Castaways Bistro earns top culinary accolades for 2025, celebrated for fresh seafood, expert culinary leadership, and vibrant coastal dining.

Dominican Republic, April 14, 2025 -- A Rising Star Along Punta Cana’s Coastline

In the heart of Los Corales, Punta Cana, Castaways Bistro Restaurant has been recognized by Luxe Magazine as the Best Seafood and Steak Restaurant Punta Cana 2025. Since opening in July 2021, the venue has steadily become one of the most celebrated culinary destinations in the Dominican Republic, driven by its uncompromising standards, award-winning menu, and the unique partnership of seasoned restaurateur Michael Livingston and Executive Chef Frisnert Lubin.

This prestigious award adds to a growing list of accolades for Castaways Bistro. The restaurant was ranked among the Top 30 Restaurants in Everything Punta Cana for both 2024 and 2025, named one of the Top 15 Restaurants to Visit in Punta Cana by Family Destination Guide, and holds a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor, which has awarded it the Certificate of Excellence for four consecutive years. Most recently, it was listed in RestaurantGuru’s Top Ten Restaurants in Punta Cana and ranked as the #1 Restaurant in Punta Cana by U.travel in 2024.

Additionally, Castaways Bistro has now been honored with an Evergreen Award for excellence in culinary innovation, further cementing its reputation as a premier dining destination.

Culinary Craftsmanship That Speaks for Itself

At the core of Castaways Bistro is its culinary philosophy: serve only the freshest ingredients, expertly prepared, without shortcuts. “There isn’t even a microwave in the kitchen,” notes owner Michael Livingston, a 44-year veteran of the hospitality industry. The venue sources fresh fish directly from local fishermen three times per week, showcasing a robust menu of octopus, calamari, mussels, shrimp, lobster, langoustines, and fresh conch. The venue also delivers land-based indulgence with premium cuts such as Brangus ribeye, filet mignon, and churrasco steak.

Chef Frisnert Lubin brings a depth of international culinary experience that is evident in every dish. Born in Haiti, Chef Lubin mastered island flavors early in life before refining his skills in Boston’s competitive culinary scene and aboard several cruise lines. “He’s not a cook with a title — he’s a real chef,” says Livingston. Their serendipitous partnership began when Michael came across Lubin’s resume by chance and scheduled an interview the very next morning. Since then, the duo has become a formidable force on the Punta Cana restaurant scene.

Menu Highlights and Signature Creations

While Castaways’ seafood dishes shine across the board, one standout that continues to captivate guests is the Lobstercargot appetizer. Large chunks of lobster are sautéed in garlic butter and parsley, then wrapped in puff pastry and filled with a blend of heavy cream and a secret ingredient. Topped with Parmesan and baked to golden perfection, the dish has become a cult favorite.

Other customer favorites include Lubin’s signature stuffed chicken breast, house-made gnocchi, vibrant salads, and a range of pasta options. For steak lovers, Castaways offers a full lineup of prime cuts grilled to exacting standards.

Not Just a Meal — An Island Experience

Beyond the plate, Castaways Bistro enhances the dining experience with a full-service bar featuring an expansive selection of tropical cocktails and the largest whiskey and bourbon collection on the island. Guests can unwind with a Coco Loco, a Goombay Smash, or a classic Pina Colada while enjoying the soft breeze off the Caribbean.

Entertainment adds another layer to the experience. Weekly events include karaoke on Tuesdays, music trivia on Fridays, and live music on Sunday evenings. For those who prefer a more tranquil atmosphere, an air-conditioned indoor patio offers a quiet escape from the bustling outdoor scene.

A Journey from Dream to Destination

The origins of Castaways Bistro trace back to a vacation moment in Aruba. While seated at a restaurant, Sylvia Livingston mused to her husband, “You know this is kind of cool — one day we should have our own bar.” Just two months later, Michael was on a plane to the Dominican Republic meeting with realtors. By July 2021, Castaways opened its doors to the public.

The dream, it turns out, has become a reality embraced by travelers and locals alike. “The people who come to visit with us are our guests, never a client or customer,” says Livingston. “We try and have that attitude come across in our casual and friendly service — it’s not uncommon to see guests high-fiving the staff on the way out the door.”

About Castaways Bistro Restaurant
Located in Los Corales, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Castaways Bistro Restaurant is a celebrated venue offering fresh, locally sourced seafood and expertly prepared steaks in a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Opened in 2021 by Michael and Sylvia Livingston, the restaurant quickly rose to prominence through its culinary leadership, award-winning service, and commitment to quality. Castaways offers a comprehensive dining experience with live entertainment, tropical cocktails, and Punta Cana’s largest whiskey and bourbon collection.

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Michael Livingston, Owner
Castaways Bistro Restaurant
Email: michael@castawaysbistro.com
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Name: Michael Livingston
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Organization: Castaways Bistro Restaurant
Website: http://www.castawaysbistro.com

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