2 Best Restaurants in North Coast, Dominican Republic

Babanuco Bar & Restaurant

$$

If you are looking for a rustic hideaway with great food, this may be your place. The "furniture" might be a tree stump, decoration a cow horn; tablecloths are raw burlap; the floor is dirt. Men sidle up to the bar, which looks like a western movie set, smoking Dominican cigars (bought here). The food served up by chef-owner Juan Alberto, is why they come: flavorful and authentic, the seafood is always a star. Look for langoustines and lambi (conch), pulpo (octopus) and land crab, not to mention the freshest fish. Juan goes that extra mile in his preparations, far beyond the ubiquitous creole sauce you find in most Dominican fish joints. If you come with a group, Juan may even hire musicians to entertain.

Off Carretera Río San Juan–Cabrera Entrada de Saltadero, Cabrera, Dominican Republic
829-338–8707
Known For
  • vintage license plates hanging in the bar
  • mixed crowd---locals, expats and tourists
  • steak and shrimp are the primary proteins in this funky place
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues., No credit cards

Tuva Restaurant & Lounge

$$

The oceanfront vantage point of this Cabarete Beach restaurant is one of its main selling points, but the whimsical kids' corner with its Alice in Wonderland theme doesn't hurt either. The menu features house-made pasta, seafood and grilled meats, all prepared with Mediterranean flair. For dessert go for the panna cotta and/or the tiramisu al limoncello.

5700, Cabarete, Dominican Republic
809-571–0526
Known For
  • sophisticated fine dining atmosphere
  • house-made pastas
  • desserts from panna cotta to tiramisu al limoncello