Where To Eat In Puerto Rico: A Chef’s Guide

As the reality of the rainy British winter sets in, a trip to Caribbean island Puerto Rico is sounding all the more tempting. The archipelago is known for its idyllic beaches and sprawling rainforest, El Yunque, but did you know it also has a thriving culinary scene? Influenced by the island’s rich heritage, the food scene combines Spanish, African and Indigenous Taíno cooking, utilising the bountiful natural larder produced by the tropical climate. 

From farm-to-table restaurants nestled within the hills to buzzy street food spots and coastal seafood eateries, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in Puerto Rico. Here to guide you is local chef Josiah Hernández, a pioneer in green fine dining, who runs the restaurant Chef’s Garden in Rincón. Below, he shares his pick of the best places to eat on the island.

Best Restaurants In Puerto Rico: Josiah Hernández’s Pick

El Cuchifrito Costero, Joyuda, Cabo Rojo

‘In the heart of Joyuda – a vibrant fishing community in Cabo Rojo renowned for its seafood shacks and ocean views – chef Pablo Rosas has created a culinary gem that pays homage to Puerto Rico’s coastal heritage. At El Cuchifrito Costero, he celebrates generations of local fishing families with bold, flavourful dishes showcasing the island’s freshest catch. Expect authentic Puerto Rican cuisine elevated by creative flair and the unmistakable taste of the sea – two standout menu highlights include the crispy whole fried local snapper served with garlic and lime, and the smoked-seafood mofongo filled with shrimp and fish bound in plantains and served seaside. 

Address: Carr. 102, Bo. Joyuda, Cabo Rojo PR 00623 

Instagram: @cuchifrito_costero 

Estela, Rincón

For an unforgettable fine dining experience, Estela is a must. Led by acclaimed chef Abel Mendoza, the restaurant showcases Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage through inventive, ingredient-driven dishes that tell the island’s story in an elevated, contemporary way. Drawing on his experience in some of Latin America’s most prestigious kitchens, Abel crafts plates that are both artful and deeply rooted in local flavour. 

Address: 115 KM 14, Rincón, 00677, Puerto Rico

Website: estelarest.com

Mimosa Brunch Farm-To-Table, Aguada

Nestled in the lush countryside of Aguada, Mimosa Brunch Farm-to-Table is a true celebration of Puerto Rico’s agricultural abundance. Chef Charlotte founded the restaurant to showcase the richness of the surrounding farms, many of which supply her own kitchen and garden. Each dish highlights local, endemic ingredients – from her signature pumpkin pancakes to indulgent sweet potato French toast – offering a brunch experience that’s as heartfelt as it is delicious. 

Address: PR-417 km 2, Aguada, 00602, Puerto Rico

Instagram: @mimosa_brunch

Bakku Japanese Eatery & Crudo Bar, Rincón

For an unforgettable taste of Asian fusion with a Puerto Rican soul, Bakku is a must-visit. Chef Joerick works hand in hand with local fishermen, often joining them at sea to source the day’s freshest catch. The result is a menu that celebrates the island’s bounty, from tuna and snapper to seabream and bonito, crafted into exquisite nigiri, sashimi, and tiradito. Each dish bursts with flavour, precision, and a deep respect for the ocean. 

Address: Carr 115 Plaza Bonet, Suite 6, Rincón, 00677, Puerto Rico

Instagram: @bakku.rincon

Flora Cocina de Autor, Aguadilla

Flora is a restaurant that nourishes both body and soul. Under the guidance of Rafael Fonseca, each dish is carefully crafted using local ingredients and fresh seafood, telling a story with every bite. Drawing on Asian, Mediterranean, and global influences, chef Rafael creates flavours that delight and surprise – from Caribbean-inspired curry to creamy arugula creations, every dish is a memorable experience. 

Address: Carr 110 Km 32.1, Maleza Alta, 00609, Puerto Rico

Instagram: @floracocina

Manzana de Java, San Juan

A must-visit in San Juan, Manzana de Java takes diners on a journey through Caribbean ancestral ingredients with a subtle South-Asian influence. Over the past 400 years, ingredients such as breadfruit, taro root, and rose apples have become staples of Puerto Rican cuisine, and chef Manuel Massa celebrates them in creative, flavourful dishes that weave these diverse influences into every plate. 

Address: 105 Cll Pomarrosa, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico

Instagram: @manzanadejava

Website: opentable.com

Verde Mesa, Old San Juan

Verde Mesa is Old San Juan’s first farm-to-table restaurant, led by the visionary Loyda Rosa and James Beard-nominated chef Gabriel Hernández. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight Puerto Rico’s unique ingredients, turning every plate into an elegant celebration of the Island’s flavours – menu highlights include the signature Verde Mesa Rice with sautéed rice, sweet cherry peppers, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin and mushrooms, and a local yellowfin tuna paired with burnt papaya caramel, roasted pumpkin and sautéed bok choy. 

Address: 107 Calle Tetuan Esq, C. de San José, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Website: verdemesapr.com 

Cocina Abierta, San Juan 

One of Puerto Rico’s standout dining experiences, Cocina Abierta reflects a philosophy deeply connected to the island’s culinary heritage. Argentinian-born chef Martín Louzao is a leader in exploring Puerto Rico’s ancestral and naturalised ingredients. His dishes pay tribute to the island’s indigenous roots and Caribbean culture, shaped by European, African, and South-East Asian influences. Through his project Oriundo, chef Martín and his team have identified and documented over 200 endemic and naturalised ingredients, bringing each plate to life with history, flavour, and creativity. 

Address: 58 Caribe St, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Website: cocinaabierta.net

Bacoa Finca + Fogón, Juncos

Set in a serene rural location near San Juan, Bacoa Finca + Fogón offers breathtaking views and a truly immersive dining experience. Specialising in open-fire cooking, chefs Raúl Correa, Xavier Pacheco, and René Marichal craft inventive dishes that celebrate the flavours and stories of Puerto Rico’s mountainous regions, turning each plate into a narrative of the island’s rich culinary heritage. 

Address: 31 kM 22, Juncos, 00911, Puerto Rico

Website: bacoapr.com

Cocina al Fondo, San Juan

This special restaurant celebrates treasured recipes passed down through generations, reimagined with a modern and creative twist. James Beard award-winning chef Natalia Vallejo crafts each dish using locally sourced ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and producers – including produce harvested from the restaurant’s own garden. The result is a dining experience bursting with authentic flavours and heartfelt homage to Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage.’

Address: 658 C. San Juan, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Website: cocinaalfondo.com 

Find out more about Chef’s Garden at chefsgardenhospitality.com