The Mission
When you think of Punta Cana, you probably picture palm trees and fresh grilled fish. Sushi? Not so much. But let’s challenge that. The truth is, some of the absolute best restaurants here specialize in artful, high-quality, and often Caribbean-fused Japanese cuisine. The freshest fish is already here, so it’s a culinary match made in heaven.
We’ve tracked down the spots serving the kind of rolls and sashimi that will make you forget about the generic Asian buffet back at the resort. From sophisticated lounges to bustling fusion hubs, these three places are the undisputed champions of Best Sushi Punta Cana.
The Top 3 Rolls Worth Leaving the Beach For
1. Noah Restaurant & Lounge
$$ | LATIN FUSION/JAPANESE | 📍 Plaza Paseo de San Juan, Carretera Barceló, Punta Cana 23000
The Hook: The Creative King: Where Latin Fusion Meets Perfect Rolls.
The Breakdown: If you’re looking for the most creative and vibrant sushi experience, Noah is your stop. While the restaurant excels in Latin Fusion, their sushi menu is a star in its own right. What makes it special? They aren’t afraid to play with local flavors and textures. The result is exciting, high-quality fish presented with flair.
- The Must-Try: Skip the simple tuna and dive into their signature rolls. The Cibao Roll (Panko shrimp, cream cheese, avocado, sweet plantain, and eel-honey sauce) is a perfect example of their unique style. For something lighter, look for the Riceless Candy—tuna, salmon, and king crab wrapped in a rice leaf. The vibe is energetic and stylish, making it a perfect night out for Dinner & Drinks.
2. Bao Restaurant
$$$ | PAN-ASIAN/SUSHI | 📍 The Westin Puntacana Resort, Playa Blanca, Punta Cana 23000
The Hook: Pan-Asian Elegance for a High-End Dinner.
The Breakdown: Located within the Westin Puntacana Resort & Club, Bao elevates the experience from a casual roll spot to true Pan-Asian dining. This is the place for those who prefer their Japanese food served with a side of chic design and an extensive menu of Asian delicacies beyond just fish. Their attention to detail on presentation and service makes it feel like a polished city experience.
- The Must-Try: Bao’s menu covers everything from Nigiri to classic Maki. Their emphasis on freshness is paramount, making their sashimi selections stand out. Make sure to try one of their namesake Bao buns or the Wagyu Gyoza alongside your sushi for the full Asian Fusion experience.
3. Citrus Fusion Cuisine
$$ | INTERNATIONAL FUSION/SUSHI | 📍 Plaza Turquesa, Local 201, C. Italia, Bávaro, Punta Cana 23000
The Hook: The Local Favorite with the Deepest Sushi Menu in Bávaro.
The Breakdown: Citrus is a cornerstone of the dining scene in the Bávaro/Los Corales area and offers one of the most reliable and extensive sushi menus off-resort. This is a local hub popular with residents and travelers staying in apartments, meaning the prices and quality are consistently balanced. If you’re looking for great Bávaro Sushi in a fun, lively atmosphere, this is your spot.
- The Must-Try: Their fusion menu means you can get excellent raw fish options like tuna tartare and ceviche. The sushi here is consistently praised for its quality and affordability, and they often run great specials. It’s perfect for a group where one person wants rolls and the other wants a great steak or pasta.
RPC Pro-Tips: Ordering Sushi in the Dominican Republic
- Look for the Fusion: Don’t be surprised to see ingredients like sweet plantain (maduro), cream cheese, and mango in your rolls. This is Dominican-style sushi, and it’s delicious—embrace the creative freedom!
- Go Local on Fish: While they import high-end salmon and tuna, asking for rolls that incorporate local white fish like Mahi-Mahi or even lobster ensures you’re getting the absolute freshest catch possible.