$
Villar Hermanos
If you are in the mood for authentic Dominican cuisine, Villar Hermanos is a great choice. This Santo Domingo restaurant has three different seating areas – a cafeteria-style area, an outdoor terrace and a dining room. Serving Dominican specialties, it offers generous portions and a good variety of foods. Villar Hermanos also has a bakery section and makes some of the best coffee in Santo Domingo. The restaurant is a short walk from the Jaragua and Melia hotels.
Av. Independencia
Telephone: 809-682-1433
Price: $
Scherezade
Featuring Moroccan-inspired décor, Scherezade serves Arab and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including cream of asparagus and watercress soup, lamb shish kebabs and Arab-style lobster. The restaurant has three dining rooms and seats up to 200 guests.
Roberto Pastoriza # 226
Telephone: 809-227-2323
Price: $$
David Crockett
If you are in the mood for steak, this is the place to go. While the rustic cowboy décor leaves something to be desired, the restaurant serves large portions of imported beef, as well as other meat dishes, like rack of lamb with herbs and garlic. David Crockett is considered to be the best steakhouse in Santo Domingo.
Gustavo Mejia Ricart 34, corner of Alberto Larancuent (Naco)
Telephone: 809-565-8898
Price: $$$