13 minute read
For all the Foodies
Cabarete has quickly developed into one of the top foodie destinations in the Dominican Republic. With fresh local produce, seafood at every turn and amazing culinary talent with international flair, Cabarete can lay claim to a collection of everything. From iconic waterfront dining, fast-casual wallet and family friendly counter spots, neighborhood coffee shops and cafes, quirky hideaways, romantic settings and everything in between, Cabarete is a foodie’s dream.
Taste your way through town and discover some serious deliciousness! These next restaurants are just a few of our favorites:
NATURA CABANA
INDIAN, MEDITERRANEAN & ASIAN FUSION
LOCATION: PERLA MARINA | PHONE: 809 571 1507 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Courtesy of Natura Cabana
The Vibe: Tucked away in the Perla Marina neighborhood, pop in to Natura Cabana and experience the breath taking natural beauty of this beachfront hideaway just outside of the action-packed heart of Cabarete. With its eclectic décor, nature is the essence of the concept with lush surroundings and a real paradise feel. Enjoy fresh, Indian, Mediterranean and Asian fusion gourmet cuisine while listening to the soothing sounds of the sea.
Photo: Courtesy of Natura Cabana
Best For: Perfect for a romantic date night or special occasion with a group of family and friends. Vegan, vegetarian or gluten free? Natura Cabana has plenty of options for all dietary needs.
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Favorite Dish: Offering fresh seafood daily, the Tuna Tartare is a favorite – marinated in ginger, sesame and soy and served with fresh arugula straight from the garden!
THE BEACH CLUB
MEDITERRANEAN-MIDDLE EASTERN
LOCATION: SEA HORSE RANCH | PHONE: 809 571 4995 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Courtesy of The Beach Club
The Vibe: Spectacular oceanfront restaurant with panoramic views and one of the best settings for sunset dining in the area. The Beach Club was recently renovated with a sleek modern Caribbean feel, one of the best al fresco dining experiences in town. The menu has multiple influences from around the world fused with Caribbean flavors for eclectic twists on classic dishes.
Best For: Beautiful, friendly and relaxed, The Beach Club is a solid bet for a casual meal or a special occasion. The restaurant hosts live music events with local and international artists, and is a favorite for spending holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. At The Beach Club, you’ll feel right at home.
Favorite Dish: The Beach Club offers a nice selection of fresh salads, pasta, seafood, pizza and Dominican specialties, however one of the favorites is the classic Angus burger, arguably the best in town. The Beach Club is also a favorite spot for drinks, with a colorful and delicious cocktail and “mocktail” menu!
BLISS
MEDITERRANEAN-ITALIAN RESTAURANT
LOCATION: CALLEJON DE LA LOMA, CABARETE | PHONE: 829 701 7215 | DELIVERY: MON - SAT FROM 4-9PM
Photo: Amy S. Martin
The Vibe: Unassuming from the busy street at the entrance of Callejón De La Loma, come through the doors of Bliss restaurant and you’ll be personally welcomed by the owners into a cozy poolside sanctuary. Tranquil and romantic, Bliss is a true European dining experience in the heart of Cabarete.
Photo: Nicole Bleck
Best For: Open only for dinner, Bliss is a great pick for date night. Enjoy fresh seafood, pasta, homemade desserts and other Italian specialties in a candlelit poolside oasis. Favorite Dish: Definitely any of the homemade pastas and the warm chocolate lava cake!
BLUE MOON
INDIAN-CARIBBEAN FUSION
LOCATION: LA MINA, EAST OF CABARETE | PHONE: 809 757 0614 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Amy S. Martin
The Vibe: Sitting atop the foothills in the small village of La Mina, about 20 minutes east of Cabarete, Blue Moon is a unique Indian-Caribbean fusion restaurant, well known for feasts of up to 30 guests in an open-air thatched roof kiosk. Guests are instructed to remove their shoes and get comfortable on floor pillows where they will be served family style with banana leaves as plates and will use their hands as silverware. Reservations are a must and arrive just before sunset to take in the spectacular hillside views.
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Moon
Best For: Families and groups looking for a fun, out of the box dining experience.
Favorite Dish: The typical feast features vegetable pacoras, tandoori chicken, spicy vegetable curries, homemade chutneys, fresh salads, rice, a refreshing tropical dessert, coffee and tea. An experience you don’t want to miss!
SERENADE
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
LOCATION: HOTEL VILLA TAINA, CABARETE | PHONE: 809 571 0722 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Villa Taina
The Vibe: Right on the beach and open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Serenade at Villa Taina hotel is a great place to hang out in downtown Cabarete. With a fun and friendly staff, large menu and inviting cocktail bar, there’s something for everyone at Serenade.
Best For: Great for large groups and families. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beachfront breakfast, quick bite in between windsurfing sessions or beach volleyball, an authentic Cabarete dining experience with your toes in the sand or a happy hour cocktail before a night out, Serenade has it all.
Favorite Dish: The menu at Serenade is quite large but they have the best daily breakfast buffet in town. You also don’t want to miss Wednesday night’s Mongolian Grill and live music. An all you can eat buffet of fresh vegetables, proteins and sides, all cooked to order right in front of you!
YAMAZATO
ASIAN FUSION
LOCATION: OCEAN DREAM, CABARETE | PHONE: 809 571 0814 | DELIVERY: TUE - SAT FROM 12-8PM SUN FROM 3-8PM
Photo: Amy S. Martin
The Vibe: Who knew that Asia was so close to Cabarete? Yamazato Asian fusion cuisine will take you on a trip through the flavors and spices of Japan, China and Thailand right here in the DR. Their mouthwatering food is a favorite amongst the most finicky sushi connoisseurs. Enjoy their daily lunch special or put their sushi chefs to the test with a roll or two. It is safe to say that Yamazato is the best Asian restaurant not only in Cabarete, but on island!
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Best For: Authentic, fresh sushi with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in a fast, casual setting.
Favorite Dish: Kamakaze Roll, Spicy Tuna Tempura, Tuna Tataki and the Papaya Salad.
GORDITO’S
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
LOCATION: OCEAN DREAM, CABARETE | PHONE: 829 844 3434 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Amy S. Martin
The Vibe: Fast, casual, fun and friendly, Gorditos is perfect for picking up a quick lunch or dinner or meeting up with friends. An order-at-a-counter-style Mexican restaurant featuring fresh, local ingredients has something for the whole family. Sharing outdoor dining space with neighboring sushi restaurant, Yamazato, it’s also a great choice for families or groups who may be craving different things with two options right there!
Best For: Simple, fresh, fast and delicious Mexican food. Great for families and groups in a casual setting.
Favorite Dish: Fresh caught every day and served till they run out, the fish tacos are a local favorite.
LA CASITA DE DON ALFREDO PAPI
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
LOCATION: CABARETE BEACH | PHONE: 809 986 3750 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Amy S. Martin
The Vibe: The quintessential Cabarete dining experience right on the beach with your toes in the sand, La Casita has been a town staple for more than 20 years. Offering a daily selection of fresh seafood and a simple, elegant menu, La Casita is a shining example of what makes dining out in Cabarete truly unique.
Best For: Experiencing a true Cabarete dining experience. Great for a special occasion and large groups.
Favorite Dish: Shrimp or Langoustines “Papi Style” is a must.
CABARETE COFFEE CO.
COFFEE SHOP
LOCATION: BAHIA DE ARENA, CABARETE | PHONE: 809 571 0919 | DELIVERY: TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Photo: Amy S. Martin
The Vibe: Run by the nonprofit organization, The Mariposa DR Foundation, this spot is your friendly neighborhood coffee shop with great food, air conditioning, and lots of information! The best thing - every dollar spent here goes directly to programs educating and empowering local girls.
Photo: Sebastiano Massimino
Best For: Working remotely? Set up a satellite office while sipping organic shade grown Dominican coffee and have a good old American breakfast, sandwich or salad while enjoying the air conditioning and free wifi. Looking for some local insight on what to do in town or more information on local organizations doing good? The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Cabarete Coffee is your best bet. Also a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs and support a great cause!
Favorite Dish: The Mexican Omelette made with farm fresh eggs and served with avocado, pico de gallo, homemade salsa, potatoes and French bread is a must-have. We also love the gluten-free waffles, topped with homemade whipped cream, which are the best on the island. And it goes without saying that the organic coffee is worth a stop on its own!
FRESH FRESH CAFÉ
FAST GRABS
LOCATION: CABARETE Main Street | PHONE: 809 571 0283 | DELIVERY: NOT AVAILABLE
Photo: Courtesy of Fresh Fresh Cafe
The Vibe: Hip downtown cafe with fresh and simple juices, smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls. Started by a husband and wife team in search of options for fresh, healthy and fast meals, Fresh Fresh has a vibrant annd homey feel, often buzzing with locals catching up with friends and business associates right in the middle of downtown.
Photo: Courtesy of Fresh Fresh Cafe
Best For: Grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break, a business meeting or something fresh, fast and filling before an afternoon on the beach!
Photo: Courtesy of Fresh Fresh Cafe
Favorite Dish: Fresh Fresh’s signature bowls are surely the most popular. Try the El Bombai wrap or bowl filled with a flavorful combination of chicken cooked in spices, basmati rice, yogurt sauce, mango chutney, onions and cilantro.
CHEZ ARSENIO
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
LOCATION: OCEAN PALMS, ENCUENTRO | PHONE: 809 302 6955 | DELIVERY: MON - FRI FROM 11AM-8PM & SAT - SUN FROM 11AM-6PM
Photo: Courtesy of Chez Arsenio
The Vibe: Tucked away in the newly renovated Ocean Palms property at Encuentro Beach, Chez Arsenio is a longstanding Cabarete restaurant in a new location! With lots of new development, Encuentro Beach is rapidly growing into a friendly and popular neighborhood, just outside of downtown Cabarete.
Photo: Courtesy of Chez Arsenio
Best For: Fresh seafood options and a change of Cabarete scenery. Great for groups and relaxed nights out.
Favorite Dish: The daily selection of fresh fish is always great here, but don’t miss out on the filet mignon.
DOMINICAN STYLE FOOD
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
African, Spanish, Taíno, and Middle Eastern flavors come together to make up traditional Dominican dishes. You’ll often hear the Dominican Republic being referred to as the “bread basket” of the Caribbean because most locals grow, farm and catch almost everything they eat.
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Atraditional breakfast would consist of “Mangú” (fried eggs, fried salami, fried cheese and sometimes avocado). This is called “Los Tres Golpes” or “The Three Hits”. The largest, most important meal of the day is lunch. Its most typical form, nicknamed “La Bandera” (“The Flag”), consists of rice, red beans and meat (beef, chicken, pork, or fish), sometimes accompanied by a side of salad.
What Dominicans tend to eat depends highly on where they live – whether near the sea or in the mountains. Visit a local home and it is quite common to have an outdoor kitchen where you will find large pots of stewed chicken, pork or beef with rice and beans to feed the entire family. In a seaside fishing village, you’re more likely to find a great variety of seafood – shrimp, crabs and mahi-mahi or dorado.
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Walking through the neighborhood or driving in the countryside, you’re likely to pass a roadside stand with different types of meat hanging in the open air. People tend to shop in the morning for what is fresh that day as many local homes are without refrigeration.
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Photo: Amy S. Martin
(lo-cree-oh)
Most commonly known as “Arroz con Pollo” in other Latin American countries. Locrio is a popular, satisfying and delicious local Dominican dish. Similar to paella, this combination of chicken and rice is often enjoyed for lunch and best eaten at home-style restaurants or if possible, a Dominican home. Like paella, the rice at the bottom, called “concon”, should be browned but not burnt. Until you’ve mastered the art of perfectly toasting the “concon”, you’re not considered a good cook!
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Work on your culinary skills and try this recipe for authentic Locrio to bring the flavor of the Dominican Republic home with you!
INGREDIENTS
• 4 pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cubanelle pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. crushed garlic
• ¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 c. green pepper, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• ¼ c. vinegar
• 5 tbsp. cooking oil
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 6 c. water
• ¼ tsp. oregano
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 c. canned crushed tomato
• 4 c. long-grain white rice
PREPARATION
Photo: Amy S. Martin
Place chicken pieces in large bowl. Add cubanelle, onion, garlic, cilantro, green pepper, celery, and vinegar. Stir well and marinate 10 minutes.
In large pot over medium high heat, warm oil and add sugar. Stir occasionally, allowing sugar to bubble and brown.
Remove chicken from marinade and add to the pot. Turn occasionally until browned and partially cooked through, 15 minutes.
Add vegetables and any accumulated juices from bowl. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.
Add water, oregano, black pepper, salt, and bouillon, stir and bring to a boil.
Add tomato and rice, stir well, reduce heat to low, and cover pot.
Simmer, covered, until rice is cooked through and all liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
