Jellyfish. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

A few years ago, we went to a wedding in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and stayed at a sub par all-inclusive resort. By the third or fourth day, we were clamoring for something more authentic than the dry chicken and all you can eat pasta on the buffet. The area around our hotel was very resort-driven and we were surrounded by large hotels and tourist traps, so we were happy to read about the Jellyfish Restaurant in Bavaro just down the road.

Located down an unassuming gravel road, the Jellyfish is a huge two-story modern, wooden lounge and restaurant shaped like a yacht on a semi-private white sand beach flanked by super tall palm trees. We went at night and while we were there it got very windy, so they pulled down the large white “sails” around the building and it really felt like we were on a boat! They serve traditional Dominican fare alongside some great meat, seafood and pasta dishes. They also had a very nice wine list. I tried the langosta de la casa (grilled lobster), which was delicious, but it was so huge, I could barely finish it. This place is cool and worth checking out, but it is pricey, and we ended up spending about $100 per person.

http://www.jellyfishrestaurant.com/

-Jen Amadio