Jalao

Jalao represents the pinnacle of modern Dominican gastronomy, taking traditional recipes and ingredients and presenting them with contemporary flair and artistic plating. Located in the Zona Colonial, the restaurant is named after a popular Dominican candy made from coconut and sugar, signaling its commitment to celebrating local culinary traditions. The interior is a striking blend of modern design and cultural elements, with vibrant murals and Dominican folk art adorning the walls.

The menu reads like a love letter to Dominican cuisine. Dishes like deconstructed mangú with three types of onion, slow-cooked pork belly with guava glaze, and yuca gnocchi with a creole tomato sauce showcase the creativity of the kitchen while honoring the flavors Dominicans grew up with. The cocktail program is equally inventive, featuring rum-based creations infused with local fruits like chinola, guanabana, and tamarind. Many evenings feature live merengue or bachata performances, adding a cultural dimension to the dining experience.

Jalao has earned recognition as one of the most important restaurants in the Dominican Republic for its role in elevating local cuisine to fine-dining status. It is a destination for food lovers who want to understand Dominican flavors at their most refined and thoughtfully prepared.