San Juan Restaurants

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Aguaviva

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Aguaviva Review

The name means "jellyfish," which explains why this ultracool, ultramodern place has dim blue lighting like a tranquil ocean, and lamps shaped like jellyfish floating overhead. Elegantly groomed oysters and clams float on cracked ice along the raw bar. Eating here is like submerging oneself into the ocean. The extensive, regularly changing menu is alive with inventive ceviches, including one with mahimahi, tomato, jicama, and Sriracha hot sauce. For something more filling, try fried snapper stuffed with lobster mofongo, or shrimp in a garlic cream sauce with yuca gnocchi. You could also empty out your wallet for one of the torres del mar, or "towers of the sea." This gravity-defying dish comes hot or cold and includes oysters, mussels, shrimp—you name it. Oh, and don't pass up the lobster mashed potatoes. Those alone are worth the trip.

    Restaurant Details

  • Credit cards accepted.
  • No lunch weekdays.
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    Wonderful!!!

    We have been to Puerto Rico a couple of times and do I wish that I had know about this place on the very first day. We ate dinner there (based on a friends recommendation) the last night we were there (on our second trip). The food was delicious!!! It was so beautifully prepared that we ever took pictures of it. We're going back this summer and can't wait to eat there. It was so good that I don't know if I should eat there as soon as we get there or rest and get some good shopping in.

    by FlyDST, 6/1/08
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    Top 3 Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    If you don't mind the price, then this is the spot to eat before you leave Puerto Rico. I've eaten here as a tourist and I've eaten here as a local. The food is consistent and well prepared. That's why the chef from here was on Iron Chef and won! I haven't eaten all of the dishes here but the one that I remember most is the scallops with orzo. If you like scallops, you have to order this. I've spent alot of money in Puerto Rico on restaurants and this has to be the one spot where the money is worth every dime.

    by djsupert, 4/17/08
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    Full of Flavor and Atmosphere!

    We decided to go to Aguaviva for ceviche as an appetizer and cocktail stop before dinner. We asked to sit at the oyster bar to enjoy watching the cooks. Our server was friendly, attentive and helpful. We had 3 ceviches - fantastic!! I am very much a ceviche fan (I'm from a coastal town) and this was among the very best! We enjoyed our cocktails and the crowd as well. It is indeed alittle expensive as some people mention. It was well worth it to me.

    by Carolina_L, 3/17/08
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    Great Food. Romantic Setting. A Perfect Night Out.

    This has become one of our favorite restaurants in PR. Our first time there was for Valentine's Day and the service, selection, and setting did not let us down. On the contrary, we really felt that the staff really cared about our dining experience. It is the perfect size restaurant to take your sweartheart on a great dining date.

    by ENGCFO_GoBears, 2/28/08
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    Cool down on a hot night

    If you're looking for a cool, well-decorated spot for some refreshing fish, this is the place. A great selection of ceviches (the house specialty) and a live oyster bar makes this a perfect spot to unwind after a hot day walking Old San Juan. A little pricey, but worth it if fish is your want.

    by Scott_Leslie, 6/24/07
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    Don't waste your time here

    Worst dinner on a recent march 2007 trip. Over priced, over rated and under staffed.

    by beachview23, 4/7/07

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