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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.
Here you can get a table on the terrace at the edge of the Caribbean. You'll find good Puerto Rican cuisine and lots of seafood, including lobster, red snapper, and mofongo. Be sure to sample one of the restaurant's daiquiris—there's a huge list from which to choose.
This bright-blue historic building houses one of San Germán's best-kept culinary secrets. Pórticos 1606 has a great mix of classic Puerto Rican food and specialty dishes from other Caribbean countries. The staff is friendly and helpful, and their grilled meats are some of the best you can get in the region. It's recommended to get several dishes to share, so everyone gets a taste of their full and impactful menu.
Puerto Ricans drive for miles to reach this restaurant in the Copamarina Beach Resort. The kitchen takes traditional Puerto Rican dishes and turns them into something extra special, and the elegant dining room looks out onto well-tended gardens. If you want to get closer to the flora, ask for a table outside on the terrace. Foot traffic from the pool area can be a distraction.
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