Top Restaurants in Puerto Rico

The Best Restaurants in Puerto Rico: Top Picks for Every Craving
Puerto Rico is more than just beautiful beaches and tropical adventures — it’s a culinary paradise bursting with bold flavors, local ingredients, and unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re craving fresh-caught seafood, authentic Puerto Rican dishes, or decadent desserts, the island offers something delicious at every turn. From casual kiosks to fine dining with a view, here are the restaurants you absolutely don’t want to miss while exploring Puerto Rico.
🐟 La Parrilla – Best Seafood (Luquillo)
-
Address: PR‑193, Mata de Plátano, Luquillo, PR 00773
-
Average Cost: $15–$25
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Grilled octopus and local lobster, paired with a margarita
-
Why You’ll Love It: Located in the famous Luquillo Kiosks, La Parrilla serves fresh, locally sourced seafood in a laid-back beach setting.
- Pro Tip: Go at sunset and ask to sit upstairs. You will have an unobstructed view on the beach and the sunset.
🔥 La Estación – Best BBQ (Fajardo)
-
Address: Carr. 987 Km 4.2, Fajardo, PR 00738
-
Average Cost: $20–$35
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Nuyorican ribs and grilled fish of the day with a local craft beer
-
Why You’ll Love It: A converted gas station turned open-air smokehouse, this spot is famous for its Caribbean BBQ and cool island vibes.
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation! This is one of the best overall restaurants in Puerto Rico. You are not guaranteed a table if you just walk in.
🌄 Richie’s Restaurant – Best View (Río Grande)
-
Address: Carr. 9966 Km 3.3, Río Grande, PR 00745
-
Average Cost: $25–$40
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Fresh seafood platter and a house mojito
-
Why You’ll Love It: Perched in the hills of Río Grande, Richie’s offers sweeping mountain and ocean views with every bite.
- Pro Tip: Order the Richie’s Drink! You won’t regret it …and you probably won’t be able to walk straight when you leave!
🍕 Revolution Pizza – Best Pizza (Luquillo)
-
Address: PR-3, Luquillo, PR 00773
-
Average Cost: $12–$18
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Margherita pizza and a local draft beer
-
Why You’ll Love It: This casual stop near the beach delivers crispy, thin-crust pizza that hits the spot after a day in the sun.
- Pro Tip: You can order by the slice or an entire pie. This is the closest you’ll get to NYC-style pizza outside on the New York City!
🍽️ Don Pepe – Best Mofongo (Río Grande)
-
Address: Carr. 3 Km 16.8, Río Grande, PR 00745
-
Average Cost: $12–$20
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Shrimp mofongo with a piña colada
-
Why You’ll Love It: Don Pepe serves up Puerto Rico’s favorite comfort food — mashed plantains packed with bold flavor.
- Pro Tip: Don’t get distracted by the other items on the menu. You’re there for the mofongo!
🍹 El Rincón de Falette – Best Mojito (Río Grande)
-
Address: PR‑968, Río Grande, PR 00745
-
Average Cost: $8–$16
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Tapas and a classic mojito
-
Why You’ll Love It: A cozy, local favorite where the mojitos are legendary and the vibe is always relaxed.
- Pro Tip: They can make any flavor of mojito! Be creative!
🥟 Birra & Empanadas – Best Empanadas (Old San Juan)
-
Address: 304 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan, PR 00901
-
Average Cost: $3–$6 per empanada
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Braised beef empanada with craft beer
-
Why You’ll Love It: Tucked in the heart of Old San Juan, this spot is a must for handheld flavor bombs and ice-cold brews.
- Pro Tip: The chorizo empanadas are the best!
🌆 Al Fresco Rooftop Wine Bar – Best Rooftop Spot (Old San Juan)
-
Address: 201 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan, PR 00901
-
Average Cost: $15–$25
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Cheese & charcuterie with a glass of sparkling wine
-
Why You’ll Love It: Enjoy panoramic views of San Juan with a wine in hand and soft music in the background.
- Pro Tip: Go at night! The lights and sound of Old San Juan are magical at night! …and be prepared for a hike up a LOT of stairs!
🍳 Latin Gyros – Best Breakfast (Luquillo)
-
Address: 352 Cll Fernández Garcia, Luquillo, 00773
-
Average Cost: $8–$12
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Breakfast gyro with tropical juice
-
Why You’ll Love It: Don’t be fooled by the name… The breakfast at Latin Gyros won’t disappoint and the service is incredible!
- Pro Tip: Play a drinking game… every time the staff calls you “Familia”, YOU DRINK!
🍰 Cheesecake Fun by Lury – Best Dessert (Río Grande)
-
Address: Las Vistas Shopping Center, Río Grande, PR 00745
-
Average Cost: $5–$8 per slice
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Classic cheesecake and cold brew coffee
-
Why You’ll Love It: A dessert lover’s dream with creative cheesecake flavors and rich textures.
- Pro Tip: Check to make sure it’s open before you go. This place is on island time!
🍪 Drunken Cookies – Best Cookies (Old San Juan)
-
Address: 204 Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan, PR 00901
-
Average Cost: $3–$5 per cookie
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Rum-infused chocolate chip cookie with milk
-
Why You’ll Love It: Late-night cookie cravings meet Puerto Rican flair in this fun and flavorful bakery.
- Pro Tip: The line moves quickly! Don’t miss out just because the line is long.
🥩 Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Best Steak (Carolina)
-
Address: 7014 Isla Verde Ave, Carolina, PR 00979
-
Average Cost: $40–$60 per entrée
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Ribeye steak and Old Fashioned cocktail
-
Why You’ll Love It: For a special night out, Ruth’s Chris delivers five-star service, perfectly cooked steaks, and classic cocktails.
- Pro Tip: Come ready to eat! This will be the best meal you eat all year.
🍹Best Piña Colada – Barrachina (Old San Juan)
-
Address: 104 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan, PR 00901
-
Average Plate: $14–$25
-
Most Popular Dish & Drink: Original Piña Colada
- Why You’ll Love It: Birthplace of the original piña colada, Barrachina is a must-visit for anyone craving a creamy, tropical escape in a glass.
-
Pro Tip: There are 2 lines for takeout drinks. One outside and one inside. Tell the host that you need to use the restroom and walk directly to the line by the bar.
Whether you’re a foodie seeking local flavors or a traveler looking to savor the best of Puerto Rico, this hand-picked list will help you eat like a local — and love every bite.