A career working with top chefs and a successful catering business prefaced chef José Santaella's namesake restaurant in La Placita marketplace. The menu is dominated by tapas, and favorites include the ahi tuna skewers, goat-cheese quesadilla, and morcilla (blood sausage) fritters. The neighborhood is anything but chic, but the restaurant is packed every night with well-dressed socialites, trendsetters, and the "who's who" of Puerto Rican society.

A stone’s throw from La Placita de Santurce, José Santaella’s superb restaurant is a fun, trend-driven place to try contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine. In a space once a hardware store, the spot has an industrial decor that contrasts with flamboyant tropical murals and Caribbean dishes that fuse authentic local flavors and international cooking styles. There’s plenty on the menu to satisfy vegetarians, pescatarians and meat lovers alike.

Head towards La Placita, the lively restaurant and nightclub district of San Juan, and you’ll find Santaella, serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Among our favorites is quesadilla de queso de cabra, made with goat’s cheese, honey, arugala, and a dressing made of white truffle oil. This place feels wonderfully intimate, with small tables positioned under low-lit rustic chandeliers.

With a chic, industrial-meets-contemporary dining room facing a lush, interior garden and a chef who’s worked with famous names like Ferran Adría and Eric Ripert, this fine-dining space in Santurce has the potential to be a real budget-buster. The smart bet is to swing by at lunch to sample chef José Santaella’s upscale, market-driven cocina criolla for less than $20, or belly up to the bar in the evening for a cocktail and a small plate or two. Drinks-wise, the spicy paloma ($15), with smoky mezcal, grapefruit juice, crushed red pepper, and a ginger-tahini salted rim, is an exceptional accompaniment to the empanadillas (above; $14), a plate of snack-sized empanadas with fillings that change from day to day.

Just south of the neighborhood, Santaella serves as a particularly upscale venue located on the edge of La Placita, a charming open-air market that turns into a boisterous bar district by night. Refined cocktails abound across the menu, with the tropical fruit-loaded Parchita and Golden Family serving as two must-try options for rum lovers, while each individual dish exemplifies the rich flavors of Puerto Rico at their most elegant. To kick off the meal, first-time diners can snack on grilled octopus and crispy alcapurrias loaded with white crab, while the pastelón serves as a particularly hearty main course that’s packed full of puréed sweet plantain, ground beef and a rich blend of cheeses.

SantaellaFor an elevated take on local cuisine in a rustic but chic setting, Santaella is the place to be for locals and…La Alcapurria QuemáLa Alcapurria Quemá offers a more laid back way to get your hands on some of the best of Puerto Rican comfort food.…La Casita BlancaWith a name that means “Little white house,” La Casita Blanca evokes the same simplicity as its title. La Casita Blanca… Hours “Very unprofessional staff and restaurant. Located in Old San Juan, just one block from La Fortaleza, the restaurant has been catering to tourist and locals for over 40 years in the old city.

Chef Jose Santaella brings his version of Puerto Rican home cooking to this glitzy and chic section of Santurce, where the beautiful people crowd the bar and tables to see and be seen, while munching on the delicious tapas offerings. In addition to empandillas, you can graze on rice fritters with baby bananas and quail eggs, blue-crab alcapurrias, mini tacos with ahi tuna, scallops wrapped in bacon or the leachon and italian sausage au gratin with a criollo sauce and sweet potato mash. Mojitos and other cocktails are more the tradition than wine, but there is a good cellar.

Set in a historic building, Santaella is a restaurant serving authentic Puerto Rican recipes utilizing local ingredients from the farmers market next door. Chef Jose Santaella turned his catering business into a dining destination using his 20-plus years of experience to marry the island's tropical flavors with San Juan's rustic heritage and current trends in cuisine. Select from a vast cocktail menu, then try favorites such as the goat cheese quesadilla and braised pork shank, and finish the meal with a quesito, a Puerto Rican cheese-filled pastry.

After training alongside world-renowned chefs in Spain and New York, Chef Santaella turned his catering business into one of the most popular restaurants in San Juan. With a career spanning 20 years, the chef staked his name on a restaurant – Santaella– and focuses his talents in showcasing local dishes incorporating flavors and techniques from all over the world. Chef Santaella is the author of best-selling cookbook “Cocina tropical: The Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Puerto Rico,” to which chef Eric Ripert wrote the prologue.

Seafood is a serious passion on the island, and beautiful, upscale Santaella is the place to get dishes like whole fried snapper with a side of tostones with mojo sauce or a starter of alcapurrias, a fritter of mashed taro and green bananas stuffed with meat or seafood. “They understand balance in food so well and have access to the freshest foods that come into the market at La Placita,” López says. “If it’s mango season, then you’ll eat diced mango and cilantro and a little oil and have that brightness throughout your dish.

The vibe at this Santurce restaurant is always bustling and the sexy, social crowd is well-heeled and hungry. Wall to wall diners wait on tables while nibbling on whimsical snacks like tuna lollipops, morcilla spring rolls, and malanga fritters and sipping creative cocktails at the bar. The dimly-lit dining room, which is anchored by a wall of lush tropical plants, is full of diners lapping up dishes such as a fried red snapper with herb chimichurri and tostones or pulled pork au gratin over mashed sweet plantains.

Located steps away from San Juan's historic La Placita food market, Santaella represents Chef José Santaella's tribute to Puerto Rico's rich culinary traditions. The restaurant's proximity to the market is no coincidence – Chef Santaella draws daily inspiration from the fresh produce and vibrant atmosphere of this local institution. The restaurant transforms traditional Puerto Rican cuisine into refined, contemporary expressions that honor the island's culinary heritage while pushing it in exciting new directions.

For an elevated take on local cuisine in a rustic but chic setting, Santaella is the place to be for locals and travellers alike. Centered around a lush tropical garden this restaurant serves dishes that are rooted in local cuisine. Santaella takes traditional dishes to new heights with menus items such as quesadillas with goat cheese and truffle oil, and mouth watering pork belly mofongo.

Santaella, located in the vibrant Santurce district of San Juan, is a modern eatery that celebrates the island’s rich culinary traditions. Chef José Santaella, trained under some of the world’s top chefs, brings a creative twist to classic Puerto Rican dishes. The menu features crispy pork belly, ceviche, and chili frito (fried snapper), all made with fresh, local ingredients.

Classic and contemporary flavors combine at Santaella in the best possible way. The menu boasts elevated traditional plates with a distinctly tropical vibe. Enjoy staples like the rice of the day and empanadillas (fried Puerto Rican turnovers), and don’t dare call it quits without trying the alcapurrias (fritters)—Jimmy Fallon approved during his last visit to the island.

Cuisine: Puerto Rican gourmetLocation: 219 Calle Canals, Santurce. Tucked away in the lively Santurce neighborhood and close to la Placita, Santaella offers an urban escape that feels worlds away from the bustling city streets. Though it’s not located directly on the water, Santaella’s lush, garden-like interior makes it feel like a hidden tropical paradise.

Velazquez offers up Santaella as a way to kickstart your night of salsa dancing. Led by Chef Jose Santaella, you’re in for a night of modern dining with local dishes that put “the vibrant energy of the island’s ‘cocina criolla’” on full display. Valentin agrees: “You get the deliciousness of a fine dining experience with a mix of Puerto Rican fun.

If you're more in the party-mode, Santaella is located at La Placita de Santurce, a locals favorite after-work hangout. Santaella offers authentic dishes and tapas showcasing the vibrant energy of the island's local cuisine. They also have a cocktails bar that has been recognized as one of the most important and trend-setting bars in Puerto Rico.

The bar at Santaella is one of the prettiest and best-stocked on the Island. The bar and restaurant, owned by famous Chef Jose Santaella, is modern tropical with exposed walls, an interior garden and papaya wallpaper. Sit at the bar and get to know house mixologists Jonathan Meléndez and Michael Norat, both winners of the World Class Competition.

José Santaella is one of the most sought-after Puerto Rican chefs, and his food proves his gift for creating exquisite plates. Established in 2011, Santaella became a staple in our community’s gastronomy!. Chef Santaella has created a unique experience for locals and tourists to experience Puerto Rican cuisine with a twist.

Located in a nondescript building in Santurce, Chef José Santaella’s signature restaurant is a lively, fun place to dine with friends. The mixologists have crafted a unique cocktail menu. Expect Caribbean libations with a twist, including a Sandía Mojito made with watermelon, as well as playful riffs on classic cocktails.

Santaella is an excellent option for people-watching, artisan cocktails, and a beautiful setting. José Santaella, one of Puerto Rico’s top chefs, manages this wood-paneled bar. The decor is smartly contemporary, with Edison lights, exposed concrete walls, an interior garden, and flamboyant murals adding a creative spark.

We welcome you with open arms and with ‘un abrazo tropical’ into a modern Puerto Rican dining experience driven by Chef Jose Santaella. Rooted firmly in authentic dishes and local ingredients, Santaella creates an elegant evolution of the flavours that showcase the vibrant energy of the island’s ‘cocina criolla’.

Santaellais where you head when you’re looking to dive into a mix of all things local and lush in San Juan. Nestled in the trendy Santurce neighborhood, this spot is all about giving you a taste of Puerto Rico with a twist. And if we’re talking about San Juan’s best restaurants, you bet Santaella is on that list.

You'd do better at somewhere like Santaella where they serve high-quality fish in ceviche and other raw preparations. Pretty much every high-end restaurant here will have stuff like that where it's essentially sushi. I'd go to Santaella or Cocina Abierta which usually have multiple fresh fish preparations.

For an indulgent fine-dining experience, Santaella is a must-visit. Here you will enjoy exquisite island cuisine from renowned chef José Santaella in a historic casa criolla, with an assortment of dishes made with local ingredients. Whatever your preference, Santurce has a dining option to suit your needs.

Santaella is known for its extensive list of wine and cocktails, as well as its modern decor and intimate atmosphere. The drinks are expertly crafted, and each one is a work of art. The food menu is just as impressive, with a mix of traditional Puerto Rican dishes and modern twists.

Eating here is a refined dining experience thanks to the gorgeous dining room, which is wrapped around a tropical garden in an interior courtyard. The menu here takes its rhythms from comida criolla but fuses that culinary vocabulary with sophisticated techniques and tastes from…

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$ | Reservations highly encouraged. Santaella is an upscale Puerto Rican restaurant owned and operated by Chef Jose Santaella. The space is very modern and intimate while the menu is inspired by Puerto Rico’s Spanish roots.

Located close to the trendy Santurce neighborhood, Santaella is a culinary gem that blends Puerto Rican flavors with international influences. Chef José Santaella, a native of San Juan, has created a menu that pays homage to his roots while incorporating global techniques.

The server noted our daughter’s specific allergens for the kitchen, and she ran back to the kitchen several times to speak to the chef to be sure his answers were correct. The food, service, and ambiance were all excellent.”. @laroko, who manages a tree nut allergy

Named after Chef Jose Santaella, this restaurant is a must for foodies!. Santaella has a modern NYC feel, yet still maintains an intimate and comfortable ambiance. This spot is the perfect place for someone wanting lavish and chic Puerto Rican food and seafood.

With tables nestled within lush native plants, dinner at Santaella is the perfect way to wind down from a busy day of traveling. Enjoy cocktails created by mixologists while your locally sourced dishes are crafted in the kitchen. Check out their website here.

Want a memorable night out at one of the top restaurants in Puerto Rico?. You’ll find all that and so much more here. Chef José Santaella uses fresh local ingredients as his inspiration and gives traditional criollo recipes a unique and moderne twist.

One of the more inventive desserts I sampled in Puerto Rico: cherry tomatoes in syrup with fresh cheese and basil ice cream at revered Criollo restaurant Santaella in Santurce. The chef, José Santaella, trained with Ferran Adriá and Eric Ripert.

Their goat cheese quesadilla is unreal, and the cocktails (like my Spicy Paloma on the left below with a tahini salt rim) are so great too. Right by La Placita, it’s a sexy spot!. After dinner, stop by Mijani for live music and Jell-o shots.

With an earthy and chic atmosphere, Santaella is a lovely little bistro with warm and friendly staff. And the food is stellar. Traditional dishes like morcilla with hot sauce, goat cheese quesadillas, and pork belly mofongo are popular.

The decor is gorgeous, the food is incredible, and the service is great. The restaurant is always crowded so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. If you're looking to go out for a nice/special dinner this is the place to go.

Located in Santurce, Santaella is ideal for couples looking for a modern yet intimate setting. The menu features Puerto Rican flavors with a contemporary twist, and the romantic ambiance makes it a top choice for Valentine’s Day.

I ate at both Santaella and Marmalade this week after seeing them as Reddit suggestions. Both were fantastic meals and had great ambience but are very closed in. That seems to be the norm with the trendier restaurants.

Canals San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907(787) 722-7600 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Santaella, located in San Juan, is run by Chef Jose Santaella and serves tapas, mains, and cocktails in a modern setting.

There are so many great chefs — Jose Santaella, Mario Pagan, Enrique Piñeiro, Jose Enrique — who are creating new expressions of Puerto Rican cuisine," says Andrés. "It's an exciting time to visit.

For an elevated take on local cuisine in a rustic but chic setting. Santaella is the place to be for locals and travelers alike. One of the best restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Chef José Santaella new restaurant is located in Santurce, Puerto Rico neat "La Placita" the famous fruit and vegetable market which is also a lively night spot on weeke...

Santaella has a modern NYC feel, yet still maintains an intimate and comfortable ambiance. Not to mention, it's steeped in history and has some striking shoreline views.

The next quasi-fancy dinner out we had was at Santaella which I also think is a must-visit if in Puerto Rico. The atmosphere was cozy and romantic…ooh lala.

Santaella: an elegant, modern restaurant in San Juan that’s always buzzing and serves fantastic tapas. It’s also fabulous for cocktails.

Treat your loved one to a fine dining experience at places like Santaella or enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at Café Puerto Rico.