Dominican Republic Restaurants|Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Nina

Name: Nina
Telephone: 888-718-1611

Flame-kissed Caribbean fare with a Peruvian twist

VERIFIED LUXURY

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Set within The St. Regis Cap Cana, Nina is a sultry jewel box of a restaurant that feels like a secret worth keeping. The atmospheric, art-forward design — think rich teal walls, bold local artwork and warm lighting — creates a sense of intimacy that’s both refined and effortlessly cool. As you settle into a velvet banquette and sip on a signature rum cocktail, you get the sense that dinner here is more than a meal; it’s a slow-burning celebration of Latin American culinary artistry.

Developed in partnership with renowned Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz, Nina blends Dominican ingredients and Andes tradition with global finesse. Expect flavorful dishes like coconut-laced red snapper stew and tamarind-glazed pork belly, artfully plated and deeply satisfying. The wine list leans heavily on bold reds and tropical-accented whites, each pairing thoughtfully chosen. While the menu rotates with the seasons, the energy is consistent: vibrant, warm and mysterious enough to keep you coming back for more.

Our Inspector's Highlights

With a name that means “of fire” in Quechua (a native language of the Andes region), Nina fills its menu with flame-kissed bites — meats are grilled over open embers, vegetables get charred to smoky perfection and even desserts incorporate fire-driven flair.
Under the creative direction of chef Muñoz, dishes are rooted in Peruvian tradition yet infused with Dominican ingredients and global technique. Seafood tends to play a starring role on the ever-changing menu, so expect briny oysters, tender octopus and a fresh catch of the day to be consistent highlights.
The sleek, wood-and-stone interiors feel like a sophisticated jungle lodge: earthy, intimate and just moody enough. Tables are well spaced, letting the food and firelight take center stage without distraction.
For an ultra-exclusive experience, book a table at Nina’s intimate Uma Wine Cellar. You’ll enjoy a custom menu crafted by Muñoz paired with sips plucked from a collection of more than 100 Latin American vintages.
The beverages at the Dominican Republic restaurant lean into smoky, botanical flavors — try a mezcal-based cocktail rimmed with salt and ash. Each drink is designed to complement the flame-grilled dishes without overpowering them.

The Chef

Chef Muñoz hails from Peru and has garnered international acclaim for his innovative approach to Latin American cuisine. He is renowned for elevating Astrid y Gastón in Lima to one of the world’s top restaurants during his tenure.
Muñoz honed his skills at other esteemed establishments, including Spain’s Mugaritz and El Bulli, where he embraced avant-garde techniques and deepened his culinary knowledge.
After leaving Astrid y Gastón, Muñoz embarked on a global journey through 20 different countries, collaborating with restaurants like Cantina Peruana in Lisbon and Restaurant PMY in Copenhagen, enriching his culinary perspective.

Amenities