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 Platanar

    $$

    As the name of the restaurant hints, the menu's protagonist is a Puerto Rican favorite; plantains. This is your chance to try island staples such as arañitas, mofongo, and more. Less common applications of the plantain are also found here, including a plantain-flavored flan. The unassuming restaurant sits high up on a hill, surrounded by—what else?—a field of plantain trees.

    Rte. 153, Km. 8, n/a Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
    787-219–6507

    Known For

    • Mofongo with red snapper
    • Tostones
    • Plantain flan

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 2. El Roble

    $$$

    In operation since 1961, this restaurant is still considered one of the best in town. Don't be surprised to see flapping fish delivered straight off the boats and into the kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes like grouper fillet stuffed with seafood. The red snapper is delicious, and like all the fish on the menu it can be prepared fried, buttered, breaded, or with a vinaigrette. There's also a children's menu and a large selection of wines. Be prepared for the collection of fish mounted on the walls.

    Rte. 701, Playa de Salinas, n/a Puerto Rico, 07751, Puerto Rico
    787-824–2377

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood, including delicious red snapper
    • Good selection of wine
    • Children's menu
  • 3. La Ceiba

    $$

    The highway leading to Coamo is lined by dozens of fast-food restaurants. Luckily, there are a few worthwhile family-owned eateries, one of the best of which is this open-air cantina. You'll find the usual mofongo with chicken or beef, as well as some other typical Puerto Rican dishes like fried pork or red snapper stuffed with seafood. The menu features a variety of fish as well as lobster, shrimp, and octopus. If you are a fan of cheesecake, the chef makes eight different flavors (the pistachio is delicious). World-class margaritas are served at the bar.

    Rte. 153, Km 12.8, Coamo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00769, Puerto Rico
    787-825–2299

    Known For

    • Stuffed mofongo
    • Cheesecake in various flavors
    • Great margaritas
  • 4. Sabor y Rumba

    $$

    The short menu of this alfresco dining spot allows the kitchen to focus on its specialties, which include tostones, ceviche, and skirt steak. But even more than the food, many guests love the vibe of Sabor y Rumba, whose name alludes not only to its tasty flavors, but also its fun-loving spirit. Live music and dancing and free-flowing drinks set the scene, especially on weekends.

    66 Calle Isabel, Puerto Rico
    787-843–3003

    Known For

    • Churrasco
    • Mofongo
    • Live music and dancing on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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