Over 180 Restaurants Turn the Dominican Republic Into the Culinary Capital During Restaurant Week 2025
Santo Domingo, D.R. – The Dominican Republic is gearing up for the 8th edition of Restaurant Week 2025, the country’s largest and most anticipated food festival. This year marks a record-breaking participation with over 180 restaurants across Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Punta Cana, all offering exclusive menus designed to celebrate the richness of Dominican cuisine.
The event kicks off in Santiago de los Caballeros from September 1–7, continues in Punta Cana from September 8–14, and wraps up in Santo Domingo from September 15–21. Each city will showcase unique culinary experiences, featuring everything from iconic local restaurants to innovative hotel dining concepts.
Exclusive Tasting Menus at Special Prices
Food lovers will enjoy two special tasting menu formats:
- Two-course menu (starter + main dish or main dish + dessert) for RD$1,395 + taxes.
- Three-course menu (starter + main dish + dessert) for RD$1,795 + taxes.
Dominican Cuisine as a Tourism Driver
Aguie Lendor, Executive Vice President of ASONAHORES, highlighted that gastronomy is one of the Dominican Republic’s strongest tourism assets:
“Culinary tourism reflects our culture, safeguards traditions, and boosts the local economy, positioning us in an increasingly competitive global market.”
Meanwhile, Omar Cepeda Darauche, President of ADERES, emphasized:
“Restaurant Week is the largest culinary event in the nation, and every year we continue to promote Dominican identity by showcasing the strengths of our gastronomy.”
A Digital, Interactive Culinary Journey
Since 2022, the festival has expanded into a national gastronomic route, connecting Santiago, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo. Diners can download a virtual passport via QR code at their first participating restaurant. With it, they can unlock special promotions from sponsors, enjoy unique offers, and even vote for their favorite restaurants on www.restaurantweek.com.do.
Recognizing Culinary Excellence
During the launch of the 2025 edition, awards were presented to standout restaurants from 2024:
- The Dominican Gastronomy Fork 2024: Awarded to Chef Hideki Tateyama of Samurai Restaurant for his contributions to local cuisine.
- Top picks by the Dominican Academy of Gastronomy: Temporada, Ajualá, and Café SBG.
- Public vote winners: Casa Luca, Casa Brava, and Santino in Santo Domingo.
Additionally, Geraldo Ventura received special recognition for his career in hospitality service.
Exclusive Benefit for American Express Cardholders
As a visionary partner since the festival’s early days, American Express continues its support by offering a 20% cashback benefit to cardholders dining at participating restaurants.
Strategic Partners
The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic once again supports the initiative as part of its strategy to strengthen sustainable gastronomic tourism and promote the country’s culinary wealth abroad. Key sponsors include El Catador, Acqua Panna & San Pellegrino, Brugal, Campari, Aperol, Corona, Michelob, Sky High, Arajet, Renault, the Association of Hotels of Santo Domingo, and the Dominican Academy of Gastronomy.
