6 Best Restaurants in Samana Peninsula, Dominican Republic

The simple, off-the-grid palapa seems to exhale with a breezy, unbothered joviality; bring your camera: from this cliffside perch the sea eagle's view of endless ocean makes you feel as if you're at the edge of the world (and in season it's ideal for whale-watching). The menu offers something more creative than the standard fish in coconut sauce: delicious calamari, seafood paella or stew, or stir-fried squid or conch. Vegetarians are well accommodated, too, but you have to call in advance if you want fresh fish, lobster, or paella. The long wait for your food is best done in a hammock. Remote, it's a rough ride up coastal dirt roads but still accessible with a regular vehicle. You can even stay overnight, as there are several cabanas and a renovated tree house.

This modest gastropub has an international menu ranging from Thai beef salad to great burgers with authentic Belgian frites. While meats dominate the menu, fish is not neglected, and you won't be disappointed if you go surf instead of turf. The Caribbean rum cocktails that are served up in frosty, metal mugs are creativity personified. The service is sometimes haphazard, but that doesn't seem to keep anyone from coming back. They also have gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. 

The whitewashed, Victorian-style restaurant edged with gingerbread fretwork is as charming as any beachfront dining spot in town. One of the original—and still most popular—restaurants in Las Terrenas, the Mediterranean-inspired menu, although not wildly inventive, is consistently good. The octopus is especially delicious, as are the specials. A surprisingly good wine selection is in the wine cooler.

Smack in the middle of Las Terrenas town but on the quiet beach, this social restaurant has French savoir faire, from its contemporary bar with its stainless shine to the cushy couches and Asian beds. Classical French cuisine is coupled with Caribbean flair. The fish all but swim onto your white geometric plate, and the artistry that comes out of this kitchen is quite contemporary. The catch of the day or wiggly fresh lobster are all good choices. And if you adore profiteroles, this is one of the few places where you will find them. When the bill comes, you'll still be smiling since the prices are pleasing.

This jaw-dropping, beachfront beauty is one of the better players in the ever-evolving, European-accented restaurant scene in Las Terrenas. The nautically themed dining room is by the well-known Dominican designer Patricia Reid. Smart servers take pride in providing the kind of service that normally is found only in Santo Domingo's finest restaurants. Though beautiful, the setting is decidedly casual; in between courses, guests who come in their cover-ups can dive into the crystalline waters just past the seagrape trees. The Peruvian-influenced cuisine has roots in Italian cooking, with Asian undertones, and focuses primarily on fresh seafood, including delightful Peruvian-style ceviche. The wine cave is impressive as well.

In low season the hours are cut back some.

This locally owned restaurant serves no-frills traditional food done right. Located just off the main strip, the local gem draws both travelers and locals to dine together under its palm roof. In fact, photos on the wall show owners, Evelyn and David, posing with local politicians (including some former presidents) and national celebrities. The fish is fresh and locally sourced and is always worth the wait when there is one, though service is usually efficient and warm. Portion sizes are good and prices are relatively cheap.