Must-see restaurants in San Juan

  • José Enrique

    San Juan

    Hidden in a pink house without a sign, you'll have no problem finding one of Puerto Rico's best restaurants – just follow the excited foodies in-the-know…

  • Front view of vegetarian restaurant Verde Mesa.

    Verde Mesa

    San Juan

    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…

  • Antojitos del Callejón

    San Juan

    This hole-in-the-wall is a local favorite known for its delicious criollo dishes and antojos (fried finger foods). Plastic tables are set up in front, in…

  • Vianda

    San Juan

    This fine-dining, farm-to-fork restaurant from husband-and-wife team Francis Guzmán and Amelia Dill has quickly become a key fixture on the city’s vibrant…

  • Raya

    San Juan

    This sleek, art-deco-style restaurant from Mario Pagán, one of Puerto Rico’s top chefs, puts the focus on Caribbean-Asian fusion. Scattered with edible…

  • Señor Paleta

    San Juan

    This hole-in-the-wall institution sells artisanal paletas (popsicles) made from fresh fruit, nuts and other tasty treats. Flavors range from coconut,…

  • Acapulco Taqueria Mexicana

    San Juan

    The best street tacos in town. Acapulco is a purist – no cheese, lettuce or hard shell, but the real deal: a pair of stacked corn tortillas, sizzling meat…

  • Round Eye Ramen

    San Juan

    If you’re craving authentic ramen, this long, skinny resto is the place. It serves steaming bowls of flavorful broth and homemade noodles topped with pork…

  • Berlingeri Cocina Artesanal

    San Juan

    One of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city is tucked away at the back of an Ocean Park car park. Once you’ve found it, choose from a…

  • Santaella

    San Juan

    Puerto Rican chef José Santaella's namesake restaurant is one of San Juan's best. It buzzes with excitement, thanks to the tropical vibe, the craft…

  • El Nuevo Acuario

    San Juan

    El Nuevo Acuario may have added an air-conditioned salon but you can still dine alfresco and the food is still the star, with creative takes on Puerto…

  • Chocobar Cortés

    San Juan

    A chocoholic's delight, this family-run company squeezes chocolate into – almost – every dish. Fancy a chocolate grilled cheese or churrasco with a…

  • Front view of La Casita Blanca in Santurce.

    La Casita Blanca

    San Juan

    Down-home cooking has been the order of the day at this low-key cafe for decades. Locals, including chefs, come from far and wide to kick back at the…

  • Marmalade

    San Juan

    The personal vision of James Beard Award–winning chef Peter Schintler, Marmalade was one of the first restaurants to bring real foodie recognition to Old…

  • 1919 Restaurant

    San Juan

    Juan José Cuevas is the Puerto Rican, Michelin-starred executive chef at the Condado Vanderbilt fine-dining flagship restaurant. He champions local…

  • Caña by Juliana Gonzalez

    San Juan

    This relaxed restaurant celebrates the island’s produce and dishes while giving them a gourmet twist. The Puerto Rican chef's farm-to-fork dinner menu is…

  • Lote 23

    San Juan

    An abandoned lot has been turned into a gourmet food park where you can feast alfresco on everything from fried chicken at Hen House, to slow-roasted…

  • Oceano

    San Juan

    In a one-of-a-kind oceanfront mansion with a terrace smack bang in front of Condado Beach, this cool and contemporary restaurant-bar serves up just-caught…

  • Kamoli

    San Juan

    This boho cafe's eclectic menu can take you through the day, starting with coffee, banana pancakes and the breakfast salad (sunny-side-up eggs on a bed of…

  • Volando Bajito

    San Juan

    Chicken rules the roost at this quirky resto, where locals come for a taste of Puerto Rican and Korean fusion. Choose drumsticks or wings, add a sauce –…

  • Pernileria Los Próceres

    San Juan

    The focus of this food truck in Lote 23 is firmly on pork, especially pernil, filling Puerto Rican pork-shoulder sandwiches with homemade mayo, lettuce…

  • Freshmart

    San Juan

    Freshmart is Puerto Rico's take on Whole Foods. A market dedicated to organic food and products, it also has a mezzanine-level cafeteria with a great…

  • La Madre

    San Juan

    Gourmet Mexican cuisine is the theme at this cool and cozy restaurant-lounge. Start with delectable coconut margaritas or opt for fruity alternatives like…

  • Loiza 2050

    San Juan

    This tiny, family-owned pizza place has been serving exceptional pies for more than 20 years. And its more recent inventions – such as coconut-crusted…

  • Inside view of bakery shop Kasalta.

    Kasalta

    San Juan

    Tucked into Ocean Park’s residential enclave, Kasalta is the sort of authentic Puerto Rican bakery and diner that you'd cross town to visit. The coffee…

  • Front view of pizzeria Pirilo.

    Pirilo

    San Juan

    The striking dining room – cathedral-high ceilings, exposed wood beams – leaves no doubt that you're in Old San Juan. Except that Pirilo is all about…

  • La Bombonera

    San Juan

    This historic diner shines with Tiffany stained-glass windows, marble-top tables and a gleaming bronze coffee machine. Even the waitstaff are gussied up…

  • Outdoor seating at Cocina Abierta.

    Cocina Abierta

    San Juan

    Cocina Abierta takes pride in its eclectic seasonal menus inspired by global culinary influences. Think zucchini pakora, octopus causa or seafood green…

  • El Churry

    San Juan

    This vivid-green food truck is the place for a savory late-night snack post-partying. Famed for its knockout skirt-steak sandwiches, it has now expanded…

  • Kabanas

    San Juan

    Condado on the cheap – it can be done and done well. This small resto – with a full bar – serves mouthwatering organic burgers with homemade tostones …

  • Carli's Café Fine Bistro & Piano

    San Juan

    At this bistro housed in the 1930s art deco Banco Popular, opt for a quiet cocktail or a full-blown meal with a live-music soundtrack. The wide menu of…

  • Cocobana

    San Juan

    One of the city's best options for vegetarians and vegans serves an extensive menu of innovative sandwiches, wraps, salads and a raft of smoothies…

  • Numero Uno Beach Bar

    San Juan

    Come to this beach bar – formerly Pamela's – for leisurely all-day dining and fresh flavors. Perhaps try fluffy waffles, tempura-style mahi tacos or the…

  • Café Tresbé

    San Juan

    There's something for everyone at Tresbé, a shipping container turned neon-yellow food truck. Look out for tangy ceviche served with sweet coconut arepas,…

  • Miramar Food Trucks

    San Juan

    Upscale food trucks set up shop most days in an enclosed parking lot on Santurce's main drag. Meatballs. Dumplings. Tacos. Bagels. Gelato. It's a…

  • Café Marquesa

    San Juan

    This cozy bistro makes the perfect breakfast pit stop. Along with just-baked bread and pastries, friendly staff serve tasty dishes such as eggs Benedict,…

  • Bebo's Cafe

    San Juan

    A veritable institution, Bebo’s all-day diner is a firm favorite with locals and visitors alike for its mighty portions of criollo cooking. Expect all…

  • Yamiko Sushi

    San Juan

    What a genius move – late-night sushi to eat in or takeaway. The decor is simple; people come for the top-notch sushi with super-fresh ingredients and…

  • La B de Burro

    San Juan

    Serving up arguably the best burritos in the Caribbean, this popular hangout pumps out hearty chimichangas, reggae and mean margaritas, surrounded by…

  • Sabrina Brunch & Bistro Bar

    San Juan

    Matching the tropical decor, this laid-back local bistro offers tropical Caribbean flavors in dishes such as pork chops with a pineapple mojito and…

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