39 Best Restaurants in Greater San Juan, San Juan

Named after the classic film starring Audrey Hepburn, this lively, tropical-chic bistro serves creative Caribbean dishes such as poached lobster in clarified butter or mussels in coconut broth. Sunday brunch is a draw, too, with options like eggs Benedict with mangú. Fashionable locals also come to sip cocktails and enjoy the live music that's often being played.

This oceanfront lounge-style beach bar is a great place to stop for drinks and Puerto Rican tapas-style quick bites. Completely outdoors, stay a while and enjoy the view of Condado Beach while ordering from the extensive cocktail menu and excellent snacks. 

Chef Ramon Cruz is serving traditional Puerto Rican food with a modern twist. This lively restaurant, located in Condado Ocean Club, has a clean, modern feel that's perfect for date nights, girls' night out, or any special occasion calling for a lively place to socialize over wine and an extensive menu. The inside has bright decor along with an outdoor patio with a gorgeous view of Condado beach. 

Chef Rafael Ubior's time in Lima working under Peru's esteemed Gastón Acurio led him to open his restaurant fusing Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. Start with the tiradito (raw fish) Nikkei or any of the ceviches; then order anything that's on special that day, as well as a pisco sour. Indoor and outdoor dining is available, and reservations are recommended.

If you want Spanish-style seafood dishes, head to this restaurant, one of a dozen that surround the Plaza del Mercado. The chillo entero frito (fried whole red snapper) and camarones al ajillo (shrimp with garlic) are tasty, but the standout is the arroz con calamari: this dramatic, inky-black rice dish will elicit "oohs" and "aahs" from nearby diners when it arrives at your table. If you come in the evening, it might be cool enough to dine at one of the handful of tables on the square; if not, settle for one of the green polka-dot tables in the dining room.

An Italian restaurant with a Puerto Rican flair, Tavola features homemade cuisine and is a favorite for pasta lovers. The gnocchi and mushroom tortellini are popular on the menu, but the main attraction is the hidden speakeasy inside, Vendetta. You enter through what looks like a convenience store refrigerator into a dark room with craft cocktails and an exclusive lounge ambience.

Chef Raúl Correa's newest venture pays tribute to Israeli and Mediterranean cuisines. Dishes are meant to be shared at this casual neighborhood restaurant that's walking distance from the beach. Labneh, hummus, lamb kebab, homemade pita bread can all be found on this fresh, vegetable-forward menu. 

The three "B's" in this bright-yellow restaurant's name stand for bueno, bonito, y barato, a common saying that means "good, pretty, and affordable." Tasty and inexpensive—no wonder it's such a hit with everyone from beachgoers to artists to young professionals. Order at the window, and sit at one of the picnic-style tables on the wooden deck. The grouper ceviche is a favorite dish, as is the beef slider on a sweet Hawaiian bun with tamarind and coffee barbecue sauce. A bar and coffee shop are also on-site. Come back at night for cocktails; it's a fun place to mingle with locals.

Popular for decades with everyone from local politicians and families to sunburned tourists who just dragged themselves off the beach, the bustling Via Appia is a no-frills restaurant known for serving simple Italian dishes. During lunch, however, they ladle out some delicious comida criolla, with specials changing daily. The outdoor seating area looks out on Condado's busy Avenida Ashford, which makes for good people-watching. The wine bar next door has a bit more ambience.