Carli‘s Fine Bistro and Piano

As you might guess from the name, the music is as much of a draw as the food at Carli's. The genial owner and host, Carli Muñoz, toured for a number of years with the Beach Boys (note the gold album on the wall) and plays nightly with his jazz trio, often accompanied by singers and musicians who happen to drop in. Inside the skyline-dominating Banco Popular building, this intimate supper-club bistro has elegant tables scattered around the room and a bar made of black Italian granite.

A former member of the Beach Boys and a piano player for Wilson Pickett, owner Carli Muñoz now showcases his musical talent at his fine dining bistro. Jazz enthusiasts and gourmands gather every night for world-class performances, spanning a variety of genres, along with superb international bistro fare. Monday night is dedicated to local DJs; Muñoz performs solo on Tuesday and Wednesday nights; Thursdays are all about bossa nova and samba; Fridays Muñoz collaborates with guest musicians; and crowds pack in for 70s and 80s classic rock on Saturdays.

For a lovely night out in San Juan, consider Carli‘s Fine Bistro & Piano, which is in the Art Deco Banco Popular de Puerto Rico building. This is an upscale restaurant which is reflected in the prices. You can come for a starter and a cocktail or a full dinner of pasta, risotto, seafood, or meat from their extensive menu.

Carli's is one of those unique places where an owner executes his vision and is involved. The food is amazing, the ambiance and decor are spot on jazz bistro, and live piano music from the owner and pianist-composer/restaurateur Carli Munoz is regular. Solid live jazz and piano spots are rare even in Old San Juan.

Owner Carli Muñoz was a member of the Beach Boys from 1970 to 1981 (he has a gold record on the wall to prove it). He’s also played piano with rock artists like Wilson Pickett, the Association, and Jan and Dean; and jazz greats like Charles Lloyd, Chico Hamilton and George Benson.…

If you’re tired of tacos, Carli’s has a great selection of Italian fusion food. We ordered the cheese plate and the balsamic risotto, but our favorite was the lobster ravioli!. Our server spoke English, and I talked with the chef directly before he made my dinner.

If you want to switch it up a little and listen to live Jazz with a mix of Latin cultures, Carlis Fine Bistro & Piano is your place. All the seafood entrees are from local fisherman who deliver fresh fish daily. The crab cakes are to die for!

Cosy, private tables are lit just enough to enjoy staring into the eyes of the person in front of you, and the superb live piano music truly sets the stage for a romantic evening you’ll never forget. Jazz has never tasted so good.