The restaurants along the Malecón serve straightforward Dominican seafood — grilled fish, shrimp in garlic butter, conch fritters, and whole lobster in season — at prices that reflect the fact that this is a working Dominican city, not a resort. Look for places with full tables and active kitchens; the quality tracks with the local clientele, not the tourist prices.
El Sillon and El Mirador are two long-standing spots on the waterfront strip that consistently serve good fish. Order the catch of the day — whatever came in that morning — and pair it with tostones (fried plantains) and a cold Presidente. The views across the bay are nothing special, but the combination of fresh food, warm sea air, and the evening crowd makes for an easy, satisfying meal.