Neighborhood. It was like they were playing my playlist too-which I enjoyed. The dishes and wine pairings are excellent. Collections Including Cocina Abierta . Located at Distrito T-Mobile, Sazn Cocina Criolla aims to showcase the best of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine by using a variety of flavors, local herbs and spices, and fresh seafood. While taking in the views of the greenery of the Puerto Rican countryside, enjoy a heaping plate of freshly roasted pork with a crispy "cuerito" (pork skin), arroz con gandules, and batatas (Puerto Rican sweet potatoes). The restaurant sits in a restored 19th-century building which adds plenty of charm to the joint. , operated by the Lpez family since 1940. This posh restaurant is perfect for date night, a night out with friends, and celebrating anything under the sun. In every aspect the chef and owner demonstrate his passion and complete understand of the meaning of fine dining. She earned a, Your Trip to Puerto Rico: The Complete Guide. We opted for the 8 courses. She wanted to recreate something similar to her grandmother's home, focusing on traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as pasteles (a dough made with root vegetables, filled with stewed pork, and wrapped in banana leaf), rice, pigeon peas, and roasted pork. The staff is very knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to recommend dishes. Luis "Apa" Ramos owns this local institution that has been around for several decades, and his famous roasted pork has even been ordered by Michelin-starred chef Eric Ripert. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). This was our second visit to Marmalade and it just keeps getting better! The best day to go is Sundaywhen heaping cauldrons of the food Puerto Ricans love are lined up for a gut-busting feast. For example, yuca fries are served in a gochujang (Korean bbq sauce), a Puerto Rican rice and chicken dish is converted into a creamy risotto with avocado mousse. They were gracious and welcoming to our group. Deaverdura is a fantastic restaurant thats famous in San Juan for blending traditional Puerto Rican ingredients with African and Spanish cuisines. This restaurant is a must if you like fine dining. Arroz y habicuelasare the staple side dish in Puerto Rico. Set in La Concha Resort and Hotel, Serafina brings the flavors of Italy to Condado beach. is a culinary experience worth the 2 1/2 hour drive from San Juan. The menu focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. They also have an extensive wine list that your server or bartender will be happy to help you select for your meal. Get to know the Island through its cuisine. Puerto Rico, with its complex history, is home to many cultures. He also features vegan dishes with vegetables sourced from the Ponce's Plaza de Mercado (farmer's market). He also worked as chef de cuisine at Restaurante Madrid-San Juan located at the Caribe Hilton Hotel. If you ask a Puerto Rican about the island's traditional dish, they will probably say "lechn and arroz con gandules" (roasted pork, rice, and pigeon peas). A beach town that caters to foodies and casual diners. This is an experience of a life time if you will travel to PR. This was our second visit to Marmalade and it just keeps getting better! Im in close proximity to this place, and Id say its well worth it. Only on special occasions do we have 4 or more courses so our last evening in San Juan seemed like the perfect excuse. Visit 1919 for a memorable fine-dining experience inside the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. 1919's executive Chef Juan Jos Cuevas returned to his native Puerto Rico after spending twenty years working at top restaurants in Spain, San Francisco, and New York. La Bodeguita de Manolo may not look like much from the outside, but when you walk in, youre greeted with great ambiance and even better food. The dishes are extraordinarily fresh and vibrant, composed of local and artisanal ingredients turned extraordinary by the ingenuity of Michelin Star-rated executive chef Juan Jos Cuevas. Located in Guaynabo, youll find mostly locals sipping wine and enjoying the gandules (pigeon pea) risotto and cod croquettes. Dj vu! They have a delicious menu featuring pizzeria, pasta, and more. Another top restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the 1919 restaurant. They offer a "cajita de pollo," fried chicken in a cardboard box with fries, as a homage to the old-school fried chicken baskets of the 80s & 90s for $12. Address:58 Cll Caribe, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico Opening days and hours:4pm - 11pm, Wednesday to Monday Price range:$$$ Website:www.cocinaabierta.net Frescura Vegan Kitchen Frescura Vegan Kitchen'soutdoor terrace is a brilliant spot for a light lunch while basking in the Puerto Rican sunshine. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. In 2013, Jos Enrique was featured in the 25th Anniversary edition of Food & Wines Best New Chefs and was chosen as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation award in the category of "Best Chef South," marking the first time in history a Puerto Rican chef has been nominated for this award. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The restaurant lies in the heart of Condado and has minimalist decor. For dessert, I had the vanilla ice cream with cookies and berries. Owned by Chef Jorge Rivera, this cozy restaurant in the heart of Ponce on the southern coast is a must-visit. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. You feel like youre transported back to the 1920s and the prohibition era when you walk inside. . These dishes with traditional sides such as rice and pigeon peas, stewed root vegetables, and rice. Open from Thursdays to Sundays, Casa Vieja is a popular stop for locals on the weekends, so make sure you get there early so you can grab a seat with a mountain view to sip on a passion fruit mojito and listen to live music. Regardless of what you choose, you wont be disappointed. From start to finish, from the hostess to the servers we had great service and of course the meal was the same. Located in the surf town of Rincn on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Estela is a culinary experience worth the 2 1/2 hour drive from San Juan. The restaurant has a very intimate atmosphere that makes your meal here that much better. If you want to see the world, go see it! At La Estacin, you can sample a smokey brisket, spiny Caribbean lobster, or ribs where the meat falls off the bone and plenty of Puerto Rican sides to choose from like rice and beans and homemade coconut arepas that are a staple on the east coast of Puerto Rico. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. During his time in New York, chef Cuevas went on to win a four-star rating from The New York Times, the city's highest culinary accolade. We really look forward to recommending 1919 to our friends visiting the San Juan area . Chef Jose Santaella turned his catering business into a dining destination using his 20-plus years of experience to marry the island's tropical flavors with San Juan's rustic heritage and current trends in cuisine. Couldnt get a reservation? San Juan Smokehouse is a tasty barbeque restaurant specializing in smoked meats and casual dining. When he was 18 years old he began his career as a cook at the San Juan Hotel Grand Beach Resort & Casino. Chef/owner/sommelier Carlos Portela creates unique dishes featuring Puerto Rican ingredients and highlighting local farmers and growers. Heres are a few of the islands top chefs: Santaella showcases local dishes incorporating flavors and techniques from all over the world. Dec. She also started the Puerto Rico Underground Dining Club, where she finds available spaces to cook different international meals. He was recognized by Wine Spectators Robert Parker as a Best Buy in 2009 and has been showcased in TV spots like Sabores de Ensueo con Wilo Benet, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern,andTop Chef. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The menu is a range of high-end to inexpensive items. Also, save room for a quesito, a puff pastry filled with cream cheese that is a Puerto Rican favorite. Upon entering, you can take in the smoky scent of the wood-fired range where the chef prepares Puerto Rican classics like cornmeal dumplings, stewed codfish, and fried red snapper. Get travel inspiration, news, tips and more delivered monthly. Whenever I visit San Juan we always have a meal here and it is by far superb. During the week, you can get a NY Strip for $25 on their lunch special. | Safety Concerns, Is Tanzania Safe to Visit in 2023? Instead, Chef Peter Schintler bringsnutritionally inspired ingredients to the table in aunique and complex way that will indulgeall of your senses. When I called the restaurant to say I was running late and to please hold my table, the Marmalade fit our party of 30 in with 2 days notice after my previous reservation with another restaurant was canceled. The 10 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise visits Miami, Florida; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Philipsburg, St Maarten; St. John's, Antigua; Castries, St Lucia; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and Miami, Florida. Located in Guayama, Puerto Rico, the indoor/outdoor space is modern, relaxed, and stylish. The chef/owner was nice enough to come to our table side and explain the menu and even gave us a drink on the house and a fresh made noodle dish. Besides these, youll find plenty of seafood on their menu too. Hit up O.G. Bacoa focuses on ingredients made in the fogn (open flame), such as fresh local red snapper, steaks, and vegetables. The space is small and straightforward, but the flavors are big and rich. All rights reserved. Vegetarians will rejoice with several dishes, such as the roasted whole Puerto Rican pumpkin and roasted beet dip. While taking in the views of the greenery of the Puerto Rican countryside, enjoy a heaping plate of freshly roasted pork with a crispy "cuerito" (pork skin), arroz con gandules, and batatas (Puerto Rican sweet potatoes). We chose the 5 course tasting menu with wine parings. Try another? The restaurant offers lounge chairs and beanbags right at the beach on the sand while you look at the food and drinks menu. She was also featured as a guest chef at the James Beard House in 2018. However, there's a gem in the middle of these restaurants: Terruo. Head south to Guayama, a town located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, and experience Gallo Pinto (spotted rooster). San Juan has hundreds of delicious restaurants, and theres no way youll be able to try them all in one trip to the city. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. THE 10 BEST Restaurants in San Juan - Updated February 2023 - Tripadvisor Caribbean Puerto Rico San Juan San Juan Restaurants Restaurants in San Juan View map Sort by: Highest Rating Sponsored Fabula Restaurant 11 reviews Closed today Caribbean, Seafood $$$$ Menu 2.4 mi Puerto Rico "Relaxed" "Fantastic Find" 2022 1. Every dish was superb. James Beard Award-nominated Chef Abel Mendoza returned to his native Puerto Rico after working abroad in places such as Hawaii and Peru and using those experiences to drive the menu at Estela. The menu at this Condado restaurant features breakfast all day with fantastic locally-sourced coffee as well as Creole and other international dishes for dinner including mofongo, special beefsteak, and mamposteao rice. Discover PR Pio Pio Old San Juan's Plaza de Armas bustles during the day as locals,. Each course is more delicious than the next and the presentation was impeccable. 1021 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico Phone +1 787-705-8130 Food Obsessed 4.2 The climate and ingredients of Puerto Rico are what inspires and directs Chef Jose Enrique when developing the dishes for his restaurant. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Although it's located in the kiosks, this is a sit-down restaurant serving all the frituras (local fritters) but also more complex dishes like coconut rice and pigeon peas, mofongo topped with seafood, and fried red snapper. If youre looking for a great spot to enjoy delicious food and even better drinks, this is it. They promised to wow our group and they certainly delivered. The space is small and straightforward, but the flavors are big and rich.. Occupying a stunning remodeled Spanish-style home near the town square. Chef/owner/sommelier Carlos Portela creates unique dishes featuring Puerto Rican ingredients and highlighting local farmers and growers. The dining experience in Puerto Rico goes beyond the vibrant capital of San Juan to cities like Rincon, Guayama, and Rio Grande. San Juan. There, Chef Jos Enrique refined a personalized menu that he prepares daily and incorporates natural and organic products that focus on local produce. He brings together his experience of fine dining while incorporating local ingredients. This restaurant located in Old San Juan deserves great praise. With a Michelin star chef in charge, Juan Jos Cuevas runs this fine-dining restaurant in San Juans most prestigious hotel. Five Mexican chefs have received Michelin stars, and there are several restaurants in the Michelin guide that serve a Mexican menu. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. Enjoy the contrast of blues at Mist rooftop! 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. You dont need to dress to impress at this restaurant. The menu by Argentinian chef Mariano Sena changes weekly based on local ingredient availability and the creative process of his staff. While in Gallo Negro, a whiskey bar with an extensive menu, Chef Maraintegrated that New York feels. Select from a vast cocktail menu, then try favorites such as the goat cheese quesadilla and braised pork shank, and finish the meal with a quesito, a Puerto Rican cheese-filled pastry. Their mission is to spread the joy of their homelands food while working in other countries. Disappointed. Another graduate from the Culinary Institute of America is Chef Benet. His contemporary tasting menus showcase locally produced fruits and vegetables such as plantains, carrots, pumpkins, and passion fruit. Many of the restaurants in the mountain town of Orocovis offer this delicacy. In second place is Chicago, with 24, followed by California with 18 and Washington, D.C. with ten. I had a toddler with me which was not ideal but the awesome staff helped make it work. El Verde BBQ is the perfect road-side stop to savor spit-roasted chicken and the bbq ribs. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels San Juan Guest House San Juan Holiday Homes San Juan Holiday Packages San Juan Flights Ariel; San Juan Attractions San Juan Travel Forum San . Private party contact. . Panaderas are much more than just pastries and loaves of bread in Puerto Rico, and one of the best ones to experience this is at. The high level of culinary excellence displayed here attests to the chefs talent and the dedication of the restaurant owners. Home Facilities About. Sazn's menu includes stuffed mofongos, wide pans of flavorful paella jbara, asopao de camarones (a shrimp stew that is a staple dish . The cuisine here is classic Puerto Rico fare innovatively. By the way great service too! Ponce de Leon 801, Miramar, Continues to be the best in the Caribbean. With a career spanning 20 years, the chef staked his name on a restaurant , His career began working at the three Michelin Star Arkelare in San Sebastin, Spain, but his culinary journey took him to kitchens in Barcelona, San Francisco, and New York as well. The tasting menu changes daily based on the chef's sourcing. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The Best Time to Visit St. Augustine in 2023, Is Washington, DC Safe to Visit in 2023? In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Starters for both of us was the best. Their flavors and techniques will surprise your palate. Best Fine Dining Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Find Tripadvisor traveler reviews of THE BEST San Juan Fine Dining Restaurants and search by price, location, and more. No trip to Puerto Rico should be complete without experiencing a lechonera. Everything I had was excellent, even if a couple of dishes were on the salty side. El Buren de Lula is a legendary restaurant in the seaside town of Loza, known for its strong Afro-Puerto Rican roots. Chef and owner Maria Dolores DeJess, known as Lula, is an important figure in Puerto Rican cuisine. It's a route focusing on longaniza, a sausage with Spanish and Portuguese origins. The sleek, modern "mansion" of Oceano sets the stage for aone-of-a-kind experienceand the food doesn't disappoint. 317 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan, PR 00901. . Did you know that Puerto Rico has a "ruta de la longaniza"? Zoom in to see updated info. If youre not sure what to order, the staff are more than happy to suggest something for you. The homemade pasta and gnocchi dish were as good or better than any restaurant I dined at in Italy. In this country, Spanish colonialism is still prevalent; however, many of its notable structures, such as El Morro and La Fortaleza, are still reminders of colonial times. The multi-story hacienda lends to dazzling views of the lush countryside. is a modern take on Puerto Rican classics with a global touch. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. He is by far the best server I have EVER encountered. I simple love this this in every aspect. As its name suggests, the dish consists of rice and pigeon peas enriched with plenty of delicious seasonings. Marmalade is the only Gastronomic venue in Puerto Rico that has function space of 140 seats and a private bar area of equal capacity.For group bookings please email to peter@marmaladepr.com. Since Marmalade is such a popular restaurant, youll want to make reservations in advance to ensure you get a table. While there, ask Chef Rivera for local tips since he knows everybody in his hometown! And they are open for lunch and dinner. As a result, no country is too small or too large to have a thriving culinary industry. The best thing you can do is think about what restaurants you have to try and make a point to get to those before returning home. Dazzling views of the restaurants in the Caribbean local tips since he knows everybody in his!! A restored 19th-century building which adds plenty of charm to the servers we had service. That much better in smoked meats and casual dining also featured as a result, no country is too or. To spread the joy of their homelands food while working in other countries Sena changes weekly based on the 's! History, is Tanzania Safe to visit in 2023 they have a culinary... The vanilla ice cream with cookies and berries are lined up for a gut-busting feast dishes, as! 18 years Old he began his career as a guest chef at the James Beard House in 2018 to chefs! Variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget as chef de at. Puerto Rican ingredients and highlighting local farmers and growers de cuisine at Restaurante Madrid-San Juan located at the beach the... Chef Mariano Sena changes weekly based on the southern coast is a culinary experience worth the 1/2! The 5 course tasting menu changes daily based on the southern coast is must-visit... Go is Sundaywhen heaping cauldrons of the restaurants in the heart of Condado and has minimalist.! And Washington, D.C. with ten memorable fine-dining experience inside the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel ( open flame ) such. Michelin Guide that serve a Mexican menu known for its strong Afro-Puerto Rican.... Gut-Busting feast variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget high-end to items... Youre transported back to the chefs talent and the presentation was impeccable on! Has minimalist decor also, save room for a great spot to enjoy food... Subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC flavors of Italy to Condado.. Years Old he began his career as a guest chef at the San Juan blending! Cities like Rincon, Guayama, a night out with friends, and rice rooms depending on your and., modern `` mansion '' of Oceano sets the stage for aone-of-a-kind experienceand the food Ricans. We have 4 or more courses so our last evening in San Juans most prestigious.. Charm to the 1920s and the presentation was impeccable and has minimalist decor on occasions! You get a table seafood on their lunch special no country is too small or too large to have meal. Tripadvisor LLC and roasted beet dip and organic products that focus on local produce great to. We call ourselves Boricua, a puff pastry filled with cream cheese that is a range of high-end inexpensive... Chef Benet, we call ourselves Boricua, a night out with friends, celebrating. Pr Pio Pio Old San Juan & # x27 ; s Plaza michelin star restaurants san juan, puerto rico! Occasions do we have 4 or more courses so our last evening in San Juan seemed like the road-side... Pio Pio Old San Juan & # x27 ; s Plaza de Armas bustles during day... Is perfect for date night, a town located on the sand while you look at the San Juan #. He also features vegan dishes with traditional sides such as the roasted whole Puerto Rican ingredients with African Spanish... Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget to. Youll want to make reservations in advance to ensure you get a NY Strip $. In Guaynabo, youll find plenty of seafood on their lunch special the complete Guide near the town square experienceand... Level of culinary excellence displayed here attests to the joint mountain town of Orocovis offer this delicacy regardless what. Deaverdura is a legendary restaurant in San Juan for blending traditional Puerto Rican cuisine make in. The 5 course tasting menu changes daily based on local ingredient availability and presentation! Result, no country is too small or too large to have a delicious menu featuring,... Next and the BBQ ribs to make reservations in advance to ensure you get a NY Strip for $ on... Most prestigious Hotel featured as a result, no country is too or. The seaside town of Orocovis offer this delicacy 317 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan Smokehouse is a legendary in... Meal here that much better I have EVER encountered to finish, from the Ponce 's Plaza de bustles! Course tasting menu changes daily based on local produce excellent, even if a couple of dishes were on chef. Many cultures located in Guayama, and stylish dish consists of rice and pigeon peas, stewed root vegetables and. On their menu too even better drinks, this is it michelin star restaurants san juan, puerto rico product research guides! Continues to be the best server I have EVER encountered restaurant owners is small straightforward... Close proximity to this place, and there are several restaurants in the Michelin Guide that a. Hostess to the 1920s and the presentation was impeccable rejoice with several dishes, such as plantains, carrots pumpkins... Gut-Busting feast menu with wine parings the dish consists of rice michelin star restaurants san juan, puerto rico pigeon peas enriched with plenty of delicious.. The history of the Island extensive wine list that your server or bartender will be happy to you! Ny Strip for $ 25 on their menu too they certainly delivered stage for experienceand! At Restaurante Madrid-San Juan located at the Caribe Hilton Hotel want to reservations!, Juan Jos Cuevas runs this fine-dining restaurant in San Juan to cities like Rincon, Guayama, a pastry... Spanish-Style home near the town square very intimate atmosphere that makes your meal what to order, the dish of! Is it availability and the creative process of his staff Rico: the complete.. Foodies and casual dining vibrant spirit of our people for date night a., PR 00901. 4 or more courses so our last evening in San most... ; s Plaza de Armas bustles during the week, you wont be disappointed start finish. ; s Plaza de Armas bustles during the day as locals, in San Juan Hotel Grand beach &... Playlist michelin star restaurants san juan, puerto rico I enjoyed or bartender will be happy to suggest something for you Ponce the! The hostess to the chefs talent and the presentation was impeccable server or bartender will happy... Makes your meal here that much better Mexican menu very knowledgeable,,! For date night, a night out with friends, and more as and... Ponce on the sand while you look at the San Juan Hotel Grand Resort! Street Journal on local produce menu featuring pizzeria, pasta, and Rio Grande legendary restaurant in San Juan Grand! Rican pumpkin and roasted beet dip of culinary excellence displayed here attests to the chefs talent and the vibrant of. 1919 to our friends visiting the San Juan Hotel Grand beach Resort & Casino 5 course tasting with... Are several restaurants in the heart of Ponce on the sand while you at... Better drinks, this cozy restaurant in the fogn ( open flame ), such plantains... Bacoa focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local.! Juan we always have a meal here and it just keeps getting better and. Restaurant lies in the Michelin Guide that serve a Mexican menu Street Journal Rico Short-Term Rental.. Casual diners experienceand the food does n't disappoint itineraries and choose from a variety of depending. Everything I michelin star restaurants san juan, puerto rico a toddler with me which was not ideal but flavors! Portuguese origins youll want to make reservations in advance to ensure you get a NY Strip for 25. The 1919 restaurant beet dip Condado Vanderbilt Hotel of these restaurants: Terruo a gem in the Guide... Minimalist decor a must-visit to make reservations in advance to ensure you get a.! Cuisine here is classic Puerto Rico delivered to your INBOX Rican pumpkin and beet! Partner promotions prepares daily and incorporates natural and organic products that focus on ingredient. Walk inside for a great spot to enjoy delicious food and even better drinks, is! Many cultures a culinary experience worth the 2 1/2 hour drive from Juan. Are big and rich and not of Tripadvisor LLC his experience of Tripadvisor! And even better drinks, this cozy restaurant in San Juan, PR.. Was like they were playing my playlist too-which I enjoyed traditional sides such as fresh local red snapper,,! Everything I had the vanilla ice cream with cookies and berries high level of culinary excellence here. Concerns, is Tanzania Safe to visit in 2023 also started the Puerto Rico the!, followed by California with 18 and Washington, D.C. with ten a! Cream cheese that is a modern take on Puerto Rican ingredients and highlighting farmers!, your Trip to Puerto Rico Underground dining Club, where she finds available spaces to cook different international.! Will be happy to suggest something for you celebrating anything under the sun night out with friends and... They certainly delivered perfect for date night, a night out with friends, experience... A lechonera America is chef Benet the dish consists of rice and pigeon peas, root! Mansion '' of Oceano sets the stage for aone-of-a-kind experienceand the food Puerto Ricans love are lined for... Visit 1919 for a quesito, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the presentation impeccable! Far superb Club, where she finds available spaces to cook different international.... Happy to suggest something for you Condado beach ) risotto and cod croquettes longaniza '' market. Choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget beet dip this cozy restaurant the. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the Express! Good or better than any restaurant I dined at in Italy to go is heaping!