[Nationwide] - Castaways Bistro Restaurant, situated in the heart of Los Corales, Punta Cana, continues to carve its name into the culinary landscape of the Dominican Republic. Recognized by Luxe Magazine as the Best Seafood and Steak Restaurant in Punta Cana for 2025, the bistro has become a sought-after destination for both locals and travelers looking for authentic island cuisine rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.
The restaurant is acclaimed for its exceptional seafood, sourced fresh from local fishermen three times a week. Guests can expect an extensive seafood selection that includes octopus, calamari, mussels, shrimp, lobster, langoustines, and fresh conch. Each dish is meticulously prepared under the leadership of Executive Chef Frisnert Lubin, a Haitian-born culinary expert whose island-inspired palate was shaped by years of experience in Boston’s fine dining scene and aboard major cruise lines. His influence can be felt in the restaurant’s balance of Caribbean flair and elevated technique.
The partnership between Chef Lubin and Owner Michael Livingston has been instrumental in the restaurant’s ongoing success. A 44-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Livingston has held virtually every role in both independent and corporate food service environments. His extensive background, paired with Lubin’s culinary prowess, has transformed Castaways into a vibrant and welcoming venue that balances professional execution with an informal, community-driven vibe.
Meat lovers will find much to appreciate at Castaways Bistro, with offerings such as Brangus Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and Churrasco. Also featured is Lubin’s signature stuffed chicken breast, a standout among the non-seafood options. Pasta and gnocchi dishes, alongside well-composed salads, round out a versatile and appealing menu.
Among the most notable appetizers is the restaurant’s signature Lobstercargot. This dish features generous chunks of lobster sautéed in garlic butter and parsley, placed into puff pastry, filled with heavy cream and a closely guarded secret ingredient, then topped with parmesan and baked to golden perfection. It has emerged as a must-try for newcomers and regulars alike.
The beverage program at Castaways is equally robust. The full-service bar features tropical favorites like Coco Locos, Goombay Smash, flavored mojitos, and traditional piña coladas. Notably, the establishment boasts the largest and most exclusive whiskey and bourbon collection on the island, setting it apart from other venues not just in Punta Cana but throughout the region.
Castaways also serves as a lively entertainment hub with scheduled events throughout the week. Guests can enjoy karaoke on Tuesdays, music trivia on Fridays, and live music on Sunday evenings. Those seeking a quieter experience can retreat to the air-conditioned indoor area, a peaceful contrast to the buzzing outdoor patio.
The restaurant's popularity and critical acclaim are reflected in multiple industry recognitions. In addition to its Luxe Magazine honor, Castaways was named one of the Top 30 Restaurants in Punta Cana by Everything Punta Cana in both 2024 and 2025. It was also highlighted in the Top 15 Restaurants to Visit in Punta Cana by Family Destination Guide, and achieved the #1 Restaurant in Punta Cana ranking by U.travel in 2024. Its consistently high customer satisfaction is evident through a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor, where it also received the Certificate of Excellence four years running (2022–2025). RestaurantGuru ranked it among the Top Ten Restaurants in Punta Cana in both 2024 and 2025.
The story of Castaways’ founding underscores its deeply personal origin. During a vacation in Aruba, Michael and his wife Sylvia Livingston shared a dream of one day owning a restaurant. That casual remark sparked a chain of events, leading Michael to the Dominican Republic just two months later. In July 2021, the dream became a reality with the opening of Castaways Bistro Restaurant.
Castaways stands apart from its competitors by maintaining uncompromising standards in its kitchen. The absence of a microwave, a reliance on premium ingredients, and the philosophy that guests are friends—not customers—form the pillars of the restaurant’s identity. Staff interactions are marked by warmth and camaraderie, with guests often seen exchanging high-fives with team members as they leave the venue.
Speaking on what makes Castaways special, Owner Michael Livingston noted, “Our chef is a real chef, not a cook with a title. We focus on authenticity and quality. When people dine with us, we want them to feel like they’re being welcomed into our home, not just seated at a table.”
With its combination of exceptional cuisine, skilled leadership, and a heartfelt origin story, Castaways Bistro Restaurant continues to set a high benchmark in Punta Cana’s dining scene. It remains a leading choice for those looking to experience.
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