The Best Places to Eat in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is absolutely one of my favorite destinations to travel to, especially Old San Juan. Not only is a passport not required, but there are many nonstop flight options from the mainland U.S.A. It is a great location to travel for a weekend getaway, week-long vacation, a pre-departure stay prior to getting on a cruise ship in Old San Juan or as a post-departure stay after your return. I always recommend to my clients who are cruising out of Old San Juan to stay a few days and enjoy the sites and most importantly, the FOOD. Ohh my…the FOOD is AMAZING. If you love experiencing local restaurants and having a true cultural experience, this is the place for you!
My children, especially my daughter, are obsessed with going to Puerto Rico, specifically Old San Juan. If you ask her where she wants to go, she will likely tell you…Puerto Rico! This was the first place she travelled to when she was 8 months old, prior to getting on a cruise ship to the Southern Caribbean aboard the Adventure of the Seas. We took her and my son back to Old San Juan, December 2019 (pre-covid), and their love for Puerto Rico continues.
Did I mention that she is a super picky eater? Even she LOVES going to Old San Juan for the food. She will willingly admit that she loves the Alcapurrias and Pastelillos de Pollo at Rest. El Jibarito the best! The Pina Coladas (“non-happy”) she determined were her favorite at Barrachina, “birthplace of the famous Pina Coladas.” Although I agree they are super tasty, she was so fascinated by the umbrella in her very own “special” drink.
Throughout the years with my own travels, I have tried and tested many local eateries in Old San Juan and have determined my absolute favorites to share with you for your own travel!
Be sure to let me know if you get to try any of my favorite eateries on your next getaway, hopefully booked by Kasey J Travel, LLC!
Rest. El Jibarito- 280 Calle Sol (1-787-725-8375)
This is by far one of my absolute favorite local places, agreed with by the rest of my family! The atmosphere in here is so welcoming, kid-friendly, and super casual. The employees are fantastic, especially Ms. Wanda, who is one of our favorites! I highly recommend getting several appetizers such as Alcapurrias, Pastelillos de Pollo, Bolitas de Queso frito and Sorrillitos for the table. For entrees, you cannot go wrong with Pollo en salsa criolla, Pastel de Mase de platano rellendo de Cerdo, or the Bistec Encebollado with mofongo side (ask for the garlic sauce to put on the mofongo*). For drinks, you MUST just go ahead and order a pitcher of Sangria! It is the BEST
Café El Punto- 105 Calle Fortaleza (1-787-723-7159)
Casual local eatery famed for their Ceviche and “Stuffed Specialties.” I highly recommend Mariscada o Ceviche Pescado (Fish ceviche in Avocado) and the Camarones o Jueyes Tostones (Shrimp Plantain Cups). However, everything is excellent, and you cannot go wrong! Be sure to try their house hot sauce. It is fantastic and you can purchase it to bring home (be sure to put in checked baggage and wrap securely in clothes*)
Rincón Ibérico- Interior Courtyard - Ballajá Barracks, Calle Norzagaray (1-787-725-5936)
For the best paella in Puerto Rico, you must go here! The prices for Paella are priced so well and the quality is superb! It is a little tricky to find though. The signs are not the absolute best, but it is a hidden gem. You must enter the courtyard (yellow building and you really would not think a restaurant would be in here, but it is!) If you are close to Castillo San Felipe del Morro (can see it in the distance when on the street), then you are likely in the right area. The Paella Valenciana is divine and easily be shared among 2 people. Sangria and Croquetas are the perfect accompaniments! Be sure to check out their desserts as well and ask if the chef has a special for the day. All are amazing, with my favorite being the flan de coco.
Raíces- 315 Calle Recinto Sur (1-787-289-2121)
Popular local restaurant with a diverse Puerto Rican menu and amazing flavored mojitos. I highly recommend the Fish Tacos Primia’o (I cannot stress the need to get these enough!) as well as the Camarones a la criolla stuffed mofongo. Try the festival tipico for an array of Puerto Rican appetizers for the perfect starter!
Barrachina- 104 Calle Fortaleza (1-787-725-7912)
This is likely one of the most popular tourist restaurants and it is “the home of the Pina Colada.” Wait times may occasionally get long during busy times of the year and the evenings. A reservation is a good idea.
For appetizers, try the Grouper fritters or Special Sampler. For an entrée, try the whole red snapper or the fried plantain canoe stuffed with shrimp, steak, or chicken. And finally, try the Pina Colada!
Desserts
Chocobar Cortés- 210 Calle San Francisco (1-787-722-0499)
Excellent place for an afternoon or morning pastry stop with the divine smells of chocolate throughout the eatery.
Grab a pastry box that has an assortment of their pastries!
Try a chocolate cocktail or any of their café drinks and relax!
Cafetería Mallorca- 300 Calle San Francisco (1-787-724-4607)
Great diner for breakfast with incredible pastries. Super casual, laid back vibe.
Be sure to try to a Mallorca (ham and cheese is my favorite but they are all great).
They also have the BEST quesitos here (Puerto Rican Cheese Filled Pastries).