Nestled amidst the cobblestone streets and vibrant colonial architecture of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, lies a culinary scene as rich and diverse as the island itself. From cozy cafes to lively bars, the district beckons with a tapestry of flavors that reflect its Spanish, African, and Taino heritage. Join me as we explore some must-visit restaurants in San Juan, where food and history intertwine seamlessly.
As you experience the tastes of Old San Juan, you should also consider all the fun things to do in San Juan also!
Must-Try Restaurants in Old San Juan
Deaverdura: A Taste of Puerto Rican Tradition
The one place you must eat when you visit Old San Juan. This is the best Puerto Rican food available in Old San Juan. Hands down. If you eat in one place, it must be here. I have never been let down while having a meal here. Even during our first visit, when there were rolling brownouts post-hurricane, they served us a fantastic, authentic meal without power. It is usually my first meal in San Juan; if possible, I visit more than once. The delivery of fresh plantains sets them apart from many of the other restaurants that serve frozen plantains.
If you don’t want to wait in line forever, I suggest getting there before the open to queue. The available food is handwritten on a chalkboard, and some of the best dishes run out before the end of service. The restaurant offers classics like mofongo, a dish of mashed plantains with garlic and pork cracklings, alongside fresh seafood and roasted pork. If you haven’t had Puerto Rican food, I suggest the platter. You will get some of everything, be incredibly satisfied, and leave happy and full.
Cannon Club: Tapas, Pianos, y Cocteles
Do you want to feel like you have stepped back into the 1700’s? Don’t miss this spot. The Cannon Club is a great find because you will get some excellent tapas plates and hear exquisite performances on Steinway pianos. Start with a cocktail, like the pina colada or a daiquiri, and then switch to some wine as you order Spanish tapas dishes with a distinct Borinquen flavor. You can eat al fresco, in the bar, or in the piano lounge.
I highly recommend the croquettes, and if you have never had bacalao, definitely start there. Don’t be put off by the salted cod–I promise it will be fantastic. Bacalao is very common in Puerto Rico, and this dish does it very well. All the drinks are good, but the Sangria really stands out as something special. It is the perfect mix of flavors and pairs well with everything, including the heat.
Cafe Caleta: A Breakfast Must
Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Cafe Caleta is the best breakfast spot in the city. Whether you’re craving a fantastic cortado, a flavorful pastry, a refreshing salad, or a flavorful seafood dish, this charming cafe delivers dishes highlighting the region’s culinary diversity. We accidentally discovered this place one morning while looking for breakfast and were so happy to find it. During one of our trips, we went there three days in a row for breakfast and had something different and fantastic every day.
I mentioned the cortado but discovered the espresso and tonic with lemon while there. It was a refreshing morning drink with a great caffeine kick. If you are going with someone, one person should order the Japanese omelet, which is soft and savory, and the other person should get the challah French toast, which has the exact amount of sweetness needed.
Great Stops in Old San Juan
Spiga: Sandwiches and Pastries Rule
We have been back to Spiga for breakfast every time we have visited Old San Juan. This quaint coffee shop has terrific breakfast sandwiches and pastries besides a fantastic cappuccino or latte. The Ham + Brie + Fig sandwich is a sweet and savory treat, and all the omelets are delicious. As far as which pastry to choose, the answer is yes. There aren’t a lot of tables, and they are usually very full, so if you can grab a seat inside, you can take your breakfast across the street and go to the park. Don’t forget to pat the greeter on the head and maybe boop their snoot as you come in.
Princesa: Fine Dining with Old World Charm
Step into Princesa and be transported to a bygone era of elegance and refinement. This restaurant, housed in a historic building that is a bit hard to find at night (it’s on the right, I promise), offers a menu that blends traditional Puerto Rican flavors with modern culinary techniques. From tender filet mignon to delicately prepared plantain soufflé, every dish is a masterpiece crafted to delight the senses and satisfy the palate. Try their changing selection of cocktails, but the El Jibarito is a good standard. The pork belly elicited many oohs and ahhs for entrees, but I think the clear winner was the Lobster risotto.
Since lobster has been mentioned, I have a side story. When my Grandma lived in Puerto Rico as a child, she frequently ate lobster. They could go into the water of Mayguez and pull them out without any issue. Lobster was for the poor people back then. How times have changed…
El Jibarito: Authentic Puerto Rican Cuisine
A beloved institution in Old San Juan, El Jibarito celebrates traditional Puerto Rican flavors with a menu that includes favorites like arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), tostones (fried plantains), and mofongo. This restaurant offers a glimpse into the heart of Puerto Rican culinary heritage. The dishes that caught my heart (and taste buds) were the mini alcapurrias and pasteles. If you have never had pasteles, you must try them before you leave Old San Juan. They are similar to a tamale, but instead of corn husks, they are wrapped in a banana leaf and filled with plantains, taro, and meat. El Jibarito or Deaverdura will be the best places to get authentic options.
A Short Trip from Old San Juan
787 Coffee: Puerto Rican Coffee Culture
787 Coffee is a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts in Old San Juan. This cozy cafe serves some of the finest Puerto Rican coffee and provides an immersive experience of the island’s rich coffee culture. Savor expertly brewed espresso or a creamy café con leche paired perfectly with homemade pastries or a light breakfast. The friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make 787 Coffee a perfect spot to start your day or take a relaxing break. We took home a bag of the whiskey-infused coffee beans, and I have enjoyed them as an espresso ever since. There are several locations around San Juan, but I enjoy the one across from Condado near the Hilton.
Kioska el Boricua: Street Food Extravaganza
Beyond sit-down restaurants, Kioska el Boricua offers a lively Puerto Rican street food feast. You know this place is good because hardly any tourists are standing in line; it is mostly locals. From alcapurrias (deep-fried fritters filled with meat or seafood) to empanadillas (savory turnovers), this bustling food stall is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables or walk over to the beach, soak in the lively atmosphere, and indulge in these flavorful bites that showcase the island’s culinary diversity. The bacalaito is to die for, but like most Puerto Rican food, this is all deep-fried. Be prepared to pay with cash and come with some Spanish phrases prepped to order your food.
Santaella: Contemporary Puerto Rican Cuisine
For a taste of innovative Puerto Rican cuisine in a stylish setting, Santaella delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Helmed by Chef José Santaella, this restaurant combines traditional flavors with modern flair. Try their signature dishes like lechón (roast pork) sliders or yuca gnocchi with sofrito, paired with a craft cocktail from their extensive bar menu. The ambiance is chic yet welcoming, perfect for intimate dinners and lively gatherings. We enjoyed this fancy dinner to offset our usual diet of fried street foods. You also get to visit the bustling neighborhood of Santruce, which has excellent nightlife.
Best Bars in Old San Juan
As night falls, Old San Juan comes alive with its vibrant nightlife, offering a plethora of bars and lounges where you can unwind with a drink in hand.
La Cubanita: Salsa and Mojitos
Many people miss this little spot next to La Factoria; for my money, it’s better. La Cubanita has some of my favorite cocktails in Old San Juan. A regular daiquiri was my go-to drink. Remember that your daiquiri will be classic in Puerto Rico–not frozen. The dark interiors are perfect for a warm night, the rotating menu of specialty cocktails will keep you interested, and this is the spot if you want some excellent, neat rum. I discovered the Don Q vermouth cask finish here and immediately bought a bottle to take home.
The Mezzanine: Rooftop Views and Craft Cocktails
We discovered this place as a happy accident while waiting for Deaverdura to open. It’s across the street and upstairs. We love the place so much that we had the welcome party for our wedding here. The Mezzanine makes a luxuriously fantastic cocktail. Even the simple ones are amazing. The three ingredients in the Free Homeland cocktail taste even better here, and the Rum Old-Fashioned deserves a chef’s kiss. Sip on a signature drink while taking in the sunset over the city skyline, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Barrachina: Birthplace of the Piña Colada
No visit to Old San Juan is complete without a stop at Barrachina, the historic birthplace of the iconic Piña Colada. Nestled in a charming courtyard, this bar has been serving its famous cocktail since 1963. Savor the creamy blend of pineapple, coconut, and rum under the shade of swaying palms and toast to the flavors of paradise. While the piña colada is fantastic, the food is just okay, so if you only have a short time in San Juan, grab food elsewhere.
Antiguo 26: Cozy Elegance and Local Flavors
This bar is near the touristy cruise ship area, which I generally avoid, but it is worth the stop. They serve some tremendous basic cocktails like the Dark and Stormy, but several others are not to miss, such as the Piragua and La Piquina. The bar’s menu highlights local ingredients and flavors, with bartenders who skillfully mix traditional Puerto Rican spirits with contemporary twists. You can enjoy some small bites, which is brilliant because you will likely be here for a while trying several different drinks.
In Old San Juan, every meal tells a story, and every sip celebrates culture, history, and passion. Whether you’re savoring street food at Kioska el Boricua, dining in elegance at Santaella, or enjoying cocktails with a view at The Mezzanine, you’ll find that the flavors and spirits of this enchanting city leave an indelible mark on your journey. So come, explore, and let the culinary and cocktail treasures of Old San Juan enrich your senses and ignite your spirit of adventure.
There is 1 comment