Restaurants, Markets, and Cafes Near Miramar
A local's guide to delicious eats in San Juan
Miramar
La Isla (Instagram: @wearelaisla)
A thoughtfully re-designed space offering healthy, delicious, locally-sourced breakfast and lunch. Set in a historic building, La Isla is a wellness and sustainability hub housing Puerto Rico's biggest zero-waste shop with over 300 products for pantry, household, and personal care. They feature bulk spices (bring your own vessels), grains, pastas, and oils, plus a curated selection of minimally packaged items, responsible gifts, and eco-friendly chocolates. On top of everything else, they offer coworking spaces, yoga classes, breathwork sessions, and workshops. Women-led and family-owned. Truly a happy place. $$
Pure Fresh Food & Juice Bar (purefoodpr.com)
Great spot in the heart of Miramar (also in Condado) offering fresh, organic fare including salads, smoothies, and wraps (the Spicy Thai chicken is a personal favorite). The dessert offerings are also incredibly delicious, especially the carrot cake muffins. Yum! They source organic produce and prioritize Puerto Rican farmers—tasty and responsible. Win/win. $$
Gustos Coffee Co. (gustoscoffeeco.com/pages/miramar)
Lovely coffee, breakfast, and lunch spot featuring specialty coffee from their own farm in Yauco, Puerto Rico. Minimalist decor with an industrial edge, fresh pastries, and super friendly staff who celebrate "all are welcome—this is a safe space." Indoor and outdoor seating. Also at the SJU airport for those early departures. $$
Lucía Pâtisserie & Café (luciapatisserie.com)
If people line up for your pastries when you're only open three mornings a week, you must be doing something extraordinary. And Lucía is. James Beard Award semifinalist (2025) for Outstanding Pastry Chef, Chef Lucía Merino creates French-inspired pastries with Caribbean soul—perfect croissants, legendary sourdough, and cakes that dreams are made of. Founded in 2017 (right after Hurricane María), this neighborhood gem opened bigger digs in 2023. Order online because they sell out fast. Open Thursday-Saturday mornings only. Pa' madrugadores. $$
Peko Peko (pekopekopr.com)
Tucked into Miramar, this cozy ramen shop serves steaming bowls of Japanese comfort food with house-made noodles (from an authentic Japanese noodle machine). Peko peko means "hungry stomach" in Japanese, and you'll leave satisfied. Try the tonkotsu or the vegan option with mushrooms. Be patient—the noodles are made fresh, so there can be a wait—but it's worth it. Japanese-Puerto Rican fusion touches throughout (local tamarind and passion fruit sodas!). No reservations, first-come-first-served. $$
Casita Miramar (casita-miramar.com)
Authentic Puerto Rican fare with an updated twist, housed in the former Hotel Toro—a traditional Miramar casona where every room is unique. Fresh and vibrant dishes using local products and ingredients from their family farm in Manatí. One of our favorite entrees is the aguacate relleno con salmorejo de jueyes (crab-stuffed avocado)—so satisfying. Sister restaurant to the beloved La Casita Blanca in Santurce. Reservations recommended. $$$
Areyto Modern Cuisine by Chef Jason González (Instagram: @areytomoderncuisine)
This local gem combines Puerto Rican flavors with international influences in ways that will make you rethink everything. Chef Jason personally visits tables, and the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards (2022, 2023) are well-earned. Try the corned beef croquettes, the churrasco mac & cheese, or the gandules risotto. Cozy, relaxed atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations. Private room available, valet parking evenings. $$$
Canvas (donrafaboutiquehotel.com/canvas)
Located on the rooftop of Don Rafa Boutique Hotel in Miramar, Canvas offers a captivating experience with spectacular views of the Condado Lagoon. Bright, airy space that's become popular for brunch. The menu blends passion for food, art, and cultures—perfect for a special meal while watching the sunset. $$$
La Hacienda
A delightful deli and gourmet market with local, organic produce, fabulous sandwiches/salads and a dizzying array of beverages—both standard and fancy. Excellent wine and beer selections. $$$ (temporarily closed for renovations)
Santurce
Cocina al Fondo (cocinaalfondo.com)
The real deal. Helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Natalia Vallejo (Best Chef: South, 2023)—the first Puerto Rican ever to win—this place is rooted in the traditions, flavors, and history of the island while connecting to global culinary cultures. Ingredients are locally-sourced from farmers, fishermen, and their own garden. The rotating, seasonal menu is a sensorial journey. Cocktails by Karla Z. Torres are equally impressive—artisanal spirits and otherworldly creations saturated in island flavors. Reservations essential. Queer-friendly vibes. $$$
Santaella (josesantaella.com)
Chef José Santaella trained with legends (Ferrán Adrià, Eric Ripert, Gary Danko) and brings that international technique to elevated Puerto Rican comida criolla. The tapas-focused menu features standouts like ahi tuna skewers, crab-topped alcapurrias, and the famous tomato salad with parmesan ice cream (yes, ice cream). Rustic elegance—exposed walls, Edison lights, interior garden—and one of the island's best cocktail bars. In the heart of La Placita. Also check out Azotea, their rooftop bar. $$$
Vianda (viandapr.com)
James Beard Award semifinalist restaurant serving a small, constantly evolving farm-to-table menu anchored by local ingredients. Chef Francis Guzmán (trained at Blue Hill and The Modern in NYC) creates dishes focusing on the best Puerto Rico has to offer—both its agriculture and warm hospitality. The calamares fritos and crepas de morcilla are outstanding. Laid-back modern country house vibe with white walls and hanging plants. Reservations essential. $$$$
El Axolote (Instagram: @elaxolotesanturcino)
A hidden gem off a less-travelled side street (Calle Cerra) featuring mouth-watering tacos, flautas, guacamole, and chocolate churros—amazing! Inspired by Mexico City street food and markets, with an extensive mezcal and tequila bar. The ambiance is a quirky modern take on colorful Mexican vibes, with local art and a fish tank featuring live axolotls. Full bar, too. $$
Acapulco Taquería Mexicana
Family-owned by siblings who are passionate about authentic Mexican cuisine—no Tex-Mex here. The pork belly tacos were our favorite, with the carnitas coming in a close second. They spin their own trompo of pork al pastor in-house, and the corn tortillas are made from scratch (get there early—when they run out, they close). Be sure to ask for both hot sauces—pique and verde—delicious. Don't expect a fancy atmosphere—just go with a healthy appetite. $$
Old San Juan
St. Germain Bistro & Café (stgermainpr.com)
French-inspired bistro fare—salads, sandwiches, fresh quiche, creative pizzas. Now a three-floor establishment with Al Fresco bar on the rooftop terrace and Mezzanine bar on the second floor. Great vegan and vegetarian options. Located off the beaten path in the residential area of Old San Juan. Healthy, beautiful brunch options. Charming! $$
Condado
Luisa International Cuisine (Instagram: @luisa_restaurant)
A hidden gem one street off Ashford Avenue, owned by Pancho and Luis Cueto (Spanish origin, 40 years in Puerto Rico). Elegant, warm, and beautifully decorated—perfect for date nights or impressing guests. The menu offers Mediterranean-Spanish-Puerto Rican fusion: fresh cod with chickpeas, seafood paella, and squid ink rice are standouts. Wine cellar where you can choose your own bottle. Valet parking available. $$$
La Concha Resort (laconcharesort.com)
Look, the 60's swank architecture is stunning—the iconic seashell-shaped Perla building designed by Mario Salvadori in 1958 is genuinely worth seeing. Great for popping in to enjoy a mocktail poolside or in the breezy lobby bar and soak up the mid-century glamour. The beach is gorgeous but the waters can be dangerous—best viewed with a book from a lounge chair. Just know it can feel a bit scene-y and precious. Go for the aesthetics, manage expectations on everything else. $$$
Condado Vanderbilt (condadovanderbilt.com)
Architecturally magnificent—this 1919 Spanish Revival hotel (designed by the Grand Central Terminal architects) is beautifully restored and the ocean-front veranda views are spectacular. Worth popping in for a drink or the views. Their restaurants (1919, STK, Olas) are acclaimed but come with the five-star hotel markup and formality. If you want to splurge on a special occasion, go for it—but for everyday dining, the neighborhood spots deliver more soul for less pretense. $$$$
Legend
$ = Budget-friendly (under $15/person)
$$ = Moderate ($15-30/person)
$$$ = Upscale ($30-50/person)
$$$$ = Fine dining ($50+/person)
Queer-owned or notably queer-friendly establishments are noted where known.
Last updated: January 2026