I dont' think I can agree about Capt'n Cook's anymore. First time I was there, it was kind of confusing, a little crazy, but fun and enjoyable, definitely an "experience." Could sit at table and order from a menu. Last time, (in June ... yes, off season), it was creepy. The "waiter" said no menu... it was posted on the wall. Prices through the roof... and then came the hard sell for the effing "platter".... when we said no thanks... too much... he started writing on his palm, calculating a discount I guess... and bargaining, reducing the price. (Hmmm... do you REALLY want to eat a fish dinner upon which the price is haggled over??? Would you also enjoy a case of food borne illness as a side dish???) My son's girlfriend kinda freaked... yelling "we DON'T WANT the platter".. LOL. The fish in the ice bin looked pretty old and not much selection ... DEFINITELY NOT FRESH. We walked out and went to tourist trap number 2... El Pulpo Cojo. Love the place during the day... sitting on the beach being served icy cold Presidentes and eating pizza for lunch. For dinner... I had forgotten what a disappointment it is. Over priced and the food is poor to mediocre at best. (in both cases, the intention was for a dinner by or on the beach).
ON THE OTHER HAND.... a different night found us trying out Noah's in the Plaza San Juan... and it was EXCELLENT. Although the menu prices seemed the norm for a restaurant of this level, can't really comment on the bottom line, since we were the guests of my son. The food was very very good, the service was EXCELLENT, (world class), and the atmosphere is also very very good (modern, classy, warm and inviting). Word of caution... I was well dressed, but in shorts, and felt under dressed. Most patrons were well dressed, like "date night" kinda stuff. Not jackets and ties of course... but dress shirts and pants for the guys, and nice outfits... dresses or dressy outfits for the ladies.
Noah is now on my list as tied for first place with Jelly Fish in the "fancy restaraunt" category (by Dominican standards). Noah has a little edge on service, (both are very good though) and maybe food... (very slight edge)... but you can't beat Jelly Fish's view and location on the beach.
Still best for casual dining -- Outside Inn and Non Solo Pizza. Outside Inn for better food, also excellent service!!!! (Anny and Willem... we luv' ya'!!!!) Non Solo is a little more casual and more of a local / Dominican "flare".
The Capt'n and Crew