Nice atmosphere. Great service, they will arrange your selections to compliment flavors and wine pairing. Some dishes are small. The white bean soup is the restaurants flagship...it's served in an espresso cup leaving you wanting more, ask your server about sizing so you or your date don't walk out looking for a burger to fill that empty space. Ceviche is amazing read more

My boyfriend (J) and I agreed that this wasn't just the best meal we had while in Puerto Rico, maybe the best meal ever. We called on Monday and got a Thursday reservation. On the phone, and once we got there we were asked if we were celebrating anything or if we had any allergies. They sat us at a table where we got to sit next to each other on a couch with tons of pillows and we got to face out to the rest of the dining room. We started with cocktails, me with the global warming and J with the B3. We each loved them. The only glitch in the meal came when the waiter removed J's drink before it was empty (at $15 a drink, he really wanted that last sip). We ordered the four course menu with wine pairing. Meal highlights were the yellowtail poke paired with sake, the "popcorn" shrimp, the pork cheek and its red wine pair, the chocolate tripleta paired with coconut rum, and the bread pudding with the Zacapa rum (23 year aged). We enjoyed the whole experience so much, we returned for cocktails the next night. The bartender recommended the urban hipster, which may have been better than the global warming. A must if you're in Puerto Rico! read more

This was a truly delightful dining experience. We went to Marmalade for dinner new year's day while on our honeymoon in San Juan and it honestly did not disappoint. They prepared a special table for us with rose petals and decor. Before visiting, we perused their website and were absolutely intrigued by the menu. We had a hard time choosing because everything sounded so good, so we wound up going with the six course meal to maximize the number of choices we got. Everything was so well prepared and brought out in a perfect sequence. I will say, our dinner wound up being about three hours but every second was enjoyable. Just plan to have the time to sit back, relax, and savor every bite of your food. Pace yourself! They have a great selection of wine, beer, and other drinks as well. Our waiter, Rubio, was very knowledgeable and provided us with impeccable service. He had the patience and charisma to explain all of our choices and provided recommendations whenever we were unsure about something. The portions are very appropriate, but we did feel very full with the six course meal at the end of the night. However, I can't say I would've made a different choice, because each plate was so exquisite. In short, the service, food, and atmosphere were wonderful! Highly recommended if you're up for a night of fine dining in Old San Juan. Absolutely magnificent place! read more

By far the best meal we had in San Juan. The service was fantastic, the food amazing, and the ambiance very hip. Chef Peter was so nice and knowledgeable about the local food and made great wine pairing recommendations. We started with the popcorn shrimp and a wonderfully fresh Verde Ceviche salad and two of us ordered the vegan gnocchi, which was sooooo goooood! I put my name down for the cookbook hoping these two recipes will be in there. Another person at table ordered the lobster risotto and it was also the best we had on the island. Lastly, we had a very tasty blueberry dessert with house-made ice cream. Everything was perfect and if we could, we would have eaten here every night. Thank you all for this enjoyable and rememberable dining experience. read more

We dined at Marmalade last week while visiting Puerto Rico for the first time with our two college kids. The net-net is that Marmalade was the dining highlight of our trip. As others have said, Marmalade specializes in 3, 4 or 5 course tasting menus, which they push, but in the end that's a good thing. Two of the courses are the white bean soup and dessert, then you pick either 1, 2 or 3 other items from the menu. My family all opted for the 4 course, picking two items from the menu, I saw so many good things I opted for the 5 course. When my 'extra' course, which I selected the bite sized paella, was presented at the table, the wait staff said, everyone needs to try this so they brought a second serving, at no charge giving us all plenty to share. It was great! While I almost opted not to do the tasting menu at all because the white bean soup really didn't sound that good, I have to admit, it was fabulous! I wish I could get takeout and have them deliver me some today (and every day) back home here in Massachusetts. Because we saw so many appetizers/starters that sounded great, none of us actually ordered an entree (but we had PLENTY of food that's for sure). We had the Yellow Tail w/pineapple (good), the Ceviche (excellent - don't pass this up), the gnocchi w/horseradish and braised beef (terrific) and too many others to recall. Who knew gluttony could be so fabulous! If you are in the San Juan area, I can't recommend Marmalade more highly. Go and enjoy - we loved it and hope you do too. read more

Some of the best food I have ever had. I am vegetarian, and the food is great!!! There are so many great vegetarian options, but the foood is so fresh and so good. The service could have been better, but the food was just so damn good.. best restaurant in Puerto Rico read more

My fiance and I recently went to Marmalade to celebrate our engagement and had a mostly good experience but with a disappointing ending. We each ordered the four course tasting menu. The appetizers and intermediate plates were all very good- I recommend getting the white bean soup, paella, and risotto of lobster. The larger plates were hit or miss for us- the beef tenderloin was flavorful and well prepared but the tuna entree tasted too dry and was too rare for my tastes. The service was good and the waiter provided good recommendations. What was most disappointing for me though was the check- when I made the reservation a month in advance, I indicated that we were celebrating a special occasion. The morning of the reservation, I got a call from the restaurant to confirm the reservation and the host/manager (I assume after reading the note about the occasion) offered to "greet us with rose petals on the table and two glasses of champagne." These both sounded like nice touches and I happily agreed. After getting the check at the end of the meal though, I realized that we were charged $53 for the two glasses of champagne. This obviously wasn't brought up at any point ahead of time. Neither one of are big champagne drinkers, so had it been made clear to me that the offer of champagne wasn't complimentary (as the rose pedals were) I would have much rather turned them down and ordered an additional 4 glasses of wine that we would have actually enjoyed for the same price. It was a disappointing ending to an otherwise good meal. read more

Cute decor. Friends and I were excited about this highly recommended restaurant . We each had the 6 course tasting menu so we could all try each others dishes and the first couple of dishes were great. The paella and the yellowtail poke really were impressive but everything went downhill from there. The foie gras was so-so and the white bean soup was too salty. The truffle pasta would have been amazing had it not had so much salt that we asked for several refills of our water glasses after just a few bites. The sea bass was ok but the halibut cheeks were so salty that one friend began pouring water on her dish to rinse off the sauce! The server (who was very polite and nice but slowwww) recommended for dessert the chocolate doughnut balls with mocha and raspberry dipping sauces and they came out dry and tasteless reminding me of my daughter's masterpieces from her easy-bake oven years ago. Overall it was an overpriced time consuming disappointment leaving me with high blood pressure and parched from all the salt intake. read more

I rarely write reviews but I just had to write one because this place is absolutely fantastic. Me and my family are kinda of foodies though I must say im not that picky, every dish was amazing. read more

Make no mistake, Marmalade is a California transplant and not somewhere you want to go to experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. For that, go around the corner to Cafe Manolin. Their menu does revolve around the tasting concept wherein you choose from a number of dishes and they really seem to want to steer you in this direction-- for obvious reasons. Add a wine pairing with each dish for an additional fee. We opted instead for a la carte as we really just wanted a traditional app--entree meal. Yes, the soup is fantastic, however I was expecting something with a bit more substance. I found it to be slightly watery, however the flavors are through the roof. Unfortunately, that (and the espresso at the end of our meal) was the highlight. This is not to say that the entrees were bad, the gf had the lamb tagine which was outstanding and I had beef tenderloin, which sadly the beef had gone a bit cold and the gratin that it was served over gave the impression that it was not made to order. Add to that a $50 bottle of Sonoma Pinot Noir (their cheapest on the menu btw) and we had ourselves a lovely little meal, if not completely stuffed. We found out their espresso is brewed from beans that are roasted a few blocks away at the micro-roaster/cafe called Cafe Cuatro Sombras, which is also worth a visit. As a final note, I would recommend making reservations as we did not. Which wasn't entirely a problem on a Thurs. night, however the hostess seemed to want to seat us at the bar. When I pointed out an empty banquette in the front room, she reluctantly sat us there, but I would not be surprised if these tables received slightly less attention than in the rear dining room proper. Also, be aware that this place seems popular with the cruise boat crowd, so don't be surprised to see large groups in shorts with backpacks, etc. read more

This was a meal to remember. From the initial welcome to the final taste of dessert everything was perfect. The other reviews are all true. The little white bean soup sent shivers through my body when I first smelled it. The lobster risotto, the truffle pasta, pork cheeks and sea bass where delights in every way with it being a challenge to pick a favorite. Our server, Eric was a gem and it was lovely to send some time mid meal with a visit from chef Peter. While we were sad to finish our desserts and the last sips of beautifully paired wine neither my wife or I could have eaten another bite. People have mentioned the cost, but we felt that this experience was worth every penny. We look forward to returning. read more

One of the best restaurants I've ever tried. If you are a food lover it's a must try place.

Absolutely amazing farm-to-table french style food with Caribbean flare. I am a culinary school grad and this is the best restaurant I have had the pleasure of dining at. The wine pairings were superb and pricing for the tasting with wine was VERY competitive. Most of all: worth it - and then some. The food was perfectly balanced in texture, flavor, and every component of each dish was expertly and thoughtfully executed. The ceviche was impeccable with the perfect level of mild acidity to let the seafood shine. The paella bites were life changing. My fish was delicate and melt-in-your-mouth tender. My boyfriend ordered the grass-fed beef and it was completely magical - tender, flavorful, robust sauce. Lastly, the truffle pasta and the white bean soup would absolutely lure me back to Puerto Rico in a heartbeat. This whole team works miracles here. They have a cozy but formal atmosphere, and you are treated like a mix of family and royalty here. The way the servers describe the food could get each of them a golden globe. One of the servers actually owns the farm where a majority of the produce and animals come from and she was delightfully describing her farm with pride. Absolutely incredible dining experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Deserves two Michelin stars at least. This knocks 1919 out of the water! read more

Food is amazing- both in taste and in presentation. Had the paella appetizer which was delicious. Also had the cod which was great too. The dessert was impressive and wonderful - chocolate macadamia mousse with a passion fruit puree sauce. Still licking my chops! Service was excellent. It was our anniversary and they put us a t a nice table sitting on the same side with rose petals on the table! read more

Wonderful meal with great wine pairings. The service was impeccable. Tiny white bean soup was the best soup we've ever had! Chef was personable and chatted with us at table. read more

We're only in Puerto Rico for a few days, but found some good reviews on Marmalade so made booking. So glad we did. We did the 6 course tasting menu which involves 3 apps, the white bean soup, an entree and dessert. Everything we ate was expertly presented, and the flavors were truly amazing!! The paella appetizer was definitely our favorite of the 3, but the mojito scallops, caprese (special, wasn't on menu), gnocchi and truffle pasta were great too. The white bean soup is supposed to be one of their specialties, and it certainly did not disappoint. Entrees were great, the miso cod and Kobe cheek dishes were delicious. Wrapped up with the "coffee and donuts" and the crusted mousse we read about in other reviews were great options to round off a brilliant meal. The service was incredible, our waitress Janelle went the extra mile to keep us happy and owner/head chef Peter does the rounds to speak to each table. Overall one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. Would definitely recommend, and would definitely repeat if in town again!! read more

Speechless. Speechless and full. There is a reason this incredible restaurant is rated the finest in San Juan; the finest on the island of Puerto Rico. This restaurant has a chef/owner who takes a personal interest in offering a dining experience surpassed by none other. From the moment we arrived (reservations recommended,) we were pampered. The menu is thoughtful. The menu is inspiring. The menu will blow your mind! The specials will make you forget there is a standard menu and everything is fresh. Oh, so fresh. On the evening we were in house, the chef prepared a special dessert dish for one of us. Chef Peter (also the owner) is happy to not only suggest foods, he is also considerate of allergies you might have. Basically, the experience is like having a chef in your own home. Nothing finer. No service better. I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant. If you visit San Juan, you MUST visit Marmalade. Simply one of the finest dining experiences I have ever had. Cheers! read more

The food here is all excellent and the wine pairings are also very good. Plus service is great. All in all probably the best restaurant on the island. Only downside is the price, though that is to be expected given the quality. read more

Fantastic food, service, and atmosphere. A must do in Old San Juan. Definitely make a reservation as it is very popular. The lamb dish is amazing (one of many). read more

Unbelievable food. Service is extraordinary. But, the "culinary tour" by the Executive Chef made it fun, interesting and memorable. Exceptional. read more

This restaurant single handedly made me join the Yelp world to endorse how great this restaurant was. Upon making reservations on Open Table we mentioned it was our anniversary. We arrived and they gave us a romantic table covered with rose petals! The food was amazing..I'm from Chicago and have high standards. We had the chef tasting menu...the white bean soup is to die for and I will happily troll the blogs to find that amazing recipe. The waiter was fine..reminded me of Ed Norton, but nothing special. What sets this place apart is the owner. Peter? Fabulous. He came out to our table and others and spoke with us regarding the food and culture. We went to a great local bar around the corner based on his recommendation and had a wonderful time listening to local music. I would highly recommend this spot, if only for the white bean soup and the pineapple mojito!!! read more

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING....We went to dinner at Marmalade on a Saturday evening. We were a group of ten food enthusiasts from New York. This restaurant contends with the elite of Manhattan, NY!!! The service was excellent, the food was excellent. We ended up having a chef tasting, which was totally unexpected and marvelous. The chef and his wife were very nice warm people. I asked the waiter if they had a vegetarian entree. The waiter suggested three dishes, and I ordered. Little did I know our waiter told the chef, and the chef prepared all my tasting dishes vegetarian style. I was so impressed!!! The drinks and the dessert were amazing!!! We will definitely visit this restaurant whenever we come to San Juan, PR. read more

Great food. So delicious. Try the golden beets and pear appetizer.

This place is AWESOME...I have been fortunate to eat all over this world and we had one of the best dinners ever last night here. Edward was a fantastic waiter. Highly recommend the five course meal and wine pairings. Absolutely wonderful. read more

Entered Hungry and Hopeful, Left Hungry and Disappointed My friends and I arrived at the restaurant for a 8:30pm reservation which the restaurant could not find. They also stated as they were completely booked, it was not possible for us to have made a reservation that day. They made it seem like they were doing us a favor by seating us at a large communal table opposite the bar. Two issues with this - for the two+ hours we were there, there were tables in the back that were empty the entire time; the structure over the communal table is quite dusty - a first sign that we should have probably left, which is something I almost always do when I see such a condition (I took a photo for the record) . Two of us opted for a la carte and two opted for the 4 course group tasting menu. Our server should have mentioned that the two of us that were not having the tasting menu would not be served until the two with the tasting menu had their third course. Hence we pretty much were starved for an hour. During that hour we were served a complimentary soup, which was the only thing I enjoyed about this dining experience. The two that had the tasting menu opted first for the ceviche and popcorn shrimp, respectively. As the guest that had the ceviche hails from Peru, I dare say she might be considered an expert on ceviche. After one taste she was able to classify it as "worst ever." The restaurant was generous enough here to substitute her selection with the popcorn shrimp which they both enjoyed. Their second courses were the pasta and the paella, respectively. Both were not tasty to either. When it was noted that the pasta was too buttery, the waitress noted that "if you weren't used to flavorful, creamy pasta......". This resulted in the first visit from the chef. To his credit he asked if he could make something else, and both declined. Now for the main course. I had previously asked the waitress for her recommendation between the sea bass and the Sicilian style swordfish. She recommended the swordfish, if I was looking for something with "intense flavor." The other three were all having the beef tenderloin. Again disappointment all around. When asked by the waitress what the problem was and told the food was just underwhelming, the waitress responded that "if you are not used to organic beef with no fat..." This resulted in another visit by the chef, who reiterated the waitress' rationale, and again offered to make something else. The guests on the group tasting menu, just politely declined, as we were now just looking for the check and wanting to leave and cut our losses. Meanwhile, my swordfish was not intense (actually pretty bland) and an extremely small portion, which seemed even smaller after waiting an hour. The chef offered one of the group tasters a midnight snack, which she declined, but he was persistent, and will have to get credit for that. He came back a while later with a container of gnocchi, which, truth be told, she gave to a homeless person, as another disappointment couldn't be risked. Dessert was good. It should be noted here that all of us work and live in NYC for very large corporations that have offices in Puerto Rico, NY and elsewhere. We eat out all over the country and beyond and often in New York City. We know both a good meal and a good value. Sorry to say we all left feeling that we got neither. If I ever stop in there again, and it is not likely, it will never be for more than a beer and to see if the overhang was vacuumed. PS - my friends ended up with multiple charges on their credit card, which took some time to resolve with their bank. read more

Puerto Ricans really know how to serve up a meal in style! Marmalade came highly recommended to us by several people at our resort. I'm telling you, we messed up and do not make our same mistake! Pick a night and book a reservation as soon as you get to town, because this place books up quick and you do not want to miss it. We ended up having to eat at the bar, but the main dining area is amazing. We had total diner's envy of the people in the main dining area in the back. It is a beautiful restaurant. Very trendy, upscale and upbeat! With that being said, our bartender/ waitress was so nice and our food was so delicious. There were three of us and we all ordered the 4-course meals. We all picked off of each others plate and had a wonderful meal. We did have a bachelor party of 20 guys yelling and screaming in the lounge / dining portion of the restaurant. Management could have toned them down a bit, but whatever . . . still a very good time! read more

Enjoyed it so much last year that we went again for second year in a row. Truly an amazing experience from beginning to end. Our waiter Raphael was probably the best waiter we have ever had. The food is out of this world and each person loved their choices - even my 13 and 15 year old boys! This is well worth the money. We plan to return every time we are in PR. read more

2nd visit. 15 course tasting menu. Food and cocktails are amazing. Meal was paced nicely. Waitress was extremely knowledgeable of the menu. You will not be disappointed! read more

Delicioso! Get the white bean soup - it is to DIE for, which is usually a compliment I reserve for dessert!

We visited Marmalade on the advice of a friend who said it wasn't just the best meal they had in Puerto Rico, but one of the best meals they'd ever had. Their recommendation did not disappoint! I wish that I had taken note of each course the Husband and I enjoyed during our six course tasting menus at Marmalade. This wasn't just dinner, it was definitely an experience. As I mentioned, we both went for the six course tasting and only had the same course twice (Popcorn Shrimp and Tiny White Bean Soup). It was delicious and whimsical and we left many items on the menu untried between the two of us. We each started with a cocktail (I had the Kiwi Libre, yum), and shared a bottle of Cahoots Cab Sav which went well with the meal. Our waiter, Eric, was very helpful, really knowledgeable about the menu and just very nice. Chef Peter was actively checking in on the floor and stopped by our table two or three times. We both started out with little salads featuring different shaved beets. The Popcorn Shrimp was definitely one of my favorites of the night and the staff didn't mind that I took a picture of it. A guacamole of sorts, with shrimp and actual popcorn - very cool and VERY tasty. We both also LOVED the Tiny White Bean Soup and it was clear why it has been the one constant on the menu. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Gnocchi and Short Rib (the gnocchi were perfect pillows, so amazing) and the Red Snapper that was a Thai curry-sque prep if I remember correctly. I closed it out with the Caramel Corn Crème Brule with Peanut Brittle ice cream. OMG. The Husband's banana bread pudding (I think?) was equally amazing. The ambiance was great, the chairs and tables were funky and the dining areas intimate. We were on vacation and it was also the Husband's birthday, so we were definitely indulging. That being said, I do not think it was that expensive for a tasting menu. We were thoroughly pleased and would absolutely visit again. read more

My boyfriend and I did the 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings and literally every course was delicious. We had our server, Jonathan, pick the courses for us and he did an amazing job, we loved literally everything that came out. The poke, popcorn shrimp and pork cheek were particular high points but really every course was on point. The wine pairings were well thought out and complemented the dishes very nicely. In addition to making excellent meal selections Jonathan was friendly and engaging, other staff members brought out some courses and they were all friendly and informative as well. The restaurant itself has a very trendy vibe, interesting lay out, eclectic furniture choices, modern decor, beautiful glassware. The chef was out and about in the dining room most of the time we were there, bringing courses and chatting with tables, he didn't stop by our table but he seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with the customers. Overall it was the perfect evening, highly highly recommend. read more

We dined at Marmalade last night after a very hot trip to El Morro. We were able to get a same day reservation through OpenTable, for 6 p.m. When we got there, we were only the second table, but within about 20 minutes, the restaurant was almost full. Very pretty space with a bar and different styles of seating/tables. Our server Angela was fantastic, very sweet. I started with the golden beet salad, and my husband ordered the veggie ceviche from the vegetarian intermediate menu, after which we were both treated with a complimentary cup of the restaurant's signature white bean soup. The beet salad was delicious, very well balanced considering the numerous components. My husband, who had unfortunately gotten food poisoning a couple of days earlier, devoured the veggie ceviche, and was feeling healthier by the minute. The amazing chef Peter Schintler came out and spoke to us for about 10 minutes, explaining his motivation to provide nutritious (and extremely delicious) offerings on the menu (including the ceviche). He even explained to us in detail how he made the dressing for the ceviche, which I wrote down as soon as we got back to our hotel so I can give it a shot when we get back to Philadelphia -- and Angela provided us with a recipe card for the soup, which looks like a precursor to the Marmalade Cookbook, coming soon. The entrée (pork cheeks, recommended by Angela) and the wines (Grenache, cab sauv, and malbec) that we tried were fantastic as well. BONUS -- coming from Philadelphia, we are used to getting gouged for parking, but were pleasantly surprised after our great experience at Marmalade that the parking garage we were in all day (Dona Fela) was only $3.60! Highly recommend trying Marmalade! read more

Loved it - we came here during our honeymoon and had the 5 course tasting menu. Probably the second best meal we had in our life. Food is to die for, and as previously mentioned, the white bean soup is fantastic (we even asked for the recipe). The wine pairing was a good value and worked very well with each dish. The place has a cool atmosphere and great service. We got special seating due to being on honeymoon (mentioned when making the reservation). The chef walked around and chatted with guests. What else can I say - definitely worth the expenses for a special dining experience! read more

Reservations are a must and the drinks are good. Couldn't try the food because I didn't have reservations. Kind of a "dressy" place. Not for the average evening. Come dressed and ready for formal dinning. read more

If you want it in a few words, pretentious and hopelessly underpowered. Here's the rest: The last days of August, 2009 were a sauna in San Juan. How our hearts leaped, then, as our slender hostess led us deep into the air-conditioned depths of one of the toniest, most exquisitely proportioned restaurants we'd ever set foot in. My wife and I had been dining for three days on local cuisine exclusively (truly excellent stuff, by the way), and we were eager to see what an ambitious and obviously high-octane restaurant could do in the quarter mile. Not much, it turns out. In fact, next to nothing. So you want the good news first? The white bean soup is splendid. It comes in something like an espresso-sized shot cup, served in the middle of the five-course meal. Redolent of bacon and scallion, offering up a bit of truffle oil, it makes for a lovely two swallows. But like two swallows of water in the middle of the Sahara, not enough. I repeat: Welcome enough, but just not enough. We started with two drinks recommended by our congenial waiter. I'll be candid, I'm not hard to impress with a drink - if a mojito has a nice slash of mint to it, if it refreshes, then I'm all accolades and grace. The problem at Marmalade is that the local mojito mix they'd plucked off the shelf of the little grocery down the street has no kick, no charm, and it didn't help that the eye dropper they used to dispense the alcohol was infant-sized. My wife's drink offered even less. Was less possible? Alas, yes. (The next night, in a little anonymous airport restaurant, for the same nine bucks, I had a fabulous mojito, by the way. It's pretty sad when the most pretentious bistro in town is smoked by a nameless airport watering hole.) And the meal itself? A concatenation of disappointments. The ceviche starter, highly-touted by another of the reviewers, was drowned in an inordinate marmalade-like topping which quite disguised the small fish chunks simpering on the bottom of the plate. The acidic, tart, distinctive taste of a true ceviche was nowhere in evidence. Likewise, the tuna tartare was served in a glop of sauce that made identification of the tuna a hopeless task. A simple piece of fresh tuna sashimi in any sushi restaurant in any strip mall in any city would leave it in the dust; a true tuna tartare, as served, for example, by Sasabune in Honolulu - an unfair comparison, of course, but the sheer affectation of Marmalade invites it - would leave Marmalade's chef red-faced and gasping . The foie gras, which should have been a highlight, was undercooked, tepid, and, once again, in what would turn out to be the signature flaw of this kitchen, lathered in a fruity concoction, though in this instance the sauce proved a blessing, obscuring, as it did, the less-than-tasty niblets of the signature dish. The gnocchi was also undercooked, and substantially so. A total disappointment to the gnocchi lover, though whatever meat surrounded it had a nice stewy texture and a reasonable taste. Soup came next, and was a pure pleasure. Amuse bouche completely and utterly failed to amuse. The lamb, a very, very small portion, was not offensive. Wife didn't like it, but for me it was an oasis of edibility in a long and gooey stretch of preening and underpowered plates. The monkfish, wherein I hoped lay redemption, was the only bad monkfish I have ever had. Unassertive bits of mysterious protein - wife was not sure it was even fish, but, of course, it was - and sadly unredeemed by the goop surrounding it. Worst part of the meal, hands down? Well, we were obviously tired and disappointed. But we put on our game faces and smiled and let the waiter choose. He brought us "our best deserts." We were then, after a long wait, served a five-layer rice pudding and a strawberry crisp. Friend, what can I say? I promise you that any chain restaurant or local bakery would chuck the chef who dropped such wretched concoctions on a plate. How in the world can you destroy a five-layer rice pudding? This is comfort food; a pure sugar shot; you can't destroy it. Well, not unless you are the desert chef at Marmalade. I left the dish after two spoons. Yes, I left food on the plate. But even my grandmother would have understood. We went over to Ben & Jerry's afterwards - a rocking little place with more charm in its evanescent and funky furnishings than Marmalade could ever hope to summon - and had three scoops each of superb ice cream. And then we called it a night. By the way, a little hole in the wall called Jibarito is quite a find, a five minute jaunt down some narrow cobbled side streets right in the heart of the old city. This is what I am talking about when I cite the excellence of the local food. Their boliche serves two purposes, best I can figure: it gives you something cheap and delicious to marvel over. And it gives the chef at Marmalade something to shoot for. read more

We dined at Marmalade for my partner's birthday. It was a fabulous experience. This restaurant is a must for anyone visiting Old San Juan who enjoys amazing wine and fine dining. Their wine list includes some of the most prestigious wines in the world. They offer four, five and six course dinners with the option of paring wine with each course. We chose five courses and it was plenty of food. The Owner and Executive Chef, Peter Schintler, came out and wished my partner a happy birthday. Our server, Eddy, was extremely accommodating and made us feel right at home. This was a night we will never forget! We will be back next time we are in San Juan! read more

All these reviews mention the white bean soup; there's a reason. It's that good. Everything was delicious and the service was outstanding.

This is definitely a must try! The meal is on the pricier end but the food is fantastic, the hosts (and the little daughter) are amazing, and the chef is so kind! We spent our thanksgiving here and im so sad that this is only in San Juan :( popcorn shrimp * fois gras * pork cheeks * caramelized pear... Need I say more? read more

Great service. Amazing food. Our waiter Eddie was always checking in on us and chef/owner Peter Schintler came and spoke to us for a bit and hoped we enjoyed dinner which we absolutely did. Brilliant menu, delicious options, fast service, beautiful ambiance. Will def come back when visiting here again! read more

My boyfriend and I came here on the night we got engaged. I'm so glad we did, because it was a wonderful place to celebrate such a momentous occasion. The food was delicious. The chef does a wonderful job of integrating flavors from all over the world with local and seasonal ingredients. We chose the four course pre-fixe option, and I'm so glad we did. This allowed us to try quite a bit of items from the menu. I'm with other yelpers, and the white bean soup is a "must-get." We also opted to try their bacon-infused vodka martini. While it might sound weird to some, it was actually really refreshing and paired nicely with some of the more savory dishes. The ambiance is great for couples or small groups. The place is romantic, and the décor is crisp and trendy. To round out the experience, we had great service. Our wait staff was very friendly, helpful, and the food came out in a timely manner. Next time I'm in San Juan, I will definitely come back. read more