Los Robles (Av. Enriquillo and Nuestra Sra. del Rosario, tel. 809/524-1629, 9 a.m.–2 a.m. daily, US$5–15) is for sure the most popular spot in town to dine. There is a lot of action at this corner at night, the food is good, and the prices are, too. It’s on an outdoor patio with a thatched-roof bar and a jukebox that pumps out very loud Latin tunes. For a quieter meal, head to the back garden area where the picnic tables are set up next to an aviary and a pond that has turtles in it. There is also a “take-it-to-go” shack in the back where you can get sandwiches.

The pizza is wonderful, as is the mofongo; there is a big menu to choose from for international and Dominican fare, including grilled meats and seafood. They deliver. After dinner, head to the disco of the same name in the building in the back. It is a small dance floor, but they play great music and it’s very air-conditioned.

Restaurante Pizzería D’Lina (Calle 30 de Mayo at Calle Anacaona, tel. 809/524-3681, US$2–15) has a very loyal following. Pizza is good; there is also seafood, comida criolla, appetizers, and sandwiches (the cubano was excellent). With so many other restaurants around this area, this one still stands ahead of the others. It has outdoor seating.

Seafood is a specialty at Brisas del Caribe (Av. Enriquillo 1, tel. 809/524-2794, 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Wed.–Mon., closed Tues., US$8–20), an upper-crust yet informal restaurant. Enjoy super-fresh lobster, shrimp, sea bass, and many more types of fish. Try anything a la plancha and you won’t go wrong. It’s right on Barahona’s Malecón with a view of the sea. Yet another reason to not choose an all-inclusive hotel. The staff is impeccably trained to offer phenomenal service.