Good Restaurants in Condado (San Juan)

Ristorante La Scala

Located within the Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel on Ashford Avenue, this is one of the more sophisticated Italian restaurants in San Juan, catering to discerning diners who appreciate the nuances of fine cuisine and service. The decor includes neutral colors, stucco arches and murals that accent the Italian setting. Music is offered on the weekends and the interior design, from the art to the lighting, is very well thought out. Specialties include fresh halibut cooked in parchment, rigatoni with shiitake mushrooms and ricotta, and rack of lamb in a red wine sauce.

Mandalay

Award-winning Oriental restaurant located in the Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino on Ashford Avenue. Décor is Chinese - themed with slightly tropical tones. Very colorful with views to Ashford Avenue. Frequented mostly by hotel guests and tourists. The servers are professional, personable and proud to serve dishes, which the chef prepares to perfection. Be forewarned that Mandalay is a very popular spot during weekend nights. The food consists of the usual Chinese/Japanese fare. But, keep your eye on other creative offering from the kitchen, which vary according to available seasonal ingredients. The seafood dishes are tremendous. The restaurant has a huge array of drinks available.

Ramiro's

Near the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, you'll find refined cuisine and a touch of Old Spain. The menu features 'New Creole' cooking, a style pioneered by owner-chef Jesús Ramiro. The interiors are a soft sea-green and a treat to the eye. Appetizers like carpaccio of black Angus sirloin aromatized with white truffles and olives make a great starter. But the real stars are the main dishes: halibut with banana chutney and venison loin with mushrooms duxelles and blackberries. For dessert be sure to try the beautiful Kiwi presentation.

JoséJosé

Chef José Abreu and Maitre d' José Garden, from the nearby Dominican Republic are known for serving up international dishes with a creative flair. Pheasant, ostrich loin, lamb, and duck are some of the famous dishes prepared. Desserts are just as tempting, with Five Milks Custard and a variety of soufflés to satisfy one's sweet tooth. The restaurant is in a restored historic house with small, intimate dining rooms. Clientele includes Puerto Rico's well-known notables, business tycoons and many visitors.

Via Appia

Located on Ashford Avenue, Via Appia is one of the best places in Condado to grab a late-night snack or a fresh pizza, baked right on the premises; no frozen stuff here. The restaurant features traditional, light café-style décor with views of the avenue. Both locals and savvy visitors patronize the place. Here you will find an amazing variety of pizzas with toppings that include everything from meats to fresh vegetables. Also available are virtually any type of side dish imaginable.

Café Matisse

Located on Ashford Avenue, this excellent small sidewalk café is located in the center of the cosmopolitan Condado district of San Juan. The food is a mix of American and local cuisine with traditional light café fare inclusive of Caesar salads, rice and sandwiches. There is a full bar service and several tempting dessert options.

Café San Telmo

Located on Ashford Avenue, San Telmo is one of the best late night eateries in the Condado district area, specializing in both American and Puerto Rican specialties. The clientele is generally upscale yet still very casual. The Continental specialties include salads and chicken breast. This combined with Caribbean-style sandwiches and other simple, but hearty, creations comprise the menu. The restaurant also features full bar service. Local and imported beers are available for $1.

Piu Bello

This famous gelato bar specializes in Italian ice cream, but it goes much beyond the limits of dessert. With a large menu for all meals and tastes, the quick and easy food here is only enhanced by the great view from the veranda upon which it is situated overlooking Ashford Avenue. This prominent road in the heart of Condado attracts visitors and partygoers from around the world. And Piu Bello has an ice cream, and its accompanying sandwich; to suit them all. - Rachel Hiskes

Marisqueria La Dorada

The motto of this restaurant is "Eat fish, live longer". Here, the specialties are Puerto Rican cuisine, pasta, and seafood. Conveniently located in the Condado area, which is an upscale area that offers a variety of entertainment for the traveling tourist, the restaurant also offers a good wine list. They offer great tasting seafood paella. Additionally, pastas are available, such as tortellini in garlic sauce with shrimps. You can also dine on main courses including chicken breast in garlic sauce.

La Vista

Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view, a casual atmosphere, and delicious local and international foods in the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Theme buffets are offered daily and live music is offered on the weekends.

Los Faisanes

Los Faisanes is one of San Juan's most distinquished eateries. Mahogany doorways, faux-Tiffany lamps, crisp white and ecru napery, and Bernadaud china create an elegant ambience. Feast on roast duck with gauva and cinnamon, veal chops with scallion and mushroom sauce, and wonderfully light souffles. Visitors and locals frequent this fine restaurant.

Ristorante Mediterráneo

Located on Ashford Avenue, this Italian restaurant is one of the best in the Condado area, serving classic specialties from the country's northern region such as Ossobucco. In fact, a festival featuring that very dish is held every Friday. The Chef's specialty is a deliciously prepared Lobster Ravioli. Additionally, an extensive Italian wine list is available that features many fine and tasty wines to enjoy with your meal. The restaurant is decorated very tastefully. Most patrons are local business people and knowledgeable visitors.