This Belgian-owned stylish restaurant offers an extensive international menu. All of the dishes are made with fresh ingredients and the wine list has been well chosen. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work and adds to the atmosphere.Calle Piano 1, Tavares, Sosúa • 29 342 8089 or 809 341 8551 • Open 6–11pm Wed–Sun • lunch by reservation only • over US$40
Dominican food is the specialty at this restaurant, which looks like a rustic dwelling. Opt for the fixed-price buffet, which is more extensive in the evening than at lunchtime, or eat à la carte. Dancers and musicians perform in native costume (for further details see El Conuco).Casimiro de Moya 152 • 809 686 0129 • Open 11:30am–midnight daily • over US$40
Housed in an old colonial building and known for both local and international dishes, especially seafood, this is a pleasant place to stop for lunch while sightseeing, or for dinner.Calle La Atarazana • 809 689 2900 • Open 11am–midnight Mon–Sat • US$20–US$30
Dine in a great setting – a natural cave, with strategic lighting in tunnels, and antechambers. La Cava is popular for steaks and seafood (for further details see Mesón de la Cava).Av Mirador del Sur 1 • 809 533 2818 • Open 9am–11pm Tue–Sun • over US$40
This high-class restaurant has a wonderful view of Santiago and the Cibao valley. Its delicious meat and fish dishes are very popular. There’s also a small hotel here (for further details see Rancho Camp David).Carretera Luperón 7.5 km • 809 276 6400 • Open from breakfast to dinner • US$30–US$40
Considered one of the best restaurants in the country, Mi Corazón exudes a typical colonial ambience. The menu fuses European and Dominican flavors and focuses mostly on seafood.Calle Duarte 7 (Principal), Esquina Carretera Coson, Las Terrenas, Samaná • 809 240 5329 • Open 7:30pm–midnight Tue–Sun • over US$40
Located in the Piantini district, this upscale restaurant is one of the best that Santo Domingo has to offer. The menu features burgers, churrasco steaks, exquisite racks of lamb, and fresh seafood.Paseo de los Locutores, Piantini • 809 620 1001 • Open 11am–midnight Sun–Thu, 11am–3am Fri & Sat • over US$40
A well-established bistro, popular with the upper-income residents, particularly for family Sunday lunches. The menu is a combination of Chinese, Dominican, and international dishes. The food and wines are excellent, and portions generous.Calle del Sol 43, Santiago de los Caballeros • 809 582 2518 • Open 9am–midnight daily • US$30–US$40
Situated in mountainous Jamaca de Dios, this restaurant has stunning views over the Cibao Valley from a 360-degree revolving platform. The menu features Dominican and international dishes made with organic produce grown in the owner’s garden.Jamaca de Dios • 829 452 6879 • 11am–10pm Sun–Thu, 11am–11pm Fri & Sat • over US$40
Located in a historic building, Pat’e Palo is said to be the oldest tavern in the Americas. European-style fish and meat dishes are served on a terrace that offers wonderful views over the Zona Colonial.Calle La Atarazana 25, Plaza España • 809 687 8089 • Open noon–1am daily • over US$40