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An unforgettable experience #FlavorMeetsFire  - La Central by Mario Pagan, San Juan, PR

La Central by Mario Pagan

4.7
4.7
781 Reviews
$50 and over
Caribbean
Rediscover the bold flavors you love from renowned Chef Mario Pagán and get immersed into Puerto Rico’s roots and traditions as you join us on an unprecedented culinary journey that will ignite your palate.

La Central pays homage to a fundamental emblem of Puerto Rico’s history: “la caña de azúcar”, through the creative use of sugarcane & rum in its dishes.

The heat of the charcoal grill is palpable from the dining room in this open kitchen concept, where guests can enjoy a decadent tomahawk steak or a crispy branzino cooked to perfection over an open flame. La Central’s entrées are sizable, meant to be shared among friends or family with cocktails or a bottle of wine from the sommelier’s selection.

Chef Mario Pagán’s appetite for new techniques while staying true to Puerto Rico’s heritage proves that an upscale cuisine combined with fire are a timeless match worthy of your palate.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Cuisines

    Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Latin American

  • Hours of operation

    Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 2:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (787) 998-9445

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Formal Attire

  • Executive chef

    Mario Pagán

  • Neighborhood

    San Juan

  • Parking details

    We have self-parking available at Lote Oeste and & the Magenta Lot as well as Valet Parking service for $20

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 781 people are saying

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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. JLynnS2325

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the very best meal!! We have eaten all over the world and this by far is one of the very best dining experiences! Crystal was a passionate and knowledgeable server guiding us to excellent cocktail and meal choices. The filet was cooked to perfection.The scallops had a perfect sear resting atop delectable corn creation. We added sides of glazed Brussel sprouts and crispy rice dish both were amazing!!! A perfect event topped off with warm bread pudding, spicy crème anglaise and and rum ice cream! Wow what a treat!! A delightful meal and evening!!
  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely wonderful experience! The food was superb! My bf truly enjoyed his perfectly grilled lamb for his Birthday! He is a well known chef, which we did not disclose and he had not one complaint! I was more than impressed. Thank you-
  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food, service, price and ambience!!
  4. JoseB

    Caribbean

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The environment was right, the music fine, and the service excellent. Valerie made the difference.
  5. PedroL

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, outstanding service, love the ambient and food. Best cocktails in town.
  6. LizmarieM

    Caribbean

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    El ambiente es maravilloso, muy acogedor con una decoración acorde con su nombre. El servicio es excelente pero la comida y los aperitivos los encontré un poco salados. Los postres son una delicia. Es un restaurante mas para una ocasión especial.
  7. Janazombie

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious. Beautiful. Portions are very large for this type experience! Service by Valerie was exceptional.
  8. osirisp

    Miami

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Recommend by a friend during our trip to San Juan. The food was very good, and service spectacular.
  9. Xyzz

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    On vacation with family - Excellent meal - very cool place, waiters very attentive and friendly. Highly recommend and located in very fun/lively area with bars, restaurants, kids activities, outdoor plaza and music.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great, our waiter was exceptional! We had a great time. We ordered picanha steak, but it was not tender and we returned it and ordered a Filet Mignon instead (they did not charge us the picanha). Everything else was perfect. This is our 3rd time in this restaurant. We love it.
  11. KarenB

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Fantastic service and excellent food. We ate outside on a Saturday night and the music was so loud at the T-Mobile District that it was hard to hear the other person sitting next to me and the waiter. Other than that, the food was really great.
  12. LuisF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated my wife’s birthday dinner here. Food was great and then got to enjoy the t-mobile district right after. Great vibes
  13. Juan

    Louisville

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Almost 2 hours to get our food. It came cold. Waited another 20 minutes. The fillet was excellent.
  14. Anna

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, spirits, and amazing service! We enjoyed every aspect of our meal. The atmosphere was lively but we could still hear our conversation.
  15. CARLOSG

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely and enchanted place, great host, cocktail's, food and service. Thanks our server and entire crew! Highly recommended. Thanks Chef Mario Pagan and crew keep distilling our culture and traditions in fine dinning food experiences. Love the Smoke smokehouse smell!!! GRACIAS. The Guzman's
  16. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and service was great!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing place
  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente el servicio y la comida muy buena , el postre fue sobresaliente
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Food was not as the same level as prior visits, it was cold, meat cut wasn’t as requested, drinks took forever to arrive and service was slow overall.
  20. Carolina

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Es la segunda vez que voy y todo siempre ha sido bueno. Desde que llegas los empleados son bien atentos. El sitio es acogedor. El servicio en general es excelente. La comida estuvo riquisima. En general lo recomiendo al 100%.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Muy buenos cócteles y excelente comida. La atención también fue de calidad. Salimos muy contentos de la experiencia.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything was excellent
  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience in every way! Coral was our server. She was wonderful in explaining the menu and she gave us the best service and recommendations. She’s a gem and we want management to know!
  24. ALRR

    Caribbean

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The servers were attentive and the establishment is decorated perfectly with the theme.
  25. JeannieS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an awesome time at this restaurant and our waitress Taishia (I think that was her name) was so sweet and helpful. The ambiance was rustic, cozy and classic. The food was delicious and the drinks were yummy!
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Excelente servicio al igual que la coctelería.
  27. OfeliaG

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Drinks and appetizers were very good but there was nothing special about the steaks and sides. The restaurant is beautifully designed and decorated, service was excellent but food was just ok. I would expect more of the chef, his Condado restaurant is way better.
  28. CarolinaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La comida es deliciosa, todos los platos muy bien servidos, en su término Perfecto, nos atendió Josean quien fue muy amable, nos explico muy detalladamente el menú y eso es algo que hizo ate nuestra orden fuese algo que realmente disfrutamos, muy recomendado y el lugar es hermoso!!!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exelent dinner. Warm environment and good choices of wine.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Todo delicioso. Probamos las alcapurrias, el pulpo y la morcilla de entrada. Si tengo que escoger uno, el pulpo, pero todos ricos. Platos principales también, en especial pez espada, filete de res sea bass y branzino. Con bruselas, tostones puré de apio. Un poco ruidoso con el bullicio de afuera pero no grave. Ah, el budín caliente con mantedado, nice!
  31. JoelV

    Nashville

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing restaurant. Definitely a must on your high end restaurant list. Perfect for special occasions and business meetings. Will be back soon.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    For apps, always always and I can’t stress this enough. Get the brisket alcapurias! Delicious. I had the filet and my had the sea bass. Both very good and the crushed potatoes as a side was perfect. For drinks. I walkways go either Ron y tobacco like a smoked old fashioned with rum.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente servicio buena comida y un lugar muy acogedor.
  34. mrvino

    Mexico City

    181 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    181 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Service was very slow and unattentive. They also didn't have the first 2 wine bottles I ordered from their menu. Not accepatble at this level and preices of restaurant. The food however was very good. The Octoupus appetizer over a bean alioli was perfectly cooked and the taste was outstanding. Same for the half grilled chicken and the Mamposteado con Longaniz.
  35. Frances

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! It was one of the best services we had in a long time. Great music and the food was fantastic!
  36. RobertoF

    Caribbean

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best place in Distrito T-Mobile.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s a well designed restaurant and bar space. The waiters were super nice and efficient. The food was excellent. I will return. I live in NYC so I have visited many fine restaurants.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente experiencia gastronómica. Muy atento los meseros.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was spectacular! The food, the server and the ambiance!!!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Caribbean

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing 🥰🥰🥰

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors

FAQs

La Central by Mario Pagan is rated 4.7 stars by 781 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 22 times today
Google Map for La Central by Mario Pagan

250 Convention Boulevard, San Juan, PR 00907

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    San Juan

  • Hours of operation

    Mon 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 2:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Latin American

  • Dining style

    Fine Dining

  • Dress code

    Formal Attire

  • Parking details

    We have self-parking available at Lote Oeste and & the Magenta Lot as well as Valet Parking service for $20

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Mario Pagán

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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