Jalao
Experience authentic Dominican flavors at this highly-rated Santo Domingo restaurant. Enjoy live music, cocktails, and outdoor seating. A must-visit! (4.5/5 stars)
About Jalao
Nestled in the heart of the historic colonial zone, this vibrant establishment offers a truly authentic Dominican dining experience. With a strong 4.5-star rating from nearly 6,000 reviews, it's clear diners appreciate the flavorful and genuine cuisine. The atmosphere is lively, often enhanced by live music, creating a memorable backdrop for enjoying expertly prepared dishes. Guests can savor classic Dominican specialties, perhaps while seated outdoors under the shade of a tree, observing the animated pulse of the city. This spot is also well-suited for groups, provides ample cocktail options, and offers the convenience of reservable seating, making it a standout choice for those seeking a taste of local culture and delicious food.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Jalao
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent Dominican Experience! I had lunch at Jalao, right on the main square of Santo Domingo, and really enjoyed it. I ordered El Criollito – yellow rice with ribs, sausage, corn, cabbage salad, and red beans. The food was flavorful and felt truly authentic Dominican. I especially liked sitting outside in the shade of a big tree, enjoying the atmosphere of the historic plaza and watching the lively surroundings. Great place for both food and local vibe! We had stopped by walking on Saturday night due to vibe atmosphere around the park and opinion on the Google maps. Cocktails were good, we only had nachos with guacamole and it was all right, not enough guacamole more meaty than vegetarian. Not honestly my type of the snacks. Staff was super well behave and professional. Food was amazing. Avocado salad, grilled eggplant with cheese, and rum soaked bread pudding. Everything top notch. Great location on plaza with plentiful indoor and outdoor seating. Professional band on Sat night and they kept everyone dancing. Highly recommend.
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Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
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Recent Reviews
V M.
November 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent Dominican Experience! I had lunch at Jalao, right on the main square of Santo Domingo, and really enjoyed it. I ordered El Criollito – yellow rice with ribs, sausage, corn, cabbage salad, and red beans. The food was flavorful and felt truly authentic Dominican. I especially liked sitting outside in the shade of a big tree, enjoying the atmosphere of the historic plaza and watching the lively surroundings. Great place for both food and local vibe!
Justyna B.
November 2, 2025
We had stopped by walking on Saturday night due to vibe atmosphere around the park and opinion on the Google maps. Cocktails were good, we only had nachos with guacamole and it was all right, not enough guacamole more meaty than vegetarian. Not honestly my type of the snacks. Staff was super well behave and professional.
Lisa D.
November 9, 2025
Food was amazing. Avocado salad, grilled eggplant with cheese, and rum soaked bread pudding. Everything top notch. Great location on plaza with plentiful indoor and outdoor seating. Professional band on Sat night and they kept everyone dancing. Highly recommend.
Andrea
November 11, 2025
We were told this is one of the top 2 places for local cuisine, and indeed they have a wide variety of dominician dishes. We had the oxtail stew and shrimps over crushed plantaine and chicharones, both are good They also have a kids menu.
Gerhard S.
May 1, 2025
The food was unfortunately terrible. There were three of us dining and we all ordered different dishes. The shrimp stew: "Shrimp Creole" with peppers had only been warmed up and the shrimp were completely dry and long overcooked. The Cordon Bleu Chicken was also completely dry and we had to send it back. And then they brought us a new one, but unfortunately it had also been kept warm and was completely dry. And the chicken: "Medio Pollo Adobado" was unfortunately far too dry, overcooked and in parts even black. The service, on the other hand, was excellent. For the money we spent at the restaurant, it's not worth it! The food looks okay but the taste and quality are a complete disappointment!
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Jalao special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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Plan Your Santo Domingo Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Santo Domingo.
Transportation Tips
Use taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation. The Colonial Zone is best explored on foot, and many tours include transportation.
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Where to Stay
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