Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
Santaella, San Juan, PR

Santaella

4.7 (4032)
$31 to $50
Puerto Rican
219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 57 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, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

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.
    Large Group Prix Fixe Menu Photo

  • 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/
    Rooftop Experience Photo

Ask Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Menu

Santaella's menu was last updated on 11/5/2024.

Cócteles

  • 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

                                                    Last updated: June 29, 2024

                                                    What 4,032 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

                                                    4.7
                                                    4.7 based on recent ratings
                                                    • 4.7Food
                                                    • 4.7Service
                                                    • 4.7Ambience
                                                    • 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 in San Juan is a must-visit for an upscale dining experience. Diners rave about its "amazing dining experience," with standout service, creative cocktails, and a chic tropical ambiance. The menu offers a modern twist on Puerto Rican classics, with dishes like "tender veal cheeks" and "flavorful braised pork."
                                                    4,032 Reviews

                                                    1. Ivette VIP

                                                      Greater Boston3 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined 2 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Wonderful food and service would definitely return

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    2. Wayne VIP

                                                      New York City4 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined 2 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                      Always a great meal! One of the best in San Juan.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    3. Michelle

                                                      Greater Boston1 review

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined 2 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      You have to have a reservation - we didn’t have one so needed to do it online in that moment!

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    4. Amanda VIP

                                                      New York City7 reviews

                                                      3.0

                                                      Dined 2 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                      2. Food 3
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      I’ve always loved Santaella, it’s one of the first reservations I make every time I’m in Puerto Rico. The tuna skewers have always been my absolute favorite dish; they usually melt in your mouth and are literally perfect. Unfortunately, this visit was a different experience. The tuna was tough and chewy, with a strange stringy texture that made it really hard to eat… I actually had to spit it out because it was very off. I was really disappointed, especially because I hold this place to such a high standard. Hoping it was just an off night, because I truly love this spot.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    5. Emily

                                                      Atlanta16 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      We are visiting PR and stumbled upon this place. Our server didn’t know English which was only a minor inconvenience but we did our best! My husband got the paella and I got the grilled mahi mahi. He absolutely loved his food. Mine was pleasant and light with the heavier creamy risotto complemented it nicely. Overall we will come back next time we are in town and have already recommended it to friends. The ambience and the outdoor seating was the selling point for us!

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    6. Miguel

                                                      Unspecified1 review

                                                      4.0

                                                      Dined 5 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                      2. Food 4
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Ambience was spot on, not very noisy at all, we sat at the bar and were greeted promptly and the bartenders were welcoming and fast. Soup was a little too salty and potato salad was a tad under seasoned but the ahi tuna was delicious. Would come again.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    7. William VIP

                                                      Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill3 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined 5 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Excellent restaurant. Food and service were both wonderful.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    8. Ramon

                                                      Unspecified1 review

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined 5 days ago

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 4
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Excellent atmosphere and good services, the food is very good especially the appetizers and desserts.

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    9. Kelly

                                                      Greater Boston6 reviews

                                                      4.0

                                                      Dined on July 12, 2025

                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                      2. Food 3
                                                      3. Service 2
                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                      I keep wanting to love Santaella but it fell short. The drinks were great and the food was fine but the service was really subpar for $100pp. They never checked on us for how our food was or if we need anything or other drink. I ordered the red snapper and it was cooked perfectly but very under seasoned. I asked for some lemons and they brought dry limes. Then we asked for hot sauce and it was spoiled; smelled like raw sewage. I wanted to ask for just some salt but no one even passed by to hail down. When we were done with dessert, we wanted to order some drinks but they just dropped the check done like they were kicking us out. For fine-ish dining, you can find better on the island

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    10. Carol VIP

                                                      Washington, D.C. Area6 reviews

                                                      5.0

                                                      Dined on July 12, 2025

                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                      2. Food 5
                                                      3. Service 5
                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                      Amazing service and food!!! We were so impressed!! Make sure to order the octopus appetizer because that dish was absolutely amazing!! We also ordered the veal and the pork belly and they were both outstanding!! Santaella has become our new favorite restaurant and we will definitely be back and will be recommending to everyone!!!!

                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                    FAQs

                                                    Santaella offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Santaella also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (787) 722-7600.

                                                    Santaella is rated 4.7 stars by 4032 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.

                                                    1. Home
                                                    2. United States
                                                    3. Caribbean
                                                    4. Puerto Rico
                                                    5. San Juan

                                                    Make a reservation

                                                    2 people
                                                    7:00 PM
                                                    Booked 57 times today
                                                    Experiences are available.
                                                    Google Map for Santaella

                                                    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, Takeout, 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

                                                    Gift card

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

                                                    Send a gift card
                                                    Discover
                                                    OpenTable
                                                    • About Us
                                                    • Blog
                                                    • Careers
                                                    • Press
                                                    More
                                                    Our sites
                                                    Businesses
                                                    • Restaurant Management Solutions
                                                    • Restaurant Reservation Software
                                                    • Restaurant Marketing Software
                                                    • Restaurant Event Software
                                                    • OpenTable For Restaurants
                                                    • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
                                                    • Restaurant Resources
                                                    • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
                                                    Join us on
                                                    • Privacy Policy
                                                    • Terms of Use
                                                    • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                    • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
                                                    • Accessibility Statement
                                                    • Cookie Preferences
                                                    Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
                                                    OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                    Booking Logo
                                                    Priceline Logo
                                                    KAYAK Logo
                                                    Agoda Logo
                                                    OpenTable Logo