Where to Eat in San Juan: The Best Restaurants and Bars

August 21, 2017 Enedina Augsburger

The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture. Get to know its roots by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists mostly of Spanish colonial buildings. Flesh out your self-guided history lesson with a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then reward yourself with a cooling dip at Luquillo or Carolina Beach, then a tasty tour of the Bacardi rum plant.
Things to do in San Juan

1. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar

317 Fortaleza Street, San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Caribbean, Spanish, Soups, International, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Dinner HK$196 - HK$785 +1 787-724-3969
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar

To preserve the Marmalade experience at the respect of our patrons the age requirement for children is 7 years or older. Marmalade serves tasting menus only of 4,5,or 6 courses. Guests are allowed to select their own course thus creating an individualized tasting menu. Each tasting menu at the table may be different. We don't offer a Ala Carte format for dining. Dinner will take a minimum of two hours at your Leisure. Groups of 6 people or more will be invited to taste Chef's seasonal tasting menu of 15 courses. Dress appropriately please, no shorts and beach sandals in the restaurant.

Reviewed By Urbarn-Explorer - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I’m sorry to report Marmalade delivered a disappointing experience at Mainland costs. At this price point, I’ve enjoyed many world-class dining experiences and this was far from it. Both food (the absolutely most important element) and service missed the mark completely.
The food: Only half of the dishes were good or decent. The rest were boring, underseasoned or simply not good. I can overlook service issues if the food is truly stellar, but most of the dishes were just ok. No wow factor here. Best dish of the night was the chocolate dessert. The lobster risotto also hit the mark with tender rice and plentiful lobster. Worst was the lamb tagine where the sauce was thick and odd. The halibut also underwhelmed, depending on a miso broth that couldn’t carry the dish.
The Service: All Waitstaff seemed frazzled, running around, without signs of any wait assistants. Serving a multi course dinner with wine pairings is not a one-person task. Wine pairing need explanation (only half of the time pairing were explained). Timing should be on point. Tables should be cleared completely after every course. Our waitress was gone most of the dinner. I can’t blame her completely; this is a sign of poor administration. The chef/manager are to blame here. This is fine dining folks—you should know better! Needless to say I’m not returning. San Juan deserves better.

2. Punto de Vista Restaurant & Bar

307 Calle de La Fortaleza | Rooftop Hotel Milano, San Juan 00901-1716, Puerto Rico Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Latin, Bar, Spanish, Central American, Puerto Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$55 - HK$181 +1 787-307-2970
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Punto de Vista Restaurant & Bar

Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Milano this lively rooftop restaurant serves up great and authentic Puerto Rican food in an informal atmosphere at great prices. The best Mofongo in Old San Juan. Buy 1 Get 1 Free Mojitos every day from open until 5:00pm! Come check out the best rooftop view of the Old City and enjoy great local food. Family Friendly!

Reviewed By Jeffrey C

What a great find! We were staying a few blocks away and found this restaurant. You enter from the hotel, take the elevator to the 4th floor and then walk up one flight of stairs. The manager, and all the staff, were great. The wait for a table was 30 minutes -- no problem - as we enjoyed a few amazing mojitos. The food was very good and a great ambience on the rooftop.

3. Casita Miramar

Ave. Miramar #605, Esq. Calle McKinley, San Juan, Puerto Rico Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Caribbean, Latin, Spanish, Soups, Puerto Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 787-200-8227
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 899 reviews

Casita Miramar

Reviewed By Foodiepaul - Raleigh, North Carolina

Creative Puerto Rican food in a neighborhood gem. Good service, knowledgeable staff. These are the places I love to find , I'll be back. Filled with locals on a late Sunday lunch...4.00 pm. Smoked Pork chop tender and tasty, grilled shrimp cooked to perfection. The menu is well thought out and creative matched with best of daily fresh ingredients. The cheese flan, great for sharing was too die for....

4. Verde Mesa

107 Calle de Tetuan | Corner With San Jose, San Juan 00901-1811, Puerto Rico Takeout, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Mediterranean, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch HK$63 - HK$275 +1 787-390-4662
Excellent
80%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 754 reviews

Verde Mesa

First farm to table in the island since 2009 with a modern approach to cuisine. An invitation to the curious palate. Local, traditional ingredients meet ingenious and innovative forms. Our chef's proposal changes according to local meat, fish and produce availability. Botanical Bar, wine list and homemade ingredients cocktails. No Reservations. Limited Seating.

Reviewed By Awaywegoagain22 - London

This lunch place in old San Juan is definitely worth seeking out, it is hidden in plain sight.
Decor is interesting, quirky and certainly adds to the whole dining experience. The staff are very knowledgeable about the food they serve and are very pleasant with just the right amount of chat. The menu is interesting and the food is delicious.
We enjoyed it so much we visited the next day before leaving San Juan, and again could not fault it.

5. Oceano

2 Vendig St., San Juan 00907, Puerto Rico Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Latin, Seafood, Spanish, Puerto Rican, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$78 - HK$267 +1 787-724-6300
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Oceano

Oceano's cuisine is fresh, creative and unique. Renowned for serving locally sourced ingredients and mouthwatering tropical accents, each bite melts in the mouth as easily as the sun melts on the horizon. The executive chef, Ann Marie Antonetti, and team of well-experienced professionals are able to meet the discerning and luxurious tastes of any palate. The seafood-rich menu features delectable dishes, each coming with its own signature tropical accent. By combining unexpected flavors with a Caribbean flair, paired with a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean, sensual signature drinks and extensive wine list, Oceano's menu offers unparalleled and memorable dining experience, matching your palate to the tropical breeze.

Reviewed By Tyler P

Our server was amazing. I believe her name was nindi (she's from upstate NY). She was so nice and very helpful with menu! Legit top 5 best meals I've ever had ! Location and scenery and Vibe we're Incredible! My boyfriend and I had an amazing time. Highly recommended for date night!

6. 1919 Restaurant

1055 Ave Ashford, San Juan 00907-1128, Puerto Rico Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$392 - HK$706 +1 787-724-1919
Excellent
82%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 786 reviews

1919 Restaurant

Global flavors. Locally-rooted. World-class cuisine ~ that truly knows its place. At 1919, we are passionately committed to offering up the freshest organic and local ingredients for each and every dish we create. We believe in sourcing all our menu components with social consciousness and always at the pinnacle of good taste. We place the highest value on hand-selecting products that are local, artisanal, and homemade in order to craft food that is truly flavor-forward ~ served up fresh and with a contemporary flair ~ from our kitchen to your table. Subdued elegance in a space generous enough for conviviality, yet private enough to provoke intimate conversation. Visitors to our dining salon will attest: The only onlooker here is the ocean. <br> <br>In The Year 1919 The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel was built by the legendary Vanderbilt family under the direction of renowned architect Whitney Warren whose other landmark designs include Grand Central Terminal

Reviewed By oybolshoi - O'Fallon, Missouri

Our first night in San Juan on this visit and our first night at the Vanderbilt saw us celebrating our anniversary a few months early with a reservation at 1919. My husband and I had been looking forward to this dinner for a long time and it did not disappoint. The restaurant was not overly busy on the Thursday night we were there, but service, presentation, and food were amazing. From the amuse, which was a cucumber gazpacho shooter, through our starter courses which included some of the most delicate tuna I've ever had, to a swoon-inducing poached pear dessert, our dining experience was a revelation of stunning presentation and amazing flavors.
My husband and I have a tradition of requesting signed menus from restaurants that provide experiences that are particularly meaningful to us, especially when we travel. Imagine our delight when shortly after making this request, Executive Chef Cuevas came to our table to chat ... we were humbled and touched that he would take time from his busy schedule to introduce himself, and we were thrilled to tell him just how amazing we thought our meal had been. He and his staff are doing incredible work at 1919, and they are doing incredible work to support Puerto Rico as the island continues to make its way through the long hurricane recovery process.
This is definitely the best restaurant we have had the pleasure to dine in while visiting San Juan - we look forward to dining there again during our next visit to the city and highly recommend it.
**Among the pictures I posted here is one showing the the signed menus from 1919 after we framed them - the newest addition to our menu collection from the last 15 years is now hanging in our dining room!**

7. Vagon

302 Calle Labra, San Juan 00907-2814, Puerto Rico Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, Latin, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$39 - HK$78 +1 787-515-4415
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 172 reviews

Vagon

Vagón is a Mexican restaurant with Tex-Mex and SoCal influences with lots of flavor. Come and join us for a fun outdoor Seating environment.

Reviewed By windycityfamily - Chicago, IL

Staying at the Marriott, we walked about 10 minutes to get to El Vagon and were not disappointed. The empanadas were large and the better one was the carnitas. Fish tacos were a hit with the group along with the nacho macho with steak. The surf and turf combination of fish taco and carnitas was really good with the cabbage on top. The portions were sizable and they uses flour tortillas, not the more traditional corn ones. We walked right up and found a table to enjoy 4 entrees, 4 empanadas, mini nacho, margarita with tax and tip for $65.
Fast, hot, delicious.

8. Casa Cortes Chocobar

210 Calle de San Francisco, San Juan 00901-1613, Puerto Rico Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards American, Cafe, Puerto Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$24 - HK$157 +1 787-722-0499
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 2 reviews

Casa Cortes Chocobar

ChocoBar is a new, innovative gastronomic space located in the heart of Old San Juan, and here chocolate is our guiding star. Our restaurant is part of Casa Cortés, where the historical patrimonies of the capital city, Caribbean art, and first class service converge. Here you can enjoy a variety of dishes and cocktail selections, elaborated with local products from the family run Cortés Chocolate Enterprise. A novel gastronomic concept that encompasses art and culture, where enjoying chocolate is a passion and quality is our compromise.

Reviewed By elgmar - Minneapolis

This is averahr at best, but with the hype of being #2 rated in all of San Juan, I recommend it to the group. 0 out of 6 left satisfied.

9. Cocina Abierta

Caribe Street #58, Condado, San Juan 00907, Puerto Rico Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Latin, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 787-946-1333
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 870 reviews

Cocina Abierta

Established in 2010. We are an interactive culinary environment. At our restaurant we create and interpret the culinary ideas inspired from different cultures, products, and techniques. Our always evolving menu is a result of the interaction and interchange of different experiences. An open kitchen, eclectic and without limitations. Because cooking is our passion. Historically cooking evolved through the interaction and exchange of cultures. Through this premise and advances in technology our project, Cocina Abierta, was born, designed for the sharing and development for our passion.

Reviewed By Suzanna E - Dania Beach, Florida

I love this restaurant! I come here once a month when I work in San Juan. They have many different portion sizes and prices that everyone can find several plates to enjoy. The presentation and the service couldn't be any better for the price you pay.

10. San Juan Smokehouse

Calle Orbeta | In Front of the Historic 100 Year Old Farmer's Market, San Juan 00908, Puerto Rico Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, American, Bar, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$235 +1 787-323-8825
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 458 reviews

San Juan Smokehouse

Southern Style Smoke BBQ with a Caribbean twist. Right in the heart of the historic Santurce neighborhood in plain view of the famous 100 year old Farmer&apos;s Market "La Placita". Just minutes away from Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde. Come and join us for some great Caribbean - Tennessee BBQ along with some great blues music in a great environment and overall great area to walk around and explore afterwards. We also have a Southern Brunch on Saturday&apos;s and Sunday&apos;s.

Reviewed By William V

Great small local market smokehouse. Food is amazing and prices are more than reasonable. If you’re near San Juan area don’t miss this restaurant. One of the best St. Louis style Ribs we ever had. Quality of products are incredible. Restaurant is across San Juan iconic local market and area is full of restuarants, bars and great friendly people. Our sever, Genesis was amaizing, thank you for making our dinner special.

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