Puerto Rican cuisine has its roots in the culinary traditions of the island’s pre-European inhabitants, the Amerindian Taínos, mixed with the Spanish conquistadors, African slaves, and modern American food. With such a melting pot of flavors, there are plenty of dishes for everyone.
Marmalade Restaurant and Wine Bar – Perfect for burning the diet plan
Chef Peter Schintler may have worked in some of the world’s best restaurants, but that doesn’t stop him giving every single person who comes Marmalade his full attention. He checks on each and every table to ensure that people are enjoying the fabulous food prepared in his kitchen. If you can, free up a couple of hours and go for the tasting menu, and let this master chef’s skillful passion blow your mind with his incredible creations. With specials such as the white bean soup reaching almost legendary status, and fine wines perfectly paired to enhance the flavors of the food, this is one restaurant that has locals and clued-up tourists alike clamoring at the doors.
Vejigante #31 – Perfect for quick and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine
From the international to the national, the Luquillo kiosks (or kioskos) are an institution in Puerto Rico. This row of little buildings along Luquillo beach is always filled with locals grabbing some classic home cooking over a beer before heading back to the beach. Number 31, Vejigante, is especially renowned for its phenomenal mofongo (a traditional dish made from fried plantains, which are then mashed with garlic, olive oil and crackling – or tofu for vegetarians). If that’s not to your taste, the other kiosks offer everything from traditional dishes like alcapurrias and empanadillas to gourmet burgers and calzone. Vejigante also benefits from table service, while some other kiosks are takeaway only.
Niche – Perfect for romantic dinners out
This tiny little 20-seat restaurant in the belly of the Acacia Seaside Inn belies its small size with exquisite cuisine. The head chef, Juan Camacho, recently competed in Latino Masterchef, and his restaurant reaps the rewards of his talent. Guests rave about the butter poached lobster, pumpkin bacon risotto and duck confit tacos, matched with wonderful wines and cocktails. Take a seat at the beautiful wooden bar after you’ve eaten too much to move and let the friendly staff regale you with recipes and tales of the town. Once you’re on to the third anejos (local golden rum on the rocks), give up and book a room upstairs so you can return for breakfast.
La Estacion – Perfect for fresh fish
Once a gas station at the mouth of one of Puerto Rico’s key fishing ports, La Estacion is now one of the island’s best restaurants. Continuing to specialize in fresh fish, at least one of the menu specials each day is a simply grilled catch-of-the-day. Cooking is done on natural charcoal, which adds a delicious smokiness to the food, and meat dishes come served on huge rustic wooden boards. Sit out on the decking with generous portions of delicious food, and lull your ears to the sounds of the sea and coqui frogs. In the evenings, the nearby hotel often holds salsa nights, so there’s music to be enjoyed as well.
Pasta y Pueblo – Perfect for filling up, surfer-style!
Simple, flavorsome food at great prices. Pasta y Pueblo mostly caters to hungry surfers, and does the job of filling their stomachs without emptying their wallets very nicely. Main courses come either on pillows of penne pasta or enormous mounds of sweet coconut rice, and tend to involve steak or seafood. Right on the beach so you’re eating to the sound of the waves, the atmosphere at Pasta y Pueblo is chilled out and enjoyable, and most nights the surfers crack out guitars to jam a little. Since there are only five little tables, get there early to snap one up and then walk along the beach while your food is cooking.
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