Sanctuary Town

Sanctuary Town sits right on Juanillo Beach in the Cap Cana area, which is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The restaurant takes full advantage of this setting with outdoor dining on the sand — and for families, the combination of great food and a built-in beach playground is hard to beat.

The menu mixes Dominican flavors with international dishes, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Grilled fish, ceviche, shrimp, and lobster are highlights. For kids, there are simpler options like grilled chicken, pasta, and rice dishes that satisfy without being boring. The tropical smoothies and fresh fruit plates are popular with children of all ages.

Being fully outdoor, this is a fair-weather destination. The upside is that kids have room to breathe and move around in a way that indoor restaurants don't allow. Many families bring sand toys and let kids play on the beach between courses — the sand is right there. The downside is that if it rains, you'll need a backup plan.

With a 4.6 rating from 176 reviews, Sanctuary Town has built a solid local following. It's pricier than downtown options — budget $90-$140 for a family of four at dinner — but the setting justifies the premium. Lunch is a smart move for families: same views, lower prices, and more space since the dinner crowd hasn't arrived yet.

Strollers work fine on the flat sandy terrain. The restroom facilities are basic but functional. The staff is warm and accommodating with families, which is typical of the Cap Cana hospitality standard.