From salsa-infused rum tastings to Asian Caribbean eateries, these are the finest restaurants and bars to try in Santo Domingo
In the Dominican Republic, food is more than sustenance, it’s history on a plate – where dishes vividly blend influences from the Indigenous Taino with kaleidoscopic African, Asian and European flavours.
If you’re game for a spot of winter sun with a side of joy-inducing food and drink, the island’s capital of Santo Domingo is home to some top-drawer restaurants and bars. Here’s where to eat, drink and be merry if you’re heading to the fun-loving Caribbean city this season.
Where to eat
Morisoñando
@morisonandorest 
Morisoñando offers a fresh take on Dominican cuisine, with dishes enlivened by indigenous ingredients. Menus are based on seasonal produce, with playful appetisers such as El Árbol de los Deseos (translated as The Wish Tree), where diners are invited to make a wish before popping one of the moreish deep-fried cassava balls into their mouths. Seafood options are aplenty too, including crudo de lambi, a raw conch meat dish likened to ceviche, while the chivo liniero, a braised goat curry from the northwest of the island, is packed with flavour.
The best bit? The restaurant looks to create social impact through food with a foundation that aims to support small-scale farmers and promote their produce in local supermarkets.
Las Américas International Airport, Ruta 66, Cargo City, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Ajuala
@ajualard 
After moving to the Dominican Republic, Venezuelan chef Saverio Stassi cut his teeth in Santo Domingo’s gastronomic scene before opening Ajuala in the chic Piantini neighbourhood. For first-time eaters of casabe (a local flatbread made from cassava), Ajuala does a wonderful job of baking it on a burén – a clay slab warmed by a roaring fire below – and drizzling it with a fiery, herby sauce. Meanwhile the Brangus beef sirloin medallion provides fuel for a day of beach-basking, smothered with an onion reduction and grated locally-aged cheese.
The best bit? The award-winning wine list has more than 800 options, of which 100 are available by the glass.
Calle Andrés Julio Aybar 13, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
El Gallego
@elgallegorest 
The Dominican-Spanish chef Francis Pena dishes up his favourite childhood memories at this casual restaurant, serving Spanish family-style cuisine made with Dominican ingredients. The rotating menu includes quirky creations such as beetroot and shrimp tartlets or Pena’s version of cod fritters, but also the classic chipirones (fried squid). The restaurant was one of the first in Santo Domingo to serve the Valencian fideuà – a version of paella made with vermicelli instead of rice.
The best bit? Pena’s desserts are unmissable – try the Ode to Dominican Cocoa or seasonal Ode to the Mango.
C. César Nicolás Penson 76, Santo Domingo 10205, Dominican Republic
El Meson de Bari
@mesondebari
This restaurant is an institution, having served traditional Dominican favourites for more than 45 years. Expect large portions that brim with flavour, from Dominican empanadas to the sancocho, a soup made of at least two different types of meat, cassava, plantain, pumpkin and greens, accompanied with rice and avocado. Other stalwarts include the fried plantain tostones and deep-fried fish seasoned with garlic lemon and salt.
The best bit? El Meson de Bari dishes up rare local desserts including the borracho, a spongy cake soaked in alcohol and syrup.
C. Hostos 302, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
Samurai
@samuraird 
Having taken over the reins from his parents, Japanese-Dominican chef Hideyoshi Tateyama now heads up Samurai, offering more than 80 dishes ranging from the traditionally Japanese to those infused with Caribbean flavours. Beyond the staples, Tateyama’s creations veer from local guatapana fish with shredded coconut to flamed Sánchez shrimps (allegedly the island’s best), and a hot mochi sandwich filled with foie gras and eel.
The best bit? The omakase menu changes every month, while the drinks list features 20 Japanese whiskies and sakes, plus original cocktails.
C. Del Seminario #57, Santo Domingo 10148, Dominican Republic
Perhaps one of the city’s most visually stunning restaurants, Maraca’s interiors are decked out with colourful murals and tropical foliage in an homage to its roots. International cuisine and traditional dishes merge on the menu, with options such as the concón, a crispy rice dish usually eaten with beans and a hearty meat sauce, offered here in a more refined composition of stewed crab, seafood bisque, ginger and stir-fried leek.
The best bit? The drinks are another draw: don’t miss the Marcella, made with vodka, citrus mix, strawberry juice, hibiscus flower water and triple sec.
C. Arzobispo Nouel 202, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
Time
@timeisvegetarian 
Located in Santo Domingo’s Unesco-protected ‘colonial zone’, this is one of the city’s few vegetarian spots. Chef Saverio Stasi became vegetarian for a year as he devised the restaurant’s menu, which also includes vegan and gluten-free options. New dishes are added regularly, and others are modified according to seasonality, with big hitters including the mushroom ceviche, fresh tomato tartare, beetroot ravioli filled with goat’s cheese ricotta, and the vegetarian burger made with chickpeas, beetroot and oats.
The best bit? Pastry chef Giovanna Gutiérrez’s artisanal ice cream: try the velvety pistachio and tart mango, or the vegan versions of strawberry, basil and chocolate.
C. Padre Billini, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
O.livia
@restolivia 
A relaxed atmosphere and unpretentious Mediterranean food and drinks are what make this such a fun place for lunch or dinner, but it’s the weekly changing menu that makes it come alive. Options have included: a smoked beet puree, whipped with pink pepper, parmesan and mouse basil oil, elegantly served on a slab of poached beet; an oxtail lasagna, and the chef's recommendation – short rib and foie dumplings filled with an onion and truffle consommé.
The best bit? The live music and vibes: young local musicians take on popular tracks alongside audience requests from Wednesday to Saturdays.
Av. Lope de Vega 40, Santo Domingo 23100, Dominican Republic
Where to drink
El Mosquito
@mosquitocolonial 
Set inside a boutique hotel in the ‘colonial zone’, El Mosquito is intimate, rustic and bohemian in feel. Bartender Mario Fabini heroes tropical fruit such as coconut, passion fruit and grapefruit, combining the classics with bold new flavours. Plump for La Dama, a tantalising blend of gin, mezcal, cherry liquor and strawberry, or the Kiss and Tell, a velvety mix of rum, Aperol, peach, lychee and coconut cream.
The best bit? The array of Peruvian dishes, including the classic ceviche but also the popular appetizer, ají de gallina empanadas, stuffed with shredded chicken.
C. Arzobispo Meriño 266, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic
Casa 14
@lacasa.14 
This bar, self-described as a ‘gastronomic patio’, is managed by Venezuelan mixologist Frendymar Camacho, who has taken to celebrating the Dominican Republic’s breadth of culture through her menu. High-altitude provinces such as Constanza are celebrated with a drink of the same name, which features pumpkin marmalade, spiced syrup, whisky and Angostura bitters, while the northeastern coast is honoured with the Cabrera cocktail, made with coriander-infused gin, lemon juice, cucumber and tonic.
The best bit? The traditional dishes made with a twist, such as the mofongo (a dish ordinarily made with mashed-and-fried plantain and crispy pork skin), made here with celeriac instead of plantain.
C. Centro Olímpico, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
El Atelier
@elatelierbar 
Originally a showroom for the boutique store next door, El Atelier blends fashion and art with cocktails and a very buzzy atmosphere. The drinks here reflect the island’s tropical harvest, showcased through complex mixes such as the Jarabe Pal'Alma, a mezcal-based drink made with a tamarind reduction and jalapeño marmalade, conceived in an effort to reintroduce this once-popular ingredient to local mixology. For light bites, try the cassava tortilla tacos stuffed with shrimp and aioli.
The best bit? A mix of eclectic live music and electronic and dance nights hosted by local DJs.
C. Rafael Augusto Sánchez, Santo Domingo 10121, Dominican Republic
La Marinita
@lamarinitard 
This harbourside spot is ripe for sundowners, with signature rum libations using zesty fruits such as star fruit and pineapple. Kick back with the Alta Palmera (rum, orange liqueur, carrot juice and honey) at dusk, while the Coconut Lemonade is ideal for the sweet tooth, given a buttery boost thanks to a rich coconut cream liqueur.
The best bit? If you’re in the market to let your hair down, head here on karaoke nights when the atmosphere is unrivalled.
Bartholomieu Columbus Marina, Santo Domingo Este 11603, Dominican Republic
El Museo del Ron
@barymuseodelron
At El Museo del Ron, guests are taught the origins and influences of local rums as they sample them, concluding with a cocktail tasting and dancing to thumping Caribbean anthems. Classic concoctions sit on the menu alongside original inventions such as the Beautiful Quisqueya, made with banana rum, white rum, orange and rosemary syrup, and the Yellow Tik, crafted with rum, pineapple, fresh lime and chinola juice.
The best bit? It’s a great spot for experienced dancers but novices are warmly welcomed too. Salsa classes are on offer weekly.
C. Isabel La Católica 261, Santo Domingo 10212, Dominican Republic
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