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Santaella, San Juan, PR

Santaella

4.8 (4023)
$31 to $50
Puerto Rican
219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 88 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
  • 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
  • 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.
    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

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What 4,023 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
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

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."
4,023 Reviews
  1. Kelly

    Greater Boston5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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

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  2. Carol VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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!!!!

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  3. Nina VIP

    Central Kentucky95 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Our first time to try this restaurant based on what we’ve read about it. We were quite disappointed on how slow the service was. There were 10 of us and they seated us on a round table where there’s hardly any room to move comfortably. It took a good half an hour to get our food and 20 minutes for our 4 desserts. On a positive note, we enjoyed our food.

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  4. Ana VIP

    Caribbean8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nos encanta almorzar aquí, tremendo servicio y ambiente. Los chicos siempre nos reciben como en casa.

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  5. RADESHA VIP

    New York City40 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Swanky establishment in the heart of San Juan. Love the decor

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovef the food and service

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  7. Rosemary VIP

    Philadelphia County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Octopus was absolutely great and the chicken and Rice special! Service was amazing.

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  8. Michelle VIP

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I would come back to Puerto Rico just for this restaurant alone. The veal cheeks were so tender and the braised pork was so flavorful. The foie gras was creamy and decadent and the cocada was incredible 😲 Highly recommended

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  9. Guadalupe

    Dallas - Fort Worth1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We started with the calamari—perfectly crispy and packed with flavor 🤤. For our mains, we had the camarones and the salmón asiático—both were super fresh, beautifully cooked, and full of bold flavor 🍤🐟. The drinks were a total standout 🍸✨—you can definitely tell the bartenders are true mixology pros. I had the mojito de sandía 🍉, made with real blended watermelon juice—so refreshing and naturally sweet. Then the Green Dragon came out with a fire garnish 🔥🐉 and looked as cool as it tasted! And shoutout to the bartenders—they were so nice and attentive 🙌🏼💕 The ambiance is tropical and chic 🌴🌺—perfect for a date night or a girls’ night out. Amazing vibes, top-tier service, and unforgettable flavors. Make a reservation—Santaella is a must when in San Juan! 🇵🇷
    SantaellaResponded 7 days ago
    Wowww 😍🙌🏼!! This review just made our day!! THANK YOU!! 💃🏼🎉 From the crispy calamari 🤤 to the bold, fresh flavors of the camarones and salmón asiático 🍤🐟—we’re so happy you loved it all!! And YESSS our bartenders are total rockstars 🍸💫—that mojito de sandía 🍉 and flaming Green Dragon 🔥🐉 are next level!! We’re all about creating those tropical chic vibes 🌴✨—so hearing you felt it all (and more!) means everything 💕 Gracias for the love and for making Santaella part of your San Juan experience 🇵🇷✨ ¡Vuelve pronto! 🥰

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  10. Cleny VIP

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined on July 7, 2025

    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.
    SantaellaResponded 7 days ago
    So glad you got the chance to dine with us! 😊 Even though the main dining room was closed, we're happy you enjoyed the rooftop 🌆✨ It's got a vibe all its own! Hope to welcome you back soon for the full Santaella experience 💛🍽️

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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 4023 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 88 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
  • Phone number
  • 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
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