5 of the best restaurants in San Juan

Coming to San Juan?... These are Nana’s top places to visit in San Juan.

If you are looking for some traditional food…

La Casita Blanca 

La Casita Blanca is a Puerto Rican staple. The idea behind this restaurant was to make you feel as if you were visiting your grandma’s house, and, as always, she wants to make sure everyone is well fed! Everything from the plates to the décor to the people makes you feel like you are in a familiar setting. In the last few years, it has become a must-visit restaurant for tourists, but for locals, it has always been our family restaurant. Let’s start with all the complementary food that you receive: a complementary soup made from plantains and my absolute favorite Puerto Rican dish (that I can eat twenty in one single sitting) Bacalaitos (fried cod). Each time I have visited, I try to choose something different, but my go-to meal is carne frita con arroz y habichuelas y un side de amarillos (fried pork with rice and beans and sweet plantains). And as the perfect companion to my fantastic meal, I always order fresh juice; my favorite parcha (or passion fruit – really embodies those island vibes). There are two locations of la Casita, one in la Calle Tapia and another in Miramar. My tip is to visit the original one in Tapia for a natural feel of Puerto Rico.  

Casita Blanca 

351 Calle Tapia 

If you are looking for some Puerto Rican fusion, treat yourself moment… 

Santaella 

This is your “material gurl” night out in San Juan! José Santaella is one of the most sought-after Puerto Rican chefs, and his food proves his gift for creating exquisite plates. Established in 2011, Santaella became a staple in our community’s gastronomy! Chef Santaella has created a unique experience for locals and tourists to experience Puerto Rican cuisine with a twist. Starting with a fantastic wine and delicious cocktail list, you can’t go wrong with a sandía mojito (watermelon mojito). Their aperitivo game is strong: I would recommend their croquetas de bacalao y berenjena (cod and eggplant croquettes) if they have them available. For the main, I adore their camarones alajillo (shrimp with a garlic sauce) and their arroz mamposteao (a Puerto Rican classic). But anything you try in Santaella, I can guarantee, will be unique. For dessert, try their Baked Alaska with a fruity twist to end the night in the best way possible. After your fantastic dinner, head out to la Placita for a night out the Puerto Rican way! 

Santaella 

219 Calle Canals 

If you are looking for a solid brunch… 

Tía Cocina 

Tía Cocina quite literally translates to your aunt’s kitchen. The concept behind this iconic brunch restaurant was to make you feel as if you were visiting your cool, young, vibrant aunt to have some mimosas, pancakes, and a good chat. Although Tía is located a bit far from the San Juan center, I still recommend visiting if you have some time in PR. They are most famous for their lemon meringue pancakes that we all love and adore. They offer great coffee, as many places in PR do, and some solid sandwiches if you like more of a salty brunch! However, I will never go to Tía without having their watermelon basil lemonade. It is refreshing, just the perfect sweet, and an excellent drink for a hot Puerto Rican day! I highly recommend visiting Tía whenever you are in San Juan! 

Tía Cocina 

3009 Ave Alejandrino 

If you are looking for some cocktails… 

Bar la Unidad 

If you know me, I love a good speakeasy, especially one that is a staple in my neighborhood! Located in Miramar, La Unidad emulates this dark, golden, smokey vibe we all want and deserve after a good day out at the beach. You will find La Unidad under a red light in Calle Cuevillas, and I can guarantee a good night out with spectacular cocktails! If you remember my first article, I talked (preached) about Bisou! What I adored about la Unidad is that if you don’t want one of their excellent (genuinely unique) cocktails, they will ask you what you like and prepare you an excellent drink (as if they needed to convince me more to love them). If you decide to have a drink from their menu, please try their 10 x the Fun (a pop rocks gin drink that is absolutely fun and delicious). Reserve ahead, as she is the popular kid on the block!  

Bar la Unidad 

562 Calle Cuevilla 

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