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 Balcón del Capitán

    $$$

    This mesón gastronómico, hidden among a string of oceanfront restaurants south of the center in the Playa de Salinas area, is one of the most popular on Puerto Rico's southern coast. Sit in either the open-air patio or air-conditioned dining room and bar and sample specialties like mofongo relleno de mariscos (seafood-stuffed plantains) or the many preparations of mahimahi, red snapper, arrayao (mahogany snapper), octopus, lobster, or conch. The seafood paella is a house specialty.

    Rte. 701, Playa de Salinas, n/a Puerto Rico, 00751, Puerto Rico
    787-824–6210

    Known For

    • Seafood-stuffed mofongo
    • Red snapper
    • Seafood paella
  • 2. El Roble

    $$$

    In operation since 1961, this restaurant is still considered one of the best in town. Don't be surprised to see flapping fish delivered straight off the boats and into the kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes like grouper fillet stuffed with seafood. The red snapper is delicious, and like all the fish on the menu it can be prepared fried, buttered, breaded, or with a vinaigrette. There's also a children's menu and a large selection of wines. Be prepared for the collection of fish mounted on the walls.

    Rte. 701, Playa de Salinas, n/a Puerto Rico, 07751, Puerto Rico
    787-824–2377

    Known For

    • Fresh seafood, including delicious red snapper
    • Good selection of wine
    • Children's menu
  • 3. Lola Eclectic Cuisine

    $$$

    This trendy bistro in the heart of downtown has an eclectic menu to match the decor. Grab a seat in a green-velvet booth, and start off with their delicious tuna tartare taquitos, beef bruschetta, and fried plantains. The menu ranges from tuna steak to filet mignon to a full Cornish hen. Be sure to ask about the daily specials, which are always worth trying. This is a great place to admire work by local artists and sip on a house special Quenepatini (Don Q Cristal, guava juice, cranberry juice, quenepa liquor).

    Calle Reina, 00730, Puerto Rico
    787-813–5033

    Known For

    • Blackened ahi tuna served with seaweed
    • Quenepatini (Don Q Cristal, guava juice, cranberry juice, quenepa liquor)
    • Showcase for local artists

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations highly recommended
  • 4. Santorini Ocean Lounge

    $$$

    The only Greek restaurant in Ponce, this open-air establishment has successfully captured the cuisine and atmosphere of its namesake island. Statues of goddesses line the pathway leading to a bi-level dining area, decorated with 1960s-era movie posters from Greece, and nearly every dish is bathed in olive oil and vinegar, including the salads and sandwiches. You'll also find plenty of Caribbean food and Spanish tapas like conch fritters and stuffed lobster hamburgers, but it's the grilled lobster that's the hands-down favorite. On Friday and Saturday, the bar is open late for drinks and dancing. Request a table on the lower deck, where water gently laps near your table, and bring bug repellent.

    Rte. 2, Km 218, 00731, Puerto Rico
    787-651–6110

    Known For

    • Grilled lobster
    • Churrasco
    • Baklava

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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