Gah! Are you ready for one of the most delicious vacations you’ve ever experienced?! This vibrant, colorful destination is as exciting to look at as it is for any foodie to enjoy. This is your ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Old San Juan Puerto Rico!
Get your taste buds ready for a flavor fest! After visiting Old San Juan many times over the last decade, I can honestly say it’s one of my top foodie destinations, right up there with the delicious food in Greece.
Old San Juan’s food scene is as rich and vibrant as the city itself. Visitors can expect a delicious blend of traditional Puerto Rican flavors, international influences, and innovative twists on classic dishes.
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Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is a blend of Taíno, African, and Spanish culinary traditions. Fried plantains are common, and a must-try in Puerto Rico is Mofongo.
Let’s dive into this list of the best places to eat in Old San Juan!
Best restaurants in Old San Juan Puerto Rico
You’ll find lots of flavor in Puerto Rico, and these restaurants will not disappoint.
Just a quick note: many of the local (and amazing) places to eat in Old San Juan don’t have websites. I’ve linked to social pages and sites when I can. I’d recommend to check Google for local hours and updated menu options, but just know that some of the information you’ll find there isn’t up to date. It’s all part of vacationing on an island, though!😉
1. Bien Papayas
If you’re looking for a quick bite that’s packed with flavor, Bien Papayas is a must-visit. I looove their smoothies, which is a real treat on vacation, as most breakfast spots offer sit-down menus with pastries or egg assortments.
The friendly vibe makes this place a favorite for both locals and tourists, which is always a plus!
Bien Papayas is a great stop before or after visiting Castillo San Cristobal or doing some sightseeing or a walking tour of the city.
2. La Madre (seriously one of the best places to eat in Old San Juan!)
Craving Mexican food with a Puerto Rican flair? La Madre is where it’s at. Known for their creative tacos and colorful décor, this restaurant feels like the perfect way to end a great day in Old San Juan!
Take a seat outdoors on the cobblestone, or in the colorful interior to enjoy the ambiance of La Madre.
With multiple pages of their menu devoted to margaritas, mezcals and tequilas, it’s definitely one of the top spots in Puerto Rico for an island cocktail. Then, dive into the tacos, chilaquiles, sopes, burritos and so many more delicious creations.
With all the restaurants in Old San Juan, I’ve chosen to eat here multiple times, it’s so good!
3. Puerto Criollo
Puerto Criollo is a colorful restaurant on the pedestrian-only section of Calle Tetuán. The outdoor seating makes it a great spot for people watching, and it’s close to all the action of Old Town San Juan.
If you’e craving air-conditioning, there is indoor seating, too. The prices are slightly higher than elsewhere because of the location in the heart of the tourist area but it’s still worth a visit.
The restaurant serves strong drinks (including piña coladas, of course!) and Puerto Rican food. Try the shrimp Mofongo, a Puerto Rican classic made of plantains that are fried and then mashed.
Other recommended foods here are the skirt steak, the ceviche, and ropa vieja which is shredded beef but called “old clothes” in Spanish. See more of what to eat in Old San Juan in this 10 Must-Dos YouTube video.
4. Barrachina
Claiming to be the birthplace of the Pina Colada, Barrachina is a great spot, and certainly deserving on this list of the best restaurants in Old San Juan Puerto Rico! Visiting Barrachina is not only a must-visit if you’re thirsty, but also one of the best things to do in Old San Juan.
You’ll find delicious, and relatively common Puerto Rican food like grouper, calamari, fried plantains, and quite the selection of Mofongo. The open-air courtyard adds to the tropical vibe, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
Note: prepare for a wait at the restaurant as it’s usually always busy and there’s often a long line. If you’re just there for the Pina Coladas, you can opt to sit at the bar to try for a shorter wait!
5. Chocobar Cortes
Okay, so if you’re in the mood for something lighter, or on the sweeter side, then a visit to Chocobar Cortes is an absolute must! A fun note about this place is that it’s chocolate obsessed!
With menu options like a Chocolate Old Fashioned, chocolate grilled cheese, and lava cake, can you really go wrong? Of course, you can find non-chocolate dishes like Puertoriccan bowl, burgers and salmon wraps, too.
And bonus, I love the family history of the place. They’ve been manufacturing chocolate from farm to bar since 1929. So impressive!
👉Looking to take this up a notch? Here’s the best food tour of Old San Juan! A must-do for first-time visitors!
6. Cayo Caribe
In addition to all the colorful buildings, historical sites, and beautiful coastline, Old San Juan is renowned for its food scene. Visiting the leading restaurants in the capital city is one of the best things to add to a 5-day Puerto Rico itinerary!
Cayo Caribe is a local favorite in the heart of Old San Juan. It’s a casual dining spot with a mix of a relaxed and lively atmosphere. This traditional Caribbean restaurant is famed for its delicious seafood and Mofongo, a Puerto Rican comfort food made with mashed plantains, a garlic butter sauce, and a protein.
Overall, Cayo Caribe was founded in 2015 by Rolando Jatib and Jose Gonzalez. The restaurant boasts fresh items at affordable prices. In addition to Mofongo, you must also try the restaurant’s paella, fresh grilled fish, and seafood tacos.
You must also treat yourself to a cocktail during an evening at this incredible Old San Juan restaurant! Enjoy everything from sangria to a mojito and wine to beer.
7. Don Tako
Don Tako brings street food vibes to Old San Juan with its casual, taco-focused menu. I’ve eaten here on multiple different trips to Puerto Rico, and it never disappoints!
Their al pastor tacos, loaded with marinated pork and pineapple, are a hit, but don’t sleep on their quesadillas either. Literally so much cheese! The Fundidos are great and the Don Tako Nachos are amazing too.
Don Tako is a fun indoor/outdoor restaurant with bold flavors and a fun, laid-back vibe. Perfect for grabbing a quick meal while exploring the city.
8. El Jibarito
As a Puerto Rican local, I generally believe that most restaurants in Old San Juan are either tourist traps or restaurants for special occasions, including some of the best restaurants in San Juan or some of the best brunch in Puerto Rico.
When it comes to picking my favorite place to eat in the area, I generally choose Restaurant El Jibarito, located in Calle Sol. You will notice that it is one of the restaurants in Old San Juan that most locals tend to visit.
This restaurant serves typical Puerto Rican food that reminds us of the food made by our Abuelitas when we were growing up.
Some dishes I recommend are the Bolitas de Queso (Cheese balls) for an appetizer and either a Bistek Encebollado (Cube steak with onions) with some Rice and Beans or a Sancocho, which is our national soup with meat, vegetables, and some rice. If you are still craving some Puerto Rican flavors, choose a Piña Colada to drink and a flan for dessert.
9. La Casita de Rones
Food and drinks with a view! La Casita de Rones is in a great spot with a fun view of the water. With mostly outdoor seating, you can enjoy people watching from the covered deck or outdoor tables.
I really enjoyed the drinks here. The menu is extensive and there’s just something about being on an island with a rum-drink in your hand, ya know?
For food, I’d recommend any of the pork options. Tacos, sliders, or the fried port with tostones. Yum!
Note: La Casita de Rones is located right near the marina, so when ships are at port, it may be really busy so be prepared to wait or find another on this list to visit.
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10. Anita Gelato (a favorite on this list of best restaurants in Old San Juan!)
Gah! I literally can’t say enough good things about Anita Gelato! And I know this is a list of the best restaurants in Old San Juan Puerto Rico, but honestly, you could just make this a meal because it’s so divine!
As someone who’s traveled the world and eaten ice cream or gelato at nearly every destination, I can say that Anita Gelato in Old San Juan is one of my favorite spots! With 25 locations around the world, in New York, Cyprus, London, New Zealand, Barcelona and more, it’s a must-try, for sure.
Handmade flavors like Milk Chocolate Pretzels, Rocher Cream, Crunch Raspberry, White Chocolate & Pistachio Cream and Strawberry… there’s literally something for everyone!
11. Senor Paleta
The last place on this list is another spot to cool down. Because you’ll honestly need it when you’re exploring the streets of Old San Juan! Señor Paleta has a couple of spots in Puerto Rico, one being in Old San Juan.
On a hot day in the summer, you’ll see a line out the door for these delicious popsicles. But walking around in the heat – you’ll have to be fast before it’s a melty mess! (A good problem, in my opinion!)
Best restaurants in Old San Juan Puerto Rico
Alright, are you ready to hit the streets and check out the best places to eat in Old San Juan?! There’s so many great spots, from traditional Mofongo to tacos to delightful drinks, there’s truly something for everyone!
👉Looking to go island hopping? Get the complete Puerto Rico Travel Guide for everything you need to see and do in Puerto Rico!
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