10 Best Restaurants in San Juan

Marmalade is an upscale restaurant and wine bar that will delight you with its culinary creations. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, the food is a luxurious blend of colors, textures, and flavors. The tasting menus include a wide range of appetizers, vegetarian, meat, and fish dishes. Enjoy a succulent lamb tagine, popcorn shrimp, or lobster risotto, each paired with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list.

Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy heavenly desserts, including vegan ice cream in a range of exotic flavors. You’ll love the elegant decor in this stylish eatery. It’s a popular spot with locals as the restaurant has a solid reputation for excellent service and exceptional food.

La Casita Blanca (The Little White House) is an intimate eatery serving authentic Puerto Rican food. Feast on plantain soup, fried pork, and seafood as you enjoy the cozy ambiance. The white walls, abundance of plants, and framed paintings make it feel as though you’re eating in a friend’s home. You’ll love the generous portion sizes and friendly staff.

The restaurant’s location in the Villa Palmeras neighborhood, close to the university, makes it a popular choice for students and a younger crowd. But you’ll also see plenty of families enjoying the traditional food and the laidback vibe. Book in advance as the walk-in queues can get long, especially at weekends.

Mario Pagán is a wonderful choice for a romantic night out if you’re looking for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Relax in sleek and sophisticated surroundings and enjoy upscale cuisine, with lots of seafood and vegetarian choices. Indulge in Caribbean spiny lobster, coconut miso cod, or spiced smoked pumpkin, and share a decadent souffle for dessert. There’s a lovely, calm atmosphere in this restaurant, so you can take your time and savor the delicious food.

The restaurant is located in central Condado, just a couple of blocks from the golden sands of Atlantic Beach. Why not take a romantic stroll to the beach and admire a magnificent sunset together after your delicious meal at Mario Pagán?

Chotis en Ávila is a lively tapas bar and restaurant. It’s popular with locals who stop off after work for tasty tapas and a glass of fruity Spanish wine, and to enjoy the friendly atmosphere. If you want to try mouthwatering Spanish cuisine and feast on generous plates of paella and shrimp risotto, head to this fantastic eatery, just a couple of blocks from the Plaza Las Americas shopping mall.

The restaurant’s signature dish is flan de queso manchego (manchego cheese flan). You’ll love its soft, creamy texture and delicious flavor, and one slice is never enough. If you’re driving to Chotis en Ávila, plan on using the valet parking service as the narrow street has limited parking spots.

Cocina Abierta is one of the best restaurants in San Juan for foodies to try traditional Puerto Rican food with a modern twist. Choose from various tasting menus, including a vegetarian option, and be blown away by the vibrant plates of innovative cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local products and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable with any questions you may have.

The decor is trendy and modern, and it’s wonderful to sit on the outdoor terrace, and enjoy sensational food as you watch the world go by and the sun go down. Be sure to try the house cocktails and mocktails as they’re deliciously refreshing and original.

Santaella is a beautiful restaurant proposing a fusion of local and international cuisine using fresh ingredients from the nearby farmer’s market. It’s a lovely place for a romantic evening meal, with low lighting, candlelit tables, and a unique garden feature along one wall. The chef/owner of Santaella is a cookbook author and his passion for Puerto Rican cuisine is reflected in his menus. Choose from a wide selection of meat and seafood dishes with mouthwatering flavors.

The restaurant lies in the heart of the museum district, with the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Art Museum, nearby. Why not spend an afternoon discovering amazing art before heading to Santaella to round off your day with a luxurious meal?

Tierra Santa Comida Árabe is a fantastic restaurant in the heart of the city offering a good variety of Middle Eastern cuisine and a laidback vibe. If you want to feast on vibrant, filling, spicy food with warm pitta bread, this is a great place to try. The combo plates for sharing are always popular, as are the coffee and baklava for dessert. There’s also a lovely range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

The highlight of this restaurant is the weekend entertainment. Enjoy delicious Arab cuisine whilst watching a traditional belly-dancing show with live music. Don’t forget to bring your camera too, as the magnificent domed building and facade are stunning.

Princesa – Cocina Cultura is in the marina district of Old San Juan. Foodies searching for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in an original environment will love this restaurant. Enjoy browsing the menu, which features classic, local dishes based on recipes from 19th-century cookbooks. Choose from succulent pork belly, spicy chorizo risotto, or octopus to tempt your tastebuds.

This upscale eatery is known for its extensive rum list, as well as its live music. But the wonderful decor is not to be overlooked. Enjoy your meal indoors with calming greenery and lush vegetation surrounding you or sit under the shade of trees on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the soft glow of the fairy lights swaying in a gentle breeze.

1919 Restaurant is in the high-end Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, close to the spectacular beaches in Condado. The dining room is the epitome of luxury with its plush leather seating and there’s plenty of space between the tables, so it’s a lovely place for a romantic evening. Settle in for a date night indulging in New American cuisine and enjoy spectacular sunset views from the huge windows, which overlook the ocean.

The decadent desserts are a hit with chocoholics, and you’ll delight in the inventive pairings of chocolate with exotic fruits. Reserve a cellar tour, where you’ll discover the restaurant’s award-winning wine selection and learn the perfect wine and cheese pairings.

Portela by Orujo provides one of the most unique, farm-to-table experiences in San Juan. Arrive early and get comfortable in this cozy restaurant for a multi-course tasting menu which can last several hours. You’ll be treated to up to 20 small courses of classic Caribbean dishes with a modern, creative twist. The menu changes daily according to the fresh, seasonal produce available that morning, and the friendly chef will chat with you about any dietary restrictions before preparing your dishes.

The food is beautifully presented, like colorful works of art, and you’ll spend the evening snapping Instagrammable photos of the exquisite plates. Be sure to have your camera ready for the most delicious pictures.