Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Santo Domingo is the bustling and tropical capital city of the Dominican Republic, a region which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Just as one would expect of an island town, it is served well by the aqua waters encompassing it, and fresh seafood abounds. Visitors can be taken on a Caribbean culinary journey here with a variety of uniquely flavored, traditional and tasty fish dishes on offer. Here’s our guide to the best seafood restaurants in Santo Domingo.
Muelle 47 Seafood Culture
Get caught up in the amiable atmosphere at Muelle 47 Seafood Culture, an establishment boasting an expansive menu and super friendly staff. Guests can choose from a range of delicious dishes such as whole fish, calamari and grilled octopus fillets to name but a few, all of which are beautifully presented on fine white china. Be sure to check out the dessert menu after a light and refreshing dinner, with options offered like homemade tiramisu, a choice charmingly served in a martini glass.
This is a relatively new restaurant to hit the Santo Domingo food scene, a fish joint and sushi bar bringing sophistication to the beachside. With freshness and quality at the forefront of business here, Kaofishop uses only the freshest morning catches for their menu creations. From clams to salmon sashimi to lobster, this venue offers a variety of plates complete with reasonable pricetags; a great place to come for a meal with friends.
The name of this restaurant encapsulates what it will be to its customers, a wonderful dining experience and theplace to try the tastiest seafood of the island. With friendly owners who really take the time to know customers, La Isla del Marisco provides an intimate, cozy setting in which to try a range of sea specialties, including king prawns, mussels and giant lobster.
If you’re a seafood lover seeking a flavor with greater depth, look no further than Michelangelo Restaurant. This establishment blends the best of Dominican sea delicacies with rich, authentic Italian recipes, resulting in a wealth of innovative dishes such as fresh fish crepes and salmon pasta. Another reason not to miss this spot, Michelangelo’s boasts a spacious and airy outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy a stunning view over the Spanish Plaza.
Don’t be deceived by the name of this restaurant; the venue is brimming with sumptuous seafood options just waiting to be sampled by hungry visitors. Roust Steakhouse doesserve a great surf and turf, with pork and steak plates grilled to perfection and served with tender roast vegetables. But visitors should not miss the specific fish dishes here, including the grilled white tuna and salmon cooked in orange and other citrus flavors, providing zingy versions of Caribbean classics. Doubling as a bar complete with state-of-the-art karaoke equipment, this is a top spot for a sangria and a few songs with friends.
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If seeking Mediterranean flavors whilst sunning in the Dominican Republic, then spend the evening overlooking the crystal Caribbean waters and dining at La Casita de Papi. Try the restaurant’s specialty dish, the shrimp and langostinos ‘a la Papi’, a spicy choice made with a prawn-like fish. Guests can also order from numerous other creations, including chargrilled red peppers stuffed with fresh cod. The laid-back ambiance of this venue and its ideal waterside location make it a romantic destination in which to relax and enjoy a tasty plate of seafood.
Sully
Come and get a delicious light lunch or a full three course dinner at Sully’s in Santo Domingo. The establishment prepares seafood in every way imaginable; fried, baked, seared, chargrilled, boiled, there’s something for every taste here. Try the Creole style octopus, the lobster boiled in cream or the shrimp in passion fruit sauce and you won’t be disappointed. Top a meal off with a selection from the large wine list, and don’t forget to end the meal with the dessert special, an option which changes frequently, making no two dining experiences alike here.
Vesuvio Malecon is a labor of love operated by one Italian family, a brood who became inspired by the beautiful shoreline, or malecon,of Santo Domingo. Serving traditional Italian cuisine centered strongly around seafood, guests can order delectable dishes such as pasta filled with crayfish tails, or the Mediterranean-style lobster, served in medallions with fresh tomato, white onion, olive oil and basil.
Nipau
Nipau prepares some of the most well-known Dominican seafood dishes and gives them a sleek, modern edge. With many Mediterranean fusion dishes, and a cozy, relaxing ambiance created by the low lighting and chic decor, this is the ideal restaurant for a business meeting between partners or a date night with a loved one. If you want to take your tastebuds on a delicious adventure then order the chef’s tasting menu and sample delicacies such as Creole oysters and spiced crab. Or if you want to take your dining experience into your own hands, try plates such as the white tuna, or the octopus served with a creamy tomato based sauce; either way, a night at Nipau will not disappoint. Address and telephone number:Max Henriquez Ureña #20, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, +1 809-540-3558
Yokomo successfully and deliciously brings together Japanese sushi flavors and Dominican seafood cuisine. If looking for something out of the ordinary, an option different to traditional sushi, try the sushi rolls mixed with sweet plantains here for an authentic Caribbean fusion dish. With every plate given a fun name, such as Californication, a king crab roll, or the Kamasutra, a salmon and shrimp roll, this restaurant is a crowd-pleaser in presentation, delivery and atmosphere.
Andrea Henthorn is a university student in Southern California currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and exploring the greater Los Angeles area, and of course, traveling. She has seen many parts of Europe and the contiguous United States, and hopes to add more places to that list someday.
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