DINE AROUND OPTIONS

The best San Juan restaurants can rival anything in London, Paris or New York. In fact, many of the island's top chefs cut their teeth in Manhattan before branching out to what some call New York's sixth borough. The best places to eat in San Juan are found in two places: Old San Juan and Condado. You'll find plenty of American fast-food options everywhere, but the best Puerto Rican food is "comida criolla," traditional dishes that are a blend of Spanish, Caribbean and West Indian flavors and ingredients. Keep an eye out for mofongo, a delectable mish-mash of plantains and seafood or beef, thick soups that are almost more like a meatloaf than a broth, and grilled seafood—lots and lots of grilled seafood.

Old San Juan Neighborhood

Old San Juan is located in the northeast of San Juan on a two- and half-mile limestone islet. Old San Juan is one of Puerto Rico’s treasures. You cannot resist to visit this Old Colonial City full of shops, historic places, museums, open air cafés, restaurants, gracious homes, and tree-shaded plazas.

Marmalade Chef Owner Peter Schintler, has traveled to over forty countries on five continents, and worked under six different Master Chefs, from France to Asia, at restaurants such as Raymond Blanc’s Le Manior Aux Quat Saisons, La Contea in Piedmonte, and the legendary Le Cirque in Manhattan. Chef Peter first achieved notoriety in Singapore, where he was nominated as Asia’s rising star. At Marmalade Chef Peter has created a vivid and sexy ambiance “at the vanguard of elegant and contemporary gastronomy in San Juan”.

Location: 317 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan Dress Code: Casual elegant Cuisine: French, Eclectic, Vegetarian, Vegan Webpage: http://www.marmaladepr.com/ Price Range: $$$$ Capacity: 140 ppl

La Lanterna Steeped in Italian tradition, nostalgia, and beauty; this bastion of fine dining is the crowning accomplishment of chef Franco’s culinary career. Within its exquisite Old San Juan Spanish colonial architecture, guests may choose to be seated in the indoor dining room or amid the refreshing tropical foliage of the open-air patio.

Location: 202 Calle Del Cristo Dress code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Italian Webpage: https://www.lalanterna.rest/ Price Range: $$$$ Capacity: 50 ppl

Verde Mesa Tucked down a historic old-town street, this little gem of a restaurant is lauded for its creative menu, with great options for vegetarians and vegans. Verde Mesa's fresh and flavorful dishes are made with ingredients from local organic farms. Antiques and mood lighting create a romantic ambience.

Location: 107 Calle Tetuan Dress code: Casual Cuisine: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Farm to Table Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/verdemesa/ Price Range: $$$ Capacity: 30 ppl

Café El Punto Serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes like rice and beans, mofongo, tostones, and stuffed avocado since 1992. They have a wide variety of freshly prepared juices.

Location: 105 Calle Fortaleza Dress code: Casual Cuisine: Puerto Rican and Chilean Webpage: http://cafeelpunto.com/ Price Range: $$ Capacity: 60 ppl

Café Puerto Rico Experience a traditional Puerto Rican meal, great coffee, excellent service in this unique, authentic building!

Location: Plaza Colon, Old San Juan Dress code: Casual Cuisine: Puerto Rican Cuisine Webpage: http://www.cafepuertorico.com/intro.html Price Range: $$ Capacity: 60 ppl

Princesa Gastrobar Visit the first Gastrobar of Old San Juan specialized in rums of Puerto Rico. Princesa Gastrobar offers a taste of 19th Century Puerto Rican cuisine with Caribbean and International Fusions. Located on a popular pedestrian street, and surrounded by trees and vegetation, you will feel the history, magic of the story of this unique venue.

Location: Paseo de la Princesa Dress code: Casual Cuisine: International and Caribbean Webpage: https://www.princesapr.com/ Price Range: $$ Capacity: 125 ppl

El Jibarito A fun atmosphere to enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican meal.

Location: Old San Juan Dress code: Casual Cuisine: Puerto Rican Cuisine Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/eljibarito77/ Price Range: $$

Barrachina Restaurant Birthplace of the now world famous “Pina Colada”, Barrachina offers an extensive menu in a lively restaurant setting. Serving a variety of Puerto Rican and international dishes.

Location: Old San Juan Dress code: Casual Cuisine: Puerto Rican and International Webpage: http://www.barrachina.com/index.html Price Range: $$ Capacity: 130 ppl

El Mercado de Paseo Caribe Fifteen culinary experiences from award-winning local chefs and purveyors. Choose between seafood, Italian, Asian, Puerto Rican, American, Mediterranean, Mexican, and more.

Location: Paseo Caribe Dress code: Casual Cuisine: International Webpage: http://www.paseocaribepr.com/el-mercado/ Price Range: $$-$$$

Condado Neighborhood

Condado is located in the north of San Juan and is well known for its shorelines and tourisms. Most of San Juan’s hotels are located in Condado. This beach front modern district is popular among the locals when looking to enjoy a late evening walk or even a workout run. If you are interested in an elegant romantic dinner and breezy stroll through several parks, Condado is the choice for you.

1919 Restaurant Michelin Star-rated Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas believes in pairing social consciousness with exquisite taste. We place the highest value on hand-selecting products that are local, artisanal and homemade in order to craft food that is flavor-forward. Always fresh and with a contemporary flair, the food at Condado’s 1919 Restaurant is served with meticulous care and pride from our island kitchen to your table. 1919 Restaurant blends the experience of world-class dining with the flavor of locally-sourced ingredients. Savor artisanal delicacies served freshly -- and with a contemporary flair -- from our kitchen to your table.

Location: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel Dress Code: Elegant Cuisine: International Fusion Cuisine Webpage: http://www.1919restaurant.com/ Price Range: $$$$ Capacity: 123 ppl

Serafina We invite you all to come sample our unique, inventive take on traditional Italian recipes at Serafina. Modern Italian cuisine served in a hip setting, in the heart of San Juan’s Condado area. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Location: Condado - La Concha Hotel Dress Code: Evening casual Cuisine: Creative Italian Webpage: http://serafinasj.com/ Price Range: $$$ Capacity: 100 ppl

Amare Amare restaurant gives a new meaning to Mediterranean & seafood dining in San Juan. The hottest restaurant to hit the Condado district, aMare’s repertoire includes the local flavors as Italy and other Latin-European countries fuse with Puerto Rico in culinary romance. Watch the sunset over the Atlantic horizon while enjoying a fresh “Branzino Al Sale”, “Paella Di Antonio”, and many other creative dishes.

Location: Condado Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Mediterranean & Seafood Webpage: https://www.serafinabeachhotel.com/dining/amare/ Price Range: $$$ Capacity: 180 ppl

RAYA Restaurant The chef describes the decor of Raya, located at O:LV Hotel in Condado, as "lounge chic type". Certainly, the restaurant is decorated with great taste. The color palette that prevails is green, golden and gray, all balanced and without shrillness. The space is cozy. White marble tables with matt gold foot are arranged in a U-shape around the dining room with armchairs and small sofas in green suede. The cutlery is golden like the dishes. Walls and curtains in dark gray impart an aura of more privacy to the space. At the end of the room the bar with black stools is arranged. Several mirrors with a black and gold pattern placed by various parts of the room give a sense of spaciousness to the restaurant. The center of the room is crowned by a large ceiling lamp composed of a network of tree branches from which hang long crystal tears. At the same time, they intertwine with foliage and anthuriums to provide the only touch of bright color of the place.

Location: 1110 Av. Magdalena Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Asian/Puerto Rican Fusion Webpage: http://olvhotel.com/restaurants/ Price Range: $$$$ Capacity: 34 ppl

Sage: Steak Loft The ultra-chic Sage is located in the first level of O:live Boutique Hotel. It is one of San Juan’s finest. Chef Mario Pagán brings to Sage creative flair and energy presenting a classic steakhouse fare and playful Italian inspired dishes.

Location: 55 Calle Aguadilla Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Steakhouse, International Webpage: https://oliveboutiquehotel.com/sage- steak-loft Price Range: $$$- $$$$

Mario Pagan Fine dining characterized for its ambiance and fusion of native ingredients by Chef Mario Pagan. Chef Mario Pagan is the only Puerto Rican selected as part of an exclusive group of chefs from all states to be part of the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership program.

Location: 110 Magdalena Ave. Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Caribbean Fusion Webpage: http://mariopaganrest.com/ Price Range: $$$- $$$$

Oceano Oceano is one of the few beach front restaurants located in Condado. Renowned for serving locally sourced seafood and mouthwatering tropical beverages. Oceano combines unexpected flavors with a Caribbean flair, offering a memorable dining experience that compares your plate to a tropical breeze.

Location: #2 Calle Vendig Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: International, Caribbean, & Seafood Webpage: http://oceanopr.com/ Price Range: $$$ Capacity: 150 + ppl

Cocina Abierta “An open kitchen, eclectic and without limitations, we create and interpret culinary ideas inspired from different cultures, products and techniques. Our always evolving menu is a result of interaction and interchange of different experiences.” Chef Martin

Location: 58 Calle Caribe Dress Code: Evening Casual Cuisine: International Webpage: https://cocinaabierta.net/ Price range: $$$ Capacity: 150 + ppl

Almaviva Almaviva presents the great cuisine of Chef Juan Peña, who fuses elements from the Latin Caribbean gastronomy of his childhood, along with the French and Asian gastronomy of his teachers Boulud and Vongerichten, creates a personality of its own.

Location: 1351 Ashford Ave. Dress Code: Casual elegant Cuisine: International, Fusion, Creative Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/almavivapr/?rf=225758384514832 Price range: $$$$ Capacity: 95 + ppl

STK San Juan STK is a unique concept that artfully blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. STK distinguishes itself by emphasizing the social experience and taking a vibe-driven approach to fine dining. Every venue has a DJ to create an infectious, high-energy atmosphere and the sleek environment is designed to encourage guests to interact and mingle. Ultimately, STK aims to define the modern dining experience complete with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect ambiance. Location: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel Dress Code: Elegant Chic Cuisine: Steak and Seafood Webpage: https://stksteakhouse.com/venues/san-juan/ Price Range: $$$$ Capacity: 150 ppl

Jose Enrique Jose Enrique worked in New York, Florida and Louisiana before he returned to his homeland. In 2007, he opened his first restaurant Jose Enrique, which was established at La Placita de Santurce. In 2019 he changed locations. It’s personalized menu is prepared daily, incorporating natural and organic products, focusing on fresh Puerto Rican produce, which allows the climate and ingredients to direct Chef menu choices.

Location: 1021 Ashford Ave. Dress Code: Casual Cuisine: Upscale Puerto Rican Webpage: http://joseenriquepr.com/ Price Range: $$-$$$

La Marqueta La Marqueta is an exclusive version of the immensely popular food market movement. La Marqueta faces the Atlantic Ocean and features different cuisines.

Location: 1005 Ashford Ave. Dress Code: Casual Cuisine: International Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/pg/lamarquetapr/ Price Range: $$-$$$

Niche Chef David Chaymol decides to become a cook at the age of 14, and credits his first boss for igniting his passion for cooking. He went on studying culinary arts until the age of 20. In May 2015 Chef Chaymol decided to establish himself in Niche Bistro, where he designed a new menu, based on French cuisine combine with local product creating a new fusion. Creating a unique Chef table in San Juan.

Location: Calle Taft, Ocean Park Dress Code: Elegant Chic Cuisine: French, Caribbean Fusion Webpage: http://nichebistro.com/ Price Range: $$$$ Capacity: 32 ppl

Miramar Neighborhood

Miramar is located south of Condado’s lagoon, near Puerto Rico’s Convention Center District. It is known for its casual- elegant restaurants and historic charm. This middle to upper-class neighborhood is home to several houses, church and buildings that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. Miramar is the place for you if you are looking for a casual artsy nightlife, romantic and/or relaxing dinner.

Rare 125 This modern yet relaxed restaurant is perfect for those who love to enjoy comfort food. This restaurant has a vast menu selection where guest can enjoy different cuts of meats, seafood and delicious sides that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Location: 667 Avenida Ponce de León Dress Code: Casual Elegance Cuisine: Steakhouse & Seafood Webpage: https://www.rare125.com/ Price Range: $$-$$$ Capacity: 75 ppl

Ariel

“Ariel” is the masterpiece of Chef Ariel Rodriguez. After years of upholding the highest culinary standards as the Chef & owner of the legendary “Augusto’s” he has reimagined the space and stamped he’s name on it. Creating a renewed space for his culinary artistry with the highest service standards.

Location: 801 Avenida Ponce de León Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: International, Fine Dining Webpage: http://www.restauranteariel.com/ Price Range: $$$-$$$$ Capacity: 70 ppl

Casita Miramar Popular with the locals, Casita Miramar is the place to go to enjoy an authentic Puerto Rican meal. The eclectic antique furnishings, cookbooks, artworks, and mismatched chairs create a cozy and quaint ambience making you feel right at home. The menu items vary depending on what is fresh and locally available.

Location: 605 Avenida Miramar Dress Code: Casual Elegance Cuisine: Puerto Rican Cuisine Webpage: https://www.facebook.com/casitamiramarpr/ Price Range: $$-$$$ Capacity: 100 ppl

Melanzana A charming, modern and comfortable space surrounded with large windows which connects its guest to the energy and dynamism of the city while savoring delicious food. The city of Naples served as inspiration while creating the menu, so the delicious Neapolitan pizzas could not be missed. In addition to pizza, Melanzana offers a variety of pasta, meat and fish dishes made with the freshest seasonal local ingredients.

Location: 650 Avenida Juan Ponce de León Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Italian Webpage: http://melanzanabistro.com/ Price Range: $$-$$$ Capacity: 60 ppl

Comedor Comedor is known for is Art Deco Style. Inspired by the 1920’s and 1930’s, you will feel a blast from the past while dinning. As a farm to table restaurant you will be able to enjoy a meal inspired by French cuisine and American comfort food. Here you will be able to enjoy a one of kind house cocktail designed by their very own mixologist.

Location: 801 Avenida Juan Ponce de León Dress Code: Casual Elegance Cuisine: French, American Webpage: https://www.comedorpr.com/ Price Range: $$-$$$ Capacity: 60 ppl

Santurce Neighborhood

Santurce is where most locals work and hangout at night. Located in Santurce is the famous nightlife spot called “La Placita”. It is home to several well-known restaurants among the locals. You can experience anything from a casual-elegant dinner to a traditional “Chinchorro”, a small Puerto Rican Bar that usually has fresh juices and fritters. During the day “La Placita” opens as a farmer’s market where you can enjoy fresh produce and treats.

Santaella Fill your night with a tropical-modern flare in Santaella. Chef José Santaella is Puerto Rico’s most prestigious chef, with vast knowledge on both Puerto Rico’s gastronomy and international cuisines. This is surely one of the best dining experiences you’ll have during your culinary adventure. Rooted firmly in authentic dishes and local ingredients, Santaella creates an elegant evolution of the flavors that showcase the vibrant energy of the island’s “cocina criolla”. The flavors harness the tropical, rustic heritage while also showcasing the chef’s international experience and capitalizing on the finest cuisine trends.

Location: Calle Canals #219 Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Caribbean/Puerto Rican Fusion Webpage: http://josesantaella.com/ Price Range: $$$ Capacity: 90 ppl

Chicharrón Start off your night with crunchy morsels of pork rinds in the “rustic-chic” Puerto Rican restaurant “Chicharrón”. Chicharron’s patio looks out over the bustling Placita where locals and tourists eat, drink, mingle, and dance against a backdrop of live music.

Location: Calle Dos Hermanos #176 Dress Code: Casual Elegant Cuisine: Caribbean/Puerto Rican Webpage: https://chicharron-la-placita-de- santurce.business.site/ Price Range: $$-$$$ Capacity: 100 ppl

Asere Go to Cuba without having to take a plane. Asere Cubano Kitchen promises a vibrant and enjoyable night for all. The menu, crafted by Chef Gabriel Mariño, Cuban chef, consists of traditional Cuban dishes with Spanish, African and French influences which highlight the Caribbean flavors. The antique Spanish architecture gives life to the two-story building designed to make guests live the experience of visiting the legendary Cuba of the 50’s and the clandestine world of the subterranean gastronomy.

Location: Calle Dos Hermanos #180 Dress Code: Casual Elegante Cuisine: Caribbean/ Cuban Webpage: https://www.aserecubano.com/ Price Range: $$-$$$ Capacity: 125 ppl

Vianda The Spanish language adopted word “vianda” from the Latin word “vivanda”, which means a place of living. Vianda serves a small, constantly evolving farm-to-table menu anchored by local ingredients and products. This enables the restaurant to create, fresh, delicious food focusing on the best that Puerto Rico has to offer, its agriculture and its warm hospitality. Vianda is one of the 20 Best New Restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation for 2019.

Location: 1413 Ponce de Leon Ave. Dress Code: Casual Elegante Cuisine: Contemporary Puerto Rican Webpage: http://www.viandapr.com/ Price Range: $$$ Capacity: 50 ppl

Isla Verde Neighborhood Isla Verde is the enchanting resort strip of Carolina and is known for its beautiful beaches. It is located east of Santurce next to Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. Here locals and tourist become one. There are different restaurant to satisfy the different palates. Most being relax and budget friendly.

Entrevinos

Wine Bar, Steak House with a Caribbean twist. Entrevinos offers a large selection of wines and champagnes at a great price. It is a great place for family reunion, large groups, or a date.

Location: Isla Verde Ave., Plazoleta Isla Verde #187 Dress Code: Business Casual Cuisine: International Webpage: http://entrevinospr.com/index.html Price Range: $$$

Metropol

Metropol has been offering traditional Cuban and Puerto Rican food for 50 years. It has always been one of local’s favorite.

Location: Isla Verde Ave., Anexo Club Gallistico Dress Code: Casual Cuisine: Cuban/ Puerto Rican Webpage: https://metropolrestaurant.com/ Price Range: $$ Capacity: 100 ppl

Ocean Lab Brewery Ocean Lab is an ocean front microbrewery located within the electrifying VIVO Beach Club. Their commitment is to great times and beer.

Location: VIVO Beach Club Dress Code: Casual Cuisine: International/ American Webpage: https://oceanlabbrewery.com/ Price Range: $$

Mist Mist Rooftop Bar & Kitchen provides a unique rooftop experience for relaxing with friends and enjoying appetizing casual food and refreshing cocktails. This is all complemented by soothing lounge beats, fresh ocean air and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and its breathtaking sunsets.

Location: San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel Dress Code: Resort Elegant Cuisine: International Webpage: https://www.waterbeachhotel.com/eat-drink/ Price Range: $$