Influenced by Spanish, African, and Taíno traditions, Dominican food and drinks are a true highlight of any trip to the Dominican Republic.
Discover traditional dishes like La Bandera, the national plate of rice, beans, and meat, and sancocho, a slow-cooked stew. Order local drinks such as mamajuana or an ice-cold Presidente beer. Then visit some of the most popular restaurants in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and La Romana.
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What to Eat in the Dominican Republic
If you want to know what to eat in the Dominican Republic, start with the country’s most loved traditional foods. These are the meals, snacks, and desserts served every day across the island. There are many more dishes, but these are the ones you will see everywhere.
La Bandera Dominicana (The National Dish)
This is the national dish of the Dominican Republic. White rice, red stewed beans, and seasoned meat are served together on one plate. It is the standard Dominican lunch, a meal you will see almost everywhere at midday. Simple ingredients, full plate, strong flavor. If you want to understand Dominican food, start here.
Sancocho
A thick stew cooked for hours with different meats, root vegetables, corn, and plantains. Heavy, rich, and filling. Usually prepared in large pots. If it’s available, it’s worth ordering.
Tres Golpes (Dominican Breakfast)
Mashed green plantains (mangú) topped with fried salami, fried cheese, and eggs. Crispy, salty, soft, and very filling.
Mofongo
Mofongo is made from fried green plantains mashed with garlic and crispy pork. It is usually topped with shrimp or served with broth. It is rich, savory, and very filling.
Tostones
Twice-fried green plantains, crisp outside and soft inside. Served next to grilled meat or seafood, usually with garlic sauce.
💡 Tip: Fresh seafood with crispy tostones is a must in the Dominican Republic. Just 45 minutes from Punta Cana, Boca de Yuma is a small fishing town with simple oceanfront restaurants serving fresh seafood right by the water. Read our Boca de Yuma page and add this stop to your trip.
Chimi (Dominican Street Burger)
Grilled seasoned meat, shredded cabbage, and tangy sauce inside a soft bun. Sold mostly at night from food carts. One of the most popular Dominican street foods.
Yaniqueques
A classic Dominican fried dough snack, thin and crispy, similar to Caribbean Johnny cakes. Especially famous in Boca Chica, they’re served hot and often eaten with a squeeze of ketchup.
Habichuelas con Dulce
A creamy, sweet red bean dessert cooked with coconut milk, cinnamon, and cloves. A true Dominican tradition during Semana Santa (Holy Week). Served warm, often with crunchy biscuits on top.
Dulce de Leche
A rich milk dessert cooked slowly until thick and caramel brown, often sold in firm blocks in the Dominican Republic. Dense and slightly fudgy, it is cut into squares and enjoyed as a simple local treat. Another version, dulce de leche cortada, is softer and served in syrup with cinnamon.
💡 Tip: Bring the taste of the Dominican Republic straight into your kitchen. The Dominican Kitchen by Vanessa Mota gives you 80 authentic, easy recipes like juicy chimi burgers and crispy plátanos. If you love Dominican food, don’t wait. Order your copy now.
What to Drink in the Dominican Republic
If you want to know what to drink in the Dominican Republic, start with the island’s most popular beverages. These are the drinks you’ll see everywhere, from resorts to beach bars.
Mamajuana
Mamajuana is the Dominican Republic’s most iconic drink. It’s made by soaking rum, red wine, honey, and a mix of local tree bark and herbs in a glass bottle. The taste is sweet, spicy, and slightly woody. You can buy it ready to drink or get a bottle with the dry wood mix and add your own rum and wine at home. It’s one of the most popular souvenirs on the island.
Learn how it’s made and how to prepare it on our Mamajuana page.
Dominican Rum
The Dominican Republic produces some of the finest aged rums in the world. You can enjoy Dominican rum straight, in a cocktail like Cuba Libre (rum and cola), or in a refreshing piña colada.
Read our full guide to Dominican rum to see which bottles are worth trying.
💡 Tip: If you’re staying in Punta Cana, book the 101 Oliver Rum Tasting & Pairing. You taste premium Dominican rums aged up to 25 years, learn how they’re made, and finally understand why some bottles are worth bringing home. It’s well organized, and it includes hotel transportation.
Book your excursion online before you arrive because dates fill up quickly. Use Viator, part of Tripadvisor, to read verified reviews, see the exact price in USD, and check what’s included before you pay.
Presidente Beer
The most popular beer in the country, Presidente, is a crisp, light lager best enjoyed ice-cold. It’s often served in large bottles called jumbos. Other local beers to try include Bohemia or Canita, the beer of Punta Cana
Dominican Hot Chocolate
The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s top cacao producers. Their chocolate caliente is made with locally grown cacao, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Unlike sugary store-bought cocoa, this version is rich, aromatic, and full of deep chocolate flavor. To learn more about Dominican cacao, read this blog post or book a cacao tour.
Dominican Coffee
The Dominican Republic is a top coffee producer in the Caribbean, with high-altitude beans grown in Jarabacoa and Barahona. Expect a strong, dark roast with a deep aroma, served as a small espresso-style shot. The brands you’ll see are Café Santo Domingo, Induban, and Monte Real. If you love coffee, this is a must, from a small roadside café to your Punta Cana resort breakfast. Learn more on our Dominican Coffee page.
Morir Soñando
A refreshing and creamy drink made with fresh orange juice, milk, sugar, and ice. The name means "to die dreaming," and after one sip, you'll understand why.
Fresh Tropical Juices
On a tropical island like the Dominican Republic, start your morning at the resort with fresh jugos naturales made from chinola, mango, pineapple, papaya, guava, or watermelon. Real fruit, freshly blended. You can also try batidas, fruit smoothies mixed with milk. They’re rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural hydration. Perfect fuel before the beach.
Discover more in our guide to Fruits in the Dominican Republic.
💡 Tip: The Caribbean heat can dehydrate you quickly, especially if you’re enjoying rum, beer, or cocktails. Stay hydrated, but in the Dominican Republic, tap water is not safe. In the resort, restaurants, and small local places, stick to bottled or properly filtered water.
For extra peace of mind, a serious water purification bottle can be a smart backup. The GRAYL GeoPress, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 5,000 reviews, turns regular water into safe drinking water in about eight seconds by removing viruses, bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, chemicals, and microplastics. Just fill it, press it, and drink. No batteries. No waiting. It’s especially useful when you’re out exploring or trying local street food and bottled water isn’t nearby. Get one today.
Popular Restaurants in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has many great places to eat, from small local restaurants to beautiful places by the ocean. The restaurants below are well-known and consistently good. There are many more across the island, but this list is a solid place to start in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and La Romana.
💡 Tip: Check the Final Price. Restaurants add 18 percent tax and 10 percent legal service charge, about 28 percent in total, so your bill will be higher than the listed price on the menu. The 10 percent is shared among staff and does not always go fully to your waiter, especially when you pay by card. If the service is very good, leave a small extra tip in cash directly to the server.
Punta Cana
La Yola
Designed by Oscar de la Renta, La Yola is built on stilts over the Caribbean Sea, providing stunning views and a menu that blends Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors.Onno's Punta Cana
Located in El Cortecito, Bávaro, Onno’s is known for burgers, tacos, ribs, and cold Presidente beers. It’s a popular evening place for food and cocktails in Punta Cana.Noah Restaurant & Lounge
Near Downtown Punta Cana, Noah serves sushi, steak, pasta, seafood, and gourmet burgers. It’s a great option for dinner outside the resort. They offer free transportation from many Punta Cana hotels, but you need to call and reserve in advance.Citrus Fusion Cuisine
Citrus brings together Caribbean, Asian, and Italian influences in one cozy, laid-back location. Known for its sushi, ceviche, and Angus steaksLa Bruja Chupadora
This steakhouse-meets-party-hub is a Bávaro favorite for grilled meats and good times. With live music on weekends and a name that translates to "The Sucking Witch," it’s a quirky, fun place to unwind with friends and a cold Presidente.
Santo Domingo
Adrian Tropical
A favorite among locals and tourists, Adrian Tropical serves authentic Dominican dishes like mofongo and sancocho.El Mesón de la Cava
Built in a natural limestone cave, this unique restaurant offers a memorable ambiance alongside a menu featuring both local and international dishes.El Conuco
Serves traditional Dominican food such as roasted pork, rice, beans, and plantains. Some evenings include live folkloric music and dance performances.
Puerto Plata
Casita Azul Restaurante
Casita Azul is known for its cozy atmosphere and a menu that highlights fresh seafood and local ingredients.La Isabela Colonial Restaurant
Offering a blend of colonial charm and modern cuisine, this restaurant provides a unique dining experience in the heart of Puerto Plata.
La Romana
Marinelly’s Restaurant is know for its authentic Dominican cuisine and warm hospitality.
Focuses on traditional Dominican food such as roasted pork, fried chicken, and plantains.
Located near the marina with views of the water and yachts. Serves grilled meats, churrasco, seafood paella, and fresh fish.
💡 Tip: For popular places, reserve in advance, especially on weekends. You can book through OpenTable or call the restaurant directly. Your hotel concierge can also help.
🍽️ Best Resorts for Food Lovers in the Dominican Republic
If food is a big part of your trip, these resorts stand out for restaurant variety, better dining quality, and strong bar options.
🏆 Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana (Adults Only)
Best pick if you want “above-average” all-inclusive food . You also get access to dining and bars next door at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, which adds even more options.
Check availability.
🍴 Lopesan Costa Bávaro
Best choice if you want lots of places to eat without repeating the same buffet.
See prices on Hotels.com.
🥂 Secrets Cap Cana (Adults Only)
Best for couples who want date-night dinners every night. The resort offers 7 à la carte gourmet restaurants.
Check rates on Hotels.com.
Why book with Hotels.com?
You can compare real guest reviews (especially food and restaurant comments), see pricing clearly, and earn rewards on eligible stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say "Enjoy your meal" in the Dominican Republic?
You say “¡Buen provecho!” to wish someone a good meal. If someone says it to you at a restaurant or resort, reply “Gracias, igual.” It means “Thank you, same to you.”
How much does food cost in the Dominican Republic?
Food in the Dominican Republic is affordable if you know where to go. In small comedores, a full plate of rice, beans, meat, and salad usually costs $4 to $7 USD. Street food like empanadas, chimi burgers, or tostones costs around $1 to $3 USD. In tourist areas like Punta Cana, a mid-range restaurant meal is usually $15 to $35 USD per person.
Are Vegetarian Options Available?
Dominican food includes a lot of meat, but you can still eat well. Rice and beans, tostones, yuca, avocado, and vegetable dishes are easy to find. In Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, many restaurants offer vegetarian options. You can ask for “sin carne” if needed.
How can I best experience Dominican cuisine at an all-inclusive resort?
Don’t spend your whole trip eating pasta and burgers. Look for the Dominican section at the buffet or book the local restaurant inside the resort. Try la bandera, sancocho, mangú, or fresh grilled fish.
Go on Dominican theme night and order mamajuana or a cold Presidente. Ask the staff what they recommend; they know what’s good.
For the real flavor of the island, eat outside the resort at least once.
Try Dominican Food and Drinks
🥘 Book a Food Tour
Reserve a food tour on Viator and taste real Dominican dishes with a local guide.
🏨 Stay at a Food-Focused Resort
Choose a resort with strong food reviews on Hotels.com
📖 Cook It at Home
Order The Dominican Kitchen cookbook and start making authentic Dominican recipes in your own kitchen.
🌴 Keep Exploring
Read the Punta Cana Travel Guide and All-Inclusive Tips before your trip so you don’t miss anything.
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