Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Nonna Cucina Rustica

    4.3 (287 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Bars, Pizza
    Closed 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Nonna Cucina Rustica Photos

    NONNA CUCINA RUSTICA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Nonna Cucina Rustica

    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

    The food was authentic Italian food you get a lot for your money not expensive really delicious .The service was superb nicest people. Nice atmosphere .

    Negroni Nero - negroni with grapefruit tincture and Amaro added.
    Steven T.

    Without reservation, Nonna Cucina Rustica is on par with or better than the best traditional Italian restaurants of NYC. Every dish we have enjoyed across several years has been expertly prepared and delicious. The wine list is simple, but it offers a number of well-made, popularly priced Italian wines. Service is consistently professional, attentive, knowledgeable and helpful, providing enticing descriptions of dishes and recommendations. My only disappointment is that we visit PR only once each year so we cannot dine here more often. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

    Menu
    Ed W.

    Nonna Cucina Rustica is a restaurant you can't miss while in San Juan. We made a reservation, and our table was ready when promised. The restaurant wasn't super busy but definitely had its clientele. Our server, which name escapes me now, was The Best. She was personable, attentive, funny, and very efficient. The menu has lots of great choices, even for those who are picky eaters. As soon as we were seated, complimentary bread (Focaccia) arrived along with some olive oil. The wine list is concise but good, and prices were not crazy. Very affordable. We ordered the burrata salad and the arugula salad as appetizers. They were both fresh and delicious. Main dishes: - Robalo (sea bass) was the fish special. - Tagliolini - Squid ink risotto (with seafood) - Lamb Lasagna (so good). Also, a special. Everything was DELICIOUS. I couldn't pick a bad thing about any of those dishes. I can't stress enough how good the food here was. Seasoning was on point. Great first night in P.R. thanks to Nonna Cucina rustica and the staff. PS: The ambiance in the restaurant is very welcoming, dimmed lighting, and has a homey kind of a feel to it.

    Tagliolini

    La comida (food) estaba súper buena, me encantó el servicio (service) y el ambiente (ambiance). Realmente es uno de los mejores lugares que he probado -- no tengo ni una sola queja. Si están dudando en venir, no lo piensen más. Les prometo que valdrá la pena. Además, los precios son económicos y las porciones, generosas.

    Interior
    Bea W.

    We had an overall great experience here! The food was excellent. The complimentary bread was so soft and tasty. Definitely order the arancini. The amatriciana pasta was also a favorite. We also got the short rib and saffron risotto which is not pictured, but was also delicious. Ambiance was lovely, service was great. Can't wait to go back!

    Christi S.

    A great Italian spot in San Juan. Loved the restaurant- it is small and intimate. Not really a private spot as you are sitting very close to other tables, but feels very homey. The food was great. A lot of good selections. I got the special lasagna-it was delicious! Service and wine options were great. We saw multiple people come in for takeout so looks like a solid option for that!

    The result of the  squidd ink !!!
    Jose H.

    Nice location, service seemed to be understaffed because we had to ask for water 2-3 times and that is unacceptable for a place like this. The entries were decent and pretty unique like the croquettes filled with some sort of risotto and the eggplant was also a table favorite. The saffron risotto tasted like smoked or burnt and the braised boneless short ribs could have been way better. One out of six plates served was left untouched. That person went for the bread and ice cream across the street. Maybe it was an issue of our poor choice, but for us this was our debut and our farewell.

    He'll pour you some wine  and make sure you're enjoying yourself
    Dutch S.

    BEST EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA on the island, no doubt! The eggplant is cut super thin, almost resembling Greek phyllo dough. It's the best I've ever had and as a Food Writer who's had that dish MANY times, I can say that Nonna's Cucina Rústica surpasses them ALL. The team at Nonna Cucina Rústica knows culinary excellence. They don't have a huge menu but what they do, they do perfectly!!! This is a top Italian restaurant that's known among the locals- it certainly has its loyal customers, I now consider myself one! What a treat to find an authentic spot with probably the most on-point staff in San Juan! They are helpful, welcoming and not too intrusive. This is a great place for a date or for enjoying a meal with friends you'd like to catch up with! It's quiet enough that you can actually hear each other speak : what a pleasure in this area, where most of the popular places on nearby Calle Loiza are quite loud. Nonna's has a palpable refinement. I had the opportunity to meet the owner one day and it's true - the vibe of a restaurant ALWAYS starts at the top! He could not have been more gracious, it's not surprising that he has a Chef who loves what he does and a team of servers who take great pride in bringing excellence to each customer. It's truly a team effort here! As one might guess from its' name, the interior is designed to resemble a rustic Italian Inn - one with a kitchen that really knows how to wow with flavorful hearty homemade food . Fresh grilled fish is a popular item and a best seller. I'm going to try that on my next visit. But it's the Eggplant Parmesan that has me coming back, time after time. When I'm dining solo, I can simply eat at the bar and know that I'll have a wonderful conversation with whoever is on duty. Nonna's wine list is extensive and top notch, they offer mocktails and other nonalcoholic beverages too. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the most incredible focaccia bread that you'll receive upon seating. It's dreamy and comes with balsamic vinegar and the most fantastic Italian olive oil, you know it's the good stuff straight from Italy when it has a light green color, as it does here. Carbs be damned, allow yourself to dig in! It's unlikely that you'll find focaccia THIS GOOD anywhere because it's not dense nor oily. BRAVO to the Baker! Nonna's comes through with great welcoming vibes, you'll feel like you're at a welcoming Countryside Inn in Italy . Totally charming with a welcoming atmosphere and staff. Cozy and refined. Allow it to totally charm you.

    Seafood squid ink linguine

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ed W.
    341
    770
    6407

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emma W.
    1
    75
    65

    4 months ago

    Delicious food!! We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar, so make a reservation if you are planning in advance to go

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Food and service were outstanding. kelvin was a wonderful waiter! Very quaint italian ambience. Highly recommend

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Len M.
    14
    10
    0

    6 months ago

    Lovely restaurant with great service and nice ambience. The food is exceptional! One of my favorite places to eat in San Juan

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Absolutely live this place in my favorite neighborhood. Try the squid ink linguini, it was delicious! I will definitely be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Great daily short rib. Small glass drinks. Nice ambiance. If you're a drinker No, if you're a foodie yes!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dutch S.
    47
    473
    908

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dang N.
    330
    2349
    459

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jin N.
    493
    1475
    2854

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jess R.
    10
    47
    29

    3 years ago

    Attentive and friendly staff. Location is romantic and rustic. Family feels. Every dish I had was divine. I highly recommend..

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenny T.
    109
    68
    48

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Amazing food!! Amazing Italian food on Calle Loiza. Everyone was very kind and attentive. Highly recomend!! You can taste the quality.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Blanca R.
    18
    51
    43

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M L.
    0
    9
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gary D.
    1
    20
    14

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Nonna Cucina Rustica Reviews in Other Languages

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 1,245 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Tavola - Lasagna

    Tavola

    4.4(212 reviews)
    1.3 km
    $$

    Wow! This came as a referral from a friend and it does not disappoint. The apps are so yummy. The…read morearancini are so good I could have eaten a dozen. The garlic bread was fine, not as good as the arancini. If you are hungry, get the chicken parm, my god it is the largest portion I have ever seen! I ate one of the 3 cutlets they served. Most times when a place gives a ton of food it is ok, well this was fabulous. Super thin, light breading that remained crispy and just the right amount of cheese and sauce. The pizza was good as well. For dessert we had a well portioned flowerless chocolate cake which was paired with some vanilla bean ice cream. Divine! We sat in the restaurant portion near the secret door to the speakeasy so take your pick on what vibe you prefer. The wait staff were super helpful and responsive. We bought the kitchen staff a round for fun. Great experience, I recommend swinging by if you are in the neighborhood.

    I have been eyeing this place for the last few days and we finally made it and wish we could have…read morecome sooner. The food is absolutely delicious, pizza, pasta, salad, all so good. The pizzas are perfect size, personal pizzas so I recommend to order a salad and share with someone so you can try more items on their menu. Also, service is amazing, waitress and bar tender are super friendly. Diet Coke products is a plus! Make reservations to enter the special room, soooo cute, I won't spoil the surprise

    Photos
    Tavola - Speakeasy area

    Speakeasy area

    Tavola - Menu

    Menu

    Tavola - Menu

    See all

    Menu

    Pirilo - El Pecado

    Pirilo

    4.4(822 reviews)
    5.7 km
    $$

    Pirilo is the best pizza place you'll ever find in Old San Juan! I was so excited to be back, that…read moreI forgot to take a picture of our pepperoni pie!!! We also had the Caprese salad and pulpo à la gallega (so very tasty)!!! Service is on point, great atmosphere to go with family and friends.

    If you're walking by, this restaurant would be very easy to miss. The entrance looks like a doorway…read moreleading to a stairwell or service entrance, and I honestly didn't even notice a sign. Luckily, there was a gentleman outside directing people in, otherwise we may have walked right past it. Once you climb the two flights of stairs, you're rewarded with a beautiful dining space. The restaurant has a rustic, old-world charm with gorgeous décor and an Italian-inspired atmosphere. It immediately felt warm and inviting. There were four of us dining, and we started with two appetizers: the Setas Rellenas and the Chorizo al Vino. Both were excellent, but the Chorizo al Vino was my absolute favorite--absolutely delicious! For my entrée, I ordered the chicken lasagna. I expected chunks of chicken, but it was made with shredded chicken, and wow--it was incredible. The flavor was outstanding, and it ended up being one of my favorite meals of our trip. My husband ordered the beef lasagna, which was also made with shredded beef rather than traditional ground beef. He absolutely loved it. Our friends ordered the Milanesa de Berenjena and the Milanesa de Pollo with a side of gnocchi, and both raved about their meals as well. Since nearly every table seemed to be ordering pizza, we knew we had to try one. We ordered a small pizza for the table, and each of us had a slice. Now we understand why they're known for their pizza--it was fantastic! A special shoutout to our server, Rouil Rodz, who was attentive, friendly, and provided excellent service throughout the evening. Don't let the unassuming entrance fool you. This restaurant is a hidden gem with a beautiful atmosphere, outstanding food, and excellent service. If you're visiting Old San Juan, I highly recommend adding it to your list.

    Photos
    Pirilo - Beautiful inside

    Beautiful inside

    Pirilo - Caprese salad, was incredible

    Caprese salad, was incredible

    Pirilo - Margarepa

    See all

    Margarepa

    La Santurcina - Pique Blue cheese Wings

    La Santurcina

    4.2(36 reviews)
    1.3 km

    We were in San Juan visiting our son and he took us to La Santurcina. We are so glad he did…read morebecause it was awesome. Here is what we noticed: - Apparently the place can get crowded, but the night we were there was very chill with lots of open tables. The vibe is relaxed and nice. - We started with an order of the meatballs, which an extra one, for the four of us...they were excellent, as was the bread they came with. - Between the four of us, we split two pizzas, the Zucchini Ricotta and the La Del Chef. Both were tasty, and the differences between them made them the perfect combination. - We ordered two different bottles of wine, starting off with a white and then switching to a red. The wine list was really great, with a lot of options and the bottle prices were very affordable. - Service was incredible. In fact, our server asked us if we really wanted the red wine as it might be a little warm, which enabled us to have it chilled a bit until we had finished the bottle of white. I don't know about you, but we've been to even higher end restaurants where the server doesn't have a clue regarding the proper wine temperture...we were really impressed here. Bottom line: Great meal, affordable, cool location, and top notch service...what more can you ask for?

    We were craving a vegetarian meal while in PR and Neapolitan style pizza sounded perfect. We shared…read morethe arancini app and a regular margarita pizza. The arancini was really good and had a nice kick to it. The pizza really hit the spot, although the sauce needed some flavor, even if it was just a bit more salt. Nevertheless, it was a solid pizza! They also have a nice beer/wine selection with some local offerings. We arrived for dinner without a reservation and although the restaurant was mostly full, we were able to get a table. They do have bar seating which we would have been happy with as well. It's casual in there, but still elevated. Definitely worth a try if you're craving some pizza!

    Photos
    La Santurcina - From bar to front of the house

    From bar to front of the house

    La Santurcina
    La Santurcina - Prep-area

    See all

    Prep-area

    Nonna Cucina Rustica - italian - Updated August 2026

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