Cabrera offers a wide and varied selection of dining out options for both vacationers and residents both within the town itself and the surrounding areas. Menu options range from International Cuisine to the most basic Dominican meals so there is something available to suit every palate and wallet.
Dominican gastronomy tends to be fairly bland consisting largely of rice with a bean sauce (habichuela) and meat, normally chicken, pork or beef cooked in a sauce. There is also much use made of “platano” a banana variety which, unlike the bananas we know, has to be cooked. Depending on whether they are green or yellow (maduro) they can be boiled or fried and used in the same way most countries use potatoes. Dominicans, in general, don’t like hot or spicy foods so curries or spicy Mexican type foods are not on the dietary list either at home or when dining out.
As Cabrera is on the Atlantic coast and has a several fishing boats located in a port area just outside the town fresh fish, lobster, shellfish and octopus are also readily available in fishmongers in and around the town. A favorite Dominican dish is “Lambi”. Lambi is the Dominican and Haitian name for conch, a type of sea snail and when cooked in a sauce is not dissimilar to squid or octopus. This is often substituted for meat in the traditional Dominican midday meal known as “La Comida”.
There are far too many restaurants, cafeterias and “comedores” in and around Cabrera to mention them all but below is a small selection of some of the most popular places, with an indication of the type of menu you will find available. Some of these offer a Take-Away and Home Delivery Service:-
Hotel La Catalina. The Hotel La Catalina has a fine dining restaurant open to everyone that offers an extensive international style menu. Beef is imported from the U.S. or Argentina whilst fish and shellfish dishes utilize locally freshly caught ingredients. The hotel grows its own fruit, vegetables and spices in their own organic gardens so these are really fresh and succulent. La Catalina also boasts an extensive wine list and a full bar. Here you can dine indoors or on the terrace whilst enjoying the extensive views over Cabrera and the Atlantic Ocean.
Mira-Mar. A fairly new restaurant on the Malecon (the road which runs parallel to the ocean) which also offers a more international style of menu mixed with some more up market local dishes. Steaks, lobster and fresh fish are available often with a “catch of the day” option. As you are right on the coast you have open ocean views and during the Whale Watching season you will often be able to see one of the Humpback whales breaching off shore.
Chori Pan. Located in the main street of Cabrera (C/Duarte) Chori Pan is a firm favorite with visitors and locals alike. Open all day, they serve breakfasts in the mornings, both traditional American style and fresh fruits, and a wide menu the rest of the day including freshly made pizzas, pastas, fish platters, meat dishes and of course the very popular Pica Pollo, the Dominican version of Kentucky Fried Chicken. The Spare Ribs in barbeque sauce are the best in town and you need a healthy appetite to manage the quantity of the serving!
Manny’s. Manny’s was the first bar/restaurant to open on the Malecon, some 3 years ago, and has a rustic style and excellent sea views particularly from the “upper deck” This provides an ideal location for Whale Watching, in season, particularly as the cliff here juts out into the ocean. The menu here is international including fish, Italian pasta and meat dishes all with fresh produce and meals cooked to order. Fresh fish here is really fresh so sometimes not available if weather conditions have prevented the local fishermen from venturing out. The owner has spent many years in Europe so understands the difference between international cuisine and Dominican cooking and also provides customers with a wide variety of background music sometimes actually tailored to their nationality! A well stocked full bar is also available.
PhotoBar. Located just a block off the main square you can find an almost European quality coffee bar complete with excellent pastries, inexpensive high speed internet and printing and, of course, a fully stocked bar. It also functions as a very small ‘disco’ during the weekend or holiday periods. You will be amazed at how many people crowd into this fully air conditioned photo bar.
Cosas di mi Tierra. On the main road is a small set of similar styled buildings with one of them offering excellent souvenirs of all types for our visitors whilst another building next door is a full-service restaurant. Enjoy seafood, beef, pork or chicken all prepared in the best Dominican styles. Full bar as well.
Restaurant Zone Billiards. Right on the town square is an excellent billiards bar also offering an almost full service restaurant with al fresco seating. Mostly known for its fried chicken, the restaurant provides a wonderful view of Cabrera downtown and boasts a fully stocked bar.
El Caney. Known best for its lunches, this little restaurant used to be a private home and, frankly, still looks like one. But when you enter your senses are amazed at the wonderful aromas. Located just off the main square, El Caney is a favorite of the Dominicans for lunches of fresh fish, pork , pico pollo and more.
Babanouco. One of the most unlikely restaurants in terms of location, Babanouco is located off the road heading up to the town waterfalls. Cuisine is mostly exceptionally fresh seafood and pastas but many other dishes are also available. The owner is known as an aficionado of fine cigars as well and can even roll them for you if you desire.
D’Felix. Located on the main road just coming into town from the north (Rio San Juan) is a very good international restaurant just on the road itself. Seating in the rear is better so you don’t smell the car fumes and the food is remarkably good. Try the Pepper Steak and you likely won’t be disappointed. The bar is complete and some of the drinks, such as daiquiris, are superb.
La Strada. Locally owned and operated and located just off the main square virtually across the street from Photobar is a nice restaurant serving a broad array of cuisines and offering a fully stocked bar.
Rancho Caribe. Discovered in the nearby community of Abrea, between Cabrera and Playa Grande, is a wonderful roadside retreat boasting a wonderful cook who creates just about anything you can desire. This is basic food, nothing super fancy, but the preparation and ambiance are truly magical.
Villa Castellamonte. The Chef’s Table at Villa Castellamonte provides patrons the distinctive opportunity to sample from carefully crafted tasting menus designed weekly by the professionally trained chefs of Villa Castellamonte who combine their extraordinary culinary talents to tempt your palate and inspire your senses.
By invitation only. You must register at http://www.villa-castellamonte.com/register for invitations.
Playa Grande Beach. Not actually a restaurant but an experience not to be missed and again very popular with locals and visitors. Fresh fish and Lobster are the specialties, served on the beach under the shade of a palm tree. There are several concessionaries operating on the beach all of whom will compete for your order and bring tables and chairs to where you are sitting along with your meal and ice cold Presidente beer. Ask for Paulino Lopez and mention GoCabrera and you can be assured of excellent service!
Dishes similar to these can also be found on some of the other beaches around Cabrera as well. Please see our Beaches Page for more information.
Do you know of other Dining Out options we should mention here for the benefit of visitors to Cabrera? If so please let us know the name and location.
