7 Best Restaurants in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

For some 45 years, this popular restaurant, where baseball is invariably on the TV at the bar, has been feeding the local Zoners what their grandmothers used to make. It's still a hangout for artists, baseball players, politicians, businesspeople, tourists, and even unaccompanied gringas, who feel comfortable here. Really flavorful dishes include creole-style eggplant, empanadas of crab and conch, grilled crabs and chivo (goat). Prices are up even though the culinary ambition is not. You'll hear bachata and American music from decades past (think "Moonglow"). If you want a quieter atmosphere, go upstairs.

This formerly old-fashioned and elegant restaurant has morphed into something much more contemporary, but has still retained many of its old-world touches. Each bite is a sensory explosion; a sushi bar complements the grill menu, which offers both fish and foie gras. Prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a classy environment—there are even gourmet burgers. End your meal with a slice of warm guava cheesecake and an aged port. If you want to smoke, you'll have to take a seat on the outdoor terrace. You can join the young and beautiful at the granite bar until 2 am on Friday and Saturday (11 pm the rest of the week). Signature cocktails are as attractive as they are heady.

Look for a sign that says simply "SBG." 

Hotel concierges still recommend this Malecón institution for Dominican food (it's now a local chain of four), although it has been branded as fast food. It's touristy, yes, but Dominicans still make up the majority of customers. Start with mojitos at sunset. The three-tiered, outdoor setting overlooking the sea is unique here. Opt for the excellent sancocho (a rich, meaty stew), mofongo (stuffed mashed plantains), or sopa de pescado (fish soup). Breakfast and lunch (a buffet) is served, as well as dinner: it's open 24 hours, and the clubbers come calling for late-night sancocho. Service is, unfortunately, somewhat inconsistent. Be careful crossing the street here: use the crosswalk, and at night on the Malecón be alert.

Spread across two stories, this restaurant has a beautiful garden-like setting that embraces traditional Dominican charm. The high-end Dominican cuisine on offer elevates conventional dishes with local ingredients and a unique flair---try the sancocho, a traditional meat and vegetable stew. The cocktails capture Dominican flavors in every glass. Live music on weekends adds to the experience.

This kid-friendly restaurant/bakery looks like a French café where chic patrons do lunch. It's buzzing for all three meals (it's the "in" brunch place for residents of this fashionable Piantini neighborhood), and happily, it's moderately priced, even for apps the size of mains, and generous dishes such as one of the croque madames (perhaps with pulled pork added) or eggs Benedict. At breakfast, they squeeze your juice and tempt you with house-made croissants and beignets. For lunch there's grilled sausages and such sides as homemade waffle-cut fries in silver baskets. Dinner includes delicious mofonguitos (plantain cups filled with veal osso buco). Signature desserts are luscious. If only the service was so good. Try to snag a seat on the less noisy terrace.

Mix, match, and compartir (share) is the thought behind this trendy restaurant in an apartment tower that is still packing in the well-heeled capitaleños. It's a place with a fun atmosphere best enjoyed with a group, though you might want your very own tamarind-grilled chicken salad. Italian-Dominican influences often prevail in the main courses; vegetarians will be pleased to know they have options, too. The cultivated wine list offers many fine Italian and Spanish bottles and there's a signature sangria. To finish, go grappa. Family-friendly, with a convivial bar and a late-night scene, this is a crowd-pleaser and always packed.

Check out the new casual sister restaurant, Market.

Ideally located on Plaza de España across from the Alcázar de Colón, this restaurant has a good claim to being the first tavern in the New World (the building itself is 500 years old) and capitalizes on its historic heritage. The terrace is perfect for watching free cultural performances across from the plaza while dining alfresco from the contemporary, gastro-fusion menu. Tasting menus and cuisine-related events are also offered. The wine list is impressive but pricey; you can enjoy an after-dinner cigar from the humidor if you're so inclined.