I've rounded up the best places to eat in San Juan based on my own recent trip (hello, 30th birthday bash!) plus a few fresh updates on the must-eat foods in Puerto Rico right now. From old town charm to beachfront brunches to late-night street eats, here's where to eat in San Juan - whether you're walking from your hotel, hopping off a cruise ship, or just hungry for a good time.
If you enjoy this article, you'll love my list of things to do in San Juan, too!
Jump to:
Tips for Dining in San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico isn't just about stunning beaches and colorful colonial streets - it's a total vibe when it comes to food, too. Whether you're craving traditional Puerto Rican dishes, fresh seafood by the beach, or upscale tasting menus that flirt with fine dining, you'll find it all here.
- As a United States territory, USD is accepted everywhere in Puerto Rico, including San Juan.
- Tipping is encouraged just as it is elsewhere in the United States.
- Menus are generally available in both Spanish and English, but if you have a question, just ask your server.
Peep my full San Juan, PR itinerary for everything you need to plan the perfect trip!
Old San Juan Restaurants
Raíces Restaurante
If you're wondering where to eat mofongo in Old San Juan, this is your spot. Locals and tourists alike rave about Raíces for its authentic Puerto Rican flavors. My brother and sister-in-law had visited San Juan before me and highly recommend it, as did several Puerto Ricans we met on our vacation.
I had the chicken mofongo with creole sauce - and the best piña colada of the trip. Service is on "island time" (read: slow) but completely worth it.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
- Price: $$
- Recommendations: Mofongo, Piña Colada
Traveling alone? Read my traveler's guide to solo dining!
Marmalade
For a nice place to eat in San Juan Puerto Rico that feels extra special, book a table at Marmalade--as far in advance as possible. This upscale restaurant offers multi-course menus (I chose the sea bass, lobster risotto, heirloom beets, and a dreamy paradiso dessert).
It's one of the best restaurants in Old San Juan for birthdays or romantic dinners, which is why we dined for my birthday dinner! We loved the creative cocktails and top-tier service--everyone working that night seemed to know it was my birthday and several servers stopped by our table to wish me a happy one. Such a lovely touch.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: French, Fusion
- Price: $$$$
- Recommendations: Lobster Risotto, Heirloom Beets, Global Warming Cocktail
Chocobar Cortés
At Chocobar Cortés, chocolate is worked into everything, even avocado toast. If that sounds weird to you, just know that I'm not even a big chocolate fan but I thoroughly enjoyed our brunch there. We found this place looking for where to eat breakfast in Old San Juan.
I highly recommend the tamarind mimosas and chocolate grilled cheese. Service can be slow here too, so don't come starving - but the food (and the vibe) is worth the wait.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Recommendations: Chocolate Grilled Cheese, Tamarind Mimosa
Here are my favorite things to do in Old San Juan, while you're in the area!
Where to Eat Near Condado and Isla Verde
Oceano
Sunday brunch at Oceano is a must. Think oceanfront seating (third-floor views if you're lucky) and a buffet spread that even my brunch snob best friend enjoyed. We enjoyed a lil' bit of everything with a few bottles of prosseco!
This indoor/outdoor eatery is chic and lively, and it's one of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico San Juan if you want to eat well with an ocean view.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: European Fusion
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Recommendations: Brunch Buffet
Waiter's Gastro Bar
Waiter's is a cozy, casual place where I had comforting garlic shrimp and plantain soup. It's not fancy and I will warn you that the service is slow, but it's a good option if you're hunting for food places in San Juan Puerto Rico that are authentic and lowkey.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
- Price: $$
- Recommendations: Garlic Shrimp, Plantain Soup
aMare
Located at the Serafina Beach Hotel (a stylish choice if you're wondering where to stay in San Juan Puerto Rico), aMare offers Mediterranean seafood right by the ocean. My fellow Leo traveler friend and I celebrated her birthday there with mahi mahi, lobster tacos, and lots of prosecco - the perfect dinner before a night out.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Recommendations: Lobster Tacos
Señor Paleta
Señor Paleta is cuick, cute, and Instagrammable! We stopped into this ice cream shop for sweet treats, and it delivered. I recommend the dulce de leche or fresa mojito flavors!
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Dessert, Puerto Rican
- Price: $
- Recommendations: Dulce de Leche Paleta
You must go to Isla Verde Beach, by the way. Here are the best beaches in San Juan!
Street Food & Nightlife Bites
La Placita de Santurce
La Placita is famous for live music, dancing, and drinks, but we were pleasantly suprised to enjoy good street food too! We danced to Bad Bunny, drank cold Medallas, and purchased midnight snacks.
Captain Rum
This is where I recommend buying your midnight snacks! The empanadillas and alcapurrias at Captain Rum are so good. We devoured them and left no crumbs.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Cocktails
- Price: $ - $$
- Recommendations: Empanadillas, Alcapurrias
La Penúltima
La Penúltima is a moody yet lively cocktail bar not far from La Placita. We loved the laid back vibe here and it honestly reminded me of my favorite cocktail spot in Houston, TX. Order the "Green Tea Killah" and thank me later.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: American, Fusion, Cocktails
- Price: $$
- Recommendations: Green Tea Killah
You'll want to dress the part for a night out. Here's what to wear in San Juan!
Where to Grab Drinks in San Juan
Crush Juice Bar
Crush Juice Bar serves up smoothies, acai bowls, and healthy bites within walking distance of the Condada area. It's perfect for a light breakfast before a beach day, which is exactly why we strolled over before heading to Playa Isla Verde!
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Health Food, Vegetarian, Takeaway
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Recommendations: Papaya Smoothie
Plaza del Mercado
The iconic Plaza del Mercado in Santurce is the daytime identity of La Placita. So after you party there at night, come back during daylight hours for tropical fruits and vegetables, authentic local foods and souvenirs, and prepared foods like empanadillas, pasteles, and batidas, aka, smoothies like the one I'm holding above!
Plaza del Mercado is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Saturday and closes at noon on Sundays.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Fresh Groceries
- Price: $
- Recommendations: Empanadillas, Pineapple Batida
Piñaloka
When you visit San Juan, you have to try at least on piña colada, though, I recommend one for each day in town. Piñaloka offers them in different flavors and formats, including in Instagram-worthy carved pineapple cups.
We literally happened upon while walking and grabbed a round--and were glad we did. It's a cute lil' bright yellow stand on Ashford Avenue so you can't miss it!
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Caribbean
- Price: $ - $$
- Recommendations: Piña Colada
Barrachina
Of course, I can't skip over the home of the original piña colada in Puerto Rico. Barrachina even has a marble plaque outside letting you know that despite the contested place of invention, there's no debate over there. In my opinion, the piña colada wasn't better than what I've ordered elsewhere or even made at home, but I recommend going for the history.
TLDR Dining Details
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Puerto Rican, Caribbean
- Price: $$ - $$$
- Recommendations: Piña Colada
No shade to San Juan, but one of my favorite meals in Puerto Rico was actually in Loíza. Here's your guide to what to do in Loíza!
More Favorite Moments from San Juan
I hope this post points you to where to eat and drink in San Juan on your next vacation. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Ronni Locklin says
I looked up Oceana and it says permanently closed, unfortunately. I do plan to try your other recommendations, can't wait.
Jazzmine says
Oh, that's a bummer! Thanks for letting me know, Ronni. I hope you enjoy all the best food!