Photo: Anton Lau
Where to Eat in Santo Domingo (on Any Budget)
Savor the flavors of Santo Domingo at the city’s best restaurants. From traditional Dominican cuisine to international fare, our top picks offer something for every palate and budget!
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Looking for places to eat in Santo Domingo?
Santo Domingo’s food scene is a melting pot of flavors and influences, with a range of local and international cuisines to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a cheap diner, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget.
To help you navigate the city’s culinary offerings (and avoid the tourist traps), we’ve put together a list of our favorite restaurants in Santo Domingo. From high-end restaurants to affordable spots that only the locals know about.
Happy eating!
Photo: Buche Perico
1. Buche Perico
Buche Perico is a contemporary Dominican food restaurant featuring an exotic and delicious menu, with dishes such as goat risotto, sweet plantain ravioli, and crackling pork belly. They also offer a range of mouthwatering cocktails, including Piña Titi, Sangría del Huerto, and mojito Campo Abierto.
You’ll be treated to a unique and sophisticated atmosphere, while seated in a beautiful courtyard filled with tropical plants and a waterfall. The service can be a bit slow, however, and the prices are somewhat high compared to other places in the area.
But the food at Buche Perico is worth it and presented beautifully, with a focus on contemporary Dominican cuisine. The trifongo appetizer is a standout, as is the chicken breast stuffed with sweet plantains. The restaurant also offers a range of desserts, including a cassava dessert and a bread pudding with chamomile ice cream.
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Photo: Anton Lau
2. Maraca
Maraca is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of the colonial zone of Santo Domingo. It can be slightly tricky to find, as there is no sign outside, but it’s well worth the effort. Once inside, guests are greeted by a very elegant vibe. The decor is very impressive, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. And depending on where you’re seated, you might feel you’re on the set of a Wes Anderson movie or deep inside a Dominican jungle. Even the bathrooms are worth a visit.
The food is extremely tasty and creatively presented, with an array of pasta, meat, and fish dishes available in small, medium, and large portions. Though you should expect prices to be considerably higher compared to other restaurants in the area. The service is excellent, with attentive staff appearing just when needed. A highlight of the dining experience is the ceviche, which is served in a dish on a bed of dry ice.
Despite its popularity, Maraca operates under a strict curfew, so be sure to make reservations in advance and arrive early in order to ensure that you have time to enjoy your meal before they close.
Written by Diego Angeles.
Published December 2022.
A Touch of Haiti
Bring home a piece of Haiti’s wisdom with our gallery boards, each adorned with beautiful illustrations of traditional Haitian proverbs.
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