Calle Loíza is a street that offers the opportunity for great dining at any time of the day.
Over the last few years, this former Dominican neighborhood has undergone a process of transformation into one of the top gastronomic destinations in San Juan. What makes it stand out is the sheer diversity and abundance of cuisines and styles of restaurant, spanning from classic Puerto Rican comida criolla to an authentic Mexican taquería to Korean BBQ to creative mac and cheese and much more.
The following list is just the tip of the iceberg of what's on offer along Calle Loíza, so your best bet is to go explore for yourself.
Café Tresbé serves everything from burgers, and tacos to sushi.
The Classics
Certain restaurants were the first to offer something radically different from the traditional lunch cafeterias and dive bars, ushering in a new era for Calle Loíza.
Café Tresbé is a shipping container turned open-air restaurant, with a wooden deck and communal tables, serving everything from sliders to tacos to sushi. The name is in reference to the three Bs everyone looks for in a restaurant: bueno, bonito, y barato (good, pretty, and cheap) and Café Tresbé fits the bill. The owner also opened Sabrina Brunch and Bistro Bar across the street and coffee shop Café con Cé.
For great Mexican food visit Acapulco Taquería Mexicana, where their corn tortillas are made fresh daily, the tacos al pastor and carnitas are perfection, and the margaritas are cold and refreshing. Panuchos is also a great option if you’re looking for a more Tex-Mex style menu.
A Calle Loíza staple that does something slightly different is Loíza 2050, possibly one of the oldest restaurants on Calle Loíza, having been founded in 1986. They have a limited pizza menu which you can order on regular or coconut crust. Their craft beer and whisky selection is also extensive but be warned the place is very cozy.
Looking for farm-to-table options? Kamoli is a colorful restaurant with an ample breakfast and lunch menu, and fresh-pressed juices and smoothies made with local fruits and vegetables.
But maybe you're thinking, I came all this way to Puerto Rico and I want some tasty mofongo and arroz mamposteao, Zajorí Gastro Show has you covered. Their menu also includes fresh seafood and the best ceviche in the neighborhood! If you love seafood and want a Puerto Rican take on it, then Cueva del Mar is a great option which also has daily criollo specials. Areyto by Chef Jason González also features Caribbean classics like fresh fish and stuffed avocados, and includes plenty of vegan options on the menu. Another local favorite with a Dominican cuisine twist is Bebo's Café.
If you want to discover a fascinating sensory experience, visit Hisoka Na, the first Japanese-style tea garden on the Island, offering 85 types of teas and herbal infusions.
Now for dessert. Double Cake is an independent bakery, specializing in cupcakes, pastries, and made-to-order cakes. If ice cream and soft serve are closer to your sweet spot, La Heladería de Funkyberry is a must-visit. Their creamy homemade ice cream will always leave you wanting more!
Shibo, an elegant restaurant that fuses Latin and Asian flavors.
New Favorites
Alternatively, if you're an adventurous foodie, then Calle Loíza will also provide some interesting options for you to choose from. Yoko is a Japanese restaurant with a unique sushi menu and mouthwatering dishes. A few steps away is Ujeong Korean BBQ, one of the few (possibly the only) Korean barbecue restaurants on the Island. A few doors down is Shibo, an elegant restaurant fusing Latin and Asian flavors.
For a more American experience, head to Egg Joint, where the menu features items like burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and tater tots. Another great burger spot is, then visit Burger and Mayo Lab where you can choose your meat, topping, and mayonnaise flavor. Interested in a lighter option? Pinky’s never disappoints with its unique sandwiches and wraps and their delicious smoothies!
If you're looking for bars serving great drinks and bar food, they have those on Calle Loíza, too. El Tap is a craft beer bar that serves exclusively beers, wines, and sangria on tap and has a gourmet bar menu. One of the newest additions to Calle Loíza is Bottega, a wine bar where you can also get craft cocktails and decadent tapas.
And, unbelievably, there's still more to discover as new restaurants, bars, clubs, boutique shops, and more keep opening almost every month.
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