published: Saturday, January 18, 2024
While in the Dominican Republic, I've had numerous opportunities to explore various restaurants. Here are my impressions and top picks. Let's begin with the local cuisine and see where most of my money was spent. (Just kidding but not really)
Ricon Cocolo - authentic cocolo restaurant since 1903
address: C. Zayas Bazán 72, San Pedro de Macorís 21000, Dominican Republic
This restaurant captures the essence of traditional cocolo culture, offering a menu filled with interesting, homemade dishes that are authentic to the ones that the english slaves made back in the day. The dish included rice, beans, delicious chicken, fish, and veggies. You can't go wrong with chicken in the Dominican.
We tried Mabi, a strong fermented drink that tasted like a combination of all the island's fruit with a strong aftertaste. A student described the aftertaste as "gasoline," an image I couldn't shake! I didn't drink much of it, but I'm glad I got to discover something new.
Next, we had Yaniqueques. They were one of my favorite local dishes on the trip. Yaniqueques are round, fried dough.
Sancocho
Sancocho is one of the signature dish of the Dominican Republic. It's a traditional stew which contains pork, beef, and chicken (which does include chicken feet), cilantro, oregano, chicken bouillon, MSG, plantains, squash, carrots, potatoes, yam, and yucca. While this was not one of my favorite, the broth was rich in taste. It's a dish that is perfect to share and one that you must try in the Dominican.
Casa Barista - Coffee Co
One of my favorite spot in the Zona Colonial was the Casa Barista which is the perfect cafe for a simple and healthy meal, or to enjoy a drink and get some work or emails done as the good wifi can be harder to come by! Casa Barista welcomes guests with its extended hours, opening its doors bright and early at 7:00 AM and staying open until 10:00 PM, a great place for anytime of day.
The menu is 100% gluten free, and also has great options for vegetarians. I've ordered the Squash Cream Soup and the Moroccan Chicken Bowl which are filled with flavor and spices. To top it off, I tried their Chai Latte, which is much richer and more spice-forward than the versions commonly found in the United States. My friends also ordered the asian tuna salad which was another fresh and savory dish.
SugarCane - La Casa Del Ron
Located near the busy plaza, SugarCane was a spot I wanted to discover for its unique rum (ron in Spanish) cocktails. It offers a charming view of the Cathedral, accompanied by a playlist of english hits from a few years ago.
My friends and I decided to try two standout cocktails: the Fresh Cane, a refreshing blend of white rum, white wine, cane juice, apple, and green tea, and the Fiesta Cola, a vibrant concoction featuring artisanal hibiscus flower, aged rum, coconut cream, natural chinola (passion fruit) pulp, guavaberry, and edible hydrated hibiscus flowers. Both drinks were as visually stunning as they were delicious! Lastly, my friend ordered a Caña Brava which included natural beet liqueur, lemon juice, a few drops of tabasco and aged rum. Cocktails were on the pricier side from those found in the Zona Colonial but worth a try ($449 pesos or around 8$ with the service charge).
We also indulged in a selection of tapas that perfectly complemented the atmosphere and our drinks. The Trapiche de Pollo was a delightful dish of tender, flavorful chicken with a hint of spice, while the Macuticos del Cañero offered a unique twist on savory bites, bursting with rich and satisfying flavors. We couldn’t resist trying both the Cesta de Croquetas de Espinas, which featured creamy, melt-in-your-mouth croquettes made with spinach, and the Cesta de Croquetas de Chorizo, a bold and savory take on the classic, packed with the smoky essence of chorizo.
Currico Pizza Al Taglio
If you stay long enough in the Dominican Republic, as I have, you might find yourself yearning for the comforting taste of pizza. Fortunately, I discovered a hidden gem that perfectly satisfies this craving: Currico Pizza Al Taglio. This remarkable establishment is not just a pizzeria; it is a haven for pizza lovers who appreciate the art of Italian-style pizza served al taglio, which translates to "by the cut."
The pizzas at Currico are nothing short of amazing! The dough is prepared with care, allowing it to rise perfectly, resulting in a light and airy crust that is both crispy and chewy. I got a simple peperoni slice and obviously had to try the nutella one for dessert.
Naturo Ramen Rd
This one is for my brother. (Hi Gabriel, if you're reading this). I'll always enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen, and you'll be pleased to know there's an excellent spot in the Zona Colonial. This small stand, located just outside a souvenir shop, is perfect for ramen and dumpling enthusiasts. It's open from 4 to 10 pm, and the prices are very reasonable. Expect to pay about $5 for a bowl of ramen and $5 for 8 dumplings.
Sweets and Desserts:
Zona Creps
Address: Isabel La Católica 104, Santo Domingo 10210
It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your late-night sweet cravings, offering an array of delicious treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic crepe, a refreshing frappe, or my personal favorite—a waffle stick drizzled in Nutella or your choice of dip and topped with your favorite toppings—this place has you covered. And the best part? It’s all incredibly affordable at just $180 pesos for a waffle stick (around $3 USD).
Helados Bon
Lastly, Helados Bon is a popular chain of ice cream shops that has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for frozen treats in the Dominican Republic. While they offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors, their frozen yogurt steals the show. With an impressive selection of mix-ins to customize your dessert, it’s no surprise that Bon is a favorite among locals—a true sign that this spot is worth visiting.
When it comes to my frozen yogurt combo, I love blending coconut, chocolate, and pineapple for a refreshing and indulgent treat. It's a great place for another late night snacks or to refresh oneself after a sunny day.
Thank you so much for reading!
If you had to pick among local foods, which one would you love to try first?
Yaniqueques
Sancocho
Cocktail from SugarCane
Helados Bon
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