Located at the far eastern end of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a remarkably good-looking, planned community that is noted for its loveliness, remarkable weather, scenery and a seemingly endless number of things to see and do.
The area is actually comprised of five unique communities, and it is currently a site where three world-class hotels, a huge number of luxury rentals and appealing beach houses, are found. The five communities include Arrecife with its beaches and golf; the upscale residential area of Corales; Hacienda which is tucked into the hills and home to a tennis and fitness center; Marina where, naturally, the marina area, Eco Park and the area’s only cenote is found; and Tortuga where the La Cana Golf Club and some luxury properties are found.
And dotting them all are amazing restaurants and eateries to enjoy, yet it is Punta Cana Village where a majority of markets, restaurants, and cafes are found. Let’s consider three of the trendiest and hottest dining spots in Punta Cana right now and learn a bit more about their location and setting.
Eating in Punta Cana
As a report by Culture Trip noted, “Punta Cana is a true highlight of the Caribbean region. A holiday in the Dominican Republic would not be complete without a tour of its fantastic restaurants. From high-class venues run by famous chefs to establishments that focus on Asian, French or Mexican cuisine, the resort’s diverse restaurants are not to be missed.” So, by no means should this list be considered the definitive list, and you should try any number of street food, local favorites and other options in addition to these finer dining establishments.
Passion by Martin Berasategui
Located at the Paradisus Palma Real it is an award-winning restaurant repeatedly selected as a traveler’s and gourmet’s favorite. It is noted for its exotic ingredients and setting as well as its truly innovative signature dishes, all created by the restaurant’s namesake, chef Martin Berasategui. The holder of an unprecedented seven Michelin stars, he has created this restaurant to emphasize Spanish fare.
Opt for a la carte options or a tasting menu, and marvel at the use of local and fresh ingredients and world-class presentation.
La Yola
This AAA Three Diamond Award winner is also within a resort – the Puntacana Resort and Club – and it offers amazing marina views. It takes up the unique setting game a notch by being built on a shipping boat and offering a much less traditional design and décor than the usual gourmet establishment in the region. While Passion by Martin Barasategui focuses on Spanish food, this one emphasizes Mediterranean fare (and especially seafood ingredients) and does so by choosing ingredients more likely to appear in dishes from that region. There are octopus and crab, but also baked tropical lobsters, conch quesadillas, and fajitas prepared with beef and mango.
And if you would prefer something with much less fuss? Then it is to the Bavaro area of Punta Cana you will want to travel because that is where the low-key and incredibly popular Kat’s Corner is found.
Kats Corner
Described by one travel expert as “simple and social,” the restaurant is really an open-air, corner bar that offers up classic American fare in a simple and appealing manner. Visitors can dive into heavy, American-style breakfasts of eggs, bacon and hash browns. They can also opt for breakfast burritos. Later in the day there are classics like burgers and nachos, but drinks are available at all three meals of the day. There are frequent live musical performances and it is a favorite with locals and travelers alike.
The Other Dining Hot Spots
And where else can you go when visiting Punta Cana and craving gourmet or simply delicious foods? The choices can start to feel endless, so we’ve made a brief list of some other spots worthy of some time spent finding them and booking a table.
They include La Palapa, which is located at Eden Rock and offers amazing sea views and fantastic food. It is, in fact, often identified as one of the best eateries in the entire country and it features a rather eclectic blend of dishes that include octopus, lamb, and homemade pasta specialties. There is La Cava, which is the connoisseurs’ choice for its wine list, and its tiny dining space that can accommodate only six at a time and which is easily one of the more exclusive and upscale.
Fans of Asian cuisine will want to head to Zen for its take on Japanese and Chinese classics, and which features the iconic menu items such as miso soup, fried ice cream, and yakimeshi – but done in a distinctly Punta Cana fashion. If Punta Cana classics are desired, the Jellyfish is a traveler’s favorite in the area that specializes in seafood that is as fresh as possible. It is an award-winning eatery that is also deemed one of the most romantic and frequented by couples.
If it is your sweet tooth that requires satisfaction, Las Lenas is a café and bakery that holds strong as one of the premier dining spots in Punta Cana. It is a favorite for locals to gather, but travelers fall in love with the rich and dark coffee, the irresistible cakes, and the classic baked goods that range from tarts and cream puffs to pastries and flans. It also serves breakfast and sandwiches.
Can you eat your way from one end of Punta Cana to the other? It is possible, and we have steered you towards some of the most famous, as well as the lesser-known options.