Las Américas International Airport

Santo Domingo's Las Américas Airport won't win any awards for a sprawling dining scene, but if you know where to look, you can eat quite well before your flight. The main terminal's food court area clusters most of your options together past security, where you'll find familiar international chains alongside local spots worth your time. Grab a window seat when you can — the light is lovely in the mornings, and the pace is refreshingly unhurried compared to busier hubs.

The real highlight for food lovers is hunting down the Dominican staples hiding in plain sight. Look for the small counters and café-style spots serving mangú — the beloved mashed plantain dish — alongside crispy quipes, which are the Dominican take on kibbeh brought over by Lebanese immigrants generations ago. A cup of café negro, strong and sweet in the local style, pairs perfectly with a pastelito de queso or carne. These aren't gourmet experiences, but they're genuinely good, and eating them here feels like a proper send-off from the island.

For a sit-down meal, a handful of restaurant options near the departure gates offer grilled meats, rice and beans, and the occasional fresh seafood dish that reminds you exactly where you are. Prices are higher than in the city, as you'd expect, but not outrageously so. If you have a long layover, skip the fast food and commit to a full plate of la bandera — rice, beans, and meat — at one of the local-leaning spots. You'll board your flight well-fed and carrying a little piece of Dominican comfort with you.