5 Best Restaurants in Southeast Coast, Dominican Republic

This remarkable Italian-Dominican seafood restaurant continues to be the "in" spot for the young, fun, and moneyed locals as well as in-the-know visitors. The best all-over experience of the Boca beach restaurants, it extends onto a pier with palapas and lots of white draping. Guests go for a swim off the expanded deck, although there is no beach. (A consolation: free Wi-Fi.) You may be greeted by the effusive host and owner; the veteran waiters are professionals. The menu is vast, with lots of creative and classic preparations of delectable mariscos (shellfish), including octopus and lobster. Most of the seafood is 100% fresh and local, some imported. Top-shelf margaritas are fantástico, and there's also an admirable wine list. Breakfast is served here.

Pelicano has an enviable deck with chaise longues and even Balinese sun beds both right in the clear water and on the beach. The least expensive of the Boca Chica trio of waterfront restaurants, and the only one with a beach, the fairly simple menu features good bets like lobster bisque and any fresh fish on the plancha (grill). Las Américas Airport is just 15 minutes away, making this an ideal place for a long layover, so grab a piña colada and have a swim.

On the waterfront, La Casita (a spin-off of the original in La Romana's downtown) has a contemporary feel; at night dramatic lighting positioned over waterfront tables casts a beautifying glow. Professional waiters guide you through the menu of pastas, risottos, shellfish stew, and paella, which reflects the Spanish owner's heritage. Prices can be high, but many main courses are large enough to be shared. The restaurant is included in the all-inclusive plan for guests of Casa de Campo and is one of the better choices.

Ask for a waterfront table and be adamant that you do not want to sit near the kitchen door.

This unpretentious restaurant's Eastern European owner has gained a loyal following among the expat set for his cuisine, which is paired with German and Belgian beers, grappa, cognacs, and good half-bottles of wine. The rustic, two-story palapa offers romantic seating topside, on the sand, or in the open-air dining room. The bilingual menu is well priced. Most seafood comes off one of the moored boats, so you can order the ceviche with confidence. The mixed grilled shellfish is enough for two and can include a lobster from the tank. Sunday offers a locally popular barbecue, which can be overcrowded. You'll find the best service at dinner, but lunch midweek is calm, and you can find a lounge chair and go for a swim.

Although the name may sound as Italian as amore, this restaurant's menu is more eclectic than Italian. It has a classy, contemporary white-dominated decor in a dreamy marina setting. Strolling musicians perpetuate the mood, the moored yachts provide people-watching. Astounding appetizers are found under the Asian section, like the sweet plantain roll or the Peperoni roll. Pasta dishes and risottos with rock shrimp or porcini taste authentic, and the more inventive items—such as homemade pear-and-goat-cheese ravioli with pine nuts—are delectable. Pulpo (octopus) with fava beans stewed in limoncello vinaigrette is highly recommended. You can also opt for stylishly simple charcoal-grilled steaks (sauce or no), burgers, gourmet wood-oven pizzas, sandwiches, or even sushi and sashimi. Desserts are worthy here. There have been some complaints that food quality is not what it once was.