Punta Cana, Dominican Republic- Jeep Safari Adventure. Photo by: Punta Cana Just Safari- Wikimedia.

10 Best non-touristy restaurants in Punta Cana


 

Punta Cana is amongst the most stunning islands in the Caribbean. Punta Cana is a must-see vacation spot because of its beautiful tropical environment.

If you’re looking for a beach holiday or to spend time watching shows or sea animals or participating in water-related activities, the Dominican Republic will not disappoint.

However, with so much to do, deciding how to spend your vacation can be difficult. A visit to the Dominican Republic’s excellent restaurants would not be complete without one.

The resort’s multifaceted restaurants are not to be overlooked, from high-class establishments run by celebrity chefs to restaurants specializing in Asian, French, or Mexican cuisine.

Here are some of the best non-touristy restaurants in Punta Cana to try that will give you the holiday you’ve always wanted. Continue reading for more information.

1. Wacamole

After you’ve tried traditional Dominican cuisine, try experimenting with flavors from Central America and the Caribbean.

Straight from Cancún – Mexican hipsters hauled a tortilla machine from home and smuggle in habaneros on a regular basis, adding authenticity to this fun, open-air taqueria.

Spicy salsas will make your nose run, while classic Mexican street tacos (al pastor, fish, carne asada), as well as wild cards like lobster ceviche, are made from scratch with natural ingredients.

It also has a great bar with top-shelf tequilas (Patrón, Herradura). Live music is performed at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Open: Sunday- Saturday

Cuisine: Mexican

Service options: ¶Ù¾±²Ô±ð-¾±²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Õ²¹°ì±ð²¹·É²¹²â&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;¶Ù±ð±ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²â

Av Alemania Entre, C. Aruba, 23000, Dominican Republic

2. La Yola

La Yola, a AAA Three Diamond Award winner, was named after the yola, or small, local fishing boats from which their skilled seafood is caught.
 
The menu is a blend of Mediterranean and Caribbean influences provided in a space designed after a fisherman’s boat and resting directly on the sea with spectacular views of the ocean.
 
Cocktails and other beverages can be enjoyed, particularly during happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.
 
Open: Sunday- Saturday

Cuisine: Mediterranean and Caribbean

Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway

Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

3. La Palapa by Eden Rock

California Sushi. Photo by: Tim Reckmann- Wikimedia.

Sushi, seafood, or Italian cuisine? La Palapa by Eden Rock provides them all while enticing guests with the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.

La Palapa by Eden Rock is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic.

Delicious dishes on the menu entailing grilled octopus with boiled parsley potatoes, homemade pasta with tomato sauce, eggplant, dry ricotta, and mint, grilled baby lobster, and new-style red tuna sashimi with hot sesame oil.

Open: Sunday- Saturday

Cuisine: Mediterranean and Niçoise

Service options: Dine-in

FH2H+65W, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

4. La Cava Kitchen and Bar

La Cava is ideal for those looking for a much more exclusive and private experience.

La Cava is ideal for wine experts, providing guests with the great chance to dine alongside one of the Caribbean region’s best wine collections.

Thousands of bottles from around the world, including French, Spanish, South American, and Italian wines, make a wonderful environment and a lavish evening of fine cuisine and magnificent wines.

La Cava only seats six people at a time, making it a unique and romantic dining experience.

Open: Sunday- Saturday

Cuisine: Fusion

Service options: ¶Ù¾±²Ô±ð-¾±²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Õ²¹°ì±ð²¹·É²¹²â&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;¶Ù±ð±ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²â

Galerias de PUNTACANA, Puntacana Village, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

5. The Jellyfish Restaurant

Seafood delicacies. Photo by: Wayang Putra- Wikimedia.

Jellyfish, a long-time favourite in Bávaro, is a fusion of organic ingredients that culminates in a relaxing beach setting. It specialises in fresh fish from local fishermen and shellfish dishes, bringing the best flavours of the Dominican Republic to the table.

Jellyfish is one of Punta Cana’s most popular restaurants among tourists visiting this part of the Dominican Republic. 

Jellyfish, a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence winner in 2013, also offers a good selection of international dishes in addition to its fish-based menu and in a scenic setting at affordable prices..

This romantic restaurant is a popular choice for couples and is regarded as one of the best wedding venues in Punta Cana.

Open: Sunday- Saturday 

Cuisine: Seafood

Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery

13700 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507, United States

6. Zen

Bowl full of noodles with marinated beef, bok choy, celery and green pea shoots. Photo by: Jiaqian AirplaneFan- Wikimedia.

Zen, as the name implies, brings Asian cuisine to Punta Cana. The restaurant, which specializes in Chinese and Japanese dishes, offers visitors a complete and one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience, as its chefs put on a real show by cooking the dishes in an open space in front of the guests.

Sushi, miso soup, yakimeshi, beef and teppanyaki, or fried ice cream are on the menu for those who enjoy Chinese or Japanese cuisine.

Open: Sunday- Saturday 

Cuisine: Chinese

Service options: ¶Ù¾±²Ô±ð-¾±²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Õ²¹°ì±ð²¹·É²¹²â

Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

7. Las Leñas 

Las Leas is an unforgettable stop for those who enjoy sophisticated pastries. It is improved and has a great reputation for being the best bakery in Punta Cana.

Las Leas, which opened in 1998 as a small cafe and bakery for the local community, quickly became a guideline for Punta Cana’s culinary scene, as well as an awesome opportunity for visitors to enter an authentic local meeting place.

Las Leas, known for its strong, flavourful coffee and signature wedding cakes, also serves traditional breakfasts, sandwiches, and, of course, a long list of decadent and tempting pastries, ranging from flans, tarts, and cakes to pies and choux to more local recipes.

Open: Sunday- Saturday 

Cuisine: Bakery

Service options: ¶Ù¾±²Ô±ð-¾±²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Õ²¹°ì±ð²¹·É²¹²â Â· No delivery

 
Av. España Gran Plaza Friusa #1 (0,14 km) 23301, Punta Cana 23301, Dominican Republic

8. Big Marlin Charters 

Dine underneath the a palapa-shaded table on a wharf with a view of the Caribbean’s soothing waters. The restaurant’s small fleet of fishing boats navigates the waters in search of fresh fish, which are then served to you on a daily basis.

A wide range of seafood dishes are available, as well as traditional Dominican areas of expertise.

Open: Sunday- Saturday 

Cuisine: Seafood

Service options: ¶Ù¾±²Ô±ð-¾±²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Õ²¹°ì±ð²¹·É²¹²â

Calle 1, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

9. Hard Rock Cafe

The Hard Rock Cafe, a tourist favorite, is ideally placed in Palma Real Shopping Village, an upscale mall in Bávaro. Enjoy its signature authentic rock environment as well as great American fare inspired by the location and regional cuisine.

Stop by for a delicious meal or a refreshing cocktail while listening to live music or simply relaxing on the outdoor patio.

Open: Sunday- Saturday 

Cuisine: American

Service options: ¶Ù¾±²Ô±ð-¾±²Ô&²Ô²ú²õ±è;·&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Õ²¹°ì±ð²¹·É²¹²â Â· No delivery

Plaza Downtown, Blvd. Turístico del Este, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic

10. Chez Mon Ami Restaurant Francais & Lounge Bar

Chez Mon Ami provides a taste of distant France in the heart of the Dominican Republic, ensuring high quality at affordable prices. Chez Mon Ami, which received a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013, is the best option for those looking for a break from Caribbean cuisine and a taste of Europe.

The restaurant offers escargots, Caesar salad, beef carpaccio, shrimp cocktail, and fondue bourguignonne, as well as a variety of seafood specialties such as the dorade du chef or fresh lobster, cooked to each customer’s preferences.

Open: Sunday- Saturday 

Cuisine: French/European

Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway

 
Av. Alemania 300, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
 

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