Thanks to the kitchens that are built into virtually every unit in Palmas del Mar, many guests prepare at least some of their meals "at home." This is made relatively feasible thanks to the on-site supermarket at the Palmanova Plaza, which has well stocked fresh produce and meats, a wide variety of goods and an excellent wine.
Where the Locals Go for Soul Food
To escape the confines of the resort for the evening, there are plenty of simple restaurants and seafront shacks serving up fresh and tasty seafood and comida criolla in atmospheric settings on the east coast. Several such restaurants can be found in the Punta Santiago sector just off Hwy. 3. Paradise Seafood, off Hwy. 3, on Calle Isidro Andreu, the main road in Punta Santiago Humacao (tel. 787/852-1180) has been serving such food for 7 decades in an attractive, no-frills setting. Memorable renditions of mofongo stuffed with seafood and hearty seafood stews, grilled fresh fish, baked lobster, and a wide variety of fish and shellfish served in tasty garlic, Creole, and citrus sauces. Pescao y Salsa (tel. 787/850-6666) on the same road is another excellent choice, for fresh seafood, with fresh lobsters and red snapper available every evening. Besides the basic seafood and local cuisine, there are more sophisticated choices here, with several specials every evening like halibut in a roasted pepper puree and saffron risotto and skirt steak with tamarind chimichurri and mashed cassava and potatoes. You can also get tasty seafood turnovers and excellent conch or octopus ceviche salad sold in plastic cups in several of Punta Santiago's modest establishments, the perfect combination with a cold beer. Another delicacy is arepas, a delicate island biscuit usually stuffed with sautéed seafood or ceviche salad. There are several restaurants in this sector, but these two are among the best.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
