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    Ernestina's Restaurant

    4.6 (16 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

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    Exterior
    Ashwin J.

    This was one of the biggest positive surprises over our travels. After eating in the heart of San Juan for a couple days (mixed experience), we found ourselves at Ernestina's today for lunch and we could not have asked for anything more. From the homely atmosphere and the eclectic and colorful decor & mementos adorning the wall to the cheerful and graceful attention of Millie, our host, it was an amazing experience. The food was absolutely delicious and it not only sated the hunger but kept us pining for more. Ernestina's (we want to the one in Luquillo) is surely a place to go if one is in San Juan or in Puerto Rico for that matter God bless you all who cook and serve at Ernestina's and god bless Ernestina herself (RIP)

    Katie B.

    Delicious small local restaurant. Excellent service with fresh food. LOVED IT!! Will definitely be back!

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    Photo of Gina G.
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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    7 months ago

    we loved this places its been around for many years and still going strong the food is always good and the service is like being at home.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Excellent food and service. Really tasty, fresh fish and vegetables. Very friendly service.

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Photo of N J.
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    4 years ago

    Excellent mofongo with chicharrón, great fish plates, and amazing service, very friendly!!

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    13 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great home-cooked food at a great price. The fried plantains, rice and bean sides are awesome.

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great food and casual. You can bring your own booze. No alcoholic beverages. Great service.

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    Review Highlights - Ernestina's Restaurant

    If you're looking for local food for lunch and don't want to break the bank, this is a great choice.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    People searched for Seafood 127 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

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    Terruño - Fried sweet plantains stuffed with churrasco/stake and topped with white creamy garlic sauce.

    Terruño

    4.0(401 reviews)
    2.2 km
    $$

    What an amazing spot! The restaurant offers beautiful beach views and an electric, vibrant…read moreatmosphere--you can really feel the energy from the music and the crowd. It's the kind of place you don't want to leave! Parking can be a bit challenging, so make sure to arrive early and give yourself time to find a spot--it's absolutely worth it. The staff was fantastic--friendly, courteous, and able to handle our large group without any issues. We ordered a variety of dishes to try as much as possible, and everything was delicious. Some of our favorites included: * Mofongo with shrimp * Alcapurrias * Shark bites (a must--especially if it's been a while since you've had them!) And don't skip the drinks--they definitely deliver: * Long Island Iced Tea * Margaritas * Mojitos Great food, great vibes, and a great experience overall. Definitely a place you have to visit!

    We came here for food based on Reddit recs haha. Glad we chose this place! The food was pretty…read moregood, and we loved the energy and the live band here... but what really set this place apart was how friendly the staff was! When we arrived, the main room was packed, and the few open tables were reserved. The host asked us if we'd be okay sitting in another room. I explained that we're visiting, and we wouldn't mind waiting for a table to open up where the live band section is. Upon hearing this, they were nice enough to accommodate us and make it happen. Special shoutout to our server! Unfortunately, I forget her name (it's been a month), but I remember she had this AMAZING makeup on, with lots of colorful beads in beautiful patterns across her face, as well as lovely hands with really fun nails and rings. She was so lovely and friendly, and she really made our night! If you see this, thank you :)

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    Terruño - Comedor

    Comedor

    Terruño
    Terruño

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    El Jibarito - Flan de coco and flan de chocolate

    El Jibarito

    3.9(2.1k reviews)
    43.3 km
    $$

    A True Taste of Tradition: El Jibarito Delivers on Every Front…read more​If you are looking for an dining experience that feels like a warm embrace from family, El Jibarito is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you step through the doors, you are wrapped in a vibrant, welcoming ambiance that perfectly balances lively energy with cozy, authentic charm. ​But the true star of the show is the food. Every single dish bursts with rich, ancestral flavors, serving up exceptional quality that respects deep-rooted family traditions.The absolute standout is their Bistec Encebollado (beef steak with onions). The steak is perfectly tender, marinated to perfection, and smothered in a mountain of sweet, caramelized onions. Paired with a side of fluffy white rice, savory beans, and perfectly caramelized sweet plantains (maduros), it is pure culinary comfort. You can quite literally taste the love and history in every bite--it doesn't just feel like you're eating at a restaurant; it feels like you've been invited into a family's home kitchen where recipes have been perfected over generations. ​The Verdict: Incredible food, an unforgettable atmosphere, and a beautiful dedication to heritage. El Jibarito is a masterclass in tradition done right. Don't pass this one up!

    El Jibarito is absolutely worth the visit if you're looking for authentic Puerto Rican food. We had…read morethe lechón con salsa de plátano, and it was absolutely delicious--full of flavor and cooked perfectly! We were a large group, so there was about a 30-minute wait for a table, but that's part of the fonda-style experience. Tables turn over as people finish their meals, and while you're waiting, you can relax with an ice-cold Medalla, which makes the time go by quickly. A special thank you to the staff for the excellent service and warm hospitality. The food, the atmosphere, and the friendly staff made this one of our favorite dining experiences in Old San Juan. We will definitely be back!

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    El Jibarito
    El Jibarito - Fried snapper

    Fried snapper

    El Jibarito

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    Ernestina's Restaurant - seafood - Updated July 2026

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