Food

Many great meals can be had at the shacks found at the entrance to Playa Las Galeras [1]. Fish and shellfish are caught daily and cooked right on the beach. It is a great, low-cost way to go.

Expats who’ve settled here have turned Las Galeras [2] (much like the rest of the Samaná Peninsula [3]) into a culinary pleasure. And although many hotels have their own restaurants, there are good choices in town as well. Just a stroll down the main drag will reveal many options.

Chez Denise (Calle Principal near the main intersection, tel. 809/538-0219, 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Mon.–Sat., US$5–15) has been a darling of the expats and tourists. In this casual and open-air restaurant, both French and Dominican dishes are served. Crepes are a delectable specialty, as is the fresh fish in coconut sauce.

El Pescador (Calle Principal, tel. 809/538-0052, 4 p.m.–midnight Tues.–Sun. in the winter high season only, US$7–17) is often called the best seafood restaurant in town by locals. When in the Caribbean on vacation, seeking the freshest seafood can become an obsession. Just as the name would suggest, “The Fisherman” specializes in the freshest catches of the day. The grilled fish is always a good bet, but more experimental dishes like stewed crab, paella, and lambí beg to be tried.

Patisserie Boulangerie Français (Calle Principal, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Tues.–Sun., US$2–5) is the place to come for a perfect espresso drink, French pastry, or loaf of bread made from scratch. This is a sweet-tooth’s dream. Breakfast options are available.

I’m not sure if it’s the sauce, the cheese, the many ingredients, or the fact that vacations bring taste buds alive, but the pizza is fabulous at Pizzeria (Calle Principal, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 6 p.m.–midnight Wed.–Sun., US$6.50–9)—crispy-crusted slices of paradise.

At L’Aventura Pizzeria (Calle Las Galeras, US$5–10), not only does this place serve up some tasty eats like pizza, pasta, and grilled meats and seafood, but it also does double duty as a popular nightlife spot with a bar and disco in the back where you can dance to merengue and bachata.

For a seriously great spot to sit and chill with a plate of good seafood and a cool drink, head to Gri Gri (Calle Las Galeras). It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving everything from pasta to crepes and fish to meat.