If you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort, your meals will be included into your package deal. While that will feel great for the first few days, you may get the itch for something else and want to venture out. Or, if you are staying in an independent hotel, you may find that meals can differ in their prices big time depending on what area of town you are in. Trying moving away from the main tourist areas, sometimes even just a couple of blocks, and you will find the prices drop dramatically.
Most restaurants will have a variety of things to offer (especially in the tourist areas), with prices ranging US$6–US$17. Pizza and sandwiches are at the low end of the scale, and pricey seafood and steak sit at the higher end.
A plate of la bandera dominicana, rice and beans and chicken with some plantains, will run you about US$2–5 depending on the area.