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 (4013)

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 7, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 36 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

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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/

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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 4,013 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
4.7Ambience
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 offers a "fantastic dining experience" in Puerto Rico with "amazing food, service, and ambiance." The menu features creative Puerto Rican fusion dishes and "superb handcrafted cocktails." Guests rave about the "amazing service," particularly from standout servers like Gabriel and Eduardo. Reservations are essential for this "Puerto Rican culinary gem."

4,013 Reviews

C
Cleny VIP
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Glad I got a chance to dine at Santaella - main dining space was closed but we enjoyed the rooftop.
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J
Jennifer VIP
San Francisco Bay Area30 reviews
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
We booked Santaella but were sent to the rooftop partner restaurant because it was a Monday. The menu was limited compared to Santaella. The food was tasty, notably the lamb albondigas with harissa and the alcapurrias with crab. The noise level was excessive, with extremely loud music coming from several bars playing diverse but equally deafening genres. Poor Steve Perry's angelic voice was drowned out by heavy bass and modern Autotuned dreck.
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G
Grace VIP
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is amazing! We were visiting from Boston and we all agreed this is the best in PR for sure!
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E
Edda VIP
Caribbean20 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Goat cheese quesadillas were fire and service was AMAZING. Bread pudding was incredible.
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a
aziza
New York City7 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Definitely recommend for a fine-dining experience when visiting Puerto Rico!
Is this helpful?
A
Arielle
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing dining experience for food, service, and ambiance!
Is this helpful?
j
jam
Dallas - Fort Worth2 reviews
1.0
Dined on June 30, 2025
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 7 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 on June 28, 2025
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 on June 28, 2025
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 on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Experience was fantastic from valet parking service and food.
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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 4.8 stars by 4013 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 7, 2025

11:00 PM

Booked 36 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, 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

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