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About San Juan, Puerto Rico

NewTo News for San Juan, Puerto Rico

September 12, 202414 min read

Welcome to the Newto News for September of 2024. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

For more information, Go to newtomedia.com

Chart House
Area: Downtown Melbourne
Chart House offers a fine dining experience with a focus on seafood and steak, complemented by stunning waterfront views.

El Ambia Cubano
Area: Downtown Melbourne
El Ambia Cubano serves authentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with live music enhancing the dining experience.

Hemingway's Tavern
Area: Melbourne Square
Hemingway's Tavern provides a casual dining experience with a menu inspired by the travels of Ernest Hemingway, featuring American and Caribbean dishes.

Grills Riverside
Area: Eau Gallie
Grills Riverside is known for its fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and relaxed riverside setting, perfect for a laid-back meal.

Matt's Casbah
Area: Downtown Melbourne
Matt's Casbah offers a diverse menu with sushi, tapas, and global cuisine, set in a modern and artistic environment.

Meg O'Malley's
Area: Downtown Melbourne
Meg O'Malley's is an Irish pub that serves traditional Irish fare and American favorites, with a lively atmosphere and frequent live entertainment.

Yellow Dog Cafe
Area: Malabar
Yellow Dog Cafe features an eclectic menu with gourmet dishes and a picturesque view of the Indian River Lagoon.

Squid Lips
Area: Eau Gallie
Squid Lips offers a casual dining experience with a focus on seafood, served in a fun and relaxed waterfront setting.

Crush XI
Area: Downtown Melbourne
Crush XI is a modern American bistro that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.

Island Pasta Company
Area: Downtown Melbourne
Island Pasta Company specializes in Caribbean-inspired pasta dishes, served in a cozy and colorful setting.

The Veranda
Downtown Fort Myers
The Veranda offers Southern regional cuisine in a charming, historic setting. Known for its romantic ambiance and excellent service, it is a favorite for special occasions.

Osteria Celli
South Fort Myers
Osteria Celli is an Italian restaurant that serves authentic dishes with a modern twist. The cozy atmosphere and fresh ingredients make it a popular dining spot.

Blanc
Downtown Fort Myers
Blanc is a contemporary American restaurant known for its innovative menu and stylish decor. It offers a unique dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

University Grill
South Fort Myers
University Grill is a casual dining spot that specializes in seafood and American cuisine. It is well-loved for its friendly service and comfortable atmosphere.

Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
Bell Tower Shops
Blue Pointe offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes in a vibrant setting. The oyster bar and extensive wine list are highlights of this popular restaurant.

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille
Fort Myers Beach
Doc Ford's is a waterfront restaurant known for its Caribbean-inspired menu and laid-back vibe. It is a great spot for enjoying seafood and tropical drinks.

Fancy's Southern Cafe
South Fort Myers
Fancy's Southern Cafe serves up classic Southern comfort food in a warm and welcoming environment. The fried chicken and biscuits are must-try items.

Harold's
South Fort Myers
Harold's is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The intimate setting and creative dishes make it a standout choice.

La Trattoria Cafe Napoli
Downtown Fort Myers
La Trattoria Cafe Napoli offers a taste of Italy with its traditional dishes and cozy atmosphere. The homemade pasta and friendly service are highlights.

Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar
Downtown Fort Myers
Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar provides a rooftop dining experience with stunning views of the city. The menu features a mix of American and international cuisine.

Frog Hollow Tavern
Downtown Augusta
Frog Hollow Tavern offers a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on Southern cuisine. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Craft & Vine
Downtown Augusta
Craft & Vine is a modern gastropub known for its craft cocktails, extensive wine selection, and innovative small plates. The atmosphere is chic and inviting.

Whiskey Bar Kitchen
Downtown Augusta
Whiskey Bar Kitchen combines Southern hospitality with Japanese influences, offering a unique menu that includes burgers, sushi, and a wide variety of whiskeys.

Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Surrey Center
Abel Brown specializes in Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and oysters. The restaurant offers a warm, rustic atmosphere perfect for a casual yet refined dining experience.

Calvert's
West Augusta
Calvert's is a fine dining establishment known for its elegant atmosphere and classic American cuisine. The menu features prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.

La Maison on Telfair
Olde Town
La Maison on Telfair offers a fine dining experience with a focus on French cuisine. The restaurant is set in a historic home, providing a charming and intimate atmosphere.

Manuel's Bread Cafe
North Augusta
Manuel's Bread Cafe is a cozy spot known for its farm-to-table approach, offering a menu that includes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cafe is famous for its bread and pastries.

Cadwalladers Cafe
West Augusta
Cadwalladers Cafe is a family-owned restaurant that offers a menu of American and European-inspired dishes. The intimate setting and attentive service make it a local favorite.

French Market Grille
Surrey Center
French Market Grille is a casual dining spot known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, gumbo, and po'boys.

Finch & Fifth
Surrey Center
Finch & Fifth offers a modern take on Southern cuisine with a menu that includes small plates, charcuterie, and craft cocktails. The atmosphere is trendy and relaxed.

Epic Restaurant
Midtown
Epic Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on contemporary American cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Mabella's Italian Steakhouse
Downtown
Mabella's Italian Steakhouse combines the best of Italian and American steakhouse traditions, offering a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious steaks and pasta dishes.

The Loft
Downtown
The Loft is a popular spot for live music and great food, offering a diverse menu that includes Southern-inspired dishes, seafood, and vegetarian options.

11th and Bay Southern Table
Downtown
11th and Bay Southern Table focuses on Southern cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create memorable dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Saltcellar
Midtown
Saltcellar is known for its upscale dining experience, offering a menu that features fresh seafood, prime steaks, and an impressive selection of wines and cocktails.

Houlihan's
North Columbus
Houlihan's is a casual dining restaurant that offers a wide variety of American dishes, from burgers and sandwiches to salads and entrees, all made with high-quality ingredients.

El Carrizo Mexican Restaurant
North Columbus
El Carrizo Mexican Restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, with a menu that includes tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.

Mark's City Grill
North Columbus
Mark's City Grill offers a relaxed dining experience with a menu that features American classics, including burgers, steaks, and seafood, all prepared with a creative twist.

Country's Barbecue
Midtown
Country's Barbecue is a local favorite for its delicious, slow-cooked barbecue, offering a variety of meats, sides, and sauces in a casual, down-home setting.

Speakeasy
Downtown
Speakeasy is a trendy spot known for its craft cocktails and small plates, offering a unique dining experience with a menu that includes a mix of international and Southern-inspired dishes.

Princesa Cocina y Cultura
Location: Old San Juan
Princesa Cocina y Cultura is the first gastobar to open in Old San Juan. It specializes in crafting traditional dishes combined with international and Caribbean flavors. The restaurant is surrounded by magical trees and offers a robust cocktail menu featuring a variety of rums from local distillers.

Marmalade
Location: Not specified
Merging Contemporary French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine with eclectic techniques, Marmalade is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Puerto Rico. Chef Peter Schintler breaks kitchen trends with a new vision of what a restaurant can be, working with Puerto Rican farmers to take advantage of local produce in a sustainable way.

1919
Location: Inside the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
The food at this upscale restaurant isn’t just farm-to-table — it’s ocean-to-table. Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas’ menu is full of sophisticated dishes, from crispy grain salad to braised veal cheeks over an apio polenta, passionfruit curd, coconut ganache, and pineapple-cilantro sorbet.

Cayo Caribe
Location: Not specified
A friendly eatery where creole and seafood dominate the menu, Cayo Caribe serves up quality ingredients and deep, layered flavors in every plate. From savory mofongo with lobster to mahi mahi tacos to arroz mamposteao and chuletas (pork chops), this restaurant offers home-cooked Puerto Rican cuisine at its finest.

Cocina Abierta
Location: Heart of the Condado
The menu takes an open-minded approach to food, sourcing flavors from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond. Located in the heart of the Condado, this lively, modern spot is close to many popular hotels — perfect for walking off a big dinner.

Areyto Modern Cuisine By Chef Jason González
Location: Heart of Santurce
Curated by the talented local chef Jason González, this establishment offers a delightful fusion of unique Puerto Rican flavors with international influences. Be sure not to miss the corned beef croquettes, the explosive flavors of the Boricua lo mein, or the mouthwatering arepas.

La Casita Blanca
Location: Santurce
With a delightfully old-school setting in Santurce, this restaurant will not only satisfy your taste buds but warm your soul. Every day, a list of 10 to 12 Puerto Rican dishes are posted on a whiteboard, with items like stewed beef with rice and beans, codfish and mashed root vegetables, and crabmeat gazpacho waiting to fill your belly.

Vianda
Location: Not specified
Recently selected as one of the 20 Best New Restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation, Vianda has quickly made a name for itself in San Juan's culinary scene since opening in 2017. Vianda's evolving, farm-to-table menu leans on local ingredients to blend cuisines in exciting ways.

Epicuro
Location: Heart of Santurce
Highlighting a monthly-changing menu that pays tribute to the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from across Puerto Rico, it stands as the premier destination for experiencing exquisite Caribbean-infused and global cuisine. The exclusive 12-seat counter provides an intimate dining experience with an open kitchen, allowing guests to interact with Boricua chef Antonio Perez as he crafts a five-course tasting menu filled with vibrant flavors.

Princesa Cocina y Cultura
Location: Old San Juan
Princesa Cocina y Cultura is the first gastobar to open in Old San Juan. It specializes in crafting traditional dishes combined with international and Caribbean flavors. The restaurant is surrounded by magical trees and offers a robust cocktail menu featuring a variety of rums from local distillers.

Marmalade
Location: Not specified
Merging Contemporary French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine with eclectic techniques, Marmalade is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Puerto Rico. Chef Peter Schintler breaks kitchen trends with a new vision of what a restaurant can be, working with Puerto Rican farmers to take advantage of local produce in a sustainable way.

1919
Location: Inside the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
The food at this upscale restaurant isn’t just farm-to-table — it’s ocean-to-table. Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas’ menu is full of sophisticated dishes, from crispy grain salad to braised veal cheeks over an apio polenta, passionfruit curd, coconut ganache, and pineapple-cilantro sorbet.

Cayo Caribe
Location: Not specified
A friendly eatery where creole and seafood dominate the menu, Cayo Caribe serves up quality ingredients and deep, layered flavors in every plate. From savory mofongo with lobster to mahi mahi tacos to arroz mamposteao and chuletas (pork chops), this restaurant offers home-cooked Puerto Rican cuisine at its finest.

Cocina Abierta
Location: Heart of the Condado
The menu takes an open-minded approach to food, sourcing flavors from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond. Located in the heart of the Condado, this lively, modern spot is close to many popular hotels — perfect for walking off a big dinner.

Areyto Modern Cuisine By Chef Jason González
Location: Heart of Santurce
Curated by the talented local chef Jason González, this establishment offers a delightful fusion of unique Puerto Rican flavors with international influences. Be sure not to miss the corned beef croquettes, the explosive flavors of the Boricua lo mein, or the mouthwatering arepas.

La Casita Blanca
Location: Santurce
With a delightfully old-school setting in Santurce, this restaurant will not only satisfy your taste buds but warm your soul. Every day, a list of 10 to 12 Puerto Rican dishes are posted on a whiteboard, with items like stewed beef with rice and beans, codfish and mashed root vegetables, and crabmeat gazpacho waiting to fill your belly.

Vianda
Location: Not specified
Recently selected as one of the 20 Best New Restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation, Vianda has quickly made a name for itself in San Juan's culinary scene since opening in 2017. Vianda's evolving, farm-to-table menu leans on local ingredients to blend cuisines in exciting ways.

Epicuro
Location: Heart of Santurce
Highlighting a monthly-changing menu that pays tribute to the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from across Puerto Rico, it stands as the premier destination for experiencing exquisite Caribbean-infused and global cuisine. The exclusive 12-seat counter provides an intimate dining experience with an open kitchen, allowing guests to interact with Boricua chef Antonio Perez as he crafts a five-course tasting menu filled with vibrant flavors.

Princesa Cocina y Cultura
Location: Old San Juan
Princesa Cocina y Cultura is the first gastobar to open in Old San Juan. It specializes in crafting traditional dishes combined with international and Caribbean flavors. The restaurant is surrounded by magical trees and offers a robust cocktail menu featuring a variety of rums from local distillers.

Marmalade
Location: Not specified
Merging Contemporary French, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine with eclectic techniques, Marmalade is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Puerto Rico. Chef Peter Schintler breaks kitchen trends with a new vision of what a restaurant can be, working with Puerto Rican farmers to take advantage of local produce in a sustainable way.

1919
Location: Inside the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
The food at this upscale restaurant isn’t just farm-to-table — it’s ocean-to-table. Executive Chef Juan José Cuevas’ menu is full of sophisticated dishes, from crispy grain salad to braised veal cheeks over an apio polenta, passionfruit curd, coconut ganache, and pineapple-cilantro sorbet.

Cayo Caribe
Location: Not specified
A friendly eatery where creole and seafood dominate the menu, Cayo Caribe serves up quality ingredients and deep, layered flavors in every plate. From savory mofongo with lobster to mahi mahi tacos to arroz mamposteao and chuletas (pork chops), this restaurant offers home-cooked Puerto Rican cuisine at its finest.

Cocina Abierta
Location: Heart of the Condado
The menu takes an open-minded approach to food, sourcing flavors from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond. Located in the heart of the Condado, this lively, modern spot is close to many popular hotels — perfect for walking off a big dinner.

Areyto Modern Cuisine By Chef Jason González
Location: Heart of Santurce
Curated by the talented local chef Jason González, this establishment offers a delightful fusion of unique Puerto Rican flavors with international influences. Be sure not to miss the corned beef croquettes, the explosive flavors of the Boricua lo mein, or the mouthwatering arepas.

La Casita Blanca
Location: Santurce
With a delightfully old-school setting in Santurce, this restaurant will not only satisfy your taste buds but warm your soul. Every day, a list of 10 to 12 Puerto Rican dishes are posted on a whiteboard, with items like stewed beef with rice and beans, codfish and mashed root vegetables, and crabmeat gazpacho waiting to fill your belly.

Vianda
Location: Not specified
Recently selected as one of the 20 Best New Restaurants in America by the James Beard Foundation, Vianda has quickly made a name for itself in San Juan's culinary scene since opening in 2017. Vianda's evolving, farm-to-table menu leans on local ingredients to blend cuisines in exciting ways.

Epicuro
Location: Heart of Santurce
Highlighting a monthly-changing menu that pays tribute to the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from across Puerto Rico, it stands as the premier destination for experiencing exquisite Caribbean-infused and global cuisine. The exclusive 12-seat counter provides an intimate dining experience with an open kitchen, allowing guests to interact with Boricua chef Antonio Perez as he crafts a five-course tasting menu filled with vibrant flavors.

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