Puerto Rico has one of the most exciting food scenes in the Caribbean, blending Taino, Spanish, African, and American influences into something entirely unique. As locals, here are the dishes and places we tell every guest to try.
Essential Puerto Rican Dishes
Mofongo: The national dish. Mashed fried green plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, and your choice of filling (shrimp, chicken, beef, or lobster). Try it at El Jibarito in Old San Juan or Raices in Condado.
Lechon: Whole roasted pig cooked slowly over wood coals for hours. The crispy skin (cuerito) is the best part. Drive to Guavate on "Pork Highway" south of San Juan for the authentic experience.
Alcapurrias: Deep-fried fritters made from green banana and yautia dough, stuffed with seasoned ground beef or crab. The best ones are at the Luquillo food kiosks and roadside stands across the island.
Tostones: Twice-fried smashed green plantains. Served as a side dish everywhere. Simple, crispy, and addictive. Try them with mayo-ketchup (a Puerto Rican sauce staple).
Arroz con Gandules: Rice with pigeon peas, considered the island's signature rice dish. Cooked with sofrito (an aromatic base of peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and culantro).
Pernil: Slow-roasted pork shoulder, typically marinated overnight. A holiday staple that many restaurants serve year-round.
Best Restaurants in San Juan
Marmalade (Old San Juan): James Beard-nominated. Tasting menu that blends Puerto Rican ingredients with global technique. Reservations essential.
1919 (Condado): Fine dining in the Condado Vanderbilt hotel. Contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine with ocean views.
Cocina Abierta (Santurce): Creative small plates in a vibrant neighborhood setting. One of the hottest tables in San Juan.
El Jibarito (Old San Juan): No-frills traditional Puerto Rican food. The mofongo relleno is legendary. Cash only, expect a wait.
La Factoria (Old San Juan): World-famous cocktail bar with multiple hidden rooms. Order the Lavender Lemonade.
Don't Miss
Luquillo Food Kiosks: Over 60 stalls serving everything from grilled lobster to fried empanadillas. A must-stop on the east coast.
Coffee: Puerto Rico produces exceptional coffee. Try Cafe Don Ruiz, Hacienda San Pedro, or any local cafe serving local-roasted beans.
Rum: Puerto Rico produces 70% of the rum sold in the US. Tour Bacardi (Catano) or Casa Don Q (Ponce). Try a pina colada made with local rum.
Mallorca: A sweet bread sandwich, often filled with ham and cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. The perfect breakfast at any local bakery.