“Eat” listings
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LA TASCA DE YIYO
It may not be fancy, but this spot is fun and the food is fabulous. Fill up on generous portions of tasty Cuban and Creole cuisine and lots of fresh seafood. It’s your lucky day if the specials happen to include arroz con pollo, a classic local rice and chicken dish. $ (01/2011)
1753 Loiza St, Santurce
787-728-5009 -
DUNBAR’S
This popular pub and eatery is San Juan’s version of Cheers, with a loyal following of locals who come for heaping helpings of international cuisine and laidback island atmosphere. The fl ash-fried calamari, Swiss cheese croquettes and bamboo-steamed dim sum are to die for. $$ (01/2011)
9 Arbolote St, Guaynabo
787-999-0999
dunbarsrestaurant.com -
LA MALLORCA
This is one of the city’s oldest restaurants (it’s even earned landmark status), and feasting on the powdered-sugar-coated signature Spanish pastry for which it is named is a local tradition. The décor, menu and waitstaff haven’t changed in decades (fortunately, they’re all enjoyable). $ (11/2010)
300 San Francisco St
787-724-4607 -
YERBA BUENA
This unpretentious Latin sidewalk café and bistro will transport you to Havana, especially if you treat yourself to a classic mojito, the house specialty. It’s billed as Caribbean cuisine, but everything has a heavy Cuban influence, including the sumptuous ropa vieja. $$$ (11/2010)
1350 Ashford Ave
787-721-5700
yerbabuenapr.com -
LIMA
Expect a chic New York-style ambience and impressive contemporary Peruvian cuisine and cocktails at this popular eatery known for its mouthwatering ceviches and nearly two dozen drinks fueled with pisco (a traditional Peruvian liquor). $$$ (09/2010)
667 Ponce de Leon Ave, Miramar
787-725-1597
limarestaurante.com -
LA PLAYITA RESTAURANT & WINE LOUNGE
This cozy waterfront eatery is a tranquil oasis on bustling Isla Verde Beach. It offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu and an extensive selection of wine and artisan beer. $$ (06/2010)
6 Amapola St, Isla Verde
787-791-1115
hotellaplaya.com -
FONTANA DI ROMA
With its panoramic view of metro San Juan and Isla Verde Beach, this may be the most romantic dining room on the island. Housemade gnocchi and seafood risotto with saffron are popular dinner choices. $$$ (05/2010)
4820 Isla Verde Ave, Isla Verde
787-982-3992
fontanadiromapr.com -
AUGUSTO RESTAURANT
Fine dining in Puerto Rico doesn’t get much fancier than this. Contemporary French dishes include lobster risotto and sautéed foie gras with lavender French toast and vanilla peach marmalade. $$$$ (05/2010)
At the Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar • 801 Ponce de Leon Ave, Miramar
787-725-4620
marriott.com -
JAM RUM BAR & BISTRO MODERNE
The only things more impressive than the chic décor at this hip, modern bistro are the eclectic rum-based cocktails (like the kiwi libre, with kiwi purée, lime juice and rum) and Caribbean-Latin tapas. $$$ (04/2010)
1400 Magdelena Ave, Condado
787-721-5991 -
WASABI
This Asian-fusion café takes traditional sushi and kicks it up a notch by adding a Puerto Rican touch. Don’t miss out on the tasty criollo sushi rolls, like the “batata crunchy,” with jalapeño crab salad and sweet-potato fl akes. $$ (03/2010)
1372 Ashford Ave, Condado
787-724-6411
wasabicondado.com -
PIROPO
Just around the corner from the lively Santurce La Placita, this rustic restaurant and bar is an oasis for enjoying frosty libations and modern Puerto Rican appetizers, like risotto croquettes stuffed with shrimp and salmon. $$ (01/2010)
1361 Iturriaga, Santurce
787-723-5577 -
PIKAYO
The new home of local chef Wilo Benet’s flagship restaurant pairs European flair with Puerto Rican soul, much like his inventive fusion cuisine. Try the eggplant caviar-stuffed mushrooms with a chorizo emulsion. $$$$ (01/2010)
999 Ashford Ave
888-722-1274
condadoplaza.com
