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Via Appia (1350 Avenida Ashford, Condado) — Popular for decades with everyone from local politicians and families to sunburned tourists who just dragged themselves off the beach, the food at this bustling, no-frills restaurant is just as tasty as its higher-priced paisanos. They’re particularly known for their simple Italian dishes (we usually just stick with […]

Verde Mesa (107 Calle Tetuán, e/Calle San José, Old San Juan) — With punched-tin ceilings, mason-jar lighting fixtures, and eclectic decor inspired by Versailles’ Petit Trianon, the focus at this vegeterian restaurant is on pleasing the senses. Much of the organic produce used in the regularly changing menu comes from the owners’ farm and other […]

Toro Salao (367 Calle Tetuán, Old San Juan) — The name means “Salty Bull,” and there’s something about this place that makes its moniker entirely appropriate. (And it’s not just the bullfighting posters that decorate one of the two-story-high walls.) This popular Spanish-Puerto Rican tapas restaurant was opened by Emilio Figueroa, who helped turn the […]

St. Germain Bistro & Café (156 Calle Sol, Old San Juan) — One of the city’s hidden treasures, this charming French-inspired café-restaurant stands on a quiet cobbled street corner. The interior is just as inviting, with rustic white wooden tables and benches. St. Germain delivers exceptionally fresh, made-from-scratch food and friendly service. With an emphasis […]

Señor Frog’s (Paseo Gilberto Concepción de Gracia e/Brumbaugh, Old San Juan) — Latin America’s answer to the Hard Rock Cafe, Señor Frog’s attracts both hard-partying tourists and the cruise-ship crowd—no surprise, as it’s located directly in front of the dock. (Look for the giant inflatable frog.) The just-okay menu is a nod to Mexico, with […]

Santaella (219 Calle Canals, Santurce) — Santaella, launched in 2011 by renowned local chef José Santaella, opened steps from Santurce’s Farmer’s Market ‘La Placita’. Chef Santaella transforms what used to be his catering workshop and a former hardware store into an architectural acclaimed space committed to offer a menu full of flavor using many local […]

Raíces (315 Calle Recinto Sur, Old San Juan) — You can’t miss this lively restaurant thanks to the waitresses in all-white campesina (peasant) dresses. Themed as a country venue, with artsy re-creations of rustic life, the whole atmosphere feels a bit Disneyfied, but it doesn’t stop the locals and tourists—who have seen it featured on […]

Piropos (1361 Calle Iturraga e/Canals, Santurce) – since this spot opened in 2008, Piropos has become a go-to spot for dining and drinking, especially on Friday nights. It offers a modest tapas menu that can serve as a satisfying dinner, with options like stuffed peppers, chorizo and churrasco ($8 to $22).  

Pirilo (300 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan) — Brand new in the old city, this diminutive pizza place is turning out some of the finest pizza to be had in San Juan. Owner Eduardo Rubio makes everything from scratch, most notably the pizza crust, which uses a 300-year-old starter as its base. You can have […]

Pinky’s (1451 Avenida Ashford, Suite 100B, Condado) — High school students, tourists, and locals all pack in for some of the freshest gourmet wraps and sandwiches in town at this playful café, where the bustling servers wear . Pinky’s (1451 Avenida Ashford, Suite 100B, Condado) — High school students, tourists, and locals all pack in […]