What You Can Eat in Puerto Plata: A Food Lover’s Guide
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money. Please check out the disclosure policy for more details.
If you’re the type who travels with a fork in one hand and your phone in the other (for pics, of course)—this one’s for you.
Puerto Plata isn’t just palm trees and pretty beaches—it’s a whole vibe when it comes to Caribbean flavors. Whether you're stopping through on a cruise or planning a longer vacay, the food here is about to snatch your taste buds in the best way.
Now look—I’m a firm believer that you can learn a place through its plate. So if you’re headed to Puerto Plata or just daydreaming about it, consider this your foodie field guide. We’re talking comfort food, street snacks, tropical treats, and a lil' rum punch to wash it all down. Let's get into it.
Island Flavor 101: What Makes Dominican Food So Bomb?
First things first—Dominican cuisine is Caribbean soul food with Spanish, African, and Taino roots. That means the dishes are hearty, seasoned to perfection, and always made with love (and a lil’ sazón). In Puerto Plata, you’ll find everything from beachside fish shacks to sit-down spots where abuela’s recipes run the kitchen.
What’s wild is how versatile the food is—you could be eating plantains one way for breakfast, a whole other way for lunch, and then fried and fabulous for dinner. If you love comfort food with a twist, you’ll eat real good here.
Must-Try Dominican Dishes in Puerto Plata
Let’s break down some of the can’t-leave-without-tasting-it meals. These are the staples that hit different when you’re sitting under the sun, sipping something fruity, and vibin’ by the ocean.
La Bandera Dominicana (The Dominican Flag)
This is the national dish, and baby, she don’t miss. La Bandera is usually a mix of white rice, stewed beans (habichuelas), and some type of meat—most often pollo guisado (braised chicken) or res (beef). Served with salad and maybe a few tostones on the side? Chef’s kiss.
Where to try it: Any local comedor (mom-and-pop restaurant) in town. It’s affordable, filling, and gives you a real taste of everyday Dominican life.
Mangu con los Tres Golpes
Wanna eat like a true Dominican in the morning? Order mangu for breakfast. It’s mashed plantains (kinda like grits but way thicker) topped with fried cheese, salami, and eggs. Yup—all three. That’s why it’s called "los tres golpes" (the three hits).
Pro tip: Add a lil' pickled red onion on top for that zing. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Tostones & Maduros
Two plantain styles, both iconic. Tostones are green plantains smashed and fried to crispy perfection (think salty fries but better), while maduros are ripe, sweet plantains fried ‘til caramelized.
Order both. Share none. You’ve been warned.
Sancocho
If it’s a little rainy or you just want something cozy, get you some sancocho. It’s a slow-cooked stew made with 7 meats (yes, SEVEN), root veggies, corn, and seasoning for days. Every Dominican grandma has her version, and every version slaps.
It’s giving Sunday dinner in a bowl.
Pescado Frito (Fried Fish)
You're by the ocean—so best believe the fish is fresh. Whole fried fish, usually snapper or grouper, served with a squeeze of lime and a side of tostones or yuca.
Where to eat it: Head to Playa Cofresí or Playa Dorada and look for the little beachfront joints. They know what they’re doing.
Street Food Vibes: Snacks You Can’t Miss
Sometimes the best bites don’t come with a fancy tablecloth or a long wait. Puerto Plata’s street food scene is full of snacky lil’ gems.
Empanadas / Pastelitos
Flaky dough stuffed with meat, cheese, or chicken—fried and ready to go. You’ll find these at gas stations, corner shops, or from a street vendor on a moto.
Chimichurris (Chimis)
Nope, not the Argentine sauce. In the DR, a chimi is like a Dominican burger—grilled meat on a bun with shredded cabbage, tomato, and a secret sauce. Late night after the club? This is your move.
Yaniqueques
These are crispy, fried dough rounds that give funnel cake vibes—minus the sugar. Add some cheese or salami and you’ve got a quick beachside bite.
Sweet Tooth Approved: Dominican Desserts
Let’s be real—no meal is complete without dessert. And Dominican sweets? Straight-up underrated.
Dulce de Leche or Arepa Dominicana
Think dense cornmeal cake with coconut, cinnamon, and sweet milk vibes. Perfect with a café on the side.
Habichuelas con Dulce
Sounds wild but stay with me. It’s a sweet dessert made from beans, milk, cinnamon, and raisins. It’s creamy, comforting, and oddly addictive.
Sip Slow: What to Drink in Puerto Plata
The island don’t play about its drinks either. Whether you’re team rum or non-alcoholic, there’s something to sip on in the shade.
Mamajuana
A Dominican original—made with rum, red wine, honey, and soaked herbs/tree bark. Locals say it’s good for everything (especially your love life 👀).
Presidente Beer
The national beer and the default option for most. Ice cold is the only way to drink it. Seriously—they serve it frothy with chill crystals.
Fresh Juices (Jugos Naturales)
Guava, chinola (passionfruit), tamarind, and papaya—blended fresh and made-to-order. Sometimes with sugar, sometimes without. Just ask.
Where to Eat in Puerto Plata
Alright, so now you’re probably wondering where to eat all this goodness. Here’s a quick list to get you started:
Tio Pan Panadería & Restaurante – for breakfast or casual Dominican meals
Le Petit Francois – if you want seafood with an upscale twist (on the beach)
Kaffe Restaurant Bar – a cute café with local plates and coffee drinks (one of our personal faves 😍)
Casita Azul – colorful vibes, live music, and authentic eats in the heart of town
Come Hungry, Leave Happy
Listen—Puerto Plata is more than just another stop on your cruise itinerary. It’s a whole foodie playground, and if you’re down to explore, your taste buds will thank you.
From stewed meats and fresh-caught fish to sweet plantains and Dominican rum—it’s giving bold, it’s giving flavorful, it’s giving unforgettable. And if you're rolling with us on A&T NCL Aqua group cruise, you already know we’re hitting all the right spots when we dock.
Ready to Taste Puerto Plata With Us?
Book your spot on our A&T NCL Aqua group cruise and let’s eat our way through Puerto Plata—together! We’ll handle the details—you just show up hungry and ready for a good time.
👇 Drop a comment if you’ve tried any of these dishes or want to join us!
📲 Hit that booking link and come vibe with us in the DR.
🍽️ Let’s turn your taste for travel into a plate full of memories.
