Ponce and the Porta Caribe Restaurants

Not all the culinary hot spots are in San Juan. In fact, people from the capital drive to Ponce or Guánica to see what's new on the horizon. Some of the more ambitious restaurants in this part of Puerto Rico are experimenting with Asian and Latin fusion cuisines, which means you might find pork with tamarind glaze or guava sauce, or snapper in a plantain crust. But what you'll mostly find are open-air eateries serving simple, filling fare. The southern coast is known for seafood, particularly Salinas and Ponce, both of which have a string of popular seaside restaurants. A 15%–20% tip is customary; most restaurants won't include it in the bill, but it's wise to check.

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  • 1. El Mar de la Tranquilidad

    $$

    Here you can get a table on the terrace at the edge of the Caribbean. You'll find good Puerto Rican cuisine and lots of seafood, including lobster, red snapper, and mofongo. Be sure to sample one of the restaurant's daiquiris—there's a huge list from which to choose.

    Rte. 3, Km 120.8, 9 PR-3, Patillas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00723, Puerto Rico
    787-839–6469

    Known For

    • Fried seafood
    • Puerto Rican cuisine
    • Long list of daiquiris

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.– Wed.
  • 2. El Negocio de Panchi

    $$

    This Caribbean restaurant updates Puerto Rican favorites with contemporary touches, and the menu features a rotating cast of daily specials, which include octopus with saffron butter, shrimp stir-fry with coconut rice, and pork satay in peanut sauce.

    Rte. 14, 00780, Puerto Rico
    787-848–4788

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Osso buco
    • Guava cheesecake

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 3. Restaurante Alexandra

    $$$$

    Puerto Ricans drive for miles to reach this restaurant in the Copamarina Beach Resort. The kitchen takes traditional Puerto Rican dishes and turns them into something extra special, and the elegant dining room looks out onto well-tended gardens. If you want to get closer to the flora, ask for a table outside on the terrace. Foot traffic from the pool area can be a distraction.

    Rte. 333, Km 6.5, Guánica, n/a Puerto Rico, 00653, Puerto Rico
    787-821–0505

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Great lobster
    • Sunday brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed. No dinner Sun. No lunch, Reservations essential
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