Vamos Vegetables: Dominican Republic’s Traditional Dishes Get A Plant-Powered Makeover

Natura Cabana is one of our top eco vacation destinations for a number of reasons—this open-air eating spot being one of them. The sustainable restaurant is surrounded by the soothing sound of an undisturbed sea with crashing waves creating the crescendo. While a tantalizing menu features a variety of deliciously balanced and nutritious dishes.

Natura Restaurant may not be solely vegan, but their vegan specialties will have passionate meat-lovers second guessing their choice. From zucchini or beetroot carpaccio to pumpkin risotto and Caribbean curry, the multicultural chef allows you to embrace Dominican cuisine without compromising your beliefs.

Fusing creativity into food, Ajuala is one of our favorite places to eat in the Dominican Republic. From atypical architecture to instagrammable dishes, this eco chic culinary experience is a reprieve from the country’s traditional restaurants.

You may not be traveling to the Carribean island for fine dining, but you also may not find this quality of food for such value anywhere else. The extensive menu is not vegetarian by nature, but it includes vegan options that are well worth making the trip for. Plus Ajuala is known to have the best wine list in the Dominican Republic, so be prepared to sip and taste the night away.

It’s time for a vegetarian revival in the Dominican Republic restaurants. And that’s just what this eco chic restaurant has done. Situated in the heart of Colonial Santo Domingo, the sustainable eating experience heroes local plants and organic vegetables through a culmination of perfectly balanced flavors.

At Time Creative Vegetarian Kitchen all the dishes are vegetarian with plenty of vegan options to choose from. Expect to taste some of the best ramen worldwide. And we’d recommend ending off your meal with tofu pannacotta and vegan ice-cream. If you’re dedicated to the cause, bring along a few vegan skeptics and watch their hesitations fade.

Traditional Dominican dishes get a vegan makeover at this fully-vegan, self-service buffet. While major US cities have been veganizing the Carribean cuisine for decades, the idyllic island has finally caught onto the trend with restaurants such as this.

Raices is an assuming buffet at the center of Santo Domingo, making it the perfect stop-off in between adventuring through the best attractions in the Dominican Republic. Their vegan version of Bandera Dominicana is a fan favorite. And they’re also known for their reinvention of the traditional Sancocho with taro and green plantain. It’s the kind of place to have lunch everyday and return home with a thorough understanding of local flavors. Delicioso!

In a country known for its coffee, we’d be remiss to leave Casa Barista off our list. The artisanal coffee house features specialty coffees, produced from a meticulous manufacturing process—making it an imperative cultural experience if you’re in the area.

But Casa Barista isn’t just good for a caffeine kick. The veg-heavy, gluten-free cafe is on a mission to change the way in which we see food. Their nutrient-rich ingredients are perfectly paired to promote a healthy lifestyle along with the enjoyment of delicious meals. Needless to say, you’ll leave feeling revitalized and satisfied.

Woke Foods is promoting the movement towards plant-based sustainability—but in the most pleasurable way. They allow their dishes to do the talking, making all animal-loving protests and parades redundant.

Expect mushroom stew, vegan lasagna and classic pancakes. While fresh juices and smoothies are an effortless way to get in your greens. Redefining the millennial term for animal-loving foodies, Woke Foods is one of our favorite vegan restaurants in the Dominican Republic. They make food justice easy.

Naca’n is where high culture, art and cuisine intersect. The multilevel historical building and elegant banquet celebrate Santo Domingo’s indigenous inheritance alongside a modern-day spirit of pride and purpose.

And whilst Naca’n is best known for its locally-inspired Caribbean cuisine and decadent steaks—alluring vegan options ensure that no one misses out on the exotic experience. We recommend their pumpkin cream soup with orange zest and ginger infusions. But all of their dishes promise to excite your palette.

If you thought you’d have to go a few weeks without your vegan cake, think again. We’ve found the best plant-based pastries in the country. And all our animal-loving friends can breathe a sigh of relief.

From sweet potato brownies to snicker cupcakes and choc chip cookies, it’s safe to say that Santo Domingo is a sweet spot to celebrate a vegan birthday. But it’s not all sugar at the [DBL Market](https://www.dblblog.com/dbl-vegan), they’re bringing the spice too. Think plant-based nachos, zucchini lasagnas and a dangerous range of dips. Talk about vegan va va voom!

Like bees to nectar, this vegan hotspot has tourists swarming towards the plant-based menu. Every dish is carefully created to hero distinctive plants in a unique way. While the restaurant thrives in hitting the elusive sweet spot between aesthetically pleasing and mouth watering dishes.

Starters such as mushroom tartare with raisins, almonds and truffle oil reinvent our idea of vegetables. While a vegan pad thai and cheesecake bring the simple pleasures to ethical eating. We’re buzzing to return to Nectar. You’ll be too.

Named after the local vegetable, this elegant restaurant knows a thing or two about bringing out the flavor in Caribbean plants. And whilst sustainably sourced meats can be found on the menu, their vegan options are delicate aesthetically and deep in flavor. Remember to leave space for dessert—you won’t want to miss out.

Okra’s Asian-inspired avant garde interior speaks to their contemporary approach to cooking. While pops of color allude to the playfulness and culturally-rich heritage inherent to the island. All in all, the space exudes excellence.

Seated in a natural limestone cave, El Meson de la Cava takes you to new depths of the historical island. The unique space requires little decor as it leaves room for natural tranquility and an escape from disruption.

El Meson’s unparalleled surroundings are matched by a French-inspired menu. And whilst seafood is their speciality, vegetarians will be pleased to know that options such as eggplant parmigiana are just as good as the colossal shrimp risotto. Detectable!

As one of our top eco resorts, it’s no surprise that Puntacana is home to one of the best restaurants in Dominican Republic. La Yola is designed after a prototypical Caribbean fishing boat. The decadent deck appropriately overlooks a vast aquamarine ocean. While live local musicians add to the overall ambiance.

As you can imagine, La Yola’s seafood dishes are some of the best in the country. But for vegetarian options, you can never go wrong with fresh pastas, Caribbean style eggplant or delicate salads.

Situated in a tree lined residential area, you’ll return to C-Organico time and time again for their ever-changing menu. You’ll be delighted to find that everything is vegan. And wholesome dishes such as wraps, buddha bowls and veggie burgers are all you need to fuel your adventures. While fresh smoothies and sweet treats make it a plant-based paradise.

Don’t wait until the last day. C-Organico is a stop you'll want to have on your radar from the get-go.