Puerto Rico Restaurant Guide
Daniel Mode
Daniel Mode
Laura Schulthies
Laura SchulthiesThe 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!
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Where to Eat
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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 Restaurants
Kabanas
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Sofia's Italian Steakhouse
Sofia’s Italian Steakhouse is bursting with Italian charm and ambiance right in Old San Juan. The restaurant offers a variety of pasta creations, traditional Italian fare, and flavorful steaks cooked to perfection. With the choice of delicious pizzas with fresh basil, succulent steaks, and perfectly cooked pasta, you can’t go wrong at Sofia’s. If you’re in the mood for pasta, make sure to try the Linguine Regina or the Fettucini Alfredo. In the mood for steak? Try the Signore Tomahawk or the 24 oz Porterhouse prepared with special brown garlic butter. Enjoy a glass of wine from Sofia’s impressive wine menu to compliment your meal.
High-End Restaurants
1919
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
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 homemade malanga gnocchi. Wine is available by the glass and features options from around the world.
Baleares Restaurant
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.
El Quenepo
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.
More
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