Ponce and the Porta Caribe Restaurants

Not all the culinary hot spots are in San Juan. In fact, people from the capital drive to Ponce or Guánica to see what's new on the horizon. Some of the more ambitious restaurants in this part of Puerto Rico are experimenting with Asian and Latin fusion cuisines, which means you might find pork with tamarind glaze or guava sauce, or snapper in a plantain crust. But what you'll mostly find are open-air eateries serving simple, filling fare. The southern coast is known for seafood, particularly Salinas and Ponce, both of which have a string of popular seaside restaurants. A 15%–20% tip is customary; most restaurants won't include it in the bill, but it's wise to check.

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  • 1. El Mar de la Tranquilidad

    $$

    Here you can get a table on the terrace at the edge of the Caribbean. You'll find good Puerto Rican cuisine and lots of seafood, including lobster, red snapper, and mofongo. Be sure to sample one of the restaurant's daiquiris—there's a huge list from which to choose.

    Rte. 3, Km 120.8, 9 PR-3, Patillas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00723, Puerto Rico
    787-839–6469

    Known For

    • Fried seafood
    • Puerto Rican cuisine
    • Long list of daiquiris

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.– Wed.
  • 2. El Negocio de Panchi

    $$

    This Caribbean restaurant updates Puerto Rican favorites with contemporary touches, and the menu features a rotating cast of daily specials, which include octopus with saffron butter, shrimp stir-fry with coconut rice, and pork satay in peanut sauce.

    Rte. 14, 00780, Puerto Rico
    787-848–4788

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood
    • Osso buco
    • Guava cheesecake

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 3. El Platanar

    $$

    As the name of the restaurant hints, the menu's protagonist is a Puerto Rican favorite; plantains. This is your chance to try island staples such as arañitas, mofongo, and more. Less common applications of the plantain are also found here, including a plantain-flavored flan. The unassuming restaurant sits high up on a hill, surrounded by—what else?—a field of plantain trees.

    Rte. 153, Km. 8, n/a Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
    787-219–6507

    Known For

    • Mofongo with red snapper
    • Tostones
    • Plantain flan

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 4. Isla Cueva

    $$

    This restaurant along La Parguera's main street has the biggest variety of beer on tap in the entire area. Food is a great mix of Puerto Rican classics, along with a make-your-own burger menu that appeals to all visitors. The staff is incredibly friendly, and there's no shortage of great vibes and amazing eating. 

    Carr 304, Km 3.2, La Parguera, n/a Puerto Rico, 00667, Puerto Rico
    787-920–4274

    Known For

    • Burgers
    • Beer on tap
    • St. Louis--style ribs with barbecue beer sauce
  • 5. La Ceiba

    $$

    The highway leading to Coamo is lined by dozens of fast-food restaurants. Luckily, there are a few worthwhile family-owned eateries, one of the best of which is this open-air cantina. You'll find the usual mofongo with chicken or beef, as well as some other typical Puerto Rican dishes like fried pork or red snapper stuffed with seafood. The menu features a variety of fish as well as lobster, shrimp, and octopus. If you are a fan of cheesecake, the chef makes eight different flavors (the pistachio is delicious). World-class margaritas are served at the bar.

    Rte. 153, Km 12.8, Coamo, n/a Puerto Rico, 00769, Puerto Rico
    787-825–2299

    Known For

    • Stuffed mofongo
    • Cheesecake in various flavors
    • Great margaritas
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Sabor y Rumba

    $$

    The short menu of this alfresco dining spot allows the kitchen to focus on its specialties, which include tostones, ceviche, and skirt steak. But even more than the food, many guests love the vibe of Sabor y Rumba, whose name alludes not only to its tasty flavors, but also its fun-loving spirit. Live music and dancing and free-flowing drinks set the scene, especially on weekends.

    66 Calle Isabel, Puerto Rico
    787-843–3003

    Known For

    • Churrasco
    • Mofongo
    • Live music and dancing on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

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