Restaurants in Ponce
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A
Cesar’s Comida Criolla
The ultimate hole-in-the-wall for comida criolla (traditional Puerto Rican cuisine), this humble joint might be rough around the edges, but the savory piles of pork, chicken and seafood (most served with rice and beans) are the city’s best home cookin’. If you can’t choose from the daily offerings scrawled on the chalkboard, ask Cesar and his wife Freda; they might even walk you back to the kitchen to glimpse in the steaming vats of bliss.
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B
Mark’s at the Meliá
Long regarded as Ponce’s final word in fine dining, the cozily lit (though somewhat stuffy) restaurant within the Meliá Hotel has been lauded in every foodie magazine on the island for comida criolla treated to ‘French’ technique. Though more inventive newcomers threaten Chef Mark French’s place at the top of Ponce’s food chain, this is the place for upscale mofongo (mashed plantains), or try the salmon plates ($25).
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C
Las Tias
This bilevel restaurant and lounge has an ideal corner spot and big balconies, making for exciting people-watching. The elegant French colonial atmosphere – wicker chairs and lazily turning fans – is backed up by a haute spin on regional dishes. The food alone makes it the best fine dining in the city center, even if the unhurried service and the atmosphere still need a little polish. The key lime cheesecake is killer.
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D
King’s Cream
On a pleasantly warm evening, lines stretch down the sidewalk at this excellent local institution, located across from Parque de Bombas. Within the smooth blended tropical licks are big chunks of pineapple, coconut, almond and passion-fruit, which come piled high for just over $1. If the line is too long, seek out the other location a few blocks north of the plaza on Calle Vives, between Calles Union and Marina.
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E
Rincón Argentino
With tinkling piano, soft lights and heavy palm fronds, this is one of the more romantic options in town, as long as mosquitoes aren’t feasting on diners who choose to sit on the patio. The mains veer toward slabs of garlicky red meat in a grilled Argentine preparation, but chicken, seafood and pasta creations round out the menu. It also boasts a lengthy wine list.
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F
Café de Tomás
A lunch line hovers at this down-home eatery to see what’s coming out of the kitchen, usually a reliable assortment of comida criolla, many of which cost less than $7. Within the heavy French doors of the adjoining Tompy’s there’s similarly tasty food with sit-down service, tablecloths and slightly higher prices.
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G
Edan Deli & Juice Bar
This bright lunch counter sits in the back of an organic grocery store, offering veggie and vegan salads and sandwiches and fresh organic juices. It’s only open for lunch, but the store keeps longer hours (8am to 6pm) and has the city’s best supply of natural foods.
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H
Chef’s Creations
On the 1st level of a former residence, this place exudes casual elegance. The menu changes every day and leans toward international fusions of local fare, like the delicious Paella Con Tostones.
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El Bohio
Delectable, inventive comida criolla dishes that taste like nothing you’ve tried before. El Bohio is a little hard to find, but worth asking around for.
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