Santaella

Name: Santaella
Address: 219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR, United States, 00907
Telephone: (787) 722-7600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (4007)

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

11:30 PM

Booked 84 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Hot spot

Chef José Santaella refined his culinary expertise with top chefs like Ferrán Adrià, Eric Ripert, and Gary Danko. His years of apprenticeships and a thriving catering career led to opening *Santaella* in Santurce’s La Placita Marketplace. The restaurant offers a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, with exposed brick walls, Edison lights, an indoor garden, and a stylish bar. Chef Santaella creatively combines local and international ingredients, crafting Puerto Rican nouvelle cuisine. The tapas-focused menu features favorites like ahi tuna skewers, goat cheese quesadillas, crab-topped ‘alcapurrias,’ and foie gras terrine with fruit jelly. Known for its vibrant ambiance, *Santaella* also boasts one of the island’s best cocktail bars, with expertly crafted drinks by its skilled mixologists. Praised as a culinary treasure in San Juan, *Santaella* impresses with "amazing food," "exceptional service," and "top-tier cocktails." Ideal for special events or memorable evenings, it’s a must-visit.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Puerto Rican, Contemporary Latin, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(787) 722-7600
Website
http://www.santaellapr.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef José Santaella
Catering
For Caterings, please contact: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218
Private party facilities
For Group Dining Inquiries please visit our website at: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907
Neighborhood
San Juan
Cross street
La Placita de Santurce
Parking details
Santaella has valet parking thru Valera Parking ($10) and there are also two public, paid parkings nearby.
Public transit
Stop #19. Bus lines: A5, B21, M3, B16
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

Large Group Prix Fixe Menu
$125.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Enjoy a delicious selection of dishes perfectly sized for your group. Select from a variety of dishes to create your custom Santaella 3-course prix fixe menu. Visit our menu section at santaellapr.com to view our group menu options or email us at reservations@santaellapr.com with any questions. Once booked, we will follow up with you to select desired menu. Group menus are required for parties of 11 or more guests. THIS EXPERIENCE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.
Late Night Bar Access
Multiple dates available
Bar Access - only for drinks @ bar! Kitchen closed.
Rooftop Experience
May 4, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
Azotea by Santaella is a chic rooftop bar and restaurant in San Juan's Santurce district, set above the renowned Santaella Restaurant. Known for its relaxed, stylish open-air setting with cityscape and sunset views, Azotea attracts locals and tourists alike. The menu spotlights Puerto Rican-inspired dishes with international influences, featuring fresh seafood, light, shareable plates, and creative cocktails, including Puerto Rican twists. With a curated wine and beer list, lush decor and music. Azotea delivers a vibrant nightlife experience ideal for romantic dates, group outings, or scenic relaxation. Sunday Menu on the Rooftop: https://www.josesantaella.com/azotea-menu/

Popular dishes

Sandía Mojito$17.00
bacardi superior, fresh watermelon, mint, fresh lemon & lime juice
Perfect Lady$17.00
citron vodka, santaella herbal syrup, st. germain, fresh lemon and lime juice. egg whites and lavender
Spicy Paloma$17.00
Mezcal, tequila, pink grapefruit juice, lemon, ginger soda, crushed red pepper spicy salted rim. Garnished with dehydrated citrus
Paper Plane$17.00
woodford reserve bourbon whiskey, cappelletti aperitif, amaro, lime juice
Barrilito Daiquiri$17.00
ron del barrilito 3 stars, fresh lime and lemon juice, apricot brandy, angostura bitters, burned orange peel
Placita Martini$17.00
bacardi superior and bacardi 8 aged rum, fresh coconut water, cinammon syrup & bitters
Jibarito Mule$17.00
bacardi 8 añejo tum, hot pepper-infused syrup, fresh lemon & lime juice, ginger beer
Parchita$17.00
bacardi 4 añejo rum, fresh passion fruit, agave, lemon & lime juice, ginger juice
Tamarind Margarita$17.00
tequila silver, puréed tamarind juice, cointreau, fresh lemon & lime juice, cinnamon-infused syrup. served up or over ice. salted rim.
Jalapeño Margarita$17.00
patrón silver tequila, jalapeño-infused syrup, fresh lemon & lime juice, orange liqueur, salted rim
Oaxaca Old Fashioned$19.00
zacapa 23 rum, mezcal, honey, 'sal de gusano', garnished with dehydrated orange
Spiced Old Fashioned$19.00
bacardi 8 aged rum, angostura bitters and all spiced syrup
Santa Guanábana$17.00
white rum, fresh guanábana (Soursop) pulp, fresh l&l juice, dark chocolate dust & basil.
Golden Family$17.00
Bacardi 8 añejo rum, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, sage and ginger infused syrup, bitters. Gold leaf garnish
Lady Bullet$17.00
woodford reserve bourbon, fig marmalade, lavender syrup, orange bitters & lime juice
Butterfly Knee$17.00
gin, honey, rosemary, lemon juice, butterfly pea tea, orange bitters
Tito's Mule$17.00
tito's vodka, simple syrup, fresh lime and lemon juice, house-made ginger beer
Santaella Side Car$19.00
hennessy vs cognac, orange liquor, angostura bitters and fresh lime juice
Carajillo$17.00
espresso coffee & licor 43

Martinis

Classic Martini$18.00
Gin or Vodka? Dry, Dirty or Perfect? Shaken or Stirred? Bitters? Your Martini your way
Cosmopolitan$17.00
vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice
Espresso Martini$18.00
Grey goose vodka, tequila reposado, espresso shot, coffee liquor, chocolate bitters. Garnished with coffee beans and powdered sugar

Negronis

Classic Negroni$17.00
gin, sweet vermouth, campari, orange

Luxury Cocktails

Casameloni$25.00
casa dragones blanco, cocchi americano, watermelon aperitif liquore
Green Dragon$25.00
casa dragones blanco, agave, lime, ancho reyes verde, pineapple tepache

What 4,007 people are saying

Santaella reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Caribbean
Puerto Rican
Caribbean
Most Booked
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican
Puerto Rico
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Santaella offers an exceptional dining experience in San Juan, blending Puerto Rican fusion cuisine with upscale ambiance. Guests rave about "fantastic food and service," highlighting dishes like sea bass, Nutella sandwich, and creative cocktails. The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. Reservations recommended.

4,007 Reviews

j
jam
Dallas - Fort Worth2 reviews
1.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We made a confirmed reservation for Santaella through OpenTable for a Sunday evening, fully expecting the celebrated experience of this renowned restaurant. However, upon arrival, we were shocked to discover that the restaurant had been completely replaced with a new concept, new staff, and an entirely different menu — with zero on OpenTable I Instead of apologizing for the confusion or taking even a moment to acknowledge the error, the staff tried pin the blame on us for not “reading the signs.” That is an outrageous excuse when our reservation, photos, and confirmation all clearly indicated Santaella — not whatever new place has taken over the location. Their attitude was dismissive, petty, and frankly unprofessional. They offered no accommodation, no apology, and no courtesy. It is unacceptable to mislead paying customers with a bait-and-switch situation, then gaslight them for showing up in good faith with a valid reservation. Be warned: if you book “Santaella” through OpenTable, you may walk into a completely different restaurant run by people who refuse to own up to their lack of communication — and who will treat you as the problem if you dare to question it. Shame on this management team for their arrogant and condescendingg handling of loyal diners. We will never return Also, instead of acknowledging their error, they fired back with a smug, sarcastic reply — completely unprofessional. That kind of attitude comes straight from the top, and it shows they have no interest in learning from mistakes or making things right. It’s a shame, because no matter how nice the décor is, you can’t fix a restaurant with leadership that refuses to own up to its flaws. Respect goes both ways, and they clearly haven’t figured that out.
SantaellaResponded 2 days ago
Oh wow — thank you for the breaking news! Yes, the restaurant isn’t open Sundays… just like it clearly says everywhere during the booking process (but hey, reading is hard). And yes, your reservation was very clearly for the rooftop — the one with the different menu, different staff, and, wait for it… the OUTDOOR part. We didn’t sneak you up there in the middle of the night with a blindfold. It’s not a plot twist — it’s a rooftop. 🌇 But hey, next time we’ll include smoke signals, carrier pigeons, and a Broadway musical to let you know. Thanks for the feedback!
3 people found this helpful
T
Theresa
Charlotte4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We LOVE this restaurant! The food is amazing, the ambience is warm and modern, and the service excellent. We come to Puerto Rico 3-4 times per year to visit family and we always look forward to dining at Santaella every time. Highly recommend!!
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L
Lorimar VIP
Houston20 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Eduardo was our server and he was great! Attentive, recommendations right on. It makes the restaurant stand out. The restaurant was packed so the noise level was substantial. The cocktail I had was outstanding Lady Bullet since I’m a bourbon lover! excellent food and service.
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
Caribbean3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Experience was fantastic from valet parking service and food.
Is this helpful?
O
Omar VIP
Caribbean25 reviews
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing place, very good food and excellent service.
Is this helpful?
P
PJ
Tampa / Central Florida West4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our dining experience (Wife & I) was absolutely amazing! This would not have been possible without the outstanding service provided by our server Eduardo. He knew the entire menu front and back. He guided us through the entire selection process of selecting multiple small bite plates to be able to enjoy and taste multiple local and international flavors as well drinks that would pair perfectly with the food. Definitely that the personnel are more than well trained, they are natural born servers and pleasers. Every single plate was perfectly cooked and prepared. We initiated with the Ahi Tuna cabobs (pinchos), alcapurrias topped with crab (cangrejo), ahi tuna tacos. For main dish, the wife and I shared the cazuela de garbanzos y chorizo con pulpitos al jerez (chickpea and chorizo casserole with baby octopus). And for a perfect close out we had the pot de crème (salted caramel pot de crème) which blew my socks off! Once again, Gracias Eduardo!
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M
Matthew
Las Vegas1 review
5.0
Dined on June 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
When a server comes back only every half an hour to see if we want more drinks… It needs to be more frequent than that. Plus, the server only came back when we summoned him. Attend to your table better.
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C
Chef Rory
Caribbean1 review
5.0
Dined on June 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Alex is the most amazing sir we have ever had. The service was in packable, even when I went La patiala He brought my wallet to me that I left in the restaurant! Truly an amazing server I would hire him to work in my caring business any day.
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C
Carlos
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A Puerto Rican Culinary Gem Arriving earlier than expected was no issue—valet parking was smooth, convenient, and added to the upscale tone of the evening. We were warmly greeted and seated instantly. Our server Gabriel set the tone for the night with exceptional service. He offered our water of choice right away and guided us through the specials, highlighting the house croquettes made with morcilla (blood sausage)—a must-try we gladly ordered. The cocktails were just as impressive as the food. I had the Paper Plane, balanced and bold, while my partner enjoyed the Watermelon Mojito, refreshingly tropical and perfectly mixed. The bartender truly delivered. Every dish was elevated, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. From the buttery escargot with crusty bread to the tuna skewers with sesame and creamy aioli, each bite spoke to the creativity of Puerto Rican fusion done right. The lamb meatballs with spicy harrisa from the specials menu were rich, tender, and unforgettable. The ambiance was tropical and elegant—subtle pine aromas in the air, lush greenery, and tasteful local paintings surrounding us, creating a space that feels both chic and rooted in island charm. It’s clear Santaella knows how to craft an experience, not just a meal. To end on a sweet note, the Nutella sandwich with vanilla ice cream was a comforting, indulgent pleasure—simple, nostalgic, and delicious. Gracias Santaella you guys 🤘🏼 rock!
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C
Candace
Detroit / Eastern Michigan3 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Definitely a restaurant you must try in Puerto Rico
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FAQs

Santaella does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Santaella is rated 4.8 stars by 4007 OpenTable diners.

Santaella does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 2, 2025

11:30 PM

Booked 84 times today

Experiences are available.

219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Additional information

Cross street
La Placita de Santurce
Neighborhood
San Juan
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Puerto Rican, Contemporary Latin, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Santaella has valet parking thru Valera Parking ($10) and there are also two public, paid parkings nearby.
Public transit
Stop #19. Bus lines: A5, B21, M3, B16
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef José Santaella
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
http://www.santaellapr.com/
Phone number
(787) 722-7600
Catering
For Caterings, please contact: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218
Private party facilities
For Group Dining Inquiries please visit our website at: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Santaella

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Gift card

Large Group Prix Fixe Menu

Late Night Bar Access

Rooftop Experience

Sandwich de Nutella

Escargots

Quesadilla de Pernil

Cócteles

Sandía Mojito$17.00

Perfect Lady$17.00

Spicy Paloma$17.00

Paper Plane$17.00

Barrilito Daiquiri$17.00

Placita Martini$17.00

Jibarito Mule$17.00

Parchita$17.00

Tamarind Margarita$17.00

Jalapeño Margarita$17.00

Oaxaca Old Fashioned$19.00

Spiced Old Fashioned$19.00

Santa Guanábana$17.00

Golden Family$17.00

Lady Bullet$17.00

Butterfly Knee$17.00

Tito's Mule$17.00

Santaella Side Car$19.00

Carajillo$17.00

Martinis

Classic Martini$18.00

Cosmopolitan$17.00

Espresso Martini$18.00

Negronis

Classic Negroni$17.00

Luxury Cocktails

Casameloni$25.00

Green Dragon$25.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Santaella offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Santaella restaurant rated?

Does Santaella offer gift cards?

Is Santaella currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Gift card