From seafood to meat cuts and specialty dishes, you can find flavors to entice your palate everywhere.
Restaurants & Bars
Regardless of where you travel in Puerto Rico, you'll find a variety of delicious dining options.
Puerto Rico's thriving restaurant and bar scene can be experienced from San Juan to Cabo Rojo, from Rincón to Fajardo — and all points in between. Our culinary delights range from classic comida criolla (the Island’s unique style of creole cooking) to tropical fusions created by award-winning chefs. Whether you’re looking for a casual chinchorros (roadside kiosk), local hot spots, food trucks, fine dining, or even a pizza or steak, the Island’s kitchens won’t disappoint. Home of the piña colada, the bar scene also serves a top-notch drink, whether it's an avant-garde mixologist or at the local dive bar.
As we say in Puerto Rico, a full belly makes for a happy heart!
![A plate of pastelillos from ASAO smokehouse in Ciales](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-02/pastelillos-asao-smokehouse-ciales.jpg?itok=vwOb2niD)
Be sure to try an assortment of pastelillos and other frituras when visiting Ciales.
![Piñones is a great place to grab delicious authentic Puerto Rican street food.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-02/400A0382.jpg%20PINONES-2.jpg?itok=U4sj9qJU)
Piñones is a great place to grab delicious authentic Puerto Rican street food.
![Lola Eclectic Cuisine in Ponce](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-02/IMG_2983.jpg%20Lola%20Eclectic%20Cuisine-2.jpg?itok=o-FQVV0j)
Lola Eclectic Cuisine in Ponce.
![An artistically plated meal at Cocina Abierta in San Juan](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-02/COCINA%20ABIERTA%20RESTUARANT-3_0.jpg?itok=oIPbJIJb)
An artistically plated meal at Cocina Abierta in San Juan
![Lobster and other seafood on an outdoor table at El Dorado Restaurant in Salinas.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-02/el-dorado-restaurant-salinas.jpg?itok=D1hzU9eo)
Enjoy the view of Salinas Bay while you dine at El Dorado.
![A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mayorca.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-02/coffee-and-mayorca-culinary-tour-hero.jpg?itok=uJfq3dLI)
A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorca covered in powdered sugar.
![Patio dining at Barrachina in Old San Juan](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-06/Barrachina-patio-old-san-juan_0.jpg?itok=WYIyqrWX)
Enjoy a meal on the patio at Barrachina in Old San Juan
![Red beans and rice is a staple dish, but you'll find lots more options as well.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-06/red%20beans%20and%20rice%20-%20Dona%20Ana%20Restaurant_0.jpg?itok=oWQflqaJ)
Arroz y habicuelas are the staple side dish in Puerto Rico.
![A measured pour of dark rum from Ron del Barrilito](/sites/default/files/styles/square_image/public/2019-06/Ron%20del%20Barrilito.jpg?itok=oHeIxJKm)
Try a locally made rum with your meal.
![Piñones is a great place to grab delicious authentic Puerto Rican street food.](/sites/default/files/styles/horizontal/public/2019-02/400A0382.jpg%20PINONES-2.jpg?itok=PHWYVgAo)
Piñones is a great place to grab delicious authentic Puerto Rican street food.
Puerto Rico's Culinary Traditions
From mofongo to mamposteao, from pasteles to piña coladas, a delicious world of dining and drinking awaits you in Puerto Rico – but you may want to learn about some of the Island's most famous dishes before you dive in. Explore our diverse culinary traditions to see why Puerto Rico is much more than rice and beans!
Top Dining Experiences in Puerto Rico
Hungry to get out and explore the Island? Start with these must-try restaurants and dining experiences.
![A measured pour of dark rum from Ron del Barrilito](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2019-06/Ron%20del%20Barrilito.jpg?itok=3lUVgQXy)
Try a locally made rum with your meal.
Explore Puerto Rico's lively bar and lounges for your perfect sip!
Learn More![Cocina Albierta in San Juan](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2022-08/191-3-9840_jpeg.jpg?itok=dMh6KkFI)
The constant evolution of Puerto Rican cuisine is on display at restaurants around San Juan, from street food to fine dining.
Read More![Beerloteca flight](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2022-08/Beerloteca%20Flight%20Color%20Variety.jpg?itok=8VlKq9mM)
Grab a flight of local Puerto Rican beers at Beerloteca in Aguadilla.
Whether you are a casual beer drinker or a true connoisseur, you’ll be glad to know that Puerto Rico has as many local beer brands as it has breathtaking ocean views.
Read More![Salitre](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2021-03/Salitre.jpg?itok=QndnPToI)
Always ask for the day's catch or special at Salitre!
Puerto Rico is home to incredible restaurants, food trucks, and kiosks that showcase the best of the Island’s cuisine. But wouldn’t it be better if it had a view?
Read More![](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/listing_images/event/461/IMG_7085.jpg-1919-Restaurant-Condado-Vanderbilt_6931be0e-5056-a36a-0880dd802f303244.jpg?itok=yIC2V3iU)
Beyond its wealth of natural and historical charms, Puerto Rico offers stunning dining experiences in some of the most elegant and sophisticated restaurants in the Caribbean.
Read More![Rooftop at San Juan Water and Beach Club](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2019-10/Mist.jpg?itok=T1DSh4aD)
Enjoy the contrast of blues at Mist rooftop! (Photo: San Juan Water and Beach Club)
San Juan's gorgeous year-round weather creates the perfect setting for some premium rooftop dining. But these spots are more than just a photo-worthy backdrop.
Read More![View of a special dish at Santaella restaurant in San Juan.](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2019-12/Santaella-restaurant-calle-loiza.jpg?itok=s4JciPoA)
Santaella in La Placita is home to some of Puerto Rico's buzziest food and cocktails.
In just a few city blocks, you'll find high-end restaurants and bars next to chinchorros, craft cocktails and Medalla beer, people dancing salsa in the streets, and so much more.
Read More![Red beans and rice is a staple dish, but you'll find lots more options as well.](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2019-06/red%20beans%20and%20rice%20-%20Dona%20Ana%20Restaurant_0.jpg?itok=F5_k7Sd2)
Arroz y habicuelas are the staple side dish in Puerto Rico.
Restaurants designated as Mesones Gastronómicos — all of which are in regions outside of the San Juan metro area — are recognized for offering high-quality food and excellent service.
Read More![Mango Colada at Orocovis](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/2019-07/PINA%20COLADA%20DAY_OROCOVIS_2_0.jpg?itok=qvC1-jNR)
If you like piña colada, you should know the famous tropical drink was invented in Puerto Rico!
Learn More![](/sites/default/files/styles/small_horizontal/public/listing_images/profile/9362/Factoria_Lavender-Mule_8AA92E55-E978-40A4-AFE4230A74EADA69_a30db329-6630-44ac-9d0d383ed16a4c24.jpg?itok=xa8SUq-3)
From Old San Juan to Santurce, Puerto Rico's mixologists infuse creativity, skill, and local flavors into their original creations.
Learn More![](/sites/default/files/styles/vertical/public/listing_images/profile/2427/ASAO-Smokehouse-in-Ciales-1--1baf05185056a36_1baf0b01-5056-a36a-08414b667ef3b009.jpg?itok=_UZojlYS)
Regional Specialties in Puerto Rico
While you’ll find a variety of cuisines around the Island, many local restaurants are known to serve specialty dishes of the region. The eateries in the mountains of Puerto Rico showcase various meat cuts, and restaurants like ASAO in Ciales or Asador San Miguel in Naranjito should be your go-to places if you’re looking to savor a juicy steak.
If seafood or fritters are what you're craving, Puerto Rico's coastal areas have a fresh array of plates to try. Take a trip to the east coast and restaurant-hop down the Luquillo Kiosks line. In the north, savor a plate of deep-fried red snapper with some tostones or arroz mamposteao at Salitre in Arecibo.
Metropolitan San Juan is best known for its assortment of restaurants that elevate global cuisines while maintaining the freshness and vibrancy of Puerto Rican flavors. Asian, Latin American, and European-inspired restaurants are just some of the gastronomic offerings. For the chance to sample different chefs and restaurants in a single location, there are several notable options including Lote 23, La Placita de Santurce, and the newest addition, Distrito T-Mobile.
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