Where to Eat in Carolina: The Best Restaurants and Bars

October 30, 2017 Darleen Reid

Once an important center for sugar production, Puerto Rico's fourth largest city's current fortunes come from its factories. Intriguing nicknames for the city of nearly 200,000 include The Land of Giants and Arm Hackers Town. Situated on the island's north shore, this Atlantic city is considered part of the metropolitan San Juan area. Popular attractions include Carolina Beach, Casa Escute art gallery, Caribbean Raceway Park and Isla Verde Mall. To make the most of your visit, consider renting a car.
Things to do in Carolina

1. Ferrari Gourmet

3046 Ave Isla Verde | Isla Verde, Carolina 00979-4844, Puerto Rico Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Argentinean, South American Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$196 +1 787-982-3115
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

Ferrari Gourmet

Argentinean restaurant and home of the Pamperi Pizza.We have 40 styles of pizzas, or make up your own, plus argentinean specialties such as parrillada, milanesas and pastas.

Reviewed By ACLEM - Springfield, Missouri

My husband and I spent 6 days in Isla Verde and the surrounding area. We ate at least one meal at a restaurant every day. Ferrari Gourmet was our favorite place. We ended up eating there 2 times, and would have eaten there more had we discovered it earlier in the week. This place has a very large menu of Argentinan, Italian, pizza and local Puerto Rican cuisine. It is owned by a couple, and they were there both times we were and the service was amazing. This was the only place we visited that we felt we received good service, and that we were actually valued as a customer. We had pizza both nights, and it was excellent. One night we tried the Empanada appetizer, and it was very good, and another night we had their crepes for dessert and they were to die for. But, the thing that we cannot express enough that brought us back is the services. This is a great place!

2. Ceviche House

79 ave. Isla Verde, San Juan 00979, Puerto Rico Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Full Bar Peruvian, Latin, Seafood, Caribbean, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$78 - HK$235 +1 787-726-0919
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 388 reviews

Ceviche House

Reviewed By Tina E - Los Angeles, California

This restaurant is located across the street where were staying at, not only conveniently walking distance, but the food is amazing. We ordered seafood ceviche and a chicken dish. Best flavored chicken dish, ever, hands down! Service was efficient, prices high, but just as anywhere else.

3. Platos Restaurant & Bar

2 Rosa Street | Coral By The Sea Hotel, Isla Verde, San Juan, Carolina 00979, Puerto Rico Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Caribbean, Latin, Bar, Seafood, Spanish, Puerto Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 787-791-7474
Excellent
49%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Platos Restaurant & Bar

The true taste of Puertorican food! Come and enjoy a piece of Puerto Rico with our variety of dishes. Mofongos, Angus Beef, Seafood, Paellas, Pasta and much more. Your favorite drink awaits for you at our bar. Also you can try our house drinks, sangrias and more. By the glass or a bottle, you will find your favorite wine at Platos Restaurant in Isla Verde. Red, Sparkling, Rosé or White, we have it. Come and enjoy the PLATOS experience...

Reviewed By jkap - Orange, Ct

Platos is one of our favorite restaurants in San Juan. We walked over from the Intercontinental. Coconut sangria is the best! Had risotto egg rolls, skirt steak and of course shrimp mofongo. Everything was very good. For dessert we had red velvet cake with the best (and thickest) cream cheese frosting. We sat in one of the side rooms becaus we like it a little quieter. They have tvs in the side room (no volume), but they really aren't needed.

4. Metropol

Ave Isla Verde, San Juan 00979, Puerto Rico Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Caribbean, Latin, Spanish, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$196 +1 787-791-5585
Excellent
49%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2 reviews

Metropol

Reviewed By SouBru - Atlanta, Georgia

We enjoyed a great lunch at Metropol. This locals favorite is well worth it with abundant authentic Cuban and Puerto Rican food. Don’t be thrown by the humble street entrance. Once inside you can smell the rich aromas and are welcomed by a friendly attentive team.
We enjoyed one of the best black bean soups ever (seriously great) followed by Empanadas and the Cuban specialty plate.
The portions are large so sharing the entree specialty was perfect. We were filled and happy.
One thing we really appreciate is the sense of family, longevity, consistency and quality. All are here at Metropol. This has earned its reputation and delivers. Make sure you fit it in to your schedule.

5. BLT Steak

6961 Avenue of the Governors | Isla Verde, Carolina 00979, Puerto Rico Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$243 - HK$392 +1 787-253-1700
Excellent
61%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 472 reviews

BLT Steak

Reviewed By Ellengus56

Celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary was made very special by the service and food at BLT. The service was probably the best I have EVER experience. The food was exceptional. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Puerto Rico.

6. Piu Bello

Rosa Street #2 | Urb. Biascochea, Isla Verde, Carolina 00979, Puerto Rico Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi American, Caribbean, Cafe, Puerto Rican, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 787-791-0091
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 595 reviews

Piu Bello

Reviewed By Felix V - Toa Alta

I never get this type of icecream in the island, but in a rainy day was boring so this location was open, lets try it. was good servers are a little be slow but I wasnt in a hurry. try it , was very good

7. Panaderia Espana Reposteria

Centro Comercial, San Juan 00924-3554, Puerto Rico (Formerly Panaderia Espana Reposteria) Delivery, Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Latin, Cafe, Spanish, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 787-727-3860
Excellent
68%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 406 reviews

Panaderia Espana Reposteria

Since our beginning in 1972 we strived to provide the best products to our new clients as well as to those that visit us on a regular basis. Even those travelers that during their brief stay in Puerto Rico, step out of the airport and visit us just to have a taste of the wonderfull things that they have heard of “La España”. Our menu is one that holds and respects an enormous tradition. From our daily baked bread to our coffee served hot every time. From our sandwiches made with the best products to that pastry that melts in your mouth. From that exquisite seafood paella, to that our very traditional galician soup. Many recepies come from past genetations and others we have given a personal twist, this way offering a unique product to those that enjoy our delicious variety. Our passion for quality is what drives us. We are in a constant lookout for better ingredients and products so we can always guarantee our best to every customer.

Reviewed By JSTrip_77 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

I've both eaten in and had take-out from Panaderia Espania and have loved it both times. This isn't just a place to get amazing food, it's a place to really join the local San Juan scene - even if just for a moment. The coffee is hot (and sweet if that's the way you like it.) The eggs and sandwiches are excellent. I'd say that the portions are pretty generous for the prices too.
I visited about a week before Hurricane Maria hit. So - I don't know what the current status is right now...

8. Bebo's BBQ

Marginal Los Angeles I-20, Carolina 00979, Puerto Rico Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Caribbean, Latin, Fast Food, Barbecue, Puerto Rican Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 787-791-7115
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 290 reviews

Bebo's BBQ

Reviewed By Jasmin B - Dorado, Puerto Rico

If you wanna get a taste of authentic Puerto Rican food and are on a budget, this is the place to go! Always busy, always fresh, delicious and inexpensive. We've been coming here countless times. I have tried the pernil, pollo asado, longaniza de pollo, morcilla, batata, arroz con gandules, arroz blanco con habichuelas and tostones de pana. Every single thing was DELICIOUS. Hard to imagine anyone wouldn't like this food, it's just so good!!!

9. Ocean Bar & Grill @ The Ritz Carlton

6961 Avenue of the Governors, Carolina 00979, Puerto Rico Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, American, Caribbean, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch +1 787-253-1700
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Ocean Bar & Grill @ The Ritz Carlton

Reviewed By AlvinMonk - New York City, New York

My wife and I were likely the last couple to be seated on this day. They failed to explain that they were closing within minutes and we had to order food immediately if we wanted any. That worked out okay for us. Impressively, the waitress remained till we left, when she likely could of left by then. My wife really enjoy the salad with grilled chicken, and I really enjoyed the cubed sushi-grade tuna on a hard taco (?). We also enjoyed the overpriced Ritz cocktails, without concern of the price since we were having fun. All was quite enjoyable, especially after a long workout at the gym.

10. Yamiko Sushi Bar

5960 Ave Isla Verde, Carolina 00979-5736, Puerto Rico Takeout, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Delivery, Reservations Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 787-982-3322
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Yamiko Sushi Bar

We're bringing all the traditional flavors to the table, Carolina, but adding a delicious Caribbean twist! Our goal is to bring fresh, affordable Asian fusion cuisine to local guests and out-of-towners alike. From sashimi to noodle dishes to rolls exclusively created by our chef, you're sure to enjoy your meal at Yamiko Sushi.

Reviewed By NewMexBev - Las Cruces, New Mexico

This was across the street from our condo and we were craving sushi, so it was a given we would give it a go. We were greeted with a sushi cracker - party in my mouth!! The sushi was good, too! Service was quick and friendly and the prices are very reasonable!

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