| Dining Overview | Top  |
San Juan's restaurant explosion has breathed new life into the local dining scene. The assortment of eateries is multicultural, reflecting both international trends and the increased interest in ethnic cuisine. Some of the most popular places—many of which are in the restaurant hub of SoFo, the trendy Old San Juan dining and nightlife area south of Calle Fortaleza—specialize in creative cuisine that reinvents traditional dishes using Latin, Caribbean and Asian flavors.
Be sure to sample typical Puerto Rican cocina criolla—a Creole cuisine that's a blend of Spanish, African and Taino Indian food and includes roast pork and chicken, seafood, rice, beans, tubers and plantains. It's spiced with peppers, garlic, cilantro, oregano and ginger. There are plenty of small, out-of-the-way restaurants, called mesones, where locals eat. When you find one, try the wonderful Puerto Rican barbecued chicken, mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic) or sancocho (beef stew with vegetable roots).
General dining times are 7-11 am for breakfast, noon-3 pm for lunch and 6-11 pm for dinner (although some restaurants serve dinner as late as midnight). Please also note that Puerto Rico enforces its law against smoking inside establishments, including restaurants, hotels and casinos.
Expect to pay within these guidelines for a single meal, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$15; $$ = US$15-$25; $$$ = US$26-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.
| Local & Regional | Top |
This popular and elegant restaurant is purely Puerto Rican. This is where you can discover the true island appeal of dishes such as
piononos (ripe plantain rolls filled with ground beef and topped with melted cheese) or
mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic). The kitchen is known for its out-of-this-world salsa,
ajili-mojili. Friday is Puerto Rican tapas night. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1006 Ave. Ashford, Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-725-9195. http://www.ajilimojili.com.
This spot is noted for its comfortable cafe ambience and proximity to the Old San Juan museums. The rear garden dining areas are most pleasant. The food is creative and light, featuring a grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and
sofrito (fried tomato and onion) mayonnaise that is a must. Also good are the tapas: codfish croquettes, corn fritters, arrowroot fritters, and ground-beef--and-guava dumplings. Live music Friday night. Open daily for dinner, Tuesday-Sunday for lunch also. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. 106 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-722-8635. http://www.amadeuscafe.com.
This restaurant claims to be the birthplace of the pina colada and specializes in
mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic). There you can enjoy Puerto Rican and international cuisine in a typical old-city ambience whether you choose to dine inside or in the courtyard. This casual, elegant eatery also features a flamenco show Friday and Saturday 8 pm-9 pm. Daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for the show. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 104 Fortaleza St., Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-725-7912 or 787-721-5852. http://www.barrachina.com.
An exquisite local eatery with an elegant atmosphere, Baru serves Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes. We like the fried green plantains with goat cheese and guava paste and any of the mouthwatering meats in interesting sauces. Daily for dinner. After-hours party begins at midnight with a DJ playing salsa and merengue. $$$. Most major credit cards. 150 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-977-7107. http://www.barupr.com.
Creative international cuisine with a touch of Puerto Rican flair, Buren's dishes range from soups and salads to meat, pasta and seafood. We like to start off with the cream of plantain soup and seviche (fresh fish marinated in lemon juice and tequila) and then enjoy an entree of chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto, spinach and provolone served with a fruit sauce. Some locals stop in just for Buren's special desserts such as the guava creme brulee or an almond-crust basket filled with rich, homemade chocolate mousse. Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Monday for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 103 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-977-5023. http://www.elburenpr.com.
Enjoy tasty
comida criolla (Creole cooking) in this Puerto Rican restaurant. Other great menu items include traditional beefsteak and seafood items such as red snapper. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 280 Calle Sol, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-725-8375. http://www.eljibaritopr.com.
Nouvelle Latino cuisine, hip decor and fine service have turned this into a major dining spot in Old San Juan. The eatery is packed most nights and has won rave reviews from
The New York Times. The vegetarian tower—almost a work of art—merges island yams and plantains with portobello mushrooms and other fresh vegetables. Meat dishes feature mango sauces and other island touches. Live Latin music Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 363 Calle Fortaleza, SoFo, San Juan. Phone 787-725-7370. http://www.parrotclub.com.
Traditional Puerto Rican dishes are served in a vibrantly colorful dining area that creates a warm welcome for any visitor. Be sure to try the magnificent
mofongo (mashed plantain) filled with meat, chicken or seafood, as well as a variety of other hearty specialties and homemade desserts—including scrumptious Puerto Rican cheese with tropical fruits and syrup coverings. The restaurant also provides Wi-Fi for patrons. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 315 Recinto Sur St., Old San Juan (across from the Dona Fela parking garage), San Juan. Phone 787-289-2121. http://www.restauranteraices.com.
Tourists and locals alike are flocking to the Latin-Asian cuisine establishment of
Iron Chef America contender and restaurateur Robert Trevino. Enjoy the signature pork dumplings while taking in the view of the Window to the Sea in Condado. The two-story restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining and has a sushi bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch also. $$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 1056 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-725-6919. http://www.budatai.com.
Teppanyaki tables in a casual-elegant atmosphere offer a great opportunity for groups and families to have fun, and it's a great way for couples and individuals to mingle. The sushi bar provides a quieter, low-key atmosphere. Open Sunday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Early-bird special daily 5:30-6:30 pm. Most major credit cards. 1309 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-723-7300.
This glamorous restaurant with its glossy red walls specializes in Latin-Asian cuisine. Savor the distinctive, spicy flavors of such dishes as the Peking duck nachos, the marinated beef skirt with spicy fries or the shrimp tempura smothered in lobster sauce. Or, just sip an exotic cocktail and revel in the trendy scene colored by Asian-influenced music. Dress code enforced (no shorts). Please note that it is an adult atmosphere. Open daily for dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 364 Calle Fortaleza, SoFo, San Juan. Phone 787-977-3886. http://www.dragonflypr.com.
This restaurant specializes in succulent Chinese and Japanese cuisine fit for all budgets. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1018 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-721-8111.
This beautiful and tranquil restaurant features fine-dining sushi and Asian cuisine with views of the resort's lush grounds and ponds. Open daily for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. Los Rosales Street (inside the beachfront Caribe Hilton Hotel), San Juan. Phone 787-721-0303.
This is one of the best spots for Japanese sushi, entrees and teppanyaki tables. It is also a great gathering place for elite locals, as it is on the InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino property. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday and Sunday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 5961 Isla Verde Ave., Isla Verde. Phone 787-791-8883.
Ultra-hip and modern decor welcomes visitors for a unique dining experience within San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel. Tangerine, like the citrus fruit it's named after, is mouthwatering, with a menu that includes green banana rolls, Australian lamb rack and, for dessert, the chocolate tres leches or the heavenly banana
bunuelos (puffy donut-type pastry) with a side of ice cream. Chef Nelson Rosado is a member of the island's Iron Chef Team. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2 Tartak St., Isla Verde. Phone 787-728-3666. http://www.waterbeachclubhotel.com.
This casual but upscale Japanese restaurant is a sushi lover's dream. Daily for dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 1372 Ave. Ashford, Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-724-6411. http://www.wasabicondado.com.
Classic French and international dishes and a vast wine collection. Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 801 Ave. Ponce de Leon (in the Marriott Courtyard), Miramar, San Juan. Phone 787-725-7700.
A nouvelle French bistro in Old San Juan. Meals are a variety of soups, salads, seafood and meat. Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner, Sunday for brunch. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 51 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-722-0124.
This French bakery and bistro is a delightful spot for any meal. An assortment of French pastries, bread, soups and sandwiches, as well as pastas and poultry dishes. Open Tuesday-Sunday 7 am-10 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 174 Taft St., Santurce. Phone 787-721-6272.
This fine-dining establishment also offers a 10-course tasting menu with wine pairing for less than US$100 per person. Restaurant and wine bar open daily for dinner; tasting menu offered Sunday-Wednesday. $$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 317 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-724-3969. http://www.marmaladepr.com.
This art-deco-style restaurant used to be a film production studio. The ambience, service and fine French food are all strong points. The muscovy duck breast roasted with honey is one of the most solicited menu items. Open daily except Sunday for dinner, Wednesday-Friday for lunch also. Casual-elegant attire. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 311 Calle Fortaleza, SoFo, San Juan. Phone 787-725-7959.
Nothing beats the warm and friendly atmosphere of this authentic Greek restaurant nestled on the outskirts of Condado. The menu includes a variety of classic Greek appetizers such as
tiropita (cheese pie) and
keftedes (spiced meatballs), as well as Greek lasagna, gyros, lamb and baklava. The setting is adorned with blue-glass bottles and candles and is sure to set the mood for a toast of Greek wine. Tuesday–Saturday for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1754 Calle Loiza, Santurce, San Juan. Phone 787-268-0010.
Visitors are served Sicilian-style Italian dishes and surrounded by vibrant paintings at this locale. It is known for the veal-stuffed tortellini smothered in an alfredo sauce with mushrooms and green peas, and the pasta
sangiusappi spaghetti with extra-virgin olive oil, sundried tomatoes, capers, black olives and shrimp. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $$. 309 Recinto Sur, San Juan. Phone 787-723-7303. http://www.aldentepr.com.
This family-run Italian restaurant makes for an ideal stop when you are looking for friendly service and a variety of great pastas (children's menu also includes pizza). Ice-cream fanatics will enjoy the parlor treats. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 999 Ashford Ave., Condado (inside the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino), San Juan. Phone 787-724-8833 or 787-721-1000 (hotel).
Try the spinach-and-ricotta gnocchi with marinara sauce or the rack of lamb seasoned with herbs and red wine sauce. It also has an excellent wine selection and an intimate atmosphere. Thursday-Saturday for lunch, daily for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 105 Calle de Cristo, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-722-5481. http://www.ilperugino.com.
Warm service, North Italian cuisine, steak and plenty of fresh seafood are hallmarks of this restaurant. Daily for dinner only. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 6063 Ave. Isla Verde (inside El San Juan Hotel & Casino), Isla Verde. Phone 787-791-0966 or 787-791-1000, ext.1061. http://www.PiccolaFontana.com.
Succulent Italian cuisine at this award-winning restaurant is sure is make your mouth water. Start off with an antipasto or soup and then feast on a risotto, steak or seafood dish before indulging in the delicious desserts. Open daily for dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1309 Ashford Ave., Condado (inside San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino), San Juan. Phone 787-722-7000.
Best known for its delectable pizzas, this restaurant is a nice alternative for casual dining in the heart of Condado. The menu includes other Italian dishes as well. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1350 Ave. Ashford, Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-725-8711.
| Latin American | Top  |
This fine-dining, Cuban-Puerto Rican restaurant is the place to be in Condado for meat, poultry, seafood and other Latin American dishes and delights. The Cuban-style
ropa vieja (shredded flank steak) accompanied by sweet plantains and white rice with black beans is the signature dish. Sunday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday dinner only. Live music Tuesday-Saturday from 6 pm. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1025 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-725-2665.
This Cuban-style eatery is popular with locals as well as tourists. Try the smoked Cornish hen stuffed with rice and beans or the fillet of dorado. Locations also in Hato Rey. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. Avenida Isla Verde (next to Club Gallistico), Isla Verde. Phone 787-791-4046. http://www.metropolpr.com.
This cozy restaurant with Mexican decor inspired by the legendary painter Frida Kahlo has an array of authentic Mexican dishes including salads and soups, meats and poultry—and even huevos rancheros. Daily except Monday for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 124 Ave. Domenech, Hato Rey (adjacent to Diego's Fast Food/Cantina Bar), San Juan. Phone 787-758-0908. http://www.fridasmexican.com.
| Middle Eastern | Top |
This Middle Eastern restaurant features a variety of traditional Arabic and Lebanese dishes with an out-of-this-world lamb specialty. Belly dancing performances Friday and Saturday from 8:30 pm. Daily except Monday for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 352 Ensenada St. (corner of Roosevelt Avenue and Caparra Heights), San Juan. Phone 787-273-7140. http://www.elcairopr.com.
The restaurant's decor and music alone will get you in the mood for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Belly dancing performances Friday and Saturday night. Second location on Isla Verde. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 284 Roosevelt Ave., Hato Rey, San Juan. Phone 787-754-6865. http://www.tierrasantapr.net.
As soon as you step foot in this restaurant, you get the feeling that you're in Spain, with the decorative wall tiles and aromas of paella, tapas and other traditional Spanish dishes. Puerto Rican cuisine also is offered. Open Sunday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. Los Rosales Street, Condado (inside the Caribe Hilton Hotel), San Juan. Phone 787-729-7171.
The traditional and creative Spanish-international cuisine (
cocina imaginativa) is elegantly presented. All of the lamb dishes are delicious, and the wine list is one of the best in the city. Open Sunday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. No shorts allowed. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1106 Magdalena, Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-721-9049.
This is the place to be for Spanish tapas. The restaurant—owned by the same company as Aguaviva, Dragonfly and Parrot Club—is a new addition to Old San Juan's dining options. Daily for dinner only. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 367 Calle Tetuan, Old San Juan (behind Tapia Theatre), San Juan. Phone 787-722-3330.
This restaurant is a must for vegetarians and all food lovers. Choose from a full variety of vegetarian meals and soy ice creams, as well as a complete menu of seafood and meat specialties. The restaurant also provides Wi-Fi for patrons and patio dining. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; full brunch on Sunday. $$. Most major credit cards. 407 San Francisco St., Old San Juan (in front of Plaza Colon), San Juan. Phone 787-722-5205. http://www.cafeberlinpr.net.
| Coffeehouses | Top |
This time-warp coffee shop and bakery is fitted with a chrome counter, swivel stools, vinyl banquette and red-vested, bow-tied servers. Step back into the 1950s and try some of Puerto Rico's highly regarded coffee and Mallorca pastries. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 259 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-722-0658.
This quaint French coffee shop, bakery and deli is an ideal stop in the heart of Condado for a cup of java, pastries, wraps and pasta. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 1504 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-728-5508.
For sandwiches, drinks and good times around the clock, especially in the wee hours of the night, El Meson is ready to serve you. We like the
media noche sandwich with pork, ham, cheese and toppings. Live music at night Tuesday-Saturday. Open daily 24 hours. $. Most major credit cards. 300 Ave. Roosevelt, Hato Rey, San Juan. Phone 787-767-3721.
Specializing in seafood with a Latin-Caribbean fusion, Aguaviva is the catch of the day for fine dining or to pull up a stool at the oyster-and-seviche bar. Open Monday-Wednesday 6-11 pm, Thursday-Saturday 6 pm-midnight, Sunday 4-10 pm. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 364 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-722-0665. http://www.aguavivapr.com.
Prepare to be treated like royalty in this restaurant where service comes with a smile. This is a favorite among locals for Puerto Rican, Spanish and international dishes with seafood specialties—including paella. It also has an impressive wine list. Daily for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 352 Roosevelt Ave. (near the Plaza Las Americas shopping mall), Hato Rey. Phone 787-763-1636. http://www.elzipperle.com.
Known for its Spanish paella, this eatery offers fresh seafood—including Maine lobster—in a casually elegant setting. There is a second location in Isla Verde. Open daily except Monday for lunch and dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. 7 Calle Lugo Vinas, Puerta de Tierra, San Juan. Phone 787-722-0890. http://www.atlanticapr.com.
In the heart of the bustling Condado, this seafood restaurant is incredible. The halibut baked in a blue-cheese sauce is a dish worth trying. The landmark restaurant, featuring the Joan Miro-inspired paintings, reopened in a new location. Open Sunday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1214 Ashford Ave., Condado (in front of the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino), San Juan. Phone 787-723-9593.
A seaside spot in the Pinones area of Loiza, this restaurant and beach club specializes in Puerto Rican seafood. Order the
chillo (red snapper) with yucca
mofongo or the green-plantain-covered mahimahi. Enjoy your meal as you're serenaded by the sea breeze and Latin music Friday and Saturday nights from 9. Free transportation available for hotels guests in Isla Verde and Condado. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. Carretera 187, Pinones (a 15-minute drive from Old San Juan), San Juan. Phone 787-253-1033. http://www.soleilbeachclub.com.
This is an enjoyable place on the Plaza del Mercado for delectable seafood dishes. All the preparations have an Andalucian slant. Open daily except Monday for lunch and early dinner. Reservations required. $-$$$. Most major credit cards. 178 Calle Dos Hermanos, Santurce, San Juan. Phone 787-721-0995.
| Steak Houses | Top |
This locally owned restaurant—one of the island's select Puerto Rico Tourism Co.-recognized
Mesones Gastronomicos—is worth the 25-minute trip outside of San Juan. In addition to the bar and wine cellar, the dining area walls are lined with works of well-known Puerto Rican artists such as Wichie Torres and Rafael Tufino. Open daily except Monday for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. Mendez Vigo 334 (near the Hyatt Dorado Resort), Dorado. Phone 787-796-2120. http://www.restauranteelladrillo.com.
This Argentinean steakhouse will leave your mouth watering for more of the tender meats that can be served as individual or family-style plates. We like the
parrillada, which has a variety of meats, sausage, seafood and appetizers. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 254 Ave. Roosevelt, Hato Rey, San Juan. Phone 787-294-1000.
This microbrewery is ideal for beer drinkers eager to taste new flavors. It features a wide variety of beers on tap, including five that are made at the restaurant. The Coqui is a favorite. The bar has two TVs that play music concerts and videos. Bohemia music Thursday nights. It also serves surf-and-turf dishes with a Latin flair. Daily 11:30 am-1 am. On the corner of Calle Tizol 202 and Recinto Sur (near the Banco Popular in Old San Juan), San Juan. Phone 787-721-2100. http://www.oldharborbrewery.com.
A premier Puerto Rican steak house and seviche bar in Old San Juan. Don't leave before tasting a refreshing
mojito (rum, club soda, lime and mint leaves). Open daily for lunch and dinner. $$. Most major credit cards. 317 Calle Recinto Sur, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-723-3092. http://www.tamarindsteak.com.
| Other Options | Top |
This restaurant specializes in international cuisine. We recommend the lobster lasagna and the lamb fillet with sweet-and-sour raspberry sauce. It's also known for its superb wine list. Open Monday-Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner only. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 106 Ave. Condado, Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-724-6088.
One of the best pizza joints in Puerto Rico, this streetside pizzeria with the multicolored awning is a local favorite that prepares its pies Argentinean-style. This place is also hopping in the morning, as it serves fluffy pancakes and great omelettes. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 1351 Ave. Ashford, Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-724-0501.
Serves sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, seafood crepes and its own famous chocolate torte. It's also a good place to sip Spanish and Chilean wines. An attractive, friendly spot: Tourists mingle with the local crowd—artists and literati—who have frequented the place regularly for more than 60 years. Live music at night Friday-Sunday. Daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 102 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan, San Juan. Phone 787-723-1149.
Chef Wilo Benet's flagship project, this fine-dining restaurant is rated one of the world's best museum eateries. The modern decor of the restaurant nicely complements the presentation of Latin-fusion dishes. Open Monday-Saturday for dinner,Tuesday-Friday for lunch also. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 299 Avenida de Diego, Santurce, San Juan. Phone 787-721-6194. http://www.wilobenet.com.
This modern, European gelato cafe is fast becoming the place to meet friends for a light menu of soups, salads, wraps and gyros, and then to indulge in dozens of different flavored gelatos for dessert. Wine, beer and frappe also served. Choose from indoor or patio seating. Music videos on TVs nightly after 8. Wi-Fi is available. Second location in Isla Verde. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $. Most major credit cards. 1302 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan. Phone 787-977-2121. http://www.piubellogelato.com.
Escape from the large crowds and relax at this tropically inspired oceanfront restaurant in the Hosteria del Mar guesthouse in Ocean Park. This Mediterranean fusion restaurant serves everything from salads to fresh seafood and meats, and it is noted for its tropical fruit frappes and sangria. Seating is available on the patio and indoors. Daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$$. Most major credit cards. Calle Tapia No. 1, Ocean Park, San Juan. Phone 787-727-3302. http://www.hosteriadelmarpr.com.