Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Puerto Rico

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Puerto Rico? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Santaella

4.8

4.8 (3941)

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

San Juan

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Jessica

Dined 4 days ago

Fantastic! So so good! Our server was wonderful, upbeat, and clearly loved his job! Would absolutely dine here again; wished we didn’t save it for the last day of our trip. We had the sea bass, a few cocktails, and the veal cheeks. Order the sea bass!! Loved!

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CHICO CABARET - Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

4.7

4.7 (84)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Isla Verde / Carolina

About the restaurant

In 1958 Chico was the hotel’s speakeasy, a cozy secluded lounge hidden from the lobby. In fact, Chico Cabaret was originally designed and named after a famous speakeasy in Manhattan. It is our intention to recreate that era with an emphasis on curated live entertainment where seasoned performers are featured, be it burlesque, DJs, live musicians and singers or comedy.

$45 minimum consumption per person
Sushi and Tapas available from Monday to Sunday starting at 5:00pm.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Apr 27, 2025

Great live music and service! The Macallan flight was perfect.

Restaurante Casa Emilio

4.7

4.7 (84)

$31 to $50

Traditional Spanish

Hato Rey Norte

About the restaurant

Live the Casa Emilio experience! At Hato Rey (307 Domenech Avenue), since 1993, we've offered you a dining adventure through Spanish and Puerto Rican cuisine, with high-quality ingredients and a service that will make you feel part of the family.

Luz Iris and Emilio invite you to enjoy live music every night, our cozy terrace, a special Happy Hour, and an exceptional wine selection from $19.95. Don't miss our homemade sangria and tapas, prepared with love!

Our restaurant fills up quickly! Book online to ensure your experience. To maintain our exceptional quality and service, we have a minimum consumption of $30 per person.

Come and discover why Casa Emilio is the favorite spot for those who love good food and a family atmosphere!

Top review

Heidi

Dined on Mar 21, 2025

The staff was great, we don't speak much Spanish but everyone was kind and accommodating to us. I asked for a recommendation and had a delicious meal. Try the flan, it was also great! Loved the fact there were no other tourists there, it was nice to have a neighborhood feel, great music and incredible food!

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Experience

Salón El Chotis (Hasta 20 invitados)

Wine Spot

4.7

4.7 (18)

$31 to $50

International

Santurce

About the restaurant

Wine Spot 🍷
¡El spot es aquí, llegale! 📍
First Self Serving Wine Bar 🍷
Vinos, Tapas y Coctelería Creativa👩‍🎨

Top review

Raquel

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Good concept and service. Decoration very nice and cozy. The only thing to mention is about the food. I think the food is good but overprice. Aside of that, the concept of the place is well thought.

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Experience

WEDNESDAY LADIES NIGHT

Azahar Modern Tasca

4.6

4.6 (14)

$31 to $50

Spanish

San Juan

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of our Azahar Modern Tasca, where Spanish and local flavors converge with a contemporary twist. Elevate your dining experience in this stylish fusion of tradition and modernity, showcasing innovative tapas and carefully crafted dishes paired with an extensive selection of wines and cocktails.

Enjoy our exclusive space, featuring a climate-controlled lounge, a charming outdoor terrace, a lively bar with televisions, and a patio offering panoramic views of the picturesque Condado Lagoon and the shimmering hotel pool. Perfect for savoring the view both day and night, our environment invites you to indulge in delightful poolside bites during the day or experience an intimate evening while admiring the beautiful Puerto Rican sunset.

Top review

Ramon A.

Dined on Apr 27, 2025

This was our third visit. Food as usual very good, service excellent. Will definitely return. View outside is excellent, a bit warm during the day but I prefer it. There is an ample air conditioned inside area with reasonable view.

Carli's Fine Bistro & Piano

4.5

4.5 (589)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Old San Juan

About the restaurant

Carli's Fine Bistro & Piano located in the heart of historic Old San Juan Puerto Rico was born on December 27, 1998, as a place where locals and international patrons could gather to enjoy a unique live musical and fine dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

We have world-class live music nightly: Mondays and Thursdays we have jazz music at around 6:30 pm, and on Tue, Wed, Th, Fridays & Saturdays we have Jazz Piano from 8 PM, and on Saturday, a Classic Rock Duo, from 6:30 PM.

Nested on the plaza level of the historic art deco Banco Popular building, Carli's warm and artistic vibe will charm you while you savor exotic assortments of gourmet tapas and exquisite international entrees, or sip on your favorite martini from our classic bar on our main room or under the stars with a view of the SJ Bay.

Carli’s excels in the art of fine dining and live jazz entertainment, without sacrificing the comfort of casual elegance and competitive pricing. Live music begins nightly.

Top review

Eizabeth

Dined 7 days ago

This had to be one of the top five dining experiences in my life! From the moment you walk into the door, you know that you are entering an intimate environment. Small and cozy, the decor albeit not at all traditional, is very warm and inviting. In the middle of the dining room toward the back is a lovely piano on top of which sits a beautiful large vase of flowers. The special treat is when the piano is played by the owner, Carli, with well known songs with a jazz interpretation - absolutely marvelous. The menu is totally out of this world and it was a most difficult decision on what to order - so many divine choices. We shared escargot served out of the shell in a creamy mushroom sauce, which we dipped the toasty garlic bread in, until it was gone. A unique and delicious twist on traditional escargot. The risotto with filet tips did not disappoint, nor did the Mahi Mahi in a soft curry sauce. Both choices were more than outstanding. The cocktails - oh the cocktails - so many elegant choices and if you enjoy a good wine, take a long look at the fantastic wine list. I don't know when we will be back in Puerto Rico but if and when we do go back, this will be the first restaurant I will make a reservation for. Highly recommend reservations.

Delavida Restobar

4.5

4.5 (59)

$30 and under

Puerto Rican

Condado

About the restaurant

Our business is dedicated to gastronomic experiences such as brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktials, proprietary events and lice music. A 360 experience! We are located in the iconic La Placita de Santurce in San Juan, a tourist area. In Delavida Restobar you can live different experiences of first class cuisine, cocktails, and different areas to celebrate your favorite event.

Top review

Terry

Dined on Apr 3, 2025

Staff was friendly and kind. Food was excellent. I went there because I heard there will be salsa music and dancing and they did not disappoint. We had so much fun dancing after dinner. Highly recommend 👌🏻

The Atlantic at The Tryst

4.3

4.3 (881)

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

Condado

About the restaurant

Located in the center of San Juan's Condado, Puerto Rico, we invite guests to celebrate life and share blends of modern and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Featuring weekly Drag Brunch Sundays, the best ocean views in San Juan, award winning dishes and cocktails, be sure to check out the best place to eat, play and stay in Condado Beach.

Top review

Rue

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

This was my 2nd time here and still didn’t disappoint. The view the staff and food all amazing !!!

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Experience

Drag Brunch 🍾✨

Experience

RuPaul's All Stars Viewing Party

Experience

Sunset Hour

THE CAVE: Cuban Cuisine & Cocktails

4.2

4.2 (255)

$30 and under

Cuban

San Juan

About the restaurant

The Cave is a new Cuban restaurants unlike other traditional Cuban restaurants. It sets itself apart by creating a unique dining experience that allows you to spend Un Dia En La Habana and relive the glory and glamour of old Cuba during the 1950’s.

Top review

Wilmer

Dined 5 days ago

This place has truly stolen my heart. The Cuban food is amazing, and the atmosphere is like being at a relative's home. I love the variety of options and the way each dish is lovingly prepared. And the cocktails are a great way to pair with the meal. The juices are fresh and natural, and the cocktails are made with great care.

Miramar House Latin Cuisine

4.1

4.1 (23)

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

Santurce

About the restaurant

Taste the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico at our charming establishment nestled in the heart of Miramar, San Juan. Our menu is a tribute to authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, boasting an array of exquisite dishes that honor the island’s rich culinary heritage. From cherished classics to innovative chef specialties, there’s something to delight every palate.

But our offerings extend beyond just food. Step into our world and immerse yourself in the art of mixology with our expertly crafted cocktails, enjoy the finest wines, and explore our curated selection of local beers.

Top review

Daniel

Dined on Feb 14, 2025

Great experience. Valentines Dinner with my wife

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