Caribe Restaurant & Bar - Bonita, California

SC P.

A Taste of the Caribbean in San Diego: Caribe Restaurant and Bar Delivers Dominican Excellence

By blending the vibrant flavors of the Dominican Republic with an unmistakable warmth that feels like a homecoming, Caribe Restaurant and Bar in San Diego has mastered the art of transporting diners straight to the heart of the Caribbean. Nestled in the city’s culinary mosaic, this unassuming gem doesn’t merely serve food—it tells a story, plate by plate, of a culture steeped in tradition, passion, and spice.

Walking into Caribe is like stepping into a lively Dominican comedor. The rhythmic hum of bachata and merengue fills the air, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, plantains, and freshly grilled meats. The décor is understated yet vibrant, with splashes of tropical colors and artwork that evoke the beaches of Santo Domingo and the bustling streets of Santiago de los Caballeros. But the real masterpiece lies in the food—a love letter to the Dominican soul.

The mofongo, a quintessential Dominican dish of mashed plantains, is nothing short of transcendent. Crisp on the outside, tender and buttery within, it’s smothered in a garlicky sauce that balances richness with an almost electric brightness. Pair it with the ropa vieja, slow-cooked and simmered to perfection, and you have a pairing that feels like a culinary embrace.

Then there’s the sancocho, a stew so deeply flavorful it’s practically an elixir. Each spoonful is a revelation—hints of cilantro, bursts of root vegetables, and tender chunks of meat that practically dissolve on the tongue. If there were a dish that encapsulates the essence of the Dominican kitchen, this might just be it.

Caribe doesn’t just stop at the classics. Their ceviche de camarones, marinated in citrus with a kiss of heat, offers a fresh and modern twist that honors tradition while feeling uniquely inventive. The tostones, crispy and golden, are an ideal canvas for an array of house-made dipping sauces, from spicy aioli to sweet mango chutney.

But what truly elevates the experience is the service—a seamless dance of professionalism and Dominican hospitality.

Paulette S.

Tried a burger with plantain – pretty good, but that’s where the positives end.

Service was extremely slow – we waited nearly an hour before our meals finally arrived. My friend specifically requested no mayo, but the burger came with mayo on the plantain. Sent it back. It returned with mayo on the bread this time. Sent it back again. Third time was finally right, but the whole process was frustrating and disappointing.

To make matters worse, while we were waiting for our order, staff started mopping the floor with Pine-Sol. The strong chemical smell was overwhelming – it burned our eyes and completely ruined the experience. We actually had to move away from the area because the odor was so strong. Honestly, they should have waited to mop before opening or after closing – not while customers are still inside.

Will I return? Absolutely not.

Joel V.

I went here today for my friend's Re-enlistment. The food was authentic Dominican food. Excellent service and atmosphere. I will definitely come back and in the future and recommend my family and friends to dine here as well. Thank you for the delicious food.

Jere A.

I understand that it's a dance place but there were three tables of dinner eaters on Sunday and nobody dancing and the music was painfully loud... The waitress was so poorly trained that she told me the bartender did not know how to make a lemon drop! She then proceeded to screw up my margarita order. When the bartender finally came to the table and I explained that I'd actually wanted a lemon drop she put her hands on her hip and told me she'd already started my margarita!! Once we finally did get served we never saw the waitress again I had to go ask for the bill. The food was exceptionally good but I felt like there were high school students in charge.

Ruth P.

We went here for the first time. I told my husband this is a night club, and we don't club. He said I'll ck it out, let's get an empenda. He went in and said they close at 8pm. My first introduction to Puerto Rican /Dominican food.

We tried different things. The salad, some kind of root, cheese empenada, fried plantain, and my husband got a chicken dinner. The salad had a vinaigrette taste but differently stronger, I enjoyed it. The empenada was the bomb 💣 , perfectly crispy. The root thing we ate tasted like a garlic buttery potato. Very yummy. The fried plantain was a wonderful sweet treat. The Spanish rice had extras in it. It was also yummy. My husband said the chicken was perfect. I tried the chicken skin. And it was so crispy. Enjoy the pics!

The night owl event was starting and we were done by 7:45 pm. They were nice, gracious hosts.

meylin Q.

Good service in especial Erika super nice

David M.

The vibes and service is always on point. Best Dominican food in San Diego and the nightclub is always fun as well. Great prices on drinks too

Michael M.

Slow service. Waitress sa8f she would get another set of waters and I finished my food and still have received any water. My main dish tastes like I can make this at home with little to no effort. The beef was also over seasoned and too salty.