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Santaella is a renowned restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, known for its innovative Puerto Rican cuisine. Led by Chef Jose Santaella, the menu blends local flavors with modern techniques. The ambiance is sophisticated, with stylish decor and a relaxed atmosphere. The extensive wine list and artisanal cocktails complement the dining experience. Santaella has gained recognition and awards for its culinary excellence. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable and elevated Puerto Rican dining experience.
Chic restaurant serving tapas, mains & creative cocktails in an industrial-style space.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 219 C. Canals, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 939-221-0575
Website: https://josesantaella.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Santaella, Puerto Rican Cuisine in San Juan, Puerto Rico
We welcome you with open arms and with ‘un abrazo tropical’ into a modern Puerto Rican dining experience driven by Chef Jose Santaella.
Hours & Location | Santaella in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Main content starts here, tab to start navigating. Hours & Location. 219 Calle Canals, San Juan, PR 00907 · 939-221-0575 · [email protected].
Santaella Restaurant – San Juan, PR – OpenTable
Location. 219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907 · Neighborhood. San Juan · Cross street. La Placita de Santurce · Parking details. Santaella has valet …
Reviews
MikeW Ridgway
A friend had recommended Santaella and the three of us came with a reservation. The pre-dinner drinks were well thought-out (a placita & espresso martini & an old fashioned) – as were the two salads we split (Cesar de Romana & OMG the ensalada de pepinillos!!) WOW! For dinner, we had the chillo frito, the lubina asada and angus filete along with a nice Paso Robles Cab and the Calvet Pinor Noir. For dessert we shared the cocada, pot de creme and the bizcocho de chocolate. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal, drinks, desserts and the ambiance along with the very thoughtful service and fantastic recommendations from Eduardo!! A wonderful taste experience. Highly recommend!
… moreElena Ryan
We celebrated a birthday dinner at Santaella and could not have been happier. The empanadas were fantastic and full of flavor. While the croquettes weren’t our favorite and probably not something we’d order again, everything else truly shined.
The burrata was absolutely out of this world—one of the best dishes of the night. The camarones entrée was delicious, perfectly cooked and well balanced. The New York strip was outstanding with a beautiful crust, cooked just right, and the snapper was amazing—fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared.
Overall, it was a wonderful birthday dinner and a memorable experience. We left completely satisfied and already looking forward to coming back. Highly recommend.
… moreThe burrata was absolutely out of this world—one of the best dishes of the night. The camarones entrée was delicious, perfectly cooked and well balanced. The New York strip was outstanding with a beautiful crust, cooked just right, and the snapper was amazing—fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared.
Overall, it was a wonderful birthday dinner and a memorable experience. We left completely satisfied and already looking forward to coming back. Highly recommend.
Eva Tamsky
Such a memorable meal. I will definitely remember the tuna bites, and the tomato salad with Parmesan ice cream. Some of our favorite bites in a long time. It is very pricey, and a bit of an overwhelming menu that could be simplified. Our server, I think their name was Francisco, was incredibly helpful in making recommendations and assisting our decisions. Definitely come for a special treat if you are in the area!
… moreGloria Ha
I saw Santaella highly recommended online, so was excited to nab a reservation for our first full day in San Juan! The interior is really nice — the garden with huge ornaments outside makes you feel like you’re in a fairy garden! Service was great.
Our favorite items included the ahi tuna skewers — simple but delicious! I also really liked the soup of the day, which was a fish stew — lovely savory flavor with tender fish bits. My brother fell in love with the Nutella sandwich — he said it was his favorite dish in Puerto Rico.
Things that were good but not memorable enough to return for: croquettes, malanga, calamari (I didn’t like the sweet sauce, but the calamari itself was prepared well), ceviche (very interesting preparation — I liked the fish but I’m not sold on the sweet potato), red snapper, warm chocolate cake.
Overall we had a great dining experience here, and it’s a great choice for upscale food. Everything is cooked well and thoughtfully. Considering the price, though, there are other places I’d rather eat at.
… moreOur favorite items included the ahi tuna skewers — simple but delicious! I also really liked the soup of the day, which was a fish stew — lovely savory flavor with tender fish bits. My brother fell in love with the Nutella sandwich — he said it was his favorite dish in Puerto Rico.
Things that were good but not memorable enough to return for: croquettes, malanga, calamari (I didn’t like the sweet sauce, but the calamari itself was prepared well), ceviche (very interesting preparation — I liked the fish but I’m not sold on the sweet potato), red snapper, warm chocolate cake.
Overall we had a great dining experience here, and it’s a great choice for upscale food. Everything is cooked well and thoughtfully. Considering the price, though, there are other places I’d rather eat at.
Jill Blewett
We were on a cruise that stopped in Puerto Rico for one of its ports. We walked to El Morro to see it, but sadly there were no tours since the government shutdown had just started.
We took an uber to head back to the ship and my husband found this place to eat that had great reviews. We had to stop by to see if it lived up to the hype.
We arrived before 5 which was good since we did not have reservations. There was only 1 other table of people when we got there. We tried a few of the appetizers that the server recommended and they were all delicious. Even the popcorn chicken was the best popcorn chicken I’ve ever eaten.
I got the Camarones and it was amazing. The trifongo was sweeter than I expected. It was fun to try authentic Puerto Rican food and this place was a good spot.
Honestly the only thing we didn’t like was the baked Alaska dessert because the alcohol flavor didn’t burn off of it so it tasted bleh on the outside. The server did warn us it had an alcohol taste so we would not order that again.
Everything else was amazing and the service was great too. I’m sure we were under dressed in our swimsuits, but the restaurant was great. If we ever come back to Puerto Rico – we will come again!
… moreWe took an uber to head back to the ship and my husband found this place to eat that had great reviews. We had to stop by to see if it lived up to the hype.
We arrived before 5 which was good since we did not have reservations. There was only 1 other table of people when we got there. We tried a few of the appetizers that the server recommended and they were all delicious. Even the popcorn chicken was the best popcorn chicken I’ve ever eaten.
I got the Camarones and it was amazing. The trifongo was sweeter than I expected. It was fun to try authentic Puerto Rican food and this place was a good spot.
Honestly the only thing we didn’t like was the baked Alaska dessert because the alcohol flavor didn’t burn off of it so it tasted bleh on the outside. The server did warn us it had an alcohol taste so we would not order that again.
Everything else was amazing and the service was great too. I’m sure we were under dressed in our swimsuits, but the restaurant was great. If we ever come back to Puerto Rico – we will come again!
Jennifer Capellan
So reservations were made for 5 ppl at 10:30PM but seems like they don’t have a time limit on how long people can spend on a table simple because and we spent over 25-30 mins waiting on a table…. At the beginning the experience was not it honestly, especially when you are hungry and the last reservation of the night. So it started off rocky and then when seated certain food items were not available, I really wanted to be optimistic and really give them a chance sooo here it goes… what made it special was a couple of things its right next to La placita, very busy yet fun to go fine dining and party afterwards. However, for me was ambience it was busy but the jazz music really gives the vibes a flow. Even though certain food were not available the waiters provide us with other options to select of seafood, appetizers, red meat. The Chorizo empanadilla delicious, filled with chorizo and maduro. The GOAT quesadilla was what won my heart, so delicious and flavorful with goat cheese over arugula, drizzled writhing a sweet syrup yummy. Popcorn chicken with a sweet curry was good too. But after being told the pastel on was no longer available the chef decided to make us one from scratch and let me tell you IT DID NOT Disappoint! It was delicious, the maduros were smashed in perfect texture, ugh reminds my oh my grandmas pastel on. Let just say it made the beginning of the experience forgetting. The Service very friendly and on top. Even though we did catch a dish that was a bit dirty but that didn’t stop us from getting drinks, which were great and strong.
… moreSergio Hernandez
A bit disappointed. I feel this place is overrated. Nice location, good ambiance, but the food was just OK. Probably good for drinks and meeting people, but from a food quality perspective, I’ve been in other places in this town that in my opinion are much better for the price you pay. Service was cordial but a bit slow. We got couple of appetizers and one main dish to share but it took almost 2hrs to go through it. Only highlight of the night was the Goat Cheese Quesadilla, flavorful and the White Truffle oil gave it a good dimension. The popcorn chicken was ok, but won’t be memorable. And we felt the Lacón Asado (Braised Pork) was too dry, and the caramelized part was not enough to balance it. It felt like a holiday dish that needed a cherry compote, or a cranberry sauce to complement it. For dessert they didn’t have the Baked Alaska but we got an alternative Caramel Cake with flambeed meringue, but unfortunately it was extremely sweet. Desserts need a balance too.
… moreD Reed
Exceptional experience!! So great we were blessed to eat here 2 nights in a row!! Our flight was very late getting in and most restaurants closing, but Reinaldo found us 2 seats at the bar. We had grilled octopus appetizer and the seabass entree. The flavors were devine!! Jonathan at the bar has a real talent mixing the exotic cocktails that are offered. He was also very kind and helpful to suggest different dinner and drink options. The service here is exceptional. The second night we loved the ahi pops and tried an ages Puerto Rican rum tasting. Such a beautiful place with magical food and drinks and kind people. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to try out my new cookbook.
… moreCoach T
We got reservations for Santaella because we heard it was supposed to be amazing. Upon arrival we realized they gave us reservations for Azeteo even though the reservation clearly showed Santaella, which is still the same owners but their menu is significantly different with way less options. We ordered a good amount of food and it tasted good. The portions were small and the prices were on average for higher end food. Overall the meal was fine we were just looking forward to the Santaella menu!
… moreDan Naz
Came here mid week while here for work. The staff was able to squeeze me in. Great service from the team. Cocktails and drinks came extremely quick. The lighting, mural, and live plants were representative of Puerto Rico. Options were plentiful. I ordered the cod and sweet potato. Great balance of flavors. Definitely a spot to visit while you’re in town.
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