Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Local food knowledge.
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The buffet will feed you. It will not teach you what Dominican food tastes like. Mangú at breakfast and a plate of la bandera at lunch are the ones I would leave the resort for. Plantain is the thread through almost all of it.
What to eat
Dominican food is hearty and plantain-heavy.
- Mangú: mashed plantain with onions, eggs, salami and cheese.
- La bandera: rice, beans and meat, the lunch staple.
- Sancocho: a rich meat stew.
- Fish with tostones: on the beach.
- Mamajuana: a herbal rum drink.
Where to eat
Restaurants in Bávaro and El Cortecito, and the marina at Cap Cana.
Frequently asked questions
Is tap water safe?
Drink bottled or resort-filtered water.
What should I order first?
Mangú if it is breakfast, la bandera if it is lunch. Both are everyday Dominican plates, not resort inventions.
