Top 10 Restaurants in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
The best restaurants in Old San Juan serve the best and freshest food in Puerto Rico.
Most people who travel to Puerto Rico love to visit Old San Juan because of its history. The Viejo neighborhood has a relaxing seaside atmosphere full of color, art, and tradition. You’ll enjoy fun music and excellent service when you go to these one-of-a-kind Puerto Rican restaurants.
This list includes fan favorites as well as local restaurants that offer authentic Puerto Rican food. Some of the most popular dishes are skirt steak, red snapper, and beef stew. If you’re looking to try a famous local dish, it’s called mofongo (mashed green plantains).
Read on to find out where to eat next time you go to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Top 10 Restaurants in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Ready to dive into the 10 best San Juan restaurants you won’t want to miss? Let’s get to it!
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1. El Patio De Solé
- Location: Address: 718 Calle Cerra
- Price Range: $
This gem is in the heart of the Santurce murals. El Patio de Solé is a unique, quirky spot that’s worth checking out. The entire restaurant is open and decorated with stunning art and lush plants.
What’s special about this Puerto Rican restaurant is the cozy décor and the murals by local artists.
The food is exceptional, including fresh smoothies and excellent options for lunch, making it one of the best restaurants in Old San Juan during the day. Make sure to stop by El Patio if you’re looking to enjoy the food and art.
2. La Bombonera
- Location: 259 Viejo, Calle San Francisco
- Price Range: $ – $$
La Bombonera is one of the best and oldest restaurants in Old San Juan since this culinary landmark has been open since 1902. What’s their secret to their success? Their mallorcas—savory and sweet pastries filled with meat, egg, or vegetables. The fillings is pressed between sweet bread and then you have your mallorca.
La Bombonera is famous for their desserts and coffee. It’s an affordable diner-style restaurant that offers a mix between local charm and old-school decor.
3. Mercado Agrícola de Viejo San Juan
- Location: 150 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan. 00901, Puerto Rico
- Price Range: $
Every Saturday morning, close to El Morro, vendors line up in a farmer’s market to sell not only locally grown produce but also fresh sushi. Some local vendors sell fruit salad and coffee. It’s affordable and fun to connect to the local farmers and support them.
I love going to local markets in Latin America because to find the best produce and sample amazing street food. This is an experience you shouldn’t miss to enjoy a freshly prepared farm-to-table breakfast!
See also: 12 Reasons Why San Juan, Puerto Rico Should Be Your Top Caribbean Destination
4. Verde Mesa
- Location: 107 Calle Tetuan Esq
- Price Range: $$-$$$
Verde Mesa (green table) is one of the best San Juan restaurants to find delicious and healthy vegan and vegetarian options. Verde Mesa is one of the top restaurants in Old San Juan thanks to the fresh ingredients they use, including local fish and locally grown vegetables.
Their décor is stunning with a welcoming, rustic, and antique vibe. Make sure to look up and enjoy the handmade ceiling that everyone raves about! Going to Verde Mesa isn’t just about the delicious fresh food but about an unforgettable experience in Old San Juan.
5. Stuffed Avocado Shop
- Location: 209 Calle San Francisco
- Price Range: $ – $$
If you love avocados, Stuffed Avocado Shop is a must! Every bowl at this restaurant is based on a whole avocado. Then you can build your own bowl with your favorite toppings. You can choose the Mediterranean bowl, the BBQ bowl, or create your own flavor using your favorite ingredients. The small and cozy restaurant offers fresh ingredients.
It’s the kind of place where you see locals stop for lunch on a daily basis and travelers enjoying their fresh avocado bowls, making it the perfect spot to meet people and get to know the locals in San Juan.
6. Deaverdura
- Location: 200 C. del Sol, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
- Price Range: $ – $$
Deaverdura serves criolla (creole) food in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is another of the best restaurants in Old San Juan that blends local ingredients with African and Spanish influences. They serve tostones, fried meat, pastries, salads, and more. They’re known for bringing local street food into the kitchen and making it into a unique experience.
This corner restaurant draws crowds from all over the world to feast on its crispy croquettes and flavorful steaks served with rice, beans, and plantains. It’s close enough to the street to hear the local music playing in Old San Juan.
Check out: 10 Surprising Facts About Barceloneta, Puerto Rico
7. Lote 23
- Location: 1552 PR-25, San Juan
- Price Range: $ – $$
One of the best restaurants in Old San Juan for dinner is Lote 23. This restaurant is a food-truck-like experience with a variety of vendors that offer different cuisines. This is a great option if you’re traveling with a group and can’t find something everyone can agree on. The sandwiches are the best at Lote 23, and the fish, steak, tacos, and pastries are also a must!
Each food truck is unique in style with clever designs to enjoy while you wait for your freshly prepared food. This spot offers authentic Puerto Rican food as well as pizza, Asian cuisine, and more!
8. El Jibarito
- Location: 280 Calle Sol
- Price Range: $$
El Jibarito is one of the best restaurants in Old San Juan. They’re known for making the best mofongo in Puerto Rico.
Lots of locals go to El Jibarito, and it’s easy to understand why. They have some of the most authentic Puerto Rican food around, and the decor is brightly colored and unique.
This Puerto Rican restaurant combines traditional Puerto Rican Recipes with African, Indian, and Spanish influences. They’re open from 11 a.m. until nighttime.
9. La Casita
- Location: Calle Comercio
- Price Range: $$ – $$$
La Casita (the little house) is another one of the best San Juan restaurants you’ll want to check out. It’s a pink abode close to the marina in Old San Juan. Watch cruise ships rolling in and out while you enjoy your meal.
La Casita boasts a cheerful atmosphere and local music. They have a vast menu that includes chicken pizzas, fried meat, fish bites, dumplings, and more. This high-end restaurant serves both international food and local dishes. It’s the perfect location to try fresh fish and mofongo.
10. Café Cuatro Sombras
- Location: 259 Calle Recinto Sur
- Price Range: $ – $$
Café Cuatro Sombras (four shadows) is the perfect breakfast spot. They make a delicious breakfast sandwich with a cup of fresh Puerto Rican coffee.
This café is one of the best restaurants in Old San Juan thanks to their delicious pastries and sandwiches. They pay close attention to food presentation and provide their fair share of local dishes to try out.
The décor at Café Cuatro Sombras is vivid and original. Enjoy fine dining at Café Cuatro Sombras and the chill vibe at this diner-style restaurant.
Eat and Learn Spanish in Puerto Rico
Food is a huge part of Puerto Rican culture. It’s great to get excited about ordering your favorite Latin American food on your next trip.
There are so many benefits of becoming bilingual! By learning Spanish, you gain the ability to teach yourself and your family an increasingly useful language. Also, learning a language helps you improve your cognition and decision-making abilities. It’s both fun and educational!
Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy before your trip to Puerto Rico and be ready to order your favorite dishes at any restaurant. We serve learners of every level, including total beginners. Check out our programs, prices, and testimonials to find out more!
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