Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Champi

    4.1 (86 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    El Champi Photos

    EL CHAMPI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Romantic

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Champi

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Rob B.

    On a recent trip to PR I was in Old Town late one evening with my girlfriend enjoying all of the beautiful architecture while walking around holding hands and being the lovebirds that we are when we both became hungry. We happened to notice this place down the hill and walked down to check it out. We walked in and were greeted by a lady behind the bar and asked if we could sit outside. So we sat down at a table and were soon greeted by Bradimus who ended up being an excellent server and who also recommended we try the Champiñones al Ajillo(garlic mushrooms). Great choice my friend. We ordered: - Medalla (5/5) - House Made Sangria (5/5) - Lonchas de Queso Manchego (5/5) - Champiñones al Ajillo (5/5) I love the whole atmosphere of this place. The food was great, the service was great, the vibes were great, and the drinks were great. We will definitely be back the next time we are in San Juan. Enjoy :)

    Entrance
    Russell J.

    Great afternoon tapas and aperol spritz - friendly staff, part of the plaza so great to people watch too - come on by!

    Cream of mushroom
    Bryan F.

    A cute restaurant close to the shore in the heart of Old San Juan. Loved their paella options. The rice was cooked to perfection and infused with the aroma of the ingredients! It is definitely a must try item on the menu! I also enjoyed the jazzy Latin American music they played- it really enhanced the overall dining experience. Servers were all attentive and kind- nothing to complain about!

    croquetas
    Christiane M.

    my best meal in san juan!! service was super friendly and speedy and vibes were great. we sat outside and it was very cute and food came out fast. everything we ordered was delicious, i especially loved the patatas bravas

    Olives, mussels, red wine chorizo

    We had a lovely Sunday late lunch. They serve 2 menus out of 2 kitchens. They're just getting started so try them out. The muscles were delicious and the manchego/meat plate hit the spot. I also ordered chicken and scallion skewers from the other menu. It's technically the wine bar with a different name as they get settled, the hours will update.

    Seafood paella, patatas bravas, and prosciutto with toast
    Nicole L.

    We found this restaurant on yelp while looking for authentic Spanish tapas and were so pleased! The scenery is adorable outside by the hotel, with fun music, some adorable neighborhood cats, and a good vibe. We ordered patatas bravas, seafood paella, prosciutto toast, and cheese croquettes and had more food than we could finish (the portions were incredibly large!) Everything was so tasty and we will definitely be back to try more items on the menu next time we visit.

    Pan Tan Tomate
    Jeremy R.

    Imagine walking around Old San Juan, browsing shops, checking out the famous tourist spots, and you stumble upon the most beautiful, comforting restaurant named El Champi. The food is just as delicious as you might imagine. We got oysters and the pan tan tomate to share. Both were simply impeccable. To drink, I got a sangria which was equally delicious. I still think about how wonderful the experience was. We will definitely be back the next time we're in Old San Juan. When we first walked in, we were immediately greeted and made to feel at home. I forgot her name, but she was very sweet and offered amazing suggestions for food. The ambiance of El Champi is very cozy. It's the perfect place to relax and rest out of the sun / heat.

    Inside
    Carolyn C.

    We were letdown. The Yelp and Google photos bamboozled us! Food was dull and thrown onto our plates. I crunched down on more shells than actual food. I was annoyed and honestly wanted to leave. The outside seating area is on a slant and people are constantly inches away from walking into you. Their enclosed outdoor area had starving cats and the inside seating area is where we sat and I got covered in bug bites. Service took forever and as you can see via the images, there were less than 8 clients in the entire restaurant.

    Huevos rotos
    Grace L.

    El Champi was a delicious find after exploring Old San Juan all morning. They offered outdoor seating overlooking a super cute street, but it had just remained rained so we sat inside. Our server was knowledgeable about gluten free options on the menu. Our group of 5 shared the following tapas: tortilla, huevos rotos, chorizo, and jamon croquetas. We also split the Valencian paella. Everything was FANTASTIC! I had high expectations after studying abroad in Spain, but El Champi lived up to them with fresh, tasty, and filling dishes. Great spot!

    Tapas: Patatas Bravas, Chorizo, Seafood platter, Pan de Potato, and Croquettes
    Tammy T.

    Cute tapas restaurant located in Old San Juan. We ordered five plates of tapas for the table to share, including Patatas Bravas, Chorizo, Seafood platter, Pan de Potato, and Mixed croquettes. Everything was so good! We wished that there was more bread so that we could dip it into the sauce. We decided to sit indoors, which was the perfect time and space to cool down on a hot afternoon. The waiter was friendly.

    Patio area
    Marisol H.

    Cute little gem The food was delicious & the customer service was amazing! Definitely recommend.

    They have a few tables out front.
    Guillermo G.

    Had lunch here with some friends over the weekend. When we arrived they were already seated at a table in front of the restaurant. There are 4 tables out front, 2 with umbrellas and 2 without. It to worry because the trees provide shade. They also had a mist sprinkler which was nice. The downside to the seating out front is the street is on a hill. We had to place some napkins under the plates to keep them from sliding off the table. The restaurant is located just off Calle Del Cristo, on Caleta de San Juan. It sis a residential area, so it's generally quiet and peaceful. From our table we had a view of the Hotel Convento and the San Juan Cathedral. It was Saturday afternoon and there was wedding taking place. We saw the bride make her way from the hotel to the Cathedral. As for the food, we enjoyed everything we ordered. We had the shishito peppers, pan con tomate, patatas bravas, huevos rotos, croquetas mixtas (6 croquetas - 2 manchego, 2 serrano, 2 chorizo ibérico), serrano and manchego plate, and salpicón de mariscos. My favorites were the shishito peppers (also known as pimientos de padrón), patatas bravas, huevos rotos, and the croquetas. We also ordered pitchers of both the white and red sangrias. Both were refreshing and good. Can't go wrong with either although I preferred the red. Service was good overall. Sometimes it took them a while to check up on us but they were quick to bring us whatever we asked for. I'd return. Also, I'd like to the inside since I did go in.

    Ensaladilla Rusa
    Anthony B.

    Buen ambiente y buena comida. Caminando por Viejo San Juan me topé con El Champi. Muy buena opción para tapas.

    See all

    Photo of M J.
    0
    6
    0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for your review!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy R.
    0
    6
    17

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for your 5 star review, Marty!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Trash restaurant. I am waiting for their seafood rice for an an hour. Worst restaurant in PR

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for your review, Hilary!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emma G.
    13
    41
    13

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for your review, Becca!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for your review, Jennifer!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A C.
    0
    97
    1435

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric E.
    113
    7
    0

    3 years ago

    pretentious faux spanish restaurant. seriously overpriced. nice staff, even they can't overcome such fundamental flaws

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of V P.
    0
    5
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Laura B.
    21
    59
    15

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Great atmosphere, service was casual and friendly. Food was great for the price. Hibiscus sangria was the perfect drink after a hot day,

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for your 5 star review, Rick!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Keilah M.
    534
    14
    5

    3 years ago

    Our server was so pleasant and had great recommendations. The squid ink calamari pasta was 10/10. Everything was so flavorful!

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Thank you for the positive words, Keilah!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tirtho C.
    11
    83
    33

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tony B.
    60
    10
    2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Drinks were terrible, food was mediocre and the service was average. The place is pretty trendy if that's your thing.

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Amazing food, amazing service, get the croquettes!!!! So amazing. Atmosphere was great, was a much needed tapas delight.

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Amazing service and great food. The ambiance was amazing and the drinks did not disappoint.

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of T.J. F.

    T.J. F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 3

    Review Highlights - El Champi

    We ordered five plates of tapas for the table to share, including Patatas Bravas, Chorizo, Seafood platter, Pan de Potato, and Mixed croquettes.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Tapas/Small Plates 113 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    La Carreta - Mamposteao rice with egg and avocado

    La Carreta

    4.4(341 reviews)
    0.4 km
    $$

    Sound for work stuff here for Sunday brunch. The food is absolutely delicious. I had the chicken…read moretrifungo with the mamposteao rice it was absolutely delicious. Great space very nice casual vibe open air. Our Bartender Jorge and his partner Nikki were amazing. When I'm back in Puerto Rico, I will definitely come back here. Be patient there is usually a wait to get in, but it is worth the wait.

    Popped in during a cruise ship port visit. It was maybe a 15-20 min easy walk (bit of street…read moreincline) from the Carnival Jubilee port. We made a reservation in the morning when we docked in San Juan since I read they stay busy. Atmosphere: Upon arrival, there was a short wait for 2 of us. The eatery has inside seating however with 5 full length doors to the outside it feels like an open air kinda eatery. There's a large countertop eating bar in the middle of the restaurant & an additional eating area in the back, but overall it's a pretty small dining spot. Food: Tried to make a few alterations to my dish such as scramble the omlette instead of the traditional fold it & add an over easy egg to the sandwich. They said the kitchen is very particular about the presentation of the food so no "scrambled" omelette & the over easy egg had to be on the side in case the yolk popped on the sandwich before making it to the table. Ok! Veggie omlette was really flavorful. Full of diced veggies. The avocado I added was such a nice consistency. Yes it was ripe but I think it's a different variety of avocado than we tend to get in mainland US. With the omelette plate, I substituted french toast ($6 up charge) for the regular toast. The french toast was soft & fluffy. Very good. The dish also came with a generous portion of hand cut French fries. It would have been better if they were hot but they were still good. My husband got the Cuban sandwich & added an over easy egg & said the sweet plantain on the sandwich was unexpected & really made it quite good. Pricing: Price point may be considered moderate to moderately higher, but you're on holiday and the food & ambiance are good. Breakfast was $78 before tip for 2 entrees (with add ons), 2 specialty coffees, 1 juice & $4 for unlimited filtered water. All in all, it was a heck of a lot of food, tasty, and I left very satisfied. I definitely recommend it!

    Photos
    La Carreta - Inside

    Inside

    La Carreta
    La Carreta - Outside down-the-street view

    See all

    Outside down-the-street view

    El Champi - tapasmallplates - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...