RESTAURANTS FOR THE VEGGIES IN PUNTA CANA
In BOP our team selects the best options in Punta Cana in different categories. This week we went on a hunt for restaurants with the best vegan and vegetarian options.
Do not be surprised when the smell of barbecued chicken overwhelms you in the street or seeing a pork being turned on a spit above an open fire. Yes, Dominicans love meat. It is everywhere. For a vegetarian or vegan, it can be hard to find food options that are suitable when eating out.
You can commit yourself to eating beans, rice, fried plantain, and just being creative everywhere you go. But just admit it, wouldn´t it be nice to know some restaurants where you can absolutely enjoy delicious vegetarian or vegan options?
We investigated the best options for vegetarians and vegans in Punta Cana. It made us almost switch to the vegan vegetarian side.
AmaLuna
Our number 1 vegan restaurant in Punta Cana. The dining area is set in a romantic small courtyard, with big trees, and parasols with little lights in them. Expect vegan pulled pork burgers, shitake, meat and cheese wraps, arepas and Buddha bowls. Now, this a place where you can eat as much junk food you like, without feeling bad about it the next day. Owner Maddalena started AmaLuna in 2013 in Bavaro. She feels that the vegan lifestyle does not have to be boring. That is why she likes changing the menu from time to time like she did now with new chef Oswald.
“You must definitely try our Italian mozzarella stuffed meatballs. People can´t believe that it is vegan because they have the sensation of eating meat!”, Amaluna employee Christine explains. We agree. Check out this vegan place for yourself in Bávaro on Calle Verde 1, next to Hotel Merengue.
Opening times: Every day 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday closed.
+1 (809) 552 0664
Pranama
The only Indian food restaurant you will find in Bávaro.
Vegans and vegetarians have plenty of options here. Owner Krishna is also always more than happy to make something extra special when you ask. Try roti paired with a veggie korma that consists out of ten vegetables and has coconut milk. Or their Pakora, that has vegetables in it and is made from chickpea flour. “I can even make a vegan or vegetarian dish with a simple potato and tomato. We have so many different vegetables”, Krishna elaborates. Okay, we love their food, but their coconut mojito is an absolute winner as well. Pranama is located on Avenida Alemania, Plaza el Dorado, Bávaro – Punta Cana.
Opening times: Every day from 12 pm – 11:45 pm
+1 (809) 552 6767
Don Camaron
One of the best Mexican food restaurants in Punta Cana in our opinion. It is not a restaurant, but a food truck that has a dining area. Their soft tacos are fresh. You can ask the chef to make you a Burrito with vegetables together with their special hot sauce. It is delicious. Also, try their rice milk with cinnamon drink. Their prices vary between 100 to 500 pesos. No extra taxes here.
When you are on the Avenida Alemania in Bavaro, pass NH Hotel and a little Banco Loteria Antonio Cruz and take the first street on the left where there is a car wash, open bar with pool tables and reggaetón music. Don Camaron is located further down the gravel street! Opening times: Every day 1 pm – 10 pm
+1 809-610-6267
Breakers Coffee Shop
A place that is famous for its Dutch apple pie, fresh juices, and sandwiches. Something not a lot of people know is that Breakers offers vegetarian as well as vegan dishes. Just ask Chef Willy to prepare you the vegan red cabbage vegetable dish, with his special pesto sauce. Or go for a vegetable hummus wrap that is finger licking good. “You ask, and I will prepare”, an enthusiastic Willy tells us. Ask for the greenbreak while you are there. A fresh juice of spinach, pineapple, lime, coconut water, and spirulina. It really gives you that extra energy to kick-start your day or your afternoon.
Breakers is located at Local B-16 Boulevard Commercial Fishing Lodge in Cap Cana.
Opening times: Every day from 8 am – 2 pm
+1 (809) 469 7451
Tip: Cap Cana is a beautiful gated part of the Punta Cana area, so give Breakers a call so that they can give you an access pass to enter the place.
Breakers is hiring new staff for their new restaurant. Read about it in Become BOP.
Send us your favorite veggie restaurants, and we will make sure to test them and feature them on BOP!