If you’re looking to travel to the Dominican Republic look no further amig@! Our team member Edith has rounded up some of her favorite food spots and attractions in the Dominican Republic. From her favorite bakery to beaches there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
📍Santiago De Los Caballeros
Santiago de Los Caballeros also known as Santiago is a city located in the north of the Dominican Republic. It’s the second largest city and it's home to beautiful colonial architecture, museums, and churches that are worth a visit.
Here are some of my favorite spots to visit in this area!
Acasa is my go-to for a vegan sweet treat! I love grabbing a Carrot Cake Muffin y un cafecito! The cafe offers a nice selection of vegan cookies, cupcakes, and donuts. For drinks, there’s a wide selection of smoothies, juices, coffee, and matcha. I recommend the Crunchy Peanut Butter smoothie and you can also create your own smoothies!
It’s also a great lunch spot for vegetarians and vegans. The menu offers Vegan Nachos, Stuffed Cheesy Mushrooms, Veggie Quesadilla, and much more.
The Deck offers a relaxing atmosphere with its gorgeous outdoor seating area and extensive menu. Here you can find traditional Dominican dishes that have a more modern twist. Such as Shrimp Mofonguitos and Croquetas de Maduro. Amig@ you have to trust me on this one…The Deck has the BEST salads in Santiago! The Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is a must-have!! It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory with fried goat cheese balls, caramelized pecans, and strawberries.
Monumento a Los Héroes de la Restauración
(Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration)
El Monumento is the site to see! It’s the highest building in Santiago and it’s located at the top of a hill. It’s circled on all sides by a gorgeous multi-level garden that offers panoramic views over the entire city. You can also take a tour inside where you will find displays of the DR’s major historical battles, as well as paintings of Spanish artist Vela Zanetti. Once you reach the top you can walk out to a wraparound balcony that overlooks the city. I’m always left amazed no matter how many times I visit. This is the perfect activity for history buffs but if you’re afraid of heights you might want to steer away!
KGB Bistro
The heat in the Dominican Republic is no joke. 🔥 Which is why I love having a refreshing drink to cool off and KGB Bistro is just the place for that! While KGB Bistro has an extensive food menu I love their juices and smoothie options. Here you can find classic flavors such as banana and strawberry smoothies. As well as classic Dominican flavors such as jugos de chinola y cereza (passion fruit and cherry juice). These are very popular juices here in the Dominican Republic. Since childhood, I remember drinking these jugos made fresh by my abuelita.
📍Cabarete
The town is a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of restaurants and local shops. If you're into surfing or kiteboarding, this is definitely the place for you. Cabarete is known as one of the best spots in the country for these activities. If you're looking for the perfect beach town look no further! Cabarete has something to offer para todos!
The local coffee shop is the perfect place to get some work done or hang out with friends to eat some delicious waffles. They serve quality locally grown coffee, toast, smoothie bowls, and protein bowls. The “Bora Bora” smoothie bowl with blackberry, strawberry, banana, beets, and flax seeds is my #1 recommendation. Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles also specializes in authentic Liége waffles made with Belgium Pearl Sugar. You can select a wide range of toppings. For those like me who enjoy mixing sweet and savory, I recommend “Istanbul '' which is topped with ricotta, honey, and toasted almonds. Also, the “Graceland” waffle is topped with peanut butter, banana, and bacon!
Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles is also an extension of a non-profit organization called Niños de la Luz, which works to home street kids in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and South Sudan. So many of the staff here are young adults who have graduated from the home! This provides them with job experience and builds their future. Isn’t this place so amazing?
BEACHES
📍Playa Encuentro
This is the perfect beach for surfing even if you're a beginner! There are some amazing surfing lessons for all levels. A great option is Pauhana Surf School. It’s great for beginners who want to ease into this experience. They offer group classes so it’s perfect if you're going along with a big group of friends.
📍Kite Beach
Cabarete is the place to be if you're a water sports fanatic! Kitesurfing is another popular activity you can try in Cabarete. Kite Beach is the place to go to take kitesurfing lessons even as a complete beginner. Or you can relax on the beach and watch the local kite surfers! You can check out Optimal Kitesurfing School for lessons!
📍Sosua Beach
Sosúa Beach is located ~ 20 minutes away from Cabarete. It’s well worth the drive! This is the perfect beach for those who just want to sit back and relax. This beach offers lots of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Sosúa Beach is also a lively area with local shops, bars ,and restaurants. So you can still enjoy the gorgeous view of the sand and crystal blue water as you enjoy a nice cocktail.
The Dominican Republic is a country with so much to offer! This list consisted of some of my favorite places in Cabarete and Santiago de Los Caballeros. But, the list can go on and on because there are so many sights to see. From Santo Domingo the capital of the Dominican Republic. You can explore the most historic neighborhood La Zona Colonial, or visit Jarabacoa, which is located in the Central Mountain Valley of the Dominican Republic. Those who love adventure and nature can enjoy beautiful waterfalls to river rafting in Jarabacoa.
