Lana Shulman
A truly delightful Italian restaurant in the heart of Old San Juan. I visited La Cucina di Ivo multiple times during my vacation, and it quickly became a place I wanted to return to — which says everything.
The food is consistently delicious and thoughtfully prepared. You can feel the care in every dish, from the quality of the ingredients to the balance of flavors. Everything tasted fresh, comforting, and authentic without feeling heavy or overdone.
What made the experience even more special was the service. The young lady who took care of us was absolutely charming — warm, friendly, and efficient — making us feel genuinely welcome every time we walked in.
Family-owned, full of heart, and clearly run with pride, this is the kind of restaurant you remember long after your trip ends. If you’re in Old San Juan and craving excellent Italian food, this place is a must.
… moreKimberly Bru
The food was excellent, felt like we were in Italy again. Our service was top notch, explained everything and gave recommendations. We ordered the ravioli frittata and the sauce is delicious. I ordered the gnocchi with white sauce added mushrooms and it was delicious. My husband ordered penne with red sauce and he really liked it! Definitely recommend but if able would make a reservation in advance.
… moreSam
We had the most wonderful experience here at La Cucina do Ivo. Everyone was extremely nice and the food was absolutely delicious. The restaurant was romantic and beautiful. We got the mussels, penne with pesto and gnocchi in crema with chicken. Delicious!
… moreYesenia Gomez
I’m not one to ever leave reviews. However, I believe this restaurant deserves all the praise it can receive.
To start the waitress was a pleasure she was very attentive and knowledgeable taking her time to fully address any questions we had with the menu
The food was spectacular. It was our last dinner in Puerto Rico and it was everything we needed
The flavor was amazing and the portions are very well balanced
We had the fried ravioli to start with the Zappa di mare and they exceeded our expectations
… moreLaurence Butterfield
Best Italian restaurant we have found in Puerto Rico. Great food. Great service. Authentic Italian. Small in size, huge in taste, personalization and everything you want in a romantic meal. Been returning for last 5 years and will definitely go back when we return to old San Juan. Highest recommendation. Check them out. You won’t be sorry. Make a reservation or you probably will not get in!
… moreThe King
Our first night in P.R, we wanted to try a restaurant we’ve never been to. We found La cucuina di ivo as we walked through old San Juan. We didn’t have a reservation but was lucky enough to get in.
(MAKE A RESERVATION) I did see them turn people away.
The food was amazing, the kind of dishes that when you wake up the next day your still thinking about them. The dishes are made to order and so worth the wait. We had pumpkin soup, zuppa di mare and seafood lingerie and a bottle of wine. The food was flavourful and savory the zuppa di mare was a star on its own. The broth made you think of the ocean with the delicious goodies inside. (Clams, Mussels and shrimp) if you are in old San Juan this is a must try…
… moreTom E
Reviews capture the wonderful experience it is to dine at the family run Italian restaurant led by the chef from Italy who fell in love with a young lady from Puerto Rico and settled there eventually opening a restaurant manned by family and friends. Our server is his middle daughter whose name escapes me but not her outstanding and attentive service. The bread was delicious served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. Their house Chardonnay and Cabernet were excellent full bodied and smooth. We split the arugula salad. My wife had shrimp over linguini in a white garlic wine sauce prepared perfectly. My gnocchi in a meat sauce were fantastic. A fantastic dining experience in a welcoming and cozy family restaurant that makes you feel at home. Highly recommended.
… moreKathleen Axelrod
Excellent Excellent Excellent. The service, food and atmosphere was outstanding. By far the Best restaurant in Old San Juan.
… moreMaria De Alvare
I have traveled the world and only give reviews for very good restaurants – the food was excellent and Iria was an exceptional waitress. What a pure delight! The mussels with garlic, the Zuppa di mare spectacular w saffron – the fresh burrata! Then we asked for capellini al aglio e olio, delicious! We highly recommend this gem in Old San Juan!
… moreKiera D. Potter
Visiting Puerto Rico for my birthday and wanted a nice dinner. This food was absolutely delicious. My husband and I rated it the best meal that we had while in Puerto Rico. The waitress and all of the staff were so kind. If you want some amazing Italian food, you will definitely want to make a reservation here!
… more