Restaurant Guide: where to eat and what to avoid in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Cabarete’s most unique feature is the incredible beachfront stacked with restaurants and bars in the sand. While many towns center around a main street, Cabarete’s main street is really the beachfront. In this guide, we will share our favorites both on the beach and off, along with some that you may want to try but come with an asterisk.
Some things to know about dining in the DR and Cabarete:
- Most places in Cabarete take credit card or cash
- Some places like Danny’s do NOT include the 18% tax in their pricing so add 18% on top of every item
- Some places charge an additional 10% that they name “legal”. Don’t be fooled by this, it is a service charge aka tip. Tipping on top of “legal” is not necessary. Some places like Danny’s also charge 10% on top of every item. Most menus explicitly state that tax and “legal” are included in the price
Food Delivery Service
There is a new app called Komida that is quickly taking over Cabarete for delivery. Be sure to download the Komida app – many places even accept credit card via the app for a small fee.
Beachfront dining
Mojitos
Mojitos is really an institution in Cabarete. Always the most crowded on every night of the week, Mojitos takes no reservations and offers diners an extensive casual menu. Aptly named, their mojitos are the best on the beach. No other place on the beach offers as low pricing with as consistent quality. Check out their daily specials menus that typically come with a free mojito and fries.
Some of our favorite dishes are the Lorenzo Bruschetta, Camarones al Ajillo, Dominican Mixed Fried and the Taiwan salad. Mojitos is a must-do in Cabarete. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it’s worth it.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ✅
For delivery contact Mojitos via Whatsapp: (829) 723-5534
Ula Norte
Bahia Bazaar took over the former ULA restaurant. They are most well known for their nightlife and DJ sets later in the evenings when the chill bar becomes a real party. This is a good spot for appetizers and sunset cocktails as well as a day lounging on the beach, but note that their concept is quite confusing. The bar is a separate entity and does take credit card. However each dining outlet within the bazaar is a separate check and most do not accept credit card. The best way to dine at Bahia Bazaar is to order from one outlet only to avoid confusion and paying many different bills separately.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Ojo
Ojo is one of the most happening places on the beach in Cabarete. Ojo is a restaurant, yes, but it is more focused on its club. The food is not fantastic, but the cocktails are good and strong and after 10pm, it becomes a real party.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ✅
Front Loop
Front Loop is the perfect spot during the day to grab a beach chair and watch the kite boarders in Cabarete bay. They feature good light bites, like ceviches and pricey but decent cocktails.Their vibe is always fun and playful and it’s a great place to hang for the day if you are there to kite or just people watch!
Front Loop does also serve breakfast after 10am (not 7am as google still says). Their breakfast ranges, but mostly around 300 pesos per dish. Coffee is great, American style at 75 pesos.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ❌
Pomodoro
While service is not their strong suit, the pizzas and pastas are pretty good. Pomodoro is the only true Italian restaurant on the beach in Cabarete and does have a great assortment. Their seating is not ideal from the comfort perspective, but if you’re craving a good pizza with a view, this is your spot. They’re also know for their cute Gelato stand!
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ✅
For delivery contact Pomodoro via Whatsapp: (809) 602-3816 — their menu: https://pomodoro-pizzeria.herokuapp.com/
Voy Voy
The food is not their best feature, but they do have a great come-one-come-all open mic night on Sundays that is very popular with the locals in Cabarete. It’s a great happy hour spot for a gin and tonic while lounging out on the wide beachfront seating. If you are a musician yourself, be sure to serenade the town on Sunday nights!
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ❌
Novus
Novus is a new restaurant on the beach in Cabarete with tasty seafood. This new gem is owned by Mar y Brassa and offers similar cuisine to the next two spots on the list.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ❌
Mar y Brassa
Mar y Brassa opened in 2020 in Cabarete and features a pretty extensive menu of seafood, meat and pasta. While somewhat inconsistent in quality, they do have decent cocktails and good seafood. The grilled octopus is generally delicious.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
Danny’s
Danny’s in Cabarete used to be cash only, but now that they accept credit cards, it has really allowed them to flourish. They feature a similar menu to Mar y Brassa and carry seasonal specialities like conch and lobster. One thing to note about Danny’s is to check your bill. They seem to “accidentally” add a bit extra on top of the menu prices. Unlike a few of our favorite spots, they do NOT include the 18% tax on their menu prices so be sure to add each item on the menu + 18% per item and then 10% for their “service charge” aka legal on the bill. Due to their unfortunate pricing structure and high prices to begin with, it is not one of our favorites as you will find American Prices for standard dishes.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
Le Bistro
This cute little french bistro in Cabarete is technically not on the beach, but rather right down the alley next to Pomodoro restaurant. It features delicious french specialties and is absolutely worth a stop in. They only have a few tables so do note that you should make a reservation to be safe.
Takes Credit Card: ❌
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
La Casita de Papi
If you look up reviews of Papi’s in Cabarete, it’s not exactly encouraging. The owner is super rude and the food is inconsistent at best. It has been a staple on the beach for many years, just be warned that the prices are high for the service experience you may receive. Oh, and they only take cash or Mastercard…
Takes Credit Card: ⭕️ (Mastercard only)
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
Drifter
Drifter is one of the highest-priced restaurants on the beach in Cabarete, but has a great “vibe”. If you’re open to paying San Francisco/New York prices for a cocktail, it’s a great place to stop in for a delicious cocktail before dinner. The food has been inconsistent in the past, so we personally recommend it for a cocktail over the food. Be sure to grab a comfy seat in the sand.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ❌
Velero – Sunset Grill
Sunset Grill is a gorgeous setting on the edge of Cabarete bay and is the perfect place for a sunset cocktail and appetizers. The service is generally very good and it has the prime sunset viewing spot of all of Cabarete. It’s accessible by beach during low tide or by cutting in front of Lifestyle hotel’s beachfront and making a left at the end of the road to Velero Hotel.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ❌
Off-beach dining
While I am not going to lie and say I spend a lot of time off the beach when we’re in Cabarete, there are some notable dining spots with delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner that sit off the beach on the main road.
Bliss
A well known higher-end restaurant tucked at the entrance of Callejon, Bliss is well known for some of the most elevated cuisine in Cabarete, and high-quality meats. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a nice meal and willing to go off the beach. It’s typically the restaurant of choice for people celebrating a special occasion. We finally tried it for Max’s birthday and agree with everyone’s assessment that it may be the best food in Cabarete. Their meat is imported, but their fish quality is incredible. We love the additional of a mamajuana or limoncello on the house at the end of the meal.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
Vagamundo
Vagamundo is a cute, trendy cafe in Cabarete near the Millenium Hotel. While out of the main drag of town center, Vagamundo is a great place to get some work done (just make sure your laptop is charged because they don’t have a lot of outlets). They have great mixed coffee beverages and a selection of grain bowls, waffles and salads. They sometimes have DJs playing chill beats, making it a very Bali-vibes place.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
Fresh Fresh
Fresh Fresh is our personal favorite for lunch in Cabarete. Fresh smoothies, delicious fresh wraps, bowls and sandwiches make up the extensive menu. They do have a patio if you want to dine in, but wear bug spray.
Takes Credit Card: ✅
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ✅
Raro Pizza & Pasta
If you’re looking for the best pizza in Cabarete, Raro should be the first place to stop. They offer very fast delivery for ordering via whatsapp. If you dine in, be sure to wear bug spray.
Takes Credit Card: ❌
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ✅
For delivery contact Raro via Whatsapp at: (849) 210-1300
Friends
Friends is a popular local spot for lunch in Cabarete and it’s no surprise. Their prices are super reasonable for fresh sandwiches and breads. If you’re looking for something cheap and tasty, this is worth the stop.
Takes Credit Card:❌
Tax included in menu: ✅
Does delivery: ❌
Rebelde Gourmet
This new gourmet shop in Cabarete recently opened in Ocean Dream Plaza and features imported delicacies, wines and tasty sandwiches and salads. You can dine in or purchase gourmet meats and goods to take with you.
Takes Credit Card:✅
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌
Yamazato
Although, there were once more, Yamazato’s is the only sushi restaurant in Cabarete. Yamazato’s is very good overall and does offer a number of fresh, delicious, and generous rolls and hot plates.
Takes Credit Card: ❌
Tax included in menu: ❌
Does delivery: ❌