Best Restaurants in Dominican Republic 2026

La Bandera Dominicana

The national dish — white rice, stewed red beans, and braised chicken or beef — is eaten at lunch across the entire country. Simple, deeply satisfying, and the best way to eat like a local.

Where to try: Any comedor (local canteen) in Santo Domingo, Santiago, or anywhere outside resort zones

Price: $5-12

Mangú

Mashed green plantains topped with sautéed red onions in vinegar, served alongside fried eggs, Dominican salami, and white cheese. The quintessential Dominican breakfast, eaten with a strong café santo domingo.

Where to try: Comedores and local cafés serving breakfast before 10AM; El Conuco in Santo Domingo

Price: $4-10

Sancocho

A rich, slow-cooked stew of seven different meats with plantains, yams, yuca, and fresh herbs. Considered the most celebratory dish in Dominican culture, reserved for special occasions and Sunday family gatherings.

Where to try: El Conuco restaurant, traditional Dominican restaurants; some comedores on Sundays

Price: $15-25

Tostones

Twice-fried green plantain slices smashed flat and fried to a crispy golden exterior. The essential Dominican side dish, served with everything from grilled fish to stewed chicken. Often accompanied by a garlic dipping sauce.

Where to try: Every Dominican restaurant and most street food vendors nationwide

Price: $3-6

Chivo Guisado (Stewed Goat)

Slow-braised goat with oregano, garlic, and Dominican spices is a beloved traditional dish with rich, deep flavor. Particularly popular in the northern Cibao region and considered a specialty of the town of Azua.

Where to try: Meson D'Bari in Santo Domingo Colonial Zone; traditional restaurants in Santiago

Price: $14-22

Chimichanga (Chimi)

The Dominican hamburger — seasoned ground beef patty on a soft roll with cabbage slaw, tomato, onion, and a house sauce. Late-night street food staple sold by venderos from carts near parks and nightlife areas.

Find it at: Street carts near Parque Colón, Malecón, and nightlife districts of Santo Domingo; available 8PM-3AM

Pastelitos

Small deep-fried pastry turnovers filled with seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese. Sold hot from street carts and market stalls for $1-2 each — perfect morning or afternoon snack.

Find it at: Mercado Modelo and street vendors throughout Santo Domingo; market stalls in Punta Cana resort area

Yaroa

A street food creation layered like a Dominican poutine — crispy fried cassava (or fries) topped with seasoned minced meat, melted cheese, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Hugely popular among young Dominicans.

Find it at: Street food stalls and local fast food stands in Santo Domingo residential neighborhoods

Fresh Tropical Juice (Jugos Naturales)

Freshly blended tropical fruit juices are sold at market stalls and street carts for $1-2. Chinola (passionfruit), tamarind, guanábana, and soursop are particularly good.

Find it at: Mercado Modelo, street carts on Calle El Conde, market stalls throughout the country

Mercado Modelo

The main market in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone selling fresh tropical produce, dried herbs and spices, local cheeses, rum, coffee, and street food. The ground floor has craft vendors while the upper level has food stalls serving traditional Dominican lunch dishes.

Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun 8AM-2PM

Mercado de Villa Consuelo

A large working local market in Santo Domingo serving the residential neighborhoods with fresh produce, meats, spices, and local ingredients. Less touristic than Mercado Modelo but gives a more authentic picture of daily Dominican life.

Hours: Daily 6AM-5PM

Puerto Plata Mercado Municipal

The central market of Puerto Plata where local farmers sell fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and traditional products. The seafood section has the freshest catch from the Atlantic coast.

Hours: Daily 6AM-4PM