3 Best Restaurants in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Hotel concierges still recommend this Malecón institution for Dominican food (it's now a local chain of four), although it has been branded as fast food. It's touristy, yes, but Dominicans still make up the majority of customers. Start with mojitos at sunset. The three-tiered, outdoor setting overlooking the sea is unique here. Opt for the excellent sancocho (a rich, meaty stew), mofongo (stuffed mashed plantains), or sopa de pescado (fish soup). Breakfast and lunch (a buffet) is served, as well as dinner: it's open 24 hours, and the clubbers come calling for late-night sancocho. The prices are reasonable, but the service is, unfortunately, somewhat inconsistent Be careful crossing the street here: use the crosswalk, and at night on the Malecón be alert for sketchy characters.

Hotel concierges still recommend this Malecón institution for Dominican food (it's now a local chain of four), although it has been branded as fast food. It's touristy, yes, but Dominicans still make up the majority of customers. Start with mojitos at sunset. The three-tiered, outdoor setting overlooking the sea is unique here. Opt for the excellent sancocho (a rich, meaty stew), mofongo (stuffed mashed plantains), or sopa de pescado (fish soup). Breakfast and lunch (a buffet) is served, as well as dinner: it's open 24 hours, and the clubbers come calling for late-night sancocho. Service is, unfortunately, somewhat inconsistent. Be careful crossing the street here: use the crosswalk, and at night on the Malecón be alert.

For some 45 years, this popular restaurant, where baseball is invariably on the TV at the bar, has been feeding the local Zoners what their grandmothers used to make. It's still a hangout for artists, baseball players, politicians, businesspeople, tourists, and even unaccompanied gringas, who feel comfortable here. Really flavorful dishes include creole-style eggplant, empanadas of crab and conch, grilled crabs and chivo (goat). Prices are up even though the culinary ambition is not. You'll hear bachata and American music from decades past (think "Moonglow"). If you want a quieter atmosphere, go upstairs.