Puerto Rico’s Vibrant Restaurants for Summer and Fall

If a Puerto Rico vacation is on your 2021 calendar, wouldn’t it be great to tap into insider info on this Caribbean island’s top restaurants? Read on for the best of the best Puerto Rico culinary hotspots.

• El Quenepo, Vieques –

Located on the beach in Esperanza, Vieques, El Quenepo is known for elegant plates of seafood caught by local fishermen and delicious craft cocktails, including seasonal passion fruit caipirinhas made with fresh local passion fruit or Zaca-Coco made with Ron Zacapa Centenario XO.

The vibe of the restaurant is elevated and chic, with vegan and vegetarian options available.

• Santaella, San Juan –

Santaella is a sexy, chef-driven cornerstone of the San Juan dining scene. Helmed by José Santaella (who trained with Eric Ripert), the chic, tropical space — sleek, modern, with a beautiful interior garden — wowed diners when it opened in La Placita in 2011.

The staff here incorporate the freshest ingredients into its daily menu, which consists of creative spins on classic dishes, including items such as goat cheese quesadillas, sweet plantains, and basil ice cream.

• Lola Eclectic Cuisine, Ponce –

Ideal for diners looking for eclectic dishes in a cozy and private atmosphere, Lola offers excellent service and a menu that will suit everyone from carnivores to vegans.

Some of the most popular dishes here include mahi mahi in lobster sauce, filet mignon, pistachio-crusted lamb rack, and duck a l’orange.

• Lechonera los Amigos, Cayey –

  Lechoneras are restaurants that serve lechón (whole roasted pig). Lechonera los Amigos is the first stop along the famous Guavate lechon route, which is a highway dotted with Puerto Rico’s famous pork stands.

  

  Los Amigos has more seating than most, often hosts live music, and serves some of the most delicious lechón on the Island.

• The English Rose, Rincón –

  Unquestionably the most popular breakfast restaurant in Rincón, The English Rose is located on top of a mountain featuring spectacular views of the coast.

  

  The menu includes local cuisine as well as English and American dishes, with vegan and vegetarian alternatives available. Our favorites include homemade jams and natural juices, the fruit bowls, eggs ruby, the house Bloody Mary, and their breads are homemade, too.