El Yunque and the Northeast Restaurants

Some restaurants carry the tourist board's meson gastronómico designation. Such establishments specialize in typical island food. The eastern region has both formal restaurants, where reservations are necessary, and casual beachside eateries, where you can walk in unannounced in beach attire and have a fine meal of fresh fish. Bills generally don't include service charges, so a 15% tip is customary and expected. Most restaurants are open for dinner from late afternoon until about 10 pm.

Sort by: 6 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. La Estación

    $$$

    This laid-back spot has elevated Puerto Rican street food to an art form, thanks to two New Yorkers (one Puerto Rican) with restaurant pedigrees who decided to leave the big city and open a new spot dedicated to barbecue in an old gas station outside the Conquistador Resort. Highlighting products obtained from local fishermen and farmers, and smoking their own meats in an outdoor kitchen, Idalia García and Kevin Roth's awesome joint is one of Puerto Rico's don't-miss culinary treats. Settle into one of the mismatched patio tables—be it teak, cedar, or concrete—order up a cocktail, and get ready to feast.

    Rte. 987, Km 4, Las Croabas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico
    787-863–4481

    Known For

    • Locally sourced produce and meats
    • Delicious barbecue
    • Friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations essential
  • 2. Calizo

    $$$

    There's a string of seafood shacks in the village of Las Croabas, all serving delicious fried fish. This open-air eatery, with tables covered with straw umbrellas and anchored by a bustling square bar, takes things up a notch or two. It's almost across from the Balneario Seven Seas, making it a great place to refuel after a day at the beach. The only drawback is that it's pricey.

    Rte. 987, Km 4.6, Las Croabas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico
    787-863–3664

    Known For

    • Good fresh seafood
    • Alfresco dining
    • Rather high prices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.–Thurs.
  • 3. La Parrilla

    $$$

    There are dozens of kioskos, or food stands, along Route 3 on the way to Luquillo Beach, most offering humble local fare, much of it fried. This full-service restaurant raises the bar for its culinary counterparts. Open every day, usually satisfying at least one rowdy tourist bus, the open-air spot delivers sizzling seafood in generous portions. There are even a couple of steaks on the menu that are guaranteed to satisfy the most ravenous carnivores. Like its neighbors, La Parrilla faces the street, but there's a comfortable patio in the rear where you can kick back with an ice-cold beer or sangria and escape the traffic noise.

    Rte. 3, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico

    Known For

    • Good grilled seafood
    • Alfresco dining
    • Steaks for the non-fish eaters
  • 4. Las Picuas 123 Seafood

    $$$

    This seafood restaurant serves fresh-caught fish and is recommended during lobster season for a larger-than-life stuffed Caribbean spiny lobster. They have outdoor seating available with scenic swinging seats, as well as a bar on-site making popular concoctions from sangria to mojitos. 

    PR-968 s/n, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00745, Puerto Rico
    787-953–4200

    Known For

    • Whole Caribbean lobster
    • Mofongo
    • Sangria
  • 5. Pasión por el Fogón

    $$$

    At this beloved Fajardo restaurant, chef Myrta Pérez Toledo transforms traditional dishes into something special. Succulent cuts of meat and fish are presented in unexpected ways. A perfectly cooked flank steak rolled into a cylinder served on end has a slightly sweet tamarind sauce that brings out the meat's earthy flavors. If you're a seafood lover, start with the lime-infused red snapper ceviche and move on to lobster medallions broiled in butter. For dessert, order the Caribbean Sun, an ice cream sundae that blends caramel, cinnamon, and chocolate toppings.

    Rte. 987, Km 2.3, Fajardo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00735, Puerto Rico
    787-863–3502

    Known For

    • Contemporary Caribbean cuisine
    • Fresh seafood
    • Great desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Richie's Café

    $$$

    Perched on a mountaintop, this restaurant—a convenient option for Wyndham Grand Río Mar guests who don't want to dine on-site but are willing to pay resort prices—has a pair of open-air dining rooms with views to Vieques on a clear day. The atmosphere is festive; there's often a game playing on one of the big screens or a local band jamming on the weekend. Seafood is the specialty here—try the fried plantain appetizer, filled with shrimp, conch, octopus, or lobster, then move on to the whole red snapper or the pineapple rice with shrimp served on the pineapple itself.

    Rte. 968, Km 2.0, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00745, Puerto Rico
    787-887–1435

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood, especially whole red snapper
    • Fried plantains stuffed with seafood
    • Ocean views

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video