El Mesón de la Cava

Santo Domingo


This is where Batman would take a date – this craggy stalactite-filled limestone cave is home to a long-running unique and romantic restaurant. Formally clad waiters and soft merengue and salsa music add to the atmosphere, though the food, primarily grilled meats, fish and pasta, is ordinary. Live music some nights on the also atmospheric leafy terrace.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santo Domingo attractions

1. Parque Mirador del Sur

0.55 MILES

A long tree-filled corridor atop an enormous limestone ridge, this park is riddled with caves, some as big as airplane hangars. One of the caves has been…

2. Palacio de Bellas Artes

1.88 MILES

This huge neoclassical building houses several national performing arts schools and is sometimes the sight for exhibitions and performances. Check the…

3. Playa Guibia

1.95 MILES

A beach area on the Malecón popular with families on weekends, featuring a sandy volleyball court, a kids' playground, gym equipment and free wi-fi access.

4. Plaza de la Cultura

2.07 MILES

This large, centrally located park, mostly a sun-baked, fairly unkempt plaza, has three museums (two of which are worth visiting), the national theater…

5. Museo de Arte Moderno

2.1 MILES

The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings and a few sculptures by the DR’s best-known modern artists, including Luís Desangles, Adriana Billini…

6. Museo Bellapart

2.14 MILES

Incongruously located on the 5th floor of a large Honda dealership, which looks like a parking garage, is this significant private collection of Dominican…

7. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural

2.17 MILES

This museum explores the natural environs of the Dominican Republic, with the massive jaw of a sperm whale welcoming visitors at the door. Old-fashioned…

8. Museo del Hombre Dominicano

2.22 MILES

Highlights here include an impressive collection of Taíno artifacts, including stone axes and intriguing urns and carvings and an interesting section on…