Meson D’Bari
Famous for its traditional Dominican cuisine, this Colonial Zone restaurant is often frequented by celebrities and artists. It is housed in a restored colonial building and decorated with artwork by local artists. Specialties include beef empanadas and grilled crab. Meson D’Bari often has live merengue music on weekends.
Calle Hostos 302
Telephone: 809-687-4091
Price: $$
Pat’e Palo
Pat’e Palo has a unique history. The building was originally home to the first tavern in the New World, opened by a Dutch pirate in 1505. Today, the restaurant serves international cuisine, with specialties that include beef tenderloin with porcini mushroom sauce and chili seabass. Indoor and outdoor dining areas are available. Many tables have beautiful views of the Alcázar.
Calle La Atarazana 25 (Plaza de España)
Telephone: 809-687-8089
Price: $$
La Taberna Vasca
Set in a beautifully restored colonial building, La Taberna Vasca is one of the best French restaurants in Santo Domingo. Dishes include quail with Serrano ham, beef fillet with black pepper sauce and red snapper with shrimp sauce.
Calle Hostos 356, corner of Calle Las Mercedes
Telephone: 809-221-0079
Price: $$
La Briciola
La Briciola is an elegant restaurant located in two restored 16th century colonial buildings. It serves fine Italian cuisine. Specialties include fish and seafood dishes, a variety of meats, and pasta and sauces that are made fresh daily. La Briciola offers courtyard and interior dining.
Calle Arzobispo Meriño 152 A
Telephone: 809-688-5055
Price: $$$
La Residence
La Residence is located in the elegant courtyard of Hostal Nicolas de Ovando, one of the best hotels in the Colonial Zone. This upscale restaurant serves fine French and international cuisine, prepared by French chef Denis Schetrit. For a three-course meal at a reasonable price, try the Menu de Chef (daily special).
Calle Las Damas
809-685-9955
Price: $$$
Angelo Ristorante
Located on Plaza de España, this excellent Italian restaurant has wonderful views of the Alcázar. Specialties include pappardelle with mushrooms and sausage, fettuccine with asparagus and shrimp, veal cutlet with artichokes, and a large selection of pizzas. While dining on the square is always enjoyable, there is also a wonderful upstairs terrace for more romantic meals.
Calle Atarazana 21
Telephone: 809-686-3586
Price: $$
Falafel
A beautiful Colonial Zone restaurant with a great atmosphere, Falafel is popular with both locals and tourists. Specialties include falafel, of course, as well as hummus, kebabs and other Mediterranean dishes.
Vegan friendly.
Calle Padre Bellini 352
Telephone: 809-688-9714
Price: $
Antica Pizzeria
The stylish Antica Pizzeria just opened in mid-September. This restaurant serves Southern Italian specialties including pizzas, calzones, focaccias, panzerottos. It also has baked pasta dishes like lasagna and eggplant parmesan. Delicious food, a beautiful setting and reasonable prices.
Calle Padre Billini, corner of Jose Reyes
Telephone: 809-689-4040
Price: $
Conde de Peñalba Café
Located on the ground floor of the Hotel Conde de Peñalba, this casual cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The simple fare includes sandwiches, burgers and eggs, as well as Dominican specialties like mangú (mashed plantains). The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of Parque Colón.
Corner of Calle El Conde and Calle Arzobispo Meriño
Telephone: 809-688-7121
Price: $
Restaurant America
An informal, moderately-priced restaurant, Restaurant America specializes in Spanish cuisine and seafood. This Colonial Zone restaurant offers a variety of meat, poultry, rice and pasta dishes, as well as creative soups and salads. Options include chickpea soup, avocado salad, Spanish omelette, lamb chops, red snapper in garlic sauce and paella.
Calle Arzobispo Nouel, corner of Santomé
Telephone: 809-682-7919
Price: $$
Caffe Segafredo
Known more as a cafe and nightclub than a restaurant, Segafredo also offers a small selection of tasty Italian dishes. The gnocchi with gorgonzola and the pizzas are particularly good. Finish the meal with a delicious Italian espresso. The cafe offers shady outdoor seating as well as indoor dining.
Calle El Conde 54
Telephone: 809-685-9569
Price: $