You'll find this popular local eatery in most Punta Cana guidebooks as it offers an authentic local eating experience. Overlooking Playa El Cortecito, Captain Cook specializes in fresh, locally caught seafood prepared simply. Fancy, elegant dining it is not, but Captain Cook has earned an excellent reputation for the quality of its fish and crustaceans. Try the lobster, spicy mahi mahi, red snapper, Creole-style langoustines, flaming aqua rolls and crispy calamari. The restaurant features both an outdoor patio and an upstairs air-conditioned dining room. It is located about five miles from the Riu Bambu Hotel.
Captain Cook Restaurant
El Cortecito, Playa Bavaro
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
809-552-1061
This upscale restaurant at the Bavaro Palace Hotel offers a la carte French-tinged cuisine and caters mainly to the international resort crowd. With its stylish, Spanish-style decor, pleasant climate and formally dressed wait staff, Chez Palace offers a romantic setting for any occasion. Main courses include grilled red snapper, fresh grouper with mustard sauce, tenderloin tartar, salmon mousse served with prawn sauce and filet mignon with foie gras and truffles. Reservations are required for those who are not guests of the hotel. The restaurant is located about four miles from the Riu Bambu Hotel.
Chez Palace
Bavaro Palace Hotel
P.O. Box 3177
Bavaro Beach
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
809-686-5797
barcelo.com
Owned by Punta Cana locals Gabriel and Wana, The Jellyfish is beautiful two-story beachfront restaurant in Punta Cana between Melia Caribe and Barcelo Bavaro. Suitable for a laid-back lunch or romantic candlelight dinner, The Jellyfish features fresh local seafood prepared with a Mediterranean twist. Some popular dishes include the mahi mahi, Cajun shrimp, two-tailed lobster and spicy lobster bisque. The restaurant also serves plenty of nonseafood alternatives such as chicken with garlic cream sauce. All tables, both indoor and outdoor, enjoy views of the water. Reservations are recommended. This restaurant is located about seven miles from the Riu Bambu Hotel.
The Jellyfish
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
809-868-3040
jellyfishrestaurant.com
