La Casita (Marina Casa de Campo)

La Casita is one of the best-known restaurants at the Marina Casa de Campo, the large yacht harbor inside Casa de Campo near the mouth of the Chavón River. It is listed among the resort's restaurants on Casa de Campo's own website, and it has been a fixture at the marina for years, popular with villa guests, boat owners and visitors staying across the La Romana area.

Casa de Campo describes the menu as Spanish flavors made with fresh Dominican ingredients: seafood mains, tapas-style starters and rice dishes, plus meat options. Most reviewers mention the fresh seafood and the attentive service. The setting is a big part of the appeal: tables look over the marina, and sunset dinners with the boats lit up are the most popular slot.

Expect resort-level prices. Casa de Campo's community guide rates it $$ by the resort's standards, which in practice still means considerably more than village restaurants in Bayahíbe. The dress code for dinner is casual elegant: no beachwear, and long trousers or a smart dress are a safe choice. Reservations are recommended, especially in the high season from December to April and on weekends. We could not confirm current opening hours, so check with the resort or the marina when booking.

Getting there: inside Casa de Campo, guests reach the marina by golf cart or shuttle. Non-guests can generally visit the marina area, but access to the resort is controlled at the gates, so mention your reservation on arrival. From Bayahíbe and Dominicus, it is about 20 to 30 minutes by car.

It pairs well with an afternoon at Altos de Chavón, a short drive away, or a day at Minitas Beach for resort guests. The marina also has other restaurants, cafes and shops, so it is a good place to spend an evening.

Best for: special-occasion dinners, couples, and Casa de Campo guests who want to eat off the property's main hotel. Not for: budget travelers or anyone wanting a casual, local experience, who will be happier at Restaurante Típico La Bahía in Bayahíbe. See our La Romana area guide for more on the surroundings.