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If you like seafood, you're in the right place. Throughout northwestern Puerto Rico you'll find wonderful criollo (Puerto Rican creole) cuisine. Most local eateries serve deep-fried tapas, commonly called frituras (meaning "fritters"). Offering a break from fried food are dozens of foreign-owned eateries that serve everything from sushi and hamburgers to vegetarian and Thai cuisine. Farther south along the coast options are limited, so you may want to ask the chef to grill or sauté your fish. A trip to Puerto Rico is not complete without sampling Puerto Rico’s most iconic dish, mofongo relleno, made from fried, seasoned and mashed plantain or yuca stuffed with your choice of seafood or meat. Simply head to where locals from all over the island go for fresh seafood—Joyuda. When it comes to beverages, locals usually drink rum and coke or mix it with fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice. You’ll also see people sipping on Medalla Light, Puerto Rico's most popular and affordable beer. All restaurants are no-smoking. Tips, normally 15%–20%, are usually not included in the bill, but it's always wise to double-check.
This charming restaurant specializes in vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian dishes. The summer rolls are made with veggies from local farms, and the fish in the poké bowl features the catch of the day. The signature juices, designed to boost your immunity, are the perfect postsurfing treat.
This pirate-theme restaurant has a laid-back vibe and a friendly staff who are always ready with a smile or a joke. Don't be surprised to see local fishermen making their way to the kitchen with their still-flapping catch. Entrées include juicy steaks, grilled mahimahi, homemade pastas, and stuffed mofongo. Although portions are large, lighter options are available, including fish tacos, a selection of wraps, and seared ahi tuna served on a pyramid of mixed greens. Don't miss happy hour (daily 3–6:30).
The best thing about this bar and grill is its beachfront location. The open-air venue serves a mean mojito, and the deck is a great place to watch novice surfers wipe out on the beach. The kitchen prepares a wide range of unique items, from fresh-fish sandwiches to baby back ribs brushed with guava sauce. On weekends, you can enjoy live music.
This family-run restaurant, a Rockaway Beach (New York City) outpost on Playa Jobos, serves Euro-Asian cuisine with a tropical twist. You can sip a creative cocktail on the wooden deck and chow down on unique dishes like Korean carrot and green papaya salad, pumpkin manti, or Hawaiian poke bowl with local yellowfin tuna. It's a nice change of pace from the usual fritter-focused fare. It's also a great spot to watch the surfers.
Here you'll find everything from mofongo to catch of the day, pastas, and steaks. The varied menu makes it a good place to dine with family. Check out their lunch menu for filling, budget-friendly meals.
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