North Coast

Here's a simple seafood restaurant that, like all good things, has to be earned. Such is the case here, at Wilson's and his humble straw hut on the Cabarete lagoon. A long dirt road brings you to the entrance to the lagoon. A small boat takes 5 minutes to cross over to the other side. There's no menu here: you can choose between crabs, fish of the day or langoustines (fished directly from the lagoon) with garlic. Connoisseurs come from far and wide, because it's excellent, inexpensive and not at all touristy.

Within the luxurious Ocean Club complex, the Baia Lounge welcomes you between the pool and the sea, with a breathtaking view. The Mediterranean specialities honour fish in all its forms: carpaccio, ceviche, sushi... We particularly recommend the octopus carpaccio and mango conch. A delight. Possibility to have lunch by the pool, and even on the beach. A beautiful address, which reminds us more of Saint-Tropez or Capri than Sosúa. A moment of luxury guaranteed and an undeniably professional and careful service.

Located at the western end of the beach, you can walk past it several times without noticing it. And what a shame! It is one of the only restaurants on the beach without touts. Since it is located on the Dominican side, it welcomes mainly Dominican families who come to share fish and seafood. The restaurant has no sign: it is a white building, with a large kitchen open to the beach, and a few tables outside. Here, fish is king, grilled or fried, in Mofongo with octopus or shrimps, or in paella.

At the exit of the city, this beautiful wild beach welcomes some stalls which will prepare you fish or grilled shrimps. Obviously, the fish is remarkably fresh, but it is especially the setting, with its feet in the water, that is worth the detour. We will not cease to repeat it nevertheless: ask well the price before ordering and being served because it is not rare, unfortunately, that the prices are inflated by knowing that you are on holiday in the corner. Otherwise, a good meal in an idyllic setting.

Around 30 shops and restaurants line the fabulous Ensenada beach. With salsa or merengue music playing in the background, choose your spot (at Teo, Dueña Elsa or Diana Barbecue, for example) and the fish you'd like to eat (fried, a la plancha, or en papillote with Creole sauce). A quality tip: the earlier you arrive, the fresher the fish. Many Dominican families flock here at weekends. Typical, charming and inexpensive.

Undeniably, Coco Mar is Montecristi's most pleasant restaurant, right on the seafront. It serves simple, unpretentious, good-natured maritime cuisine, with plenty of fruit juices on the menu. Portions are rather generous, so you'll leave the table full. On the menu: fresh fish, pasta and the inevitable Dominican specialty,arroz y pollo... All with your feet in the water! Impeccable, smiling, helpful service. Take a seat on the shady terrace and enjoy a good meal while admiring the view.