Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Cabarete & Dominican Republic

Vegetarian restaurants in Cabarete & the Dominican Republic: healthy, delicious & personally tried

I've been vegetarian since I was born, so finding good vegetarian food has always been part of my life. And while being vegetarian in the Dominican Republic can sometimes be a little limiting, I've noticed something really positive over the years: there are more and more options!

Being Italian, I appreciate a good meal!! I love fresh ingredients, homemade dishes, and restaurants that put some creativity into their vegetarian options. Because no, I don't want to order a plain salad every time I go out!

After living in Cabarete for several years and exploring different parts of the Dominican Republic, I've put together a list of my favorite vegetarian and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.

These are all places I've personally tried, including some of my favorite dishes, approximate prices, and tips on where to go.

Not all the restaurants are fully vegetarian. Some also serve chicken, fish, or meat, but they have enough good vegetarian options to deserve a place on this list.

My favorite vegetarian restaurants in Cabarete

1. La Cocina Comunitaria → Cabarete Sostenible

Location: Callejón, Cabarete
Price range: $ · Budget-friendly, generally under RD$500 per person
Best for: a homemade vegetarian Dominican lunch

This is probably one of the most special places on my list, and not only because of the food.

La Cocina Comunitaria is part of Cabarete Sostenible, a local organization focused on food security, sustainability, and supporting the community.

Think of it as a vegetarian Dominican comedor, where you can enjoy a freshly prepared plato del día using local produce.

I love this concept because it's simple, affordable, and connected to the community. No complicated menu or fancy presentation needed.

It's also a reminder that vegetarian food doesn't have to mean imported ingredients or expensive superfoods. There are so many wonderful ingredients grown right here in the Dominican Republic.

My tip: go for lunch and check what's cooking that day. The menu is different every day.

2. Gypsy Bowls

Location: Central Cabarete
Price range: $$ · Approximately RD$400–900 per person
Best for: healthy bowls, pita dishes, smoothies, and breakfast

Gypsy Bowls is one of my go-to places when I'm craving something fresh, healthy, and filling.

My favorites are their pita dishes, the Caribe and Andino bowls, and, when I want something sweet, their smoothie bowls. I particularly love the chocolate and papaya ones.

There's a really good variety, so you can go for something light or order a proper lunch that will keep you full for hours.

The menu used to be almost entirely vegetarian, although they've recently introduced chicken burritos. Still, most of the options are vegetarian-friendly, and it's one of my favorite casual spots in Cabarete.

3. Fresh Fresh Café (Cabarete)

Location: Downtown Cabarete, along the main road
Price range: $$ · Approximately RD$500–1,000 per person
Best for: breakfast, brunch, and healthy lunches, fresh juices

Fresh Fresh is another reliable option when you're looking for something healthy in Cabarete. They have a good selection of wraps, bowls, smoothies, and breakfast dishes, with plenty of vegetarian choices.

Personally, I really like their breakfast bagel, the hummus, and some of their bowls.

It's also convenient because you can find Fresh Fresh in Sosúa and Puerto Plata (they’re not the same but have the same concept), so it's a good option to remember when you're exploring the North Coast.

4. Natura Cabana → Karaya & Natura Restaurants

Location: Perla Marina, between Cabarete and Sosúa, right on the beach
Price range: $$–$$$ · Approximately RD$700–2,000+ per person
Best for: breakfast, a relaxing lunch, or a special dinner

Natura Cabana is one of my favorite places when I want to enjoy a good meal somewhere peaceful, surrounded by nature and right by the ocean.

They have two restaurants: Karaya for breakfast and lunch, and Natura for dinner. Both have several vegetarian-friendly options.

And I definitely have my favorites! For lunch, I love their La Bandera Natura, a vegetarian take on the traditional Dominican lunch, and their Caribbean Curry. They also have a vegan burger if you're craving something different.

For dinner, my favorite is the homemade ravioli. Being Italian, I'm always happy when I find good homemade pasta here in the DR!

What I also love about Natura Cabana is that you don't have to rush. You can have lunch, enjoy the tropical surroundings, and spend some time by the ocean.

It's a lovely place to go when you want more than just a quick meal.

Other vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Cabarete

These aren't necessarily vegetarian restaurants, but they have enough good options that I happily include them in my list.

5. Mojito Bar

Location: Cabarete Beach, central Cabarete
Price range: $–$$ · Approximately RD$400–1,000 per person
Best for: casual beachfront lunch or dinner

Mojito Bar is one of those classic Cabarete beachfront restaurants where you can sit, watch what's happening on the beach, and enjoy a casual meal.

It's not vegetarian, but there are quite a few options to choose from, including sandwiches, bruschettas, and soups. All freshly made.

This is especially useful when you're eating with friends who aren't vegetarian, because everyone can find something they like. And of course, being right on Cabarete Beach is always a plus.

Just check the ingredients in soups and sauces, since not every vegetable-based dish is necessarily prepared without meat stock.

6. Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles

Location: Cabarete, along the main road
Price range: $$$ · Approximately RD$500–1,400 per person
Best for: breakfast, brunch, and lunch, waffles

Vagamundo is well known for its coffee, waffles and beautiful setting, but it also has some really good vegetarian-friendly lunch options.

The menu is mostly vegetarian-friendly, although you'll also find some chicken and fish dishes. My personal favorite is the Capri Bowl. That's usually what I'm thinking about when I go there for lunch!

I also like the atmosphere, with all the greenery and the relaxed café setting.

One thing to remember: Vagamundo closes around 5 PM, so it's a breakfast, brunch, or lunch destination.

7. Gordito's Fresh Mex

Location: Central Cabarete, along the main road
Price range: $–$$ · Casual, affordable dining
Best for: burritos, tacos, and a quick vegetarian lunch

Sometimes you just want a good burrito or a few tacos, and Gordito's Fresh Mex is a great option for that!

It's not a vegetarian restaurant, but they have vegetarian-friendly choices, including their veggie option or a simple combination with black beans (habichuelas negras).

You can order burritos or tacos, with a choice of corn tortillas (maíz, gluten-free) or wheat tortillas. If you're avoiding gluten, double-check the fillings and preparation as well.

I like having Gordito's as an option when I'm craving something quick, filling, casual, and different from the usual salads and smoothie bowls.

My tip: go for the veggie filling or keep it simple with black beans. Sometimes that's all you need!

Vegetarian restaurants I've tried around the Dominican Republic

Cabarete is home, but whenever I travel around the country, I love discovering new places to eat. Here are some of my favorite finds so far:

Fresh Fresh Café (Sosúa)

Location: Sosúa, Puerto Plata Province
Price range: $$ · Approximately RD$500–1,000 per person
Best for: breakfast, smoothies, and healthy lunches

Another convenient Fresh Fresh location, especially if you're spending the day in Sosúa or running errands in town. Like the Cabarete café, it's a good option for smoothies, wraps, salads, and a lighter meal.

Fresh Fresh Café (Puerto Plata)

Location: Puerto Plata city
Price range: $$ · Approximately RD$500–1,000 per person
Best for: breakfast, brunch, and lunch

If you're exploring Puerto Plata, this is another useful place to keep in mind for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. It's nice knowing there's a familiar healthy-food option in different towns along the North Coast.

Papaupa (Santo Domingo)

Location: Santo Domingo
Price range: $$ · Approximately RD$500–1,000+ per person
Best for: creative vegetarian food, fresh juices, and a full meal

If I had to choose one of my absolute favorite vegetarian restaurants in the Dominican Republic, Papaupa would definitely be at the top of my list!
I don't even have one favorite dish here because I pretty much order everything!

From their fresh juices to the starters and main dishes, everything I've tried has been delicious.

I love when a vegetarian restaurant has so many interesting choices that I actually struggle to decide what to order. That's the case here.

If you're vegetarian and visiting Santo Domingo, I really recommend adding Papaupa to your list. It's one of those places I look forward to visiting whenever I'm in the capital.

Restaurante Vegetariano Raíces (Santo Domingo)

Location: Santo Domingo, with multiple locations
Price range: $ · Approximately RD$250–500 per person
Best for: vegetarian buffet lunches

This place surprised me. It's a vegetarian restaurant with a buffet-style setup, where you can choose from different freshly prepared dishes. And what impressed me most was the variety and quality of the ingredients.

Finding this kind of selection in the Dominican Republic, at such accessible prices, was a really nice surprise.

It's a great option if you want a satisfying vegetarian lunch without spending a fortune.

Pangea Kitchen (Santo Domingo)

Location: Santo Domingo
Price range: $$–$$$ · Approximately RD$700–1,500 per person
Best for: asian-inspired dishes (Indian and Thai) and vegetarian-friendly choices

Pangea is a good reminder that vegetarian food doesn't always have to be a salad, smoothie bowl, or veggie burger. Here you can find Asian-inspired dishes such as curries, noodles, and rice dishes, with vegetarian choices and tofu options.

It's not a fully vegetarian restaurant, so make sure to select the vegetarian version of the dish you're ordering.

Definitely one to keep in mind when you're craving something with more spice and flavor.

Time Creative Vegetarian Kitchen (Santo Domingo)

Location: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Price range: $$$ · Approximately RD$1,000–1,500+ per person
Best for: creative vegetarian food and a special meal

Now this is a place where vegetarian food gets really creative.

One of the dishes I remember most is their vegetarian burger made with activated charcoal. It's definitely not your typical veggie burger!
And the crème brûlée? Another reason to visit.

I love discovering places that put real thought into vegetarian cooking, especially when the food is interesting enough to impress someone who isn't vegetarian.

Plus, it's in the beautiful Zona Colonial, so you can combine your meal with a walk around one of my favorite areas of Santo Domingo.

Restaurante Mimosa (Santo Domingo)

Location: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Price range: $–$$ · Approximately RD$300–800 per person
Best for: affordable, traditional Dominican food

Mimosa is a little different from the other places on this list. It's not a vegetarian restaurant at all. It's a traditional Dominican restaurant with a variety of local dishes and plato del día (“today’s special”), including some vegetarian-friendly options.

What I like about it is that it's affordable and gives you a chance to enjoy more typical Dominican food in the Zona Colonial.

If you're vegetarian, just ask about the ingredients before ordering, especially in dishes that might contain meat stock or other animal products.

Casa Barista (Santo Domingo)

Location: Santo Domingo
Price range: $$$ · Mid to high-range café and restaurant
Best for: breakfast, brunch, healthy meals, and mixed dietary preferences

Casa Barista is another great option to keep in mind when you're in Santo Domingo, especially if you're looking for something healthy but don't necessarily want to go to a fully vegetarian restaurant.

Their menu has a bit of everything, but what makes them stand out is the variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

I particularly like places like this when I'm eating with friends who have different tastes or dietary preferences. Everyone can find something they enjoy without having to compromise.

Flor de Café (Santo Domingo)

Location: Santo Domingo
Price range: $$-$$$ · Mid to high-range café
Best for: breakfast, brunch, and vegetarian-friendly meals

Flor de Café is another lovely spot to add to your list when you're exploring Santo Domingo.

It's not exclusively vegetarian, but it's a good option if you're looking for a café where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or a fancy meal with vegetarian-friendly choices.

I always appreciate finding places that offer more than the usual meat-based dishes, especially when traveling around the Dominican Republic. Their menu is colorful, delicious and very creative.

My tip: check the current menu for vegetarian options, as dishes and availability can change.

A few tips for eating vegetarian in the Dominican Republic

After being vegetarian my whole life, I can definitely say that eating out in the Dominican Republic has become much more interesting over the years.

There are more healthy cafés, more vegetarian dishes on regular menus, and more restaurants experimenting with plant-based food.

Still, there are a few things worth knowing…

Not every vegetable dish is vegetarian

Traditional Dominican cooking uses lots of naturally vegetarian ingredients, including plantains, yuca, batata, rice, beans, avocado, and tropical fruits.

But some dishes that look vegetarian aren't always prepared that way.

Beans, rice, soups, and vegetable dishes can sometimes contain meat stock, chicken, or other animal ingredients, like sopita de pollo (Maggi or Knorr cubes).

If you're unsure, ASK.

Gluten-free and lactose-free options in Cabarete & the Dominican Republic

The good news is that if you're avoiding gluten or dairy, you'll find more options in Cabarete than you might expect!

Many of the healthy cafés and restaurants I've mentioned in this guide offer dishes that can work for different dietary needs, although it's always important to double-check ingredients.

Where to find gluten-free food in Cabarete

One useful tip is that Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles offers gluten-free waffles upon request! So it's worth asking about the options when ordering.

At Fresh Fresh Café, Gypsy Bowls, and Natura Cabana, you'll find plenty of bowls, fresh ingredients, and other dishes that may be suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Natura Cabana also has gluten-free choices on its menu, including gluten-free pasta options.

And if you're craving Mexican food, Gordito's Fresh Mex offers corn tortillas as an alternative to wheat tortillas.

Just remember that a dish made with naturally gluten-free ingredients isn't necessarily completely gluten-free. Sauces, dressings, toppings, and shared cooking equipment can make a difference.

My tip: If you have celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance, always explain this to the staff and ask about cross-contact before ordering. Don't assume that a gluten-free option is automatically prepared in a gluten-free kitchen. DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING!

Lactose-free and dairy-free options

If you're lactose intolerant or prefer avoiding dairy, finding alternatives is becoming easier too. Most of the healthy cafés around Cabarete offer some kind of plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, depending on what's available.

At places like Vagamundo and Fresh Fresh Café, it's worth asking about plant-based milk for your coffee, smoothie, or breakfast.

You'll also find naturally dairy-free options among many fruit bowls, vegetable dishes, and Dominican foods made with ingredients like rice, beans, plantains, and yuca.

But be careful with sauces, cheese, butter, cream, and dressings, which can easily turn an otherwise dairy-free dish into one containing milk products.

And remember that lactose-free and dairy-free aren't exactly the same thing. If you have a milk allergy, make sure to explain that clearly rather than simply asking for lactose-free food.

Learn a few useful Spanish phrases

These are especially helpful when you're eating somewhere that doesn't have a dedicated vegetarian menu.

• Soy vegetariana/o → I'm vegetarian
• No como carne, pollo ni pescado → I don't eat meat, chicken, or fish.
• ¿Tiene caldo de pollo o carne? → Does it contain chicken or meat stock?
• ¿Lo pueden preparar sin carne? → Can you prepare it without meat?
• ¿Qué opciones vegetarianas tienen? → What vegetarian options do you have?

• ¿Tienen opciones sin gluten? → Do you have gluten-free options?
• ¿Pueden preparar los waffles sin gluten? → Can you prepare the waffles gluten-free?
• Soy celíaco/a. → I have celiac disease.
• ¿Tienen leche vegetal? → Do you have plant-based milk?
• ¿Tienen leche de almendra, soya o avena? → Do you have almond, soy, or oat milk?
• ¿Este plato contiene leche, queso o mantequilla (o soya)? → Does this dish contain milk, cheese, or butter (or soy)?
• ¿Lo pueden preparar sin lácteos? → Can you prepare it without dairy?

Don't limit yourself to vegetarian restaurants

Some of my favorite meals in the Dominican Republic have been at restaurants that aren't fully vegetarian. Sometimes all it takes is checking the menu carefully or asking if a dish can be prepared without meat.

And if you're traveling with friends or family who eat meat, choosing a restaurant with a good mix of options makes everyone's life easier.

Help me discover more vegetarian restaurants in the Dominican Republic!

This list is definitely not finished.

I've been vegetarian my whole life, and while it can sometimes be limiting in the Dominican Republic, I'm really happy to see more and more restaurants offering creative, delicious vegetarian dishes.

I still have so many places to discover, and I'm always happy to try something new, no matter if it's a little vegetarian comedor, a healthy café, or a restaurant with an interesting plant-based menu.

Do you know a delicious vegetarian restaurant somewhere in the Dominican Republic that I should try?

Feel free to reach out and send me your recommendations! I'd love to discover more places and keep adding my favorites to this guide as I explore the country.

And if you're planning to visit or move to Cabarete, have a look around my website for more local tips, area guides, and everything you need to know about life on the North Coast.

See you around Cabarete!

Gio