|
|
A La Banda
Puerto del Rey Marina, Rte. 3, Km 51.2, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-860-9162
Under $10,$10 to $20
Fajardo
Caribbean
At this waterside eatery you can sit in a dining room with nautical decor or on
a terrace overlooking the marina. Steaks and poultry figure on the menu, but the
seafood is where the kitchen excels. MC, V.
Ajili Mojili
1052 Ashford Av., Condado, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-9195
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
San Juan
Caribbean
This is traditional Puerto Rican food prepared with a flourish and served in an
attractive plantation setting. Sample the fried cheese and yautia dumplings with
the house sauce, a tomato, herb, garlic, and shaved-almond concoction. The mofongo,
a mashed plantain casserole with a seafood or meat stuffing, is wonderful, as are
the plantain-encrusted shrimp in white-wine herb sauce. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amadeus
106 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-8635
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Contemporary
A trendy crowd enjoys the nouvelle Caribbean menu here. The front dining room is
attractive - whitewashed walls, dark wood, white tablecloths - but go through the
outside passage to the romantic back room with printed cloths, candles, and exposed
brick. Appetizers include dumplings with guava sauce, and plantain mousse with shrimp.
Chicken stuffed with escargot, and Cajun-grilled mahimahi are a few of the delectable
entrées. AE, MC, V. No lunch
Anchor’s Inn
Rte. 987, Km 2.4, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-863-7200
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Fajardo
Seafood
This mesón gastronómico is evidence that good things come in simple
packages. The fishermen pull their boats into the nearby Fajardo Harbor, with flotillas
of brightly colored yachts, and must head straight for the restaurant with their
catch, for the seafood is as fresh and succulent as it gets. It shows up in such
Puerto Rican dishes as surrullitos, asopao, and lobster mofongo. For carnivores,
prime cuts of meat also are available. There are also 14 guest rooms upstairs. AE,
MC, V.
Augusto’s Cuisine
801 Av. Ponce de León, Miramar Marriott Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-7700
$20 to $30,Over $30
Greater San Juan
Continental
Austrian-born chef Augusto Schreiner, a graduate of Salzburg Culinary School, regularly
wins awards for his classic European cuisine. The menu changes seasonally; some
of the dishes commonly found are veal carpaccio, steak au poivre, and seared tuna
or shrimp in a mango curry. The bright dining room is decorated with floral prints
and large bouquets. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun., Mon.
Café Berlín
407 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-5205
Under $10,$10 to $20
Old San Juan
Cafes
This casual café, bakery, and delicatessen overlooks the Plaza Colón.
Tasty vegetarian fare prevails - try one of the creative salads - but nonvegetarian
dishes are also available. The café‘s pastries, desserts, fresh juices,
and Puerto Rican coffees are the perfect elixir after a day of touring Old San Juan.
AE, MC, V.
Cafetería del Chapín
Calle 3, Playa Combate, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-254-4005
Under $10
Cabo Rojo
Caribbean
This rustic seaside shack abutting El Combate beach has cold drinks, snacks, and
fish and chicken dishes. Try the house specialty, a sandwich using plantains as
bread. MC, V.
Cafetería Mallorca
300 Calle San Francisco, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-724-4607
Under $10
Old San Juan
Cafes
This small neighborhood cafeteria features an attentive staff in crisp green uniforms
and caps. The specialty here is in its name - the mallorca, a sweet pastry that‘s
buttered and grilled, then sprinkled with powdered sugar. Try the breakfast mallorca,
with ham and cheese, washed down with one of the city‘s best cups of café
con leche. MC, V. Closed Sun.
Caribbean Grill Restaurant
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-253-1700
$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Seafood
This restaurant in Isla Verde’s Ritz-Carlton takes the elegance associated
with the Ritz name and gives it a Caribbean twist. The menu emphasizes a variety
of grilled seafood; there’s a mix of Caribbean and North American fare. Overall,
it has some of the most consistently first-rate cuisine in San Juan. AE, D, DC,
MC, V.
Carli Café Concierto
Plazoleta Rafael Carrión, Calle Recinto Sur (corner of Calle San Justo),
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-4927
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Contemporary
This intimate, hip bistro, with rust-hued walls and black-marble tables, sits under
the Banco Popular building, which dominates the Old San Juan skyline. You can dine
- inside or on the street-side patio - on international savories such as juicy,
seared loin of lamb or a light spinach and ricotta ravioli in pesto sauce. The genial
owner and host, Carli Muñoz, is a pianist who plays his Steinway grand each
evening. Visiting singers and musicians often join in the fun. AE, MC, V. Closed
Sun.
Casa Dante
39 Calle Loíza, Punta Las Marias, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-726-7310
Under $10,$10 to $20
Greater San Juan
Latin
The self-proclaimed casa del mofongo is a good place to try this Puerto Rican specialty
of plantains mashed with garlic and other ingredients. You can get mofongo filled
with seafood, chicken, or beef in a red sauce, or as a side dish to a churrasco
(barbecued steak) or sautéed red snapper. The bright dining room has tourist
photos of Puerto Rico covering the walls and is a favorite of families. No credit
cards. Closed Mon.
Cassave
Rte. 987, Km 3.4, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-863-1000
$20 to $30
Fajardo
Caribbean
This elegant restaurant at El Conquistador Resort specializes in Caribbean Rim foods.
That means pork and chicken combined with hints of tropical-fruit flavors, seafood
laced with ginger and coconut, and presentation that makes each dish a work of art.
Reservations essential. AE, MC, V. No lunch.
Chayote
603 Av. Miramar, Miramar, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-9385
$20 to $30
Cabo Rojo
Eclectic
Slightly off the beaten path, this chic eatery in the Hotel Olimpo Court is an "in"
spot to eat. The chef blends haute international cuisine with tropical panache.
Appetizers include sopa del día (soup of the day) made with local produce,
chayote salad with shrimp and avocado, and corn tamales with shrimp in coconut sauce.
Half the menu's entrées are seafood dishes, including an excellent green
pepper- and coriander-crusted tuna filet. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
Che's
35 Calle Caoba, Punta Las Marías, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-726-7202
$10 to $20
Punta Las Marías
Argentine
Juicy churrasco (barbecued steak), lemon chicken, and grilled sweetbreads are specialties
at this casual Argentine restaurant. The hamburgers are huge, and the French fries
are fresh. The Chilean and Argentine wine list is also good. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Compostela
106 Av. Condado, Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-724-6088
$20 to $30,Over $30
Greater San Juan
Spanish
Contemporary Spanish food and a 10,000-bottle wine cellar are the draws here. The
restaurant, with its bright interior and many plants, is honored yearly in local
competitions for specialties such as mushroom päté and port pastelillo
(wild mushroom turnover), grouper fillet with scallops in salsa verde, rack of lamb,
duck with orange and ginger sauce, and paella. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.
Dumas Restaurant
Av. Muñoz Rivera, Parada 7½, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-721-3550
$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Seafood
The back porch overlooks the Atlantic crashing against the rugged Puerta de Tierra
coastline at this, one of the few oceanfront restaurants in San Juan. There’s
usually a fine breeze, and sunsets behind the Old City skyline are especially breathtaking.
While the highlight at Dumas may be the view, the food is solid: seafood is a specialty,
and the steaks and poultry are also rewarding. Some recommended dishes are clams
casino, roast sirloin with mushroom sauce, and the seafood marinara. AE, MC, V.
El Bohio
Rte. 102, Km 13.9, Playa Joyuda, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-851-2755
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Cabo Rojo
Seafood
A local favorite, this informal restaurant 15 minutes south of Mayagüez is
known for its seafood - cooked just about any way you want. There are also some
steak and chicken dishes and Puerto Rican side dishes such as yuca and mofongo,
or mashed plantains. You can dine on the enclosed wooden deck that juts out over
the sea or in the dining room. AE, DC, MC, V.
El Molino del Quijote Restaurante
Rte. 429, Km 3.3, Rincón, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-823-4010
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Rincón
Spanish
Amid beautifully landscaped gardens off the beach, this colorful restaurant with
tile-topped tables and local artwork serves Spanish and Puerto Rican cuisine. Try
the bolas de pescado (fish balls) appetizer with one of the paellas as an entrée,
or combine several appetizers for a meal. The sangria is terrific. Two two-bedroom
cabanas are available to rent. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon.-Thurs.
El Patio de Sam
102 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-723-1149
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Eclectic
A large selection of blended fruit drinks makes this a popular stop during the day,
and a wide selection of beers makes it a hoppin’ late-night spot. You can
grab a hamburger or sandwich or enjoy a steak, seafood, or local dish. The flan
melts in your mouth. There’s live music Friday and Saturday nights. AE, D,
DC, MC, V.
El Picoteo
El Convento Hotel,, 100 Calle Cristo, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-723-9621
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Spanish
This chic tapas bar is one of the best spots in Old San Juan for a drink, but many
patrons make a meal out of the appetizers that predominate the menu, including delectable
shrimp, roast pork, and brick-oven pizza. Entrées such as paella are also
well worthwhile. There's a long, lively bar inside, and one dining area overlooks
Hotel El Convento’s courtyard, while the other has a view of the action on
Calle Cristo. Even if you have dinner plans elsewhere, consider stopping here for
a cocktail and appetizer or a nightcap. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
1018 Av. Ashford, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-721-8111
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Chinese
This is the favored restaurant of the local Chinese, and with good reason. A tasty
dim sum menu is available daily from noon to 5 PM; everything else on the menu is
served until 2 AM. It’s located in a faded condominium, and canned disco music
plays through cheap speakers. But the view over the Condado Lagoon is beautiful,
and the Chinese food is New York City’s Chinatown quality. AE, D, DC, MC,
V.
Havana’s Café
409 Calle Del Parque, Santurce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-0888
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Caribbean
This Cuban restaurant in the heart of Santurce, just off Avenida Ponce de León,
has photos of Old Havana lining its walls, and it successfully retains the feeling
of a 1950s caf’. Crowds pack in for lunch and dinner because the food here,
down to the moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), is fresh and lovingly prepared.
No credit cards. Closed Mon.
Horned Dorset Primavera
Rte. 429, Km 3, Rincón, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-823-4030 or 787-823-4050
$20 to $30,Over $30
Rincón
French
It’s likely that the food here is the best you’ll encounter outside
San Juan. Although tropical accents appear here and there, the cuisine is heavily
Cordon Bleu-influenced: filet mignon in a mushroom sauce, grilled squab in a black
currant sauce, and grilled fish du jour are de rigueur. A five-course prix-fixe
menu is available for $64 per person, and a chef’s tasting menu for $88. AE,
MC, V.
Il Perugino
105 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-5481
$20 to $30,Over $30
Old San Juan
Italian
This intimate restaurant set in a 200-year-old building has been visited by the
likes of Ruben Blades, Andy Garcia, and Luciano Pavarotti. Classic carpaccio; scallops
with porcini mushrooms, and other exotic salads; homemade pastas such as black fettuccine
with crayfish and baby eels; hearty main courses including rack of lamb with red
wine sauce and aromatic herbs; and desserts like a killer tiramisu make it a must
for serious gourmets. Reservations essential. MC, V. No lunch.
Jerusalem
G-#1 Calle O’Neill, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-764-3265
$10 to $20
Greater San Juan
Middle Eastern
San Juan has a number of Middle Eastern restaurants; Jerusalem is one of the oldest
and one of the best. Like many of its competitors, it’s decorated in "Arabian
tent" style, with hypnotic desert music piped in over the sound system. The ambience
may feel a bit contrived, but the belly dancers are among the most sensual in town.
The baba ghanouj makes a good starter, as does the tabbouleh. The grilled chicken
kebabs are quite tasty, and specials include baked lamb. All entrées are
served with Arabian rice, mixed with parsley and almonds, and a cucumber tomato
salad. For dessert, the baklava is unrivaled. AE, D, MC, V.
Kasalta Bakery, Inc.
1966 Calle McLeary, Ocean Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico Phone: 787-727-7340
Under $10,$10 to $20
San Juan
Cafes
Make your selection from display cases full of tempting treats. Walk up to the counter
and order from an assortment of sandwiches (try the Cubano), tender octopus salad,
savory caldo gallego (a soup of fresh vegetables, sausage, and potatoes), cold drinks,
strong café con leche, and luscious pastries. AE, MC, V.
La Bella Piazza
355 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-721-0396
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Italian
La Bella Piazza, a great place to gather with friends and family, was the winner
in 2000 of the "Tenedor de Honor" for best Italian trattoria. In an old Spanish
building, the restaurant consists of a bar area, a long dining room, and an outdoor
courtyard with tables. Try the delicious antipastos, pastas, and main courses like
lamb chops baked with sage and white wine, and shrimp in a carrot, celery, onion,
tomato, cream, and brandy sauce. The staff is friendly, and owner Stefano Conenna
is often on hand to welcome clientele. AE, MC, V. Closed Wed.
La Bombonera
259 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-0658
Under $10,$10 to $20
Old San Juan
Cafes
This landmark restaurant, with its ornate street-side facade, was established in
1903 and is known for its strong Puerto Rican coffee and excellent pastries. It's
open every day from 7:30 AM until early evening, and full breakfasts are served
until 11. It‘s a favorite Sunday-morning gathering place. The grumpy uniformed
waiters give the appearance of having worked here since day one. AE, MC, V.
La Casona
609 San Jorge, Santurce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-727-2717
$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Spanish
San Juan’s moneyed class comes here for power lunches and dinners, but it’s
also a nice spot for an intimate, romantic meal. The setting is a restored Spanish
colonial residence, with elegantly appointed rooms and blooming gardens. The menu
is based solidly in Spain, but has many creative flourishes - start with the duck
päté or smoked salmon and move on to the rack of lamb, which is first
baked and then sautéed with brandy and fruit, or the duck breast in a raspberry
sauce. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.
La Chaumière
367 Calle Tetuan, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-3330
$20 to $30,Over $30
Old San Juan
French
Reminiscent of a provincial French inn, this intimate restaurant with black-and-white-tile
floors and heavy wood beams serves onion soup, snails in garlic butter, rack of
lamb, filet mignon with peppercorn, and poached salmon in vermouth, in addition
to daily specials. This restaurant has been under the same management since 1969
and is one of the island’s best French eateries. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.
No lunch.
La Fonda del Jibarito
280 Calle Sol, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-8375
Under $10,$10 to $20
Old San Juan
Latin
This family-run restaurant has been a favorite with sanjuaneros for years, serving
freshly prepared Puerto Rican specialties in a casual setting. The walls are replicas
of Calle Sol, and there is a back porch filled with plants and fresh fruit. The
conch ceviche and chicken fricassee are two of the menu’s highlights. Reservations
not accepted. MC, V.
La Mallorquina
207 Calle San Justo, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-3261
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Latin
The food here is basic Puerto Rican and Spanish fare (such as asopao and paella),
the decor consists of peach walls and whirring ceiling fans, and the staff is nattily
attired and friendly. But the atmosphere is what recommends this spot. Dated from
1848, it’s considered Puerto Rico's oldest restaurant. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun.
La Ostra Cosa
154 Calle Cristo, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-2672
$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Contemporary
The menu here ranges from oysters to burgers, but the large, succulent prawns, grilled
and served with garlic butter, are the specialty - they take a bit of work to eat,
but they’re well worth the effort. The restaurant is housed in the rear of
a mini-mall in a historic building, and it spills out onto a back courtyard. With
the bougainvillea and moonlight, it’s one of the prettiest spots to dine outside
in the Old City. The owner, Alberto Nazario, brother of pop star Ednita Nazario,
is a gregarious host who truly enjoys seeing his guests satisfied. AE, MC, V.
La Patisserie
1504 Av. Ashford, Condado, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-728-5508
Under $10
Greater San Juan
Cafes
This French café is a popular spot looking over a quiet stretch of the Condado
strip. Everything here, from the pastries to the pastas, is delicious. For breakfast
there are wonderful omelets stuffed with fresh vegetables and imported cheeses.
For lunch and dinner there are sandwiches - from pastrami to king crab, on croissants,
baguettes, or other breads - and pasta and salads. Crepes and tarts are other specialties,
and the pecan pie is the best in San Juan. AE, MC, V.
Las Vistas Restaurant & Ocean Terrace
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, 1309 Av. Ashford, Condado, San Juan,
Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-7000
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Latin
You can choose from a wide-ranging menu while enjoying an ocean view at this 24-hour
restaurant at the San Juan Marriott in the Condado. There are Mexican, seafood,
Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Argentinean specials on different nights of the week.
The regular menu includes such appetizers as crab cakes and seafood arepa salad,
and for an entrée try shrimp with garlic, papaya, and cilantro. AE, MC, V.
Larry B’s Black Eagle
685 Black Eagle Rd., Rincón, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-823-3510
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Rincõn
Contemporary
Larry B’s offers steaks, shrimp, pasta, salads, and fresh fish in the former
Black Eagle restaurant near the marina in Rincón. You can dine indoors or
outside on a waterfront patio. The food is simply prepared and served in generous
helpings and is quite popular among the locals. MC, V. Closed Tues. No lunch Mon.,
Wed.-Fri.
Lazy Parrot
Rte. 413, Km 4.1, Barrio Puntas, Rincón, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-823-5654
$10 to $20
Rincón
Contemporary
Highly regarded for its fresh mahimahi, filet mignon, and homemade desserts, this
little restaurant is part of the Lazy Parrot guest house. Perched in the hills,
with mountain and ocean views, it’s a great place to kick back and listen
to the coquís. It’s also where local surfers share a beer or two after
sundown. AE, D, MC, V. Closed Mon.
Lupita’s
Calle Isabel 60, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-848-8808
Under $10,$10 to $20
Ponce
Tex-Mex
A fine mariachi band usually patrols the mezzanine and courtyard of this festive
Mexican restaurant Thursday-Sunday nights. The handsome arched dining room has an
Aztec decor, with ponchos and serapes hung on the walls for added color. The food
- Mexican-American standards like nachos, tacos, and chicken mole - is quite good,
the margaritas even better, and the ambience festive. MC, V.
Marisquería Atlántica
2475 Calle Loiza, Punta Las Marías, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-728-5444
$10 to $20
Greater San Juan
Seafood
At the two locations of this combination restaurant-retail store, the seafood is
fresh and reasonably priced. Stop in for a cool drink at the bar and a side dish
of calamari, served lightly breaded and in a spicy sauce. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun.;
Calle Lugo Viñas at Punta de Tierra, 787/722-0890. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon.
Marisquería La Dorada
1105 Av. Magdalena, Condado, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-9583
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Seafood
This fine seafood establishment on Condado’s restaurant row is surprisingly
affordable. The grilled seafood platter is the specialty, but there are also excellent
pastas and other fish dinners, including mahimahi in caper sauce and codfish in
green sauce. Local cuisine, from seafood-stuffed mofongo to pork chops, is tasty.
The friendly service creates an atmosphere where diners feel genuinely welcome.
AE, D, MC, V.
Mark’s at the Meliá
75 Calle Cristina, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-284-6275
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Ponce
Eclectic
One of the best restaurants on the island, this eatery is tucked off the lobby of
the Meliá hotel on Ponce’s town square. Chef Mark French was named
Caribbean Chef of the Year in 2000 by the Caribbean Chefs Association, and his menu
lives up to that honor. You’ll find a long list of appetizers, from a three-cheese
onion soup to a wonderful bacon, lettuce, and tomato salad. You can also get "Mark’s
Sampler" as an appetizer, including tostones with caviar, croquets, chorizo yuca,
and sautéed shrimp. Entrées range from plantain-crusted dorado with
congri to medallions of tenderloin with a shrimp and bernaise sauce. The chocolate
truffle cake alone draws diners all the way from San Juan. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon.-Tues.
Martino
55 Av. Condado, Condado, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-722-5356
$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Italian
Located beneath a glass atrium on the top floor of the Black Diamond Hotel, Martino
is a San Juan favorite for its classic northern Italian cuisine and its spectacular
view of the Condado beach district. Start off with clams posilolipo or hot seafood
antipasto, followed by osso buco alla milanese or one of the several fine pasta
dishes, which are meals in themselves. Chef Martin Acosta’s creations taste
like they’ve come direct from the mother country to your table. AE, DC, MC,
V.
Miró Marisquería Catalana
74 Av. Condado, Condado, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-723-9593
$10 to $20
San Juan
Seafood
Seafood Catalan-style is in the spotlight at this brightly colored restaurant in
the heart of the Condado. An extensive appetizer list allows you to make a meal
by selecting several choices; main courses include grilled halibut with fresh basil
and prosciutto, grilled tuna with anchovies and butter, and sautéed salmon
with tomatoes, oregano, and fresh clams. There are also chicken and steak dishes.
AE, MC, V.
Pamela’s
1 Calle Santa Anna, Ocean Park, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-5010
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
San Juan
Eclectic
Facing the beach at the Numero Uno guest house in Ocean Park, this restaurant draws
people from all walks of life for a casual lunch or romantic dinner. The innovative
menu includes barbecued shrimp on coconut corn arepas and seared cornish hen over
caramelized pumpkin. The salads, such as endive and baby spinach with a smoked bacon
dressing, or grilled chicken tossed with baby spinach topped with dried cranberries
and feta cheese, are exceptional. You can sit in a greenhouse-like room facing the
ocean or, at night, ask for a candlelit table on the beach. The service leaves nothing
to be desired. AE, MC, V.
Pikayo
Tanama Princess Hotel, 1 Calle Joffre, Condado, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-721-6194
$20 to $30,Over $30
Greater San Juan
Eclectic
Chef Wilo Benet artfully fuses classic French, Caribbean creole, and California
nouvelle cuisine with definite Puerto Rican flair. The beautifully presented dishes,
which change regularly, are a feast for the eye as well as the palate. Your meal
might consist of tostones stuffed with oven-dried tomatoes, followed by mofongo
(here spiced, mashed, green plantains topped with saffron shrimp) or a hearty land-crab
stew. The decor is smartly contemporary, with lots of black-and-white accents and
comfortable banquettes, and the service is attentive. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No
lunch Sat.
Pito‘s
Rte. 2, Sector Las Cucharas, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-841-4977
Under $10,$10 to $20
Ponce
Caribbean
Dine indoors or on a waterfront balcony at this popular seafood restaurant near
the entrance to Ponce on Route 2. The menu includes lots of seafood - to indulge,
try the shrimp wrapped in bacon, one of the house specialties. There are also chicken
and steak dishes and an extensive selection of wines from the cellar. On Friday
and Saturday there are often musicians playing romantic music. AE, MC, V.
Puerto Santiago
Local #27, La Guancha, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-840-7313
Under $10,$10 to $20
Ponce
Seafood
Most of the eateries along Ponce’s La Guancha boardwalk are casual food stands
serving up such snacks as tacos and icy Medalla beer. This nautical-theme bar and
grill offering sit-down service is an exception. Families flock here on weekends
for seafood just plucked from the water. Steaks and lighter meals also figure on
the menu. The restaurant’s first-floor dining room is air-conditioned; upstairs
there are outdoor tables on a balcony overlooking the marina. AE, MC, V. No dinner
Mon.
Ramiro’s
1106 Av. Magdalena, Condado, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-721-9049
$20 to $30,Over $30
San Juan
Spanish
Step into a soft sea-green dining room for some imaginative Castillian cuisine.
Chef-owner Jesus Ramiro is known for his artistic presentations and unique combinations.
The menu includes peppers filled with lamb, halibut with banana chutney, and roast
duckling with guava and kumquat sauce. If you can stand more, there’s a luscious
kiwi dessert sculpted to resemble twin palms. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat.
Restaurant El Ancla
Av. Hostos Final 9, Playa Ponce, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-840-2450
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Ponce
Latin
The seafood and Puerto Rican specialties of this mesón gastronómico
are served with tostones, papas fritas (french fries), and garlic bread. The menu
ranges from lobster and shrimp to chicken, beef, and asopao. The salmon filet with
capers is one of the most popular dishes, and the piña coladas - with or
without rum - and the flan are exceptional. AE, MC, V.
Restaurant Galería
205 Calle San Justo, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-0478
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Eclectic
This stylish, airy restaurant, with marble floors, white walls, and dark-wood accents,
is lighted by a central atrium. The menu features Italian and international cuisine,
including fresh pastas (try the signature pasta galería, with alfredo sauce
and calamari), risottos, and seafood dishes as well as delicious local desserts
such as flan, arroz con dulce (rice pudding), and fruit tarts. AE, MC, V. Closed
Mon.
Ristorante Otello
Rte. 987, Km 3.4, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-860-0555
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Fajardo
Italian
You can dine inside, enveloped in the romance of soft light, or slide outside to
the terrace for a breezy meal under the stars at this northern Italian restaurant,
one of the many eateries at Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Country Club. Start
with the minestrone - it’s a guaranteed winner - and follow it with one of
the pasta dishes. AE, MC, V. No lunch.
Rosa‘s Sea Food
Rte. 195, Tablazo 536, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-863-0213
$10 to $20
Fajardo
Caribbean
A meson gastronómico, this restaurant - despite its name - is a good spot
for steak and chicken prepared with traditional Puerto Rican spices. The seafood
is always a safe bet, too. Reservations not accepted. AE, MC, V.
Royal Thai Restaurant
415 Recinto Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-8401
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Thai
This long, narrow restaurant, decorated with mirrors and murals of aquarium scenes,
sits on Old San Juan's restaurant row. In most dishes on the menu the fire has been
turned down to suit the local palate, but if you're a fan of spicy Thai cuisine
you can ask to have it turned back up. The coconut shrimp and the kari gang ped
chicken, served in a pungent curry sauce, are two specialties, and the tom kha gai,
a coconut herb soup with sliced chicken breast, chili, and galangar, is excellent.
The service is superb. AE, D, MC, V.
Sardinera
Calle Croabas, Km 5.5, Las Croabas, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-863-0320
Under $10
Fajardo
Caribbean
This little eatery sits among the collection of seafood kiosks lining the road and
offers a rich selection of Puerto Rican pastelitos, deep-fried turnovers stuffed
with crab, shrimp, or lobster. You can also order a range of other seafood dishes,
including crab stew and grilled red snapper. Best of all, the experience is gentle
on your wallet. The place closes at around 7 PM daily. Reservations not accepted.
No credit cards. Closed Thurs.
The Blue
9 Plaza de Mercado, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-723-9962
$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Continental
Classic American jazz flows through this attractive joint that’s decorated
with artwork recounting the stories of legendary jazz figures. Its unhurried pace,
wine and liquor selection, and delicious food - highlights include filet mignon
in a green peppercorn sauce and individual paellas with red snapper and lobster
tail - will keep you hanging around to soak up the atmosphere. AE, MC, V. Closed
Sun.-Mon.
The Greenhouse
1200 Av. Ashford, Condado, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-4036
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
American
This popular, casual restaurant in the heart of the Condado serves a steady flow
of diners from 11:30 AM to 4:30 AM, and has been doing so for over 20 years now.
The wide-ranging menu offers such standards as burgers, French onion soup, and grilled
chicken sandwiches, but also has more ambitious choices, such as sophisticated omelets,
lobster tail, and baked salmon. Everything is consistently well prepared and available
at all hours of the day. The desserts are also a smash, from rich chocolate cake
to light fruit sorbets. The late-night hours draw a lively crowd. AE, D, MC, V.
The Landing
Rte. 413, Km 4.7, Rincón, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-823-3112
$10 to $20
Rincón
Contemporary
This spacious restaurant/bar/club has a large, beautiful wooden bar that’s
often filled with a mix of people, from surfers to retirees. You can dine on pasta,
steaks, and burgers inside or on a back terrace overlooking the ocean. There's also
a children’s menu with junior burgers and chicken fingers. On weekend nights
when live bands play, the place often fills with a younger crowd. AE, MC, V.
The Palm Restaurant
Wyndham El San Juan Hotel and Casino, Av. Isla Verde, Isla Verde, San Juan, Puerto
Rico
Phone: 787-791-1000
$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Steak
The same great steak, seafood, and Italian dishes are found here as at the Palm’s
sister restaurant in New York. The caricatures of local and international celebrities
that adorn the walls set the atmosphere. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon.
The Parrot Club
363 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-725-7370
$10 to $20,$20 to $30
Old San Juan
Latin
This spacious, colorful place serves up inventive nuevo Latino cuisine - variations
of Cuban and Puerto Rican classics - in a casual yet efficient manner. Enjoy one
of its 12 different martinis at the bar before moving to the adjacent dining room
or back courtyard. Appetizers include mouthwatering crab cakes and tamarind-barbecued
ribs, while main courses range from seared blackened tuna in a dark rum sauce to
churrasco (barbecued steak) with tomato chimichurri. The Parrot Club’s presence
on the east end of La Fortaleza street has prompted other restaurants to open around
it, a testament to its well-deserved popularity. Reservations not accepted. AE,
DC, MC, V.
Tierra Santa
284 Av. Roosevelt, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-754-6865
Under $10,$10 to $20
Greater San Juan
Middle Eastern
The small community of Middle Eastern immigrants in San Juan is not numerous enough
to explain the local affection for that region’s cuisine - or the popularity
of belly dancing, which has become something of a craze. You can contemplate this
mystery as you dine at Tierra Santa, one of several such restaurants found throughout
the Hato Rey financial district. Everything is good here, from the classic hummus
and falafel to the roasted halibut in almond, lime, and garlic and the lamb curry
with oranges and onions. Dancers do their gyrations on Friday and Saturday nights.
AE, MC, V.
Tino’s
Rte. 102, Km 13.6, Playa Joyuda, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-851-2976
Under $10,$10 to $20
Cabo Rojo
Seafood
This cozy restaurant is a longtime area favorite. It serves family recipes for regional
seafood - the lobster turnovers and seafood mofongo are standouts. AE, MC, V.
Urdin
1105 Av. Magdalena, Condado, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-724-0420
$20 to $30
Greater San Juan
Spanish
The owners, who include Julían Gil, a well-known Puerto Rican model and actor,
describe the menu here as Spanish with a Caribbean touch. The soup and seafood appetizers
are particularly good, and a highly recommended entrée is chillo urdin de
lujo, red snapper sautéed with clams, mussels, and shrimp in a tomato, herb,
and wine sauce. The name of the restaurant comes from the Basque word for blue,
which is the dominant color in the dining room. AE, MC, V.
Yukiyú
311 Recinto Sur, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-721-0653
$20 to $30,Over $30
Old San Juan
Japanese
The only Japanese restaurant in Old San Juan serves some of the best Japanese food
in Puerto Rico. If you crave a sushi bar, you should make a beeline for this establishment;
non-sushi diners will find satisfaction in the cooked dishes as well. For dinner,
there’s also a teppan yaki menu. AE, D, MC, V.
|
