Castaways Bistro Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Los Corales, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier dining destinations on the island. With its dedication to serving fresh, locally-sourced seafood and its innovative menu, Castaways Bistro has captured the attention of both locals and tourists alike. Recently named Best Seafood and Steak Restaurant in Punta Cana for 2025 by Luxe Magazine, the venue continues to redefine the culinary landscape of the Dominican Republic.
The restaurant’s dedication to high-quality ingredients is immediately evident in its daily deliveries of fresh fish from local fishermen. Arriving three times a week, the selection of fish is complemented by a variety of expertly prepared seafood offerings. Guests can savor dishes featuring octopus, calamari, mussels, shrimp, lobster, langoustines, and fresh conch, all prepared by Executive Chef Frisnert Lubin. Chef Lubin’s culinary journey is as unique as the flavors he creates. Born in Haiti, Chef Lubin developed his culinary skills on the island before relocating to Boston, where he further honed his craft at some of Massachusetts’ finest restaurants. His diverse experience, which includes time spent working on cruise lines, has allowed him to blend island flavors with international techniques. His partnership with Michael Livingston, the restaurant’s owner, has been pivotal in shaping Castaways into the renowned establishment it is today.
Michael Livingston, a seasoned veteran in the hospitality industry with over four decades of experience, has played a crucial role in the success of Castaways. Having held a variety of roles in both independent and corporate venues, Livingston’s expertise has been a driving force behind the restaurant’s operational excellence. His commitment to quality service is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the preparation of the food to the warm, welcoming atmosphere. “The most important thing to us is that every guest feels like they’re coming into our home. We treat them as family, and we want that experience to be memorable,” said Livingston.
While seafood is the star of the menu, Castaways Bistro offers a wide array of other dishes that showcase the versatility and skill of Chef Lubin. The restaurant’s steak offerings, including a succulent Brangus ribeye, filet mignon, and churrasco, are just as carefully prepared as their seafood counterparts. A standout dish is the signature stuffed chicken breast, which has become a favorite among regulars. For those seeking lighter fare, the menu also features an array of expertly crafted salads, pastas, and gnocchi dishes.
Not only is Castaways award winning for lunch and dinner but they also serve some homespun comfort breakfast dishes from 8AM to 11AM that include Mediterranean-style Shakshuka, featuring goat cheese, a dish that has quickly become a customer favorite. The shakshuka, a savory blend of eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, provides a distinct Mediterranean flair to the otherwise seafood-dominated menu.
Another beloved dish is the homemade biscuits with southern sausage gravy, a nod to comfort food with a Caribbean twist. The biscuits are perfectly fluffy, and the sausage gravy is rich and satisfying. This comforting dish is ideal for those seeking a heartier meal, adding depth to Castaways’ already diverse menu. Guests can also enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice, made from the ripest, juiciest oranges available, as a refreshing complement to their meals.
A must-try appetizer at Castaways is the lobstercargot, a unique and indulgent creation. Large chunks of lobster are sautéed in garlic butter with parsley, then placed in puff pastry and filled with heavy cream and a secret ingredient, before being topped with parmesan cheese and baked to perfection. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that has become a signature dish of the restaurant.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Castaways Bistro features a full bar that serves up a variety of tropical cocktails, including coco locos, goombay smash, mojitos in multiple flavors, and, of course, the ever-popular piña colada. What sets the bar apart, however, is its extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon, the largest and most exclusive collection available anywhere on the island. Guests can enjoy their drinks while taking in the lively atmosphere or opt for a quieter experience in the air-conditioned indoor patio, away from the sounds of karaoke and live music that are often featured on select nights.
For those seeking entertainment, Castaways offers karaoke on Tuesdays, music trivia on Fridays, and live music on Sundays, making it a lively and engaging spot for both locals and visitors. Despite the vibrant atmosphere, the restaurant never loses sight of its commitment to quality service, with staff ensuring that every guest feels at home and appreciated.
Castaways Bistro’s success is reflected in its numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 30 Restaurants in Punta Cana by Everything Punta Cana for both 2024 and 2025. It has also been recognized as one of the Top 15 Restaurants to Visit in Punta Cana by Family Destination Guide. Additionally, the restaurant has consistently received high ratings on review platforms such as TripAdvisor, maintaining a stellar 4.9 rating and earning the Certificate of Excellence from 2022 to 2025. RestaurantGuru has named Castaways one of the Top 10 Restaurants in Punta Cana for both 2024 and 2025, and it holds the coveted title of #1 Restaurant in Punta Cana from U.travel for 2024.
The story of Castaways Bistro is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. It all began in 2021 when Michael and his wife, Sylvia Livingston, visited Aruba on vacation. While sitting at a beachside restaurant, Sylvia remarked that they should one day own their own beach bar. After conducting some research, Michael was on a plane to the Dominican Republic just two months later, ready to explore opportunities. By July 2021, Castaways Bistro opened its doors to the public, and it quickly became a beloved fixture in Punta Cana.
What sets Castaways apart from other dining establishments in the area is its unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and guest experience. As Michael Livingston explains, “We don’t just cook food; we craft an experience. Our chef is a real chef, not just a cook with a title, and we’re proud of every dish that comes out of our kitchen. We don’t even have a microwave in the kitchen. Everything is made fresh, with the finest ingredients.”
This philosophy extends to the service at Castaways, where staff are trained to treat every guest as if they were family. It’s not uncommon to see guests exchanging high-fives with staff on their way out, a testament to the warm and welcoming environment that Castaways fosters. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence, coupled with its laid-back atmosphere, makes it a standout destination for both visitors and locals.
With its exceptional food, top-tier service, and unique atmosphere, Castaways Bistro Restaurant has firmly established itself as a must-visit dining spot in Punta Cana. As it continues to garner recognition and accolades, it is clear that this hidden gem will remain a fixture in the Punta Cana dining scene for years to come.
For more information, visit Castaways Bistro or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Check out their reviews on TripAdvisor.