Must-see restaurants in Puerto Rico

  • Old San Juan Food Trucks

    San Juan

    For cheap eats in the Old Town, head to the food stands around Plaza de la Dársena. Vendors do a brisk trade in Puerto Rican and American staples such as…

  • Bananas

    Vieques

    The ultra laid-back open-air restaurant at Bananas guesthouse weighs in with hearty salads, sandwiches and criollo dishes. It sits on Esperanza's main…

  • Cafe Manolín

    San Juan

    Elbow in with the locals and fill up on excellent mofongo (fried, mashed plantain) and churrasco a la parrilla (grilled steak). Other all-star local fare…

  • El Jibarito

    San Juan

    Welcome to the neighborhood, hermano. El Jibarito is the kind of old-school place that you just know will serve a good, garlicky mofongo (mashed plantains…

  • Duffy's

    Vieques

    This long-standing convivial bar-grill opens out onto the oceanfront strip and the laid-back vibe permeates to the shady interior. Mingle over a monster…

  • Playa Papaya

    San Juan

    This popular tiki-inspired bistro serves a mean breakfast – from guava pancakes and Oreo waffles to meat-filled wraps. Looking for lighter fare? Check out…

  • Casa Manolo

    San Juan

    Owner Manuel 'Manolo' Piqueres, is considered a legend by his loyal local following. He is a one-man show, acting as host, server and chef at his well…

  • La Familia Bakery 2

    El Yunque & East Coast

    Follow the crowds to this sweet-smelling bakery for an array of mouthwatering pastries. It also rustles up comida criollo and outsized sandwiches – the…

  • Waterfront Restaurant

    San Juan

    Tucked away off the bike path at Km 5, alongside the beach boardwalk, this simple wooden seaside joint has a welcoming ambience, a great view, friendly…

  • House of Pastelillos

    El Yunque & East Coast

    As the name suggests, this beach shack close to Playa Seven Seas specializes in Puerto Rican pastelillos: hot, flaky turnovers stuffed with yummy fillings…

  • La Güerita

    San Juan

    This cavernous restaurant serves classic Mexican eats like tacos, tortas and quesadillas. The tacos are an especially good deal at two bucks a pop and…

  • Panadería & Repostería Lydia

    Vieques

    This early-opening hole-in-the-wall bakery just steps from the ferry dock is ideal for insomniacs, local workers and travelers taking the first ferry out…

  • Yuquiyú Delights

    El Yunque

    This modest place is located at the pretty Sierra Palm Picnic Area. Choose from comida criolla (traditional Puerto Rican cuisine), burgers, baked goods,…

  • Kiosko La Comay

    San Juan

    Luz cooks up all manner of fried Puerto Rican goodies, such as crab alcapurrias (green plantain fritters) and bacalaítos (salt-cod pancakes) on weekends…

  • Alí Baba

    San Juan

    If you're craving a kebab, Alí Baba serves some of the best Turkish food in the city. Traditional lamb dishes, Turkish pizza and a long list of meze are…

  • Mamasongas

    Vieques

    Fill up on seafood stew, fettuccine alfredo or crab cakes with mango habanero sauce at this expat hangout. Dining is on the tree-shaded roof or street…

  • Ajo del País

    San Juan

    If mofongo (fried, mashed plantain) and mojitos are your thing, then this rustic resto is the place to visit. It takes its inspiration from the island's…

  • King’s Cream

    Ponce

    On warm evenings, lines stretch down the sidewalk from this Ponce institution, located across from Parque de Bombas. And for good reason: smooth-blended…

  • Pan Más Rico

    El Yunque & East Coast

    Right on Luquillo's sleepy central square, this contemporary cafe is good spot to pick up an early-morning coffee and pastry to go, or linger over…

  • Pancafe Bakery

    Culebra

    This no-frills, budget-friendly bakery sells early-morning coffee and pastries, such as quesitos (cheese turnovers) and cinnamon rolls. Come 8am it’s…

  • Mercado Agrícola Natural Viejo San Juan

    San Juan

    Stop by the courtyard of the Museo de San Juan to pick up some organic local produce, including coffee, nibble on homemade chocolate, bread or cheese,…

  • Restaurante Puerto Parguera

    Ponce & South Coast

    This unpretentious place does a mean red snapper and great mofongo (mashed plantains with meat) with a classic combo stuffing of octopus and shrimp. You…

  • SuperMax de Diego

    San Juan

    Just a few blocks from the beach, this supermarket is a perfect place to stock up on picnic items and groceries, plus booze, beer and wine. A ready…

  • Colmado Milka

    Culebra

    On the road to the library, Colmado Milka looks deceptively small from the outside; inside you can find pretty much anything you might need on its maze of…

  • Trois Cent Onze

    San Juan

    This long-standing upscale bar and bistro channels classic French cuisine and gives it a Caribbean twist. Think escargot, foie gras and crêpes Suzette, as…

  • SuperMax Old San Juan

    San Juan

    Handy grocery store with all the basic necessities and then some, including fresh fruit and vegetables, a decent deli and a well-stocked booze aisle.

  • Supermercado Amigo

    El Yunque & East Coast

    Stock up on snacks, drinks and beach supplies at this good-sized supermarket. Located near Luquillo's town center, on the northern side of Hwy 3.

  • La Tienda Verde

    Vieques

    This diminutive market only has a modest selection of groceries but it does have a good selection of beer and booze for its size.

  • Colmado Lydia

    Vieques

    Near the baseball field, this small market is a good place to supplement any supplies you can't find elsewhere.

  • Supermercado Morales

    Vieques

    The island's largest supermarket; prices are often cheaper here than in Esperanza. Bring your own bags.

  • Rincón Cash & Carry

    Rincón

    For self-caterers. In Rincón town center, across from the Plaza de Recreo.

  • Supermercado La Favorita

    El Yunque & East Coast

    This small supermarket sells the basics plus some. Good for snacks, drinks and sunscreen.

  • Superette Mayra

    Culebra

    This supermarket stocks basic foodstuff and supplies.