Where to eat in Cabarete: Best Restaurants in Cabarete
Top 10 Restaurants In Cabarete Updated 19. May 2023 If you’re looking for a delightful culinary experience in Cabarete, you’re in luck! This vibrant Dominican Republic destination offers a diverse range of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a fan of international cuisine, or simply seeking a cozy spot to enjoy a satisfying meal, Cabarete has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top 10 restaurants in Cabarete, according to Tripadvisor. 1. Cabarete Coffee Company This cozy cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it an ideal spot to start your day or relax in the evening. The menu features a delightful variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads to satisfy your cravings. Cabarete Coffee Company has gained popularity among digital nomads and travelers due to its inviting atmosphere. 2. Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool If you seek a romantic setting with breathtaking ocean views, look no further than Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool. Indulge in their menu offerings of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options while enjoying a cocktail or two. Enhance your experience by unwinding in the pool and lounge area, adding an extra touch of relaxation to your meal. 3. Yalla Yalla is a Middle Eastern restaurant renowned for its mouthwatering falafel, shawarma, and hummus. With a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available, it’s an excellent choice for those with specific dietary preferences. The casual atmosphere of Yalla makes it an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. 4. Gordito’s Fresh Mex For an authentic Mexican food experience, Gordito’s Fresh Mex is a must-visit in Cabarete. Indulge in their tantalizing burritos, tacos, and an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. With its laid-back ambiance, Gordito’s is a popular choice among surfers and travelers seeking flavorful Mexican cuisine. 5. Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria is a cozy restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, ensuring that everyone can find something delicious to enjoy. Relax and savor a casual dinner in the warm and inviting atmosphere of Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria. 6. Restaurant Le Bistro If you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience, Restaurant Le Bistro is the place to be. This exquisite restaurant offers a French-inspired menu with a wide selection of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. With its romantic ambiance, Restaurant Le Bistro is perfect for couples and special occasions. 7. Fresh Fresh Cafe Cabarete For health-conscious travelers, Fresh Fresh Cafe Cabarete is a go-to destination. Start your day with refreshing smoothie bowls, and enjoy a variety of salads, sandwiches, and wraps throughout the day. This health food restaurant caters to those seeking nourishing and delicious options in a relaxed atmosphere. 8. Belgium Bakery If you’re craving fresh bread, pastries, and a delightful cup of coffee, the cozy Belgium Bakery won’t disappoint. They also serve sandwiches and salads, making it an excellent spot for a quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and savor the delectable treats offered at Belgium Bakery. 9. Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles is a cozy cafe specializing in coffee, waffles, and sandwiches. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, ensuring that all guests can find something to suit their preferences. The welcoming atmosphere of Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles attracts digital nomads and travelers alike, providing a comfortable space to relax and enjoy a delightful meal. 10. Mojito Bar Located right on the beach, Mojito Bar offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze. Indulge in their refreshing mojitos and savor their grilled meats, alongside a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Mojito Bar is the perfect spot for a relaxing sunset drink or a casual dinner by the beach. Definitely worth a visit. Tips for Dining in Cabarete Here are some helpful tips to enhance your dining experience in Cabarete: Dress Code: While most restaurants in Cabarete have a casual dress code, it’s advisable to check if any establishments require more formal attire for dinner service. Reservations: Making a reservation, especially during peak seasons, is recommended to secure your spot and avoid any potential waiting times. Tipping: Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic, and a standard tip of 10-15% for good service is appreciated by the staff. Cultural Customs: Keep in mind that dining customs may differ from those in your home country. In the Dominican Republic, it’s common to share dishes family-style, so embrace the communal dining experience if offered. Summary Cabarete boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a plethora of dining options to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cafe, a romantic beachfront restaurant, or a taste of international cuisine, the top 10 restaurants in Cabarete—Cabarete Coffee Company, Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool, Yalla, Gordito’s Fresh Mex, Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria, Restaurant Le Bistro, Fresh Fresh Cafe Cabarete, Belgium Bakery, Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles, and Mojito Bar—offer an array of delectable choices. Soak in the relaxed atmosphere, savor the flavors, and enjoy the unique dining experiences Cabarete has to offer. Plan your visit, make reservations, and embark on a culinary journey in this charming Dominican paradise!
Mamajuana: The Wood Chip Booze
What is Mamajuana? Mamajuana is a native Dominican rum liqueur, made by steeping a mixture of tree bark and sticks in rum, red wine and honey. It is a deep red colour and tastes a bit like Port. Botanicals added include anamu (petiveria shrub), albahaca (basil), bohuco pega palo (princess vine) anis estrellado (star anise), clavo dulce (cloves), and maguey leaves (agave). Some Mamajuana recipes sweeten the flavour with strawberries, cinnamon, molasses and fruit juices. If you’ve visited the DR before, you may well have seen local guys on the beach selling big bottles of wood chips. That’s the stuff. The bottles are widely sold in DR stores, so look out for them. Mamajuana is said to possess mystical powers that act immediately on your body when you drink it. Wait, what mystical powers? Well, Mamajuana is a famous aphrodiasiac. It is also known as ‘Liquid Viagra’, ‘The Baby Maker’, and ‘El Para Palo’ (The Stick Lifter). Locals claim its power doesn’t stop there. Aside from sexual potency, Mamajuana is said to be brimming with health benefits, it: cleanses the blood and organs aids digestion promotes circulation cures the flu cures ovary and prostate disorders. Where did it come from? The mixture of roots and bark in Mamajuana is said to be an old Taino herbal remedy, at least some 500 years old. Alcohol was added to the tea after the European colonisers landed on the island in 1492. We’re not really sure how, but one theory is that sailors used it as a mixer for their brandy. What we do know is that Jesus Rodriguez introduced the first official branded version of Mamajuana in the 1950s. He would drive for miles around the region in his trusty truck to gather the ingredients. Mamajuana became so popular with the merengue tipico musicians, they wrote songs in its honour! The name ‘Mamajuana’ actually refers to the type of bottle the drink came in. The French name for the squat bottle with a short, narrow neck was ‘Dame Jeanne’ (Lady Jane). This came into Spanish as ‘Dama Juana’, and then became Mama Juana. How do you drink it? While Dominicans will sip Mamajuana neat and at room temperature, it is also commonly served as a shot or on the rocks. The premium cocktail scene is catching onto Mamajuana, so expect to see it listed on fancy cocktail menus. You can sub it in for rum in all your usual cocktails. It goes great with tropical fruit juices, or just with ginger ale and lime juice. Who drinks it? Well, mainly Dominicans. But Mamajuana is spreading quickly around the world, as it is commercialised and distributed by premium brands like Candela and Anteroz. It’s particularly popular as shots and in cocktails in Miami, New York, Spain and Peru. The most famous drinker of Mamajuana was a real-life Dominican James Bond. Porfirio Rubirosa was a playboy, polo player, diplomat, race-car driver, and secret agent. Like Bond, he was well known for his sexual prowess, which may have been down to his taste for Mamajuana. We’ll never know for sure. So, there you go. Dominican Viagra: coming soon to a liquor store near you!
Best WiFi Coffee Spots in Cabarete
We suggest unplugging from your phone to fully enjoy your adventure vacation in Cabarete. But for those times you need to surf the net before you get back on your board, here are the best coffee shops with WiFi in Cabarete. La Mesa Taina The farm-to-table restaurant in eXtreme is blessed with great WiFi. Right on Kite Beach, it’s a lovely spot to enjoy the ocean breeze and watch the kiters at play. The chefs cook all sorts: amazing seafood soups and burgers, Mexican and Dominican delights, Asian dishes and salads. Best sushi in town. Hands down. (Would recommend the Tropical Roll, it’s topped with sweet platano!) Whatever you feel like, these guys have got it covered. The organic ingredients are sourced from the aquaponic Taino Farm, who are blazing the way in sustainable farming in the Caribbean! Responsible and delicious. Where? In eXtreme grounds, on Kite Beach. You can’t miss it. Opening hours: Every day 8am – 10.30pm. Vagamundo A very hip, Pacific-Northwest style cafe with excellent WiFi. It’s a social enterprise linked with Ninos de la Luz, which houses street kids from the DR, Venezuela and South Sudan. Vagamundo mentors and employs graduates from the home. So, you can sip your macchiato knowing you’ve supported a good cause. It’s a chill, breezy place to hang out for a few hours, and there’s comfy chairs outside, too. The friendly staff are happy for you to have a good laptop sesh. They serve amazing Belgian waffles topped with extravagant ingredients, sweet and savoury. Warning: Vagamundo waffles are pretty addictive. You may feel the need to come back every day. Where? Coming from eXtreme, it’s opposite the supermarket La Rosa, just before the main stretch of Cabarete town starts. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am – 5pm; Sundays 9am – 3pm. Fresh Fresh A cute, healthy cafe in the center of town, a short walk from the main Cabarete beach. As the name suggests, Fresh Fresh is all about healthy nutrition. They serve amazing smoothies that will pump you full of all the best vitamins. The friendly staff are cool with you staying for a few hours on your laptop. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, with comfy cushions outside, if you need a change of scene. Their iced coffees will power you through any work session. You can also browse their fancy organic soaps, mosquito repellents and artisan chocolate. Two words: Air. Conditioning. Where? Centre of town, opposite the street to the beach where Pomodoro is. Opening hours: Every day 8am – 9pm. Belgium Bakery If you’re a fan of European baked goods, this is the spot for you. Connect with loved ones back home, pain au chocolat in hand. There’s also a bank next door (Banco Popular) with an ATM, so you can stock up on your pesitos. Where? It’s a quick moto ride into town from eXtreme, just past the traffic lights. (There’s only one set in town!) Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am – 7pm So, there you go Now you know all the best WiFi spots in town to hide out and plug in. Don’t forget your charger!
Healthy Breakfast Spots in Cabarete
When you’re on holiday, a hearty, healthy breakfast can sometimes be hard to come by. I love breakfast, but it absolutely must set me up well for the day. I’m an active gal, so I need a kick of protein and healthy fats to send me on my way. That even rhymed. What I don’t love is sugar crashing. I find that my whole day can be derailed by a carb-heavy breakfast. It leaves me in a sluggish heap on the floor, craving yet another chocolate biscuit. Luckily, Cabarete is full of active people who care about what they put into their bodies. Healthy breakfast options do exist that will fuel your day of adventure and let you focus on having an awesome time. Just in case you want a change from our Breakfast Spot, here are 7 alternatives to try on your active vacation in Cabarete: Fresh Fresh As the name suggests, Fresh Fresh has a range of healthy options to start your day off well. They do a range of customisable egg breakfasts, veggie and meaty, and a whole bunch of wraps, grain bowls, smoothie bowls, and more. My personal breakfast favourite is the Holy Frijole wrap: omelette, black beans, guacamole and salsa rolled into a delicious, well-balanced Mexican delight. Pictured above is the heavenly Hippie Bowl: pumpkin, avocado, chickpeas, kale, hummus, red cabbage, grated carrot, and quinoa. Wowser. Where? Centre of town, opposite the street to the beach where Pomodoro is. Opening hours: Every day 8am – 9pm. Cafe Claro Cafe Claro is a solid breakfast and brunch option. They do all the breakfast classics – bacon, pancakes, eggy dishes, breakfast burrito, French toast – and some powerful wraps and sandwiches to start your day right. My favourite is the smokey Southwest Chicken wrap. Oh-so tasty and super filling. Their Vegelicious wrap is a hummus, pepper, eggplant dream. A heads-up: they will reopen in the early winter season. Where? On the other side of town to eXtreme, past Janet’s. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 8am – 2pm. Closed on Mondays. Friends No, not the TV show. In Cabarete, Friends is a cheerful eatery with fresh pastries and lots of breakfast options. Their Dominican breakfast is great, ask for it with ‘Los Tres Golpes’ (the three hits or blows) of cheese, egg, and salami. Yes, please. They do a big breakfast burrito that is very yummy and satisfying. Friends also have a decent-sized Bibliotheque at the back, stocked with French books to peruse while you wait. The friendly staff, colourfully painted interior and banging coffee make Friends my regular post-surf jam. Where? In the centre of Cabarete town, next to Dick’s and opposite the Chinese restaurant. Opening hours: Every day 6am – 5pm. La Mesa Taina La Mesa Taina has a good number of breakfast options. You might opt to try the traditional Dominican breakfast, of which Mesa Taina does a few variations. If you’ve got a big day ahead of you, a whopping pile of mangu (mashed plantain) and some eggs will keep you fueled for hours and hours. The organic ingredients are sourced from the aquaponic Taino Farm, who are blazing the way in sustainable farming in the Caribbean! Responsible and delicious. Where? In eXtreme, by the ocean. You can’t miss it. Opening hours: Every day 8am – 10.30pm. Panaderia Dick Dick’s is a reliable shout for a scrumptious breakfast and a spot of WiFi. They do a traditional German, English, French and Dominican breakfast, as well as some omelette options. The breakfasts are very cheap and include coffee and freshly baked bread. Check out the counter for more baked goods, like a chocolate brioche hedgehog I had there once. Where? In the centre of town, near the entrance to the beach street with the ATM and Pomodoro. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am – 5pm. Sundays 7am – 1pm. La Cabana The new kid on the block is La Cabana, a breakfast and brunch spot. Vegetarians and meat lovers are sure to be impressed by its diverse cuisine. Imagine creamy spinach and sautéed mushrooms, tuna tartar on a bed of arugula and a pineapple jalapeño chutney, or caramelized French toast with bacon, poached eggs, honey and dark rum-flavored hollandaise, lathered with cottage cheese on your plate. You’ll never skip breakfast again. Where? Next to the pizzeria, La Chabola and the Jiu Jitsu school, Academia de La Costa. Opening hours: Mondays 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays. Belgian Bakery Though this is a bakery, they also do some great ‘main course’ breakfasts that are a bit more substantial than a croissant (no offense to the French). The menu has a European side, with omelettes and cold cut dishes, but be sure to flip it over to check out the Dominican options on the other side. I definitely missed the flip-side of the menu for at least my first three times there. Don’t make my mistake! What I love about Belgian Bakery is that I can order a sensible omelette, then snack on a pastry while I wait. Where? It’s a quick moto ride into town from eXtreme, just past the traffic lights. (There’s only one set in town!) Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am – 6pm; Sundays 7am – 5pm. Go forth and find your breakfast I hope that gave you some ideas for where to fuel up for your active day or, as we call it, just another day in Cabarete. Shout out as always to the local comedors, most of which do a stomping traditional local breakfast. Load up a plate with eggs, sausage, fried cheese, plantain and sometimes yuca for a very small price tag. Empanadas are also a popular local breakfast option. Look out for stands on the street selling these delicious fried pouches of goodness. Your adventure vacation is not complete without some street empanadas. For the low-down on how to order at a comedor, check out our guide to local Dominican food. Otherwise, stay healthy and enjoy breakfast in Cabarete!
Did Someone Say Dominican Rum?
I have been living in Cabarete for over a month now and I have been regularly indulging in one of the Dominican Republic’s most delicious exports: RUM. I have been nursing my bottle of Brugal Extra Viejo at home, plus it’s so cheap to drink out here, especially rum. So, I really do mean regularly. To be honest, I’ve been enjoying the area’s rum so much, I thought it was about time I learnt a bit more about the industry. Just so you know, August 16th is International Rum Day. Be sure to mark it in your calendar, so you don’t miss the excuse for a celebratory pina colada! If you peruse a drinks menu or head to the supermarket for some pre-drink fodder, you’ll see there are a bunch of Dominican rum brands. Having asked around and even sampled a good few, we recommend Brugal, Bermudez and Barcelo. You just can’t go wrong with any of these. They’re even alliterative. Brugal Brugal was founded in 1888, and is a family-run business to this day. The Brugal family are incredibly famous in the DR and across the world for their high quality rum production. Brugal is the third largest rum producer in the world, making the family pretty influential. Andres Brugal Montaner, originally from Catalonia, founded the company and became a national icon in the DR. Known as Don Andres, he inspires Dominicans to this day with his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Brugal has three distilleries, two in San Pedro de Macoris and one in Puerto Plata. If you’re a spirits connoisseur, you might fancy going on a tour of the Brugal original distillery. Puerto Plata is a half-hour drive from Cabarete, making it your ideal rum learning experience location. The Brugal family had a hand in establishing the official definition of rum, in partnership with the EU. This move came because rum had become a bit of a loose term in the spirit world. Only spirits produced from the sugar cane plant are ‘real rum’. Now, Dominican rum carries the prestigious Denomination of Protected Origin label (look out for the marking ‘DOP’). This is like how champagne can only come from the Champagne wine regions in France, and ‘real’ tequila must be from Mexico. Proper rum enthusiasts might consider tasting some juicy oak barrel aged Dominican treats. Brugal Siglo de Oro is aged for 12 years, but the cream of the crop is Brugal Unico which is aged for 30 years. A big favourite is the Extra Viejo, which has honey caramel notes and is super smooth. Trust me on this one. Bermudez The year is 1852. The Dominican Republic has been independent for 8 years. Don Diego Bermudez concocts Amarga Panacea (Bitter Panacea), a spirit that will forever be a historical touchstone in world rum production. Bermudez is born. Bermudez is a big dog in the Dominican rum game. The family-run business has the oldest commercial distilleries in the Dominican Republic, and is known for its impeccably smooth quality and traditional methods of production. For a rum beyond your wildest dreams, try the mighty Bermudez 1852 Anniversario rum. Bottled just once a year as a celebration of Bermudez’ founding, this rum has tropical notes of banana and coconut for a truly Caribbean mouth experience. Barcelo A slightly later arrival to the DR rum scene, but still making its presence felt is Barcelo. Founded by Julian Barcelo in 1929 in Santo Domingo, the company is now a major internationally-acclaimed player in the industry. Julian was a big experimenter and worked tirelessly on different variations to discover the perfect rum. He tested out his concoctions on the local market before launching his first big products. The Barcelo Gran Platinum rum is a firm favourite of the Barcelo range, made by aging rum in bourbon barrels then filtering it to remove the colour. It has all the woody depth of flavour of a dark rum but is clear! Gran Platinum has quite a fruity flavour, with even a prick of pepper on the palate. Barcelo rum has enjoyed massive international success and is now sold in over 50 countries, making it the fourth largest rum exporter in the world. Respect, Julian. In the nearest city to Cabarete, Puerto Plata, there is an annual 2-day rum festival. Stay tuned for 2019 dates. Cabarete is well known for its beach party vibes. The cheap and delicious rum certainly plays a part in all the fun and dancing. It can help you bust out some killer moves on the dance floor, pluck up the courage to ask someone out, or fuse a new Cabarete friendship. Party animals, rejoice. Dominican rum is always here for you in Cabarete. Just don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Dehydration is not a good look.
Your Guide to Pizza in Cabarete (Part 2)
Welcome back to part 2 of my Big Cabarete Pizza Tour 2018. I’m putting my health at risk to find you the perfect pizza for you in Cabarete. Just kidding. In part 1, we toured the Callejon’s La Chabola (my fav), beachy LAX, the legit Italian pizza of Antonio’s and Pizza Spaghetti House, and the Perla Marina family classic Ceiba Pizzeria. In the second and final part of the guide, I will continue to seek Cabarete’s best pizza, searching high and low for the crispiest crust, the meltiest cheese and the tastiest toppings. On with the show. ROMA Probably the most expensive pizza in town, this is Cabarete’s fancy Italian pizza joint. The half-indoor, half-outdoor space is really beautiful. It’s a bright, clean restaurant, full of plants and large tables (great for medium-large groups). The food is pretty good, too. ROMA’s pizza dough is top-notch (seriously, so tasty) and it came with a generous slathering of cheese, though I felt the toppings lacked a little something. Definitely worth a try, if you are looking for proper Italian-style pizza base. For some reason, we always get a lot of mosquito bites at ROMA, so come prepared with repellent. ONNO Onno’s sign makes a bold claim to be ‘The Best Pizza in Town’. Sadly, after my experience there, I can’t get behind that statement. The restaurant is on the beach next to Kahuna, on the strip of beautifully decorated places that generally serve quite disappointing food. Also, watch out for the ‘taxes and tip not included’ note on the menu. It’s an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives with nearly 30% added onto the cost. A big positive for ONNO is the food ‘Happy Hour’ special: 2 for 1 on tapas and pizza. And, yes, you can combine the two options. But, the pizza itself was nothing too impressive. It was a standard floury base, which tasted a little bit too sweet for me. There was plenty of ham, but the overall pizzazz of this pizza was not there. It was pretty small, too. Sorry, ONNO, but this pizza left me saying ‘Oh no’. Aquarius Cafe I learned from the waitress that Aquarius serves just fish and pizza. Not together, but I’m sure that can be arranged. The restaurant space is pretty wacky but fascinating. While you wait for your pizza here, you can walk around the rows and rows of fish tanks and take in the sights. There are so many bright little tropical fish to peer at. If you like to look at fish, this restaurant is a pretty special experience. I, myself, not such a fish fan. It kind of freaked me out to eat pizza surrounded by lit-up tanks of kissy-mouthed creatures. My partner, however, gave it two thumbs up! Sorry, onto the food. The pizza was alright. Our ham and vegetables came loaded with toppings. But, I think you more go for the spectacular fish environment than for the food. Calla Pizza I think this name is mean to be ‘Call-a-pizza’, but there’s not much word spacing on the sign, so lots know it as Calla Pizza. This is your spot for a late night quick takeaway pizza. You’re likely drunk, you can’t really take in your surroundings, all you want to do is take giant bites of cheesy pizza and chew with your eyes closed. In that case, Call-a-Pizza. Or just go there. As the name suggests, they deliver and fast. You can reach them at (829) 865-6500. It’s right next to the Lax/Mojito beach clubs stretch, just a little further heading towards Janet’s. Pomodoro Pomodoro is probably your best bet for an Italian-style pizza on the beach. Dig your toes into the sand as you dig into your circular doughy goodness. The setting is beautiful, and they sometimes have live music in the evenings. Lunchers or early diners can watch the kite and windsurfers at play on the water. I do love a pizza with a view. Sadly, though the meal experience was lovely, the pizza itself fell a little short of expectations. My first slice was pretty bland. After a thorough salt and pepper seasoning, and the addition of chili oil to my plate, the pizza was much improved. Still, I’m all about that base, and this base lacked flavour. You can’t salt the base! The tiramisu we had for dessert was top notch, and not excessively sweet. Points for pudding. They have an ice cream bar too with a good selection of sorbets and ice creams, for hot nights. Overall, it’s a pricey meal, and I didn’t feel the Pomodoro pizzas were that much better than those less than half their price around town. Top marks for restaurant experience, but the pizza only hits middling scores. Your tour ends here Sadly, that is the end of our guided pizza tour of Cabarete. Please take care as you step out of the moving carriage. The good news is it might be just the beginning of your vacation pizza adventure. Cabarete is a great place to enjoy guilt-free pizza. Everyone here is so active, you kind of need the calories! Okay, maybe not pizza every night, but now you have an idea of where to go when your pizza craving hits. Speaking of, I’m off to La Chabola for my regular jamon y hongos pizza and cuba libre. Hasta la proxima!