Ajuala Restaurant
About
What It Is
Ajuala is a contemporary restaurant located at Calles Andrés Julio Aybar 13 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic [1]. Opened in 2019, it is co-owned by Venezuelan-born, Paris-trained chef Saverio Stassi, whose background has brought significant attention to the capital's dining scene [1]. The restaurant occupies a space entered through a large wooden door and a palm-leaf thatched wall, and combines an upscale indoor dining room with an open-air terrace [1].
Activities & Experiences
Diners can choose between a tasting menu and a broad a la carte format built around sharing plates [1]. The kitchen draws approximately 90 percent of its ingredients from local Dominican producers, resulting in dishes that reflect the island's culinary diversity through a blend of Caribbean, Italian, and South American influences [1]. Signature preparations include cativia, a deep-fried yucca empanada filled with codfish stew, and yucca gnocchi with wild mushrooms [1]. The beverage program features more than 100 wines available by the glass, a cocktail selection, and locally popular soft drinks such as Malta India and Coco Rico [1].
Practical Access
Ajuala serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday [1]. The average spend per person is approximately USD 40, with the tasting menu starting from USD 100 per person [1]. The restaurant can be reached by phone at 1 829-545-7503, and further information is available through its website [1].
Restrictions
No specific restrictions noted in the sources.
What Makes It Distinctive
Ajuala stands apart through its combination of a locally sourced Dominican pantry and a chef whose training spans Venezuela and Paris, producing a menu that is neither purely traditional nor purely international [1]. The wine program, with over 100 options available by the glass, is an unusually extensive offering for the Santo Domingo dining market [1]. The physical setting, framed by a thatched wall and a large wooden entrance, gives the space a character distinct from conventional upscale urban restaurants [1].
- Open year-round
- Best months: January–December
Access & fees
- ~$40 avg per person
- tasting menu per person
- upscale dining ($$$$)
Things to do
- à la carte dining
- business dinners
- chef-driven seasonal cuisine
- craft cocktails
- fine dining
- romantic dinners
- special celebrations
- tasting menu dining
- vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
- wine pairing
Amenities
- cocktail program
Features
- 100+ wines by glass
- 90% local sourcing
- al fresco terrace
- opened 2019
Good to know
- mon–sat lunch & dinner
- phone reservation