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.

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  • 1. Bocata by Campillo

    $$

    This Spanish-style tapas restaurant has a variety of menu items and daily specialties. They pride themselves on a robust wine menu and have a selection of decadent desserts. From serrano ham to gambas al ajillo, they have tasty and fresh dishes that will make you feel like you're in Madrid.

    PR-3 441 Ste. 1, Humacao, n/a Puerto Rico, 00791, Puerto Rico
    787-850–4429

    Known For

    • Wine selection
    • Paella
    • Jamon Iberico

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations recommended
  • 2. Brass Cactus

    $$

    This steak-and-chop eatery attracts so many English-speaking tourists that management doesn't bother printing a Spanish menu. Nearly every dish on the expansive menu is made to be washed down with beer. Televisions broadcast the latest sporting events, and bands often replace the jukebox on weekends. Free Wi-Fi is available.

    Off Rte. 3, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico
    787-980–9659

    Known For

    • Great steaks and burgers
    • Fun sports-bar atmosphere
    • Reasonably priced cocktails and beer

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 3. Ekelekua

    $$

    Best known for their brunch, the cuisine here is a blend of Puerto Rican and European influences. The arepa Benedict is a welcome twist on a well-known dish, and options like the guava French toast boast island flavors. They also have a tapas menu with items like ceviche and croquettes. 

    PR-3 Bo. Jiménez, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00745, Puerto Rico
    787-953–0303

    Known For

    • Guava French toast
    • Arepas Benedict
    • Coffee (ask for the special of the day)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 4. El Nuevo Acuario

    $$

    One among the ever-changing cast of restaurants along Route 187, the New Aquarium, like its neighbors, won't win any awards for decor and design. The setting here is decidedly laid-back, with plastic tables and chairs serving as the humble backdrop for some stellar seafood. Vegetarians should request the special meatless mofongo. The service is friendly and attentive, and the location—a literal stone's throw from the Atlantic—can't be beat.

    Punta Cangrejos, Piñones, n/a Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
    787-662–8258

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Ultracasual setting
    • Good service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Sun.
  • 5. El Parrilla

    $$

    Like its neighbors along Route 187, which fronts the Atlantic, El Parrilla specializes in seafood. Trunkfish fritters and seafood empanadillas are tasty starters, while the hearty seafood stew called asopao is the main event, and flan with fresh coconut can't be missed.

    Rte. 187, Loíza, n/a Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
    787-876–3191

    Known For

    • The freshest seafood
    • Traditional Puerto Rican–style asopao
    • Cash only

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed.
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  • 6. Las Vistas Cafe

    $$

    This rooftop cafe boasts 360-degree views, shaded by patio umbrellas and located by the water. With gluten-free options and the owner herself greeting guests upon arrival, it is a personable and surprisingly healthy find.

    83 2nd St., Las Croabas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00738, Puerto Rico
    787-655–7053

    Known For

    • Basil lemonade
    • Locally sourced fruit platter
    • Coco-banana pancakes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed., Reservations strongly recommended
  • 7. Latin Gyros

    $$

    Offering the best lamb gyros on the island, this is a casual breakfast and lunch spot serving Mediterranean dishes with a Puerto Rican flair. From falafel to baklava, there are large portions to ensure you don't leave hungry. They also have a variety of coffee options and natural juices made from Puerto Rican fruits like tamarindo, passion fruit, and acerola.

    352 Cll Fernández Garcia, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico
    787-889–4801

    Known For

    • Greek breakfast
    • Baklava
    • Gyros (chicken, lamb, falafel, churrasco)
  • 8. Lluvia Deli Bar and Artefacto

    $$

    This restaurant is locally owned and family run. They have a popular brunch menu with hearty meal options and recently completed an outdoor expansion to include a taco bar and pizza oven. Vegan dishes are available.

    52 Calle Principal, Río Grande, n/a Puerto Rico, 00721, Puerto Rico
    787-657–5186

    Known For

    • Breakfast burritos (various)
    • Tacos al pastor
    • Deviled eggs
  • 9. Lolita's

    $$

    When it comes to Mexican food, this place is the real deal. For lunch, grab a few tacos (soft or crispy), or try one of the classic Mexican entrées. There's a reason devoted travelers return regularly. Wash down the generous portions with oversize margaritas to match, or choose from a large selection of Mexican beers. The pleasant dining room, decorated with slightly kitschy paintings of simple village life, is on the second floor of a building just east of Luquillo. Parking is limited.

    Rte. 3, Km 41.3, Luquillo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00773, Puerto Rico

    Known For

    • Authentic Mexican cuisine
    • Generous portions
    • Good (and large) margaritas

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