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Some restaurants carry the tourist board's meson gastronómico designation. Such establishments specialize in typical island food. The eastern region has both formal restaurants, where reservations are necessary, and casual beachside eateries, where you can walk in unannounced in beach attire and have a fine meal of fresh fish. Bills generally don't include service charges, so a 15% tip is customary and expected. Most restaurants are open for dinner from late afternoon until about 10 pm.
Located in the Wyndham Grand Río Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort, Roots Coastal Kitchen serves Caribbean comfort food. It was developed by executive chef Ramón Carrillo in collaboration with top chef finalists Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth. The grilled swordfish with coconut sticky rice and kataifi wrapped shrimp is a signature dish. They have a selection of ice creams available for dessert, in the restaurant or at a busy to-go window.
