Welcome to Puerto Criollo
At Puerto Criollo, we weave the vibrant essence of Puerto Rican culture into every dish. Nestled in the heart of San Juan, our restaurant embraces a casual yet lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families alike. With a commitment to authenticity, we offer a diverse menu that shines light on the rich culinary heritage of the islands, though we also provide limited vegetarian options. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining while savoring expertly crafted cocktails from our full bar, all in a setting that welcomes both locals and tourists. Puerto Criollo isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of taste and tradition.
- Calle de Tetuan 367 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901 Puerto Rico Hotline:
Welcome to Puerto Criollo, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This restaurant encapsulates the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Puerto Rican cuisine, offering a delightful escape for both locals and tourists alike.
At Puerto Criollo, every meal is a celebration of authentic island flavors. Whether you're dining with friends or enjoying a romantic dinner, the inviting atmosphere and casual dining experience make it perfect for groups and intimate gatherings. The outdoor seating option enhances the experience, allowing guests to soak up the tropical ambiance while savoring each exquisite dish.
The menu at Puerto Criollo boasts a variety of dishes that highlight the essence of Puerto Rican culinary traditions. From savory mofongo to succulent lechón, each plate is crafted with care and passion. While the restaurant offers limited vegetarian options, there’s still something for everyone to enjoy, ensuring that all guests leave satisfied.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially during peak dining hours.
- Dining Options: Takeout, outdoor seating, waiter service.
- Bar: Full bar available, perfect for pairing delightful cocktails with your meal.
As for my personal favorites, the flavors of the pescado frito (fried fish) are nothing short of spectacular, bursting with freshness and seasoned to perfection. The arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) is a must-try, encapsulating the true heart of Puerto Rican home cooking. Each bite brings a warmth that feels like a hug from the island itself.
Conveniently located on Calle de Tetuan 367, Puerto Criollo offers easy accessibility with garage parking and a welcoming vibe that invites you to linger. With a commitment to serving delicious food and a friendly atmosphere, Puerto Criollo is a dining experience you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends, family, and even your dogs to enjoy an unforgettable meal surrounded by the spirit of Puerto Rico!
For more information or to make a reservation, don’t hesitate to reach out – your taste of Puerto Rican paradise awaits at Puerto Criollo!

Found this spot in old San Juan near the cruise port. We were looking for a local spot to grab some food. We did have to wait a bit for a table but that's to be expected. Service was friendly and food didn't take too long. The food was good as well as the drinks. I think for a touristy area, everything was fine. Not sure about prices in other areas of PR. But we left happy.

This place is located in Old San Juan and sitting outside provides you a perfect view of the ocean as well a spot yo people watch. I ordered the Mofango which is a doughy food made from plantains and is one of the national dishes of Puerto Rico. Mofango is a good comfort food when prepared right. I ordered the seafood Mofongo: shrimp, octopus and conch. Our server was very energetic and recommended we get it prepared with the creamy garlic sauce. This was enough for two people and pricey as well. The freshness of the seafood and well seasoning of this dish made it well worth it.

I really wanted to try some pork on my last trip and had to plan to go up the pork Highway and visit those kiosks on the side of the road. However, when I saw the Kan Kan on the menu here, I had to try it. It did not disappoint. Every bite was crunchy juicy and absolutely delicious. My daughter and I shared this one plate so if the cost seems to be a little high, you can split it for two it was perfect. I don't think I would ever try another plate on their menu. Also, the wait staff was really nice. There was a pushy lady at the table next to us complaining that it was so salty. But she still ate the whole plate so explain that one to me. She mentioned to her husband that she was trying to train them to do better. So condescending. So I tipped my waiter a little extra to make up for this woman's bad attitude. I was not gonna let her ruin my wonderful experience.

All I have here was the octopus salad as I wasn't very hungry but the party I was with ordered full-fledged meals and they all raved about how delicious everything they had was the server was extremely friendly and tried her best to speak English. The plating was excellent and I did try some of the meals that my friends had and I must say they were extremely tasty and well plated. I wish we could go back so that I can be hungry and try what they tried anyways don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself.

We weren't staying far from the restaurant and we saw that they had some tables so we decided to try it out. Service was very good and the restaurant has a very nice out door patio. As for the food well thats a different story. I had the mofongo with churrasco. First it was drenched with what I think was supposed to be a garlic sauce but it was really a cheesy tasting sauce. The churrasco was over cooked and very gummy. The place was busy and full of tourists. Definitely dont try the mofongo if you decide to stop by.

A local tavern recommended we try this place. The mofongo was delicious. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are not handicapped accessible. They are up a steep stairway. It was my first to have mofongo.

Ropa vieja mofongo ($28) - my husband and I shared this cause we really weren't hungry, and we were glad we did! The portion size was big, and it was also absolutely delicious! Great texture and flavor! Highly recommend! I didn't enjoy the hot sauce though, was more vinegary than hot. But that's just a minor thing! The mofongo definitely didn't need hot sauce!