Puerto Rico Restaurant Guide
The 15 Best Restaurants in Puerto Rico
Updated December 2023
Welcome to Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico has something to offer every traveler. Its sun-filled beaches, traditional cuisine and rum-filled nightlife are just some of the attractions that draw tourists to this beautiful island. There are food options for everyone here, whether you love pork, seafood, or fancy margaritas. Here’s our guide to the best Puerto Rico restaurants!
Puerto Rico Map
Contents
Where to Eat
The Top Neighborhoods
San Juan
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and is famous for its lively energy, including salsa dancing, fine dining and nightlife. Here, you’ll find luxury hotels and resorts, shopping, art museums and more. San Juan is where the Old World mixes with modern luxury to provide a truly unique experience.
Ponce
Ponce is the most populated city outside of San Juan and features a well preserved old town. Known as the “Pearl of the South,” you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the water, spectacular architecture and delicious food and drinks in this gorgeous city.
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande region of Puerto Rico is located on the island’s eastern side. It is both a city and a municipality that offers luxurious resorts, hiking trails and abundant local dining opportunities.
Vieques
Vieques is a Caribbean island off the coast of Puerto Rico, most famous for its secluded beaches, snorkeling and bioluminescent bay. It’s well worth the visit, with great dining options and a National Wildlife Refuge on the island.
Budget Options
Kabanas
$ Mexican, Caribbean
Kabanas is a casual restaurant that offers a blend of indoor-outdoor seating in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan. Not too far from Condado beach, Kabanas has an incredible menu whether you’re looking for brunch or a bite to eat after a day at the beach. The Mahi-Mahi tacos are a visitor favorite, so don’t miss out!
Mesa Cocina & Vinateria
$$ Caribbean, Puerto Rican
Visiting Ponce would not be complete without enjoying an evening at a wine bar with a whole Puerto Rican dining experience. You will find all that fantastic service at Mesa Cocina & Vinateria in the Sector Caracoles in Ponce. Here you’ll find rich traditional dishes like lobster and steak, but make sure to try the house sangria with your meal.
Biekes Bistro
$$ Caribbean, Latin
Biekes Bistro is a popular Caribbean restaurant located just a few minutes from Vieques’ ferry and sea glass beach. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for a lobster tail, whole red snapper, or mofongo; Biekes Bistro serves all of it up in a casual atmosphere.
Midrange Options
Dinghy Dock
$$ American, Caribbean
This very popular restaurant is first-come-first served and is located right on the water in Culebra, Puerto Rico. Savor the fish-centered meals while enjoying the enormous cocktail, wine and beer list. There’s always a long wait at Dinghy Dock for the fresh fish, so make sure to order some while you’re there!
Eter Rooftop and Lounge
$$ Caribbean, Bar
Eter Rooftop and Lounge gives off that effortless chill vibe with great cocktails and fantastic food. While you might’ve come here to enjoy a meal, you’ll stay for the 360-degree views and beautiful sunsets. Make sure to cheers to the evening with a few of their famous mojitos.
Oyster Shack
$$ Caribbean, Seafood
Oyster Shack in San Juan is just a few steps from Condado Beach and serves up freshly opened oysters, crudo, clams and ceviche. The best part about dining here is that the restaurant works with local, small-scale fishermen for fresh, sustainable food. So, get your oysters early before they run out!
Hotties Bar and Restaurant
$$ Puerto Rican, Vegetarian Friendly
Hotties Bar and Restaurant is located just across from the water in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Known for excellent drinks and even better margaritas, kick back and relax at this fashionable bar with outdoor seating. Don’t miss out on the fantastic tapas options or frozen drinks that bring many diners to Hotties Bar and Restaurant.
High-End Options
1919
$$$$ Contemporary, Puerto Rican
Tucked away in the fancy Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, Michelin Star-rated Chef Juan Jose Cuevas leads the 1919 Restaurant. Here you can expect mouthwatering dishes with Puerto Rican flair. Appreciate the extensive wine list and ocean views at this unique restaurant.
Marmalade
$$$$ Caribbean, International
Located in Old San Juan, Marmalade offers a fresh fusion of Caribbean and International Flavors. Enter this upscale restaurant for unique food and wine experiences, with dishes such as fluke sashimi, organic beef tartar, lamb tagine, swordfish and ancient grain gnocchi. Wine is available by the glass and features options from around the world.
Baleares Restaurant
$$$$ Caribbean, International
Baleares Restaurant might be easy to miss as it is in the Meliá Hotel in Ponce, Puerto Rico, but it is a must-visit. This fine-dining restaurant introduces the flavor of the Balearic Islands to diners in incredibly inventive ways. Reservations are required, so plan ahead.
Pasion by Chef Myrta
$$$$ Caribbean, Latin
Pasion by Chef Myrta is located at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico Golf Resort in the Rio Grande. This elegant eatery serves up traditional Puerto Rican cuisine from Chef Myrta. She’s well known for her signature lobster, shrimp and clam risotto.
El Quenepo
$$$$ American, Caribbean
Only a few steps from the beach in Vieques, El Quenepo is the fanciest restaurant on the Island. It features fantastic food with beautiful views and great service. Diners will love the open-air dining experience but will stay for the creative, fresh seafood options including prawns, octopus and swordfish.
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I wish for more recipes at this page Spanish Puerto Rican food
Thes options are great…You must try D’scorche Wine Bar & Tapas in Aibonito. New and surprisingly elegant.
Mesa Cocina Vinataria has the best Sangria on the island! We went here multiple times throughout the week we were here.
Thank you for the great guide, we loved the Mahi-Mahi tacos at Kabanas!
Kabana’s Mahi Mahi tacos really are the best thing on the menu, I ate here 3 times during my stay and left with a full and happy stomach each visit! Highly recommended.