Gluten-Free Dominican Republic
As I’ve said before and will say again, I love to travel. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease, my first thoughts weren’t “oh no! I can’t eat bagels/pizza,” but were, “how am I going to travel?!”
When I booked a trip to the Dominican Republic two weeks in advance, I barely thought about how I would eat gluten-free until the trip was just days away. I finally googled gluten-free at Paradisus Punta Cana, and couldn’t find much in regards to gluten-free options, or other people’s experiences - let alone others with celiac disease. So, I filled my suitcase with snacks and went with it.
When we arrived at Paradisus Punta Cana, we were welcomed by an open-air lobby with swings, a bar, and… flamingos. And a welcome drink! We finally got to our room, starving and exhausted - we opened the room service menu so my boyfriend could order something. I was expected more of a fight or a search, but I opened it to see little “GF” logos next to several options. I was blown away… not only can we have food and drinks delivered to our room at any hour, free of charge - they have gluten-free options?!
Gluten-Free Food Guide: Dominican Republic
My disbelief continued over the entirety of our stay at Paradisus Punta Cana. Each night, we tried a new restaurant. Each night, I was presented with a labelled menu, with several options. The staff were extremely educated on allergies at every restaurant, and all went the extra mile to make sure I was satisfied and stayed healthy.
The Grill
An Argentine-style steakhouse, located right next to the beach (and another bar!). I got ribs (fun fact: my first time ever ordering ribs anywhere), and they were delicious! They also have a buffet-style salad bar with fresh seafood and desserts. We went to the Grill on our first night, and it was our first experience with how great they were for allergies/celiac disease.
Aqua
Paradisus Punta Cana’s Italian restaurant, located on a lake (hence the name - we were confused too!). They had something for me for every course, and plenty of wine (gluten-free, of course!). I had gluten-free pasta, so good that I left stuffed!
Fuego
Latin-American style cuisine, we went to Fuego not knowing what to expect. The menu has everything from sushi to meats, and was the only menu I encountered that wasn’t labeled gluten-free (however, the one posted outside is!). When we pointed this out to the waiter, he knew off the top of his head what I could and could not eat, and double checked with the chef when he wasn’t sure if he could change something for me. I had a sushi roll for an appetizer (with Tamari - gluten-free soy sauce! I didn’t even have to ask), and salmon for my dinner. They even offered me fruit and a cappuccino for dessert (while I was still drinking wine - surprisingly go well together), and were apologetic that they didn’t have anything else. No joke, it was the best cappuccino I’ve ever had.
Bana
Hibachi! Gluten-free! Bana is an Asian fusion restaurant, with some of the best service I’ve received since being gluten-free. When they found out I have celiac, they took extra care to take my appetizer order first, and serve me first (once again, my sushi came with gluten-free soy sauce). When they began cooking the main hibachi dish, he made sure to wash the grill thoroughly, and cooked my dinner first - before the entire table of 12. He served me before even touching soy sauce, and then served everyone else. They answered all my questions readily, and took these extra steps without needing to be asked. Seriously, one of the best experiences I’ve had!
Gabi Beach
This is the place to go if you’re hungry. With all you can eat, buffet-style options all day long, you will never go hungry. Located steps from the beach and steps from another bar, we went to Gabi Beach for breakfast and lunch every day (so we could hop back to the pool), and every day they had different options covering all bases. Staff is everywhere in the buffet to answer your questions or ease concerns, and come to your tables to get you water, or something from the bar.
But wait, there’s more gluten-free!
Believe it or not, there are even more restaurants! We didn’t have time to make it to all the restaurants, but I’m sure they’re all as amazing. In addition to the amazing service from all restaurants, the beauty extends over the entire (all-inclusive) resort, from the pool with a swim-up bar to the beach with private cabanas. Every night there’s a new activity, and all day there are different things to try - or you can just sit in the sun by the pool or on the beach! Everyone is so kind, and always wanting to help you!
You will not be disappointed, and it’s one place where you don’t have to worry about what your next safe, gluten-free meal will be.
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