Santaella
By appointment only
Order Santaella Takeout or Delivery
Santaella Photos
SANTAELLA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
Recommended Reviews - Santaella
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
My friend travels to PR occasionally for work and this time I decided to tag along. Both being foodies, she only made one reservation and that was to her favorite San Juan restaurant, Santaella. Not only that, she made it weeks in advance because reservations are hard to come by. We arrived for dinner before reservation time and we attempted to open the front door. It was locked, so we along with two other couples, walked to see if there was a side entrance.. Nope! We kept walking to the rear and stopped a random parking lot attendant that shirt had a different restaurant's name on it. He asked us if we had reservations for Santaella and we said yes, and he directed us to a rear entrance. Once inside, my friend realized this was NOT Santaellas but a rooftop restaurant with an entirely different name. Visibly perturbed, she asked our server QUESTIONS! He said, it's the same restaurant, however, only the rooftop is open on Sundays and it's named Azotea.. WHAT?!? LOL! Because we took an Uber, we decided to stay a while. The menu was extremely limited, but we decided to try the Tamarind margaritas, which were really good, along with two appetizers, the tuna lollipops and the pulled pork quesadilla. Both VERY good, but the dinner menu was lacking. That said, I suggested we go to STK for the seafood tower that I had my eye on the evening before, so we exited stage right! Shame on Santaella for accepting reservations through Open Table knowing full well they are not open. I'm giving them two stars because Azotea was decent but it definitely wasn't what she was going for!
This restaurant was a must-try after seeing everyone rage about it online, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Out of all the restaurants I visited in Puerto Rico, my friends and I came to the agreement that this was definitely the best one, and I can't believe we almost didn't come! To start off, the staff is super nice and made us feel welcome. I may be biased because one of them complimented my "gracias" (lol) but they were accommodating and patient as we had a hard time deciding what we wanted to order, since everything looked so good! The pinchos de atun was a must-try since everyone online was talking about that dish in particular, and it was AMAZING. The tuna is so fresh and complimented so well by the sauce and the rice cracker. The ceasar salad was flavorful and a great addition, since we didn't have much veggies at that point in our trip. And the sea bass!! SO tender and delicious. We also got the perfect lady cocktail and the guava & cheese bread pudding, and both were perfectly sweet and balanced out the rest of the meal. Everything about this place was amazing. The inside of the restaurant is very pretty and it's located near La Placita, so easily accessible to the nightlife if you want to party afterward. I will definitely be recommending Santaella to all my friends and coming back if I visit San Juan again.
I'm still thinking about this meal... hands down the best dinner I've had on vacation--maybe ever. Santaella absolutely blew me away. We started with the tuna pinchos, and wow--fresh, perfectly chunky, and packed with flavor. Then came the goat cheese quesadilla, which might honestly be one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life. Creamy, rich, and just unreal. I finally had the chance to try escargot for the first time--and now I feel completely spoiled for life. If that was my introduction, the bar has officially been set sky high. Even the Caesar salad stood out--crisp, balanced, and done exactly right (which is rarer than it should be). But the real star of the show for me? The guava and cheese bread pudding. I'm not exaggerating when I say I would 100% pay to have that Ubered all the way to me in Miami. It was that good. What blew my mind was the staff it looked like a hive of well trained bees just buzzing around this insanely packed room doing the best job. The general manager should be proud. Every bite felt intentional, elevated, and memorable. This place didn't just meet expectations--it completely redefined them. Spectacular doesn't even begin to cover it. BRAVO. Chefs kiss.
We had an incredible dining experience from the food to wonderful and exceptional service from Edward! He made our time at Santaella unforgettable! The restaurant is a nice size and steadily busy. Well lit and had a really nice floral view at the back wall. The food was fresh and flavorful. The stars of the show were the dessert. The chocolate soufflé and the caramel flan were amazing and both paired well with an espresso martini!
When understated luxury meets chef-driven Puerto Rican cuisine, Santaella delivers a refined but slightly uneven fine-dining experience. Walking up, the entrance is almost hidden--you see the sign, but you're not entirely sure where the door is. Once inside, the space opens into a sleek, square dining room with a lush, enclosed garden feel. It's cozy, intimate, and secluded from the outside world, with a beautiful bar anchoring one side of the room. The atmosphere is polished and upscale without being overly flashy. Service & Atmosphere * Refined, professional service * Calm, luxurious dining room with a secluded garden vibe * Strong cocktail and wine program Food * Alcapurrias (root vegetable fritter with crab) - flavorful and creative; a great start with layered textures * Creamy Garlic Shrimp - rich, well-seasoned, and satisfying * Chilean Sea Bass - expertly cooked fish, though the accompanying sweet sauce slightly missed the mark * Sweet Plantains with Maple Syrup - indulgent and beautifully executed The kitchen clearly has technical skill, and several dishes hit well. However, some flavor pairings felt just a touch off balance given the price point and fine-dining positioning. Verdict Santaella offers a sophisticated setting and strong culinary foundation, but it doesn't quite fully align with its elevated aspirations across every plate. Still a very good meal in a beautiful space--solid four stars, with the potential to climb higher with a bit more refinement.
The food was very good, but unfortunately the service left a lot to be desired. What should have been a romantic dinner celebrating our engagement turned into a frustrating experience. Throughout the evening, we repeatedly had to try to get someone's attention just to order water, drinks, request an appetizer, and eventually place our entrée order. The lack of attentiveness was distracting and took away from what should have been a special occasion. By the end of the meal, we were so exhausted by the experience that we decided to skip dessert altogether because it didn't seem worth waiting and trying to flag someone down yet again. For a dinner that cost nearly $300, I expected a much higher level of service. While the food was enjoyable, the overall experience fell well short of expectations, especially for such an important celebration. .
Wow! This was an excellent afternoon! On a culinary tour of San Juan we had lunch at Santaella great food and service from beginning to end. A beautiful cafe with great ambiance. We had a large group and a tasting menu of several items on the menu and I can say you can't go wrong with anything we had. Absolutely will be back on my next trip to Puerto Rico
definitely my favorite restaurant i went to in san juan! the vibe is elevated chic - the most similar to nyc vibes you'll find. and the food DELIVERED. our waiter was a sweetheart. put a candle in the dessert for my friend's birthday stars: TUNA (must get), cucumbers, goat cheese quesadilla!!!!
Went here primarily for drinks and appetizers on a Friday night! Highlights: - cocktails were well made and well thought out ("spiced old fashioned" was really well balanced, "perfect lady" was delightfully herbal, "barrilito daiquiri" was a thoughtful riff on a classic) - "mini tacos" (ahi tuna) were a good light snack with a generous amount of guacamole - "Bizcocho de Chocolate Caliente" - a warm chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream really hit the spot for a dessert (pair with a tawny port!). I really liked the crunchy top layer and the gooey lava. I like that it was dark-chocolate-esque and not too sweet. I'd have this solo and not to share haha... that's how well I enjoyed it. Meh points: - rice chicharron in the tuna pinchos were a bit stale - really particular, but we were seated on the end of the bar closest to the entrance and the loud club music next door was really mixing into the chilly ambiance of Santaella - if you're seated here on a weekend, I'd politely ask if there's another bar seat available. - service from the bartender was great! But the welcome receptionist had us wait a little longer than needed, it was almost a downer - he was just staring around (likely a reservation system error, but there were a lot of bar seats open where we were going to be seated anyways per our reservation).
Parking is hard. Street is filled up, but you can drive a little more down and find parking near the highway. Valet is available but not sure of the cost. Chili Fritto, 10/10: Everyone's favorite. The whole grilled fish was so delicious and it's big too. Def get this! Pastelon, 10/10! So delicious. It's extremely big so def share with others. It tastes like a sweet lasagna. Beef is well seasoned and not oily at all. Very hearty and savory. Maybe too much plantain to beef ratio but it's still solid. Get this! Daily Special, shrimp and Bulgao salad, 3/5: seasoning isn't special, I think it's a simple lime dressing? The plantains fritters being salty was perfect with the cold seafood, making a great pairing. Compared to the others, not worth it. The interior is beautiful! Very moody but also very loud. It's hard to have conversation here.
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!
You need reservations but so worth it. We got lucky that they sat us at the bar without having one because we didn't know. The decor is nice for being in the Placita area. We had the Shrimp Bao Buns, the soup of the day which was a Sopa de Gandules and the Shrimp Trifongo. The soup was such a hit that next time we're getting one each instead of sharing. My partner had the Spicy Margarita and I had the Parchita. Everything was delicious. Damien was our bartender and you could see the care he put into making our drinks. Will definitely visit again because everything was delicious.
Beautiful restaurant in Puerto Rico, I highly recommend you make reservations in advance before coming out as even the bar seats are able to be reserved and if they are full you might not be able to go in or have a very long wait. I ordered a drink, some apps, one main dish, and a dessert to spit with my sister For apps we ordered the famous octopus and the shrimp bao buns. The octopus was good but the bao buns were the star of the night for me. A must have! We ordered the arroz con pollo off the specials of the night menu and it had good flavor but the best part were the plantains on top. To end we got the Nutella toast, I personally thought this was okay and wouldn't order it again. The mojito was good, on the stronger side and not a classic mojito since the mint was on top and not muddled in, I just took my straw and muddled it in to get the mint flavor Service was very nice as well.
3 months ago
5 months ago
A delicious spot! If you have trouble making reservation call in and they have an easy to use automated AI reservation system. The tuna, lollipops and octopus were perfection. Great cocktails, and service. read more
AMAZING. Made a reservation for a party of 5 (HIGHLY recommend reserving a table prior to coming in) to celebrate my Birthday and this place exceeded my expectations. The decor was so sexy; dark colors, lots of reds and low-light, candle lit mainly. The staff was friendly, quick. For my drink, I wasn't too impressed by it but the food, the food was 10/10!! I ordered the Salmon with Stir Fry Noodles and it was absolutely delicious!! Flavorful and just cooked to perfection. Their Tostones with chives were so good I wanted to ask for a plate to go!!!! Highly recommend this restaurant for a nice dinner if you're visiting Puerto Rico! read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you so much for celebrating your birthday with us and for…
Yes the appetizers was more delicious than the entrees meats. The service was up to par and the entrance was almost hidden! They open the door for you and immediately the inside shows elegance. Its lit up barely and was lively. My fav was the refreshing cucumber avocado salad and popcorn chicken. The chicken and pork shank was salty and a bit bland at the same time. Our collective favorite was the double fried tostones. And they loved the burrata w pears. They offer sparkling and still water, but be mindful only tap water would be free. Bathroom was interesting only one woman one man, but you can simply go in the man bathroom bc the stall is separate and the urinal is right outside the man stall.. which would make it a bit awkward if you choose that. Theres a door to the stall in mens but theres a small see through glass/window.. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re…
If you blink you'll miss this place. Found it on a google search while looking for vegetarian friendly places. Next to a few divey places (no judgement, love a dive bar) plain all gray building outside where you can't see in at all but when you walk in, dim room with nice candle lite tables and lush greenery. Cocktails were outstanding, goat cheese quesadilla was very rich and filling I'm glad I only ordered that bc I could not finish it. Got the cheese empanadas for my son who loved them. Tasted like a great veggie cream cheese and lightly fried. Husband got alcapurrias and rice and beans and said it tasted amazing. Shared the cauliflower hummus app and it was great Friendly and knowledgeable wait staff. Good for celebrations, date night, family dinner. The house made chocolate banana ice cream was fantastic I suggest making reservations bc the place is on the smaller size. Kids ok if they're well behaved bc it's on the quieter side. Nice size bar area read more
2 years ago
I have been here many times and I always come back for the consistency of great service and quality of the food. Although is located in the heart of La Placita de Santurce, which is considered a hipster area, the restaurant gives a more upscale vibe with great ambiance. My go to drink is the Old Fashion perfectly made with smoky hints. For appetizers you cannot go wrong with the freshest ahi tuna skewers, crispiest morcilla bites and the creamiest croquetas, all a hit!!! Sometimes I order the goat cheese quesadilla with truffle honey as a main course even though it's a starter because is that good. For main course this time we had the crisp whole Red Snapper and the special of the day 'Pastelon', which you can describe as a Puertorrican lasagna made with plantain. Both equally delicious and generous. I must admit that The Pastelon dish was one of the best I've ever had and it was so big it could have been shared. Don't leave without trying one of my absolute favorite dessert in the world, La Cocada. Is coconut and almonds baked to perfection with an ice cream scoop, perfection. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for continuing to…
Great drinks! The tostones were also great. The servers were very attentive and helpful and it was a beautiful place to have a meal and some drinks. It's close to the placita but it's like a little oasis of its own which I appreciated. Would definitely go back here if I was in PR again. read more
1 year ago
This was by far my favorite restaurant on the island! The atmosphere was so classy, dim and romantic. The greenery with the lighting was a perfect touch to the decor. The service was top notch, staff was super friendly, professional and accommodating. At one point my utensils hit the floor and without even blinking servers that weren't even assigned to my table rushed over with a brand new set. The drinks were very pretty and tasted so good. I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing soursop drink with shaved chocolates on top. Their expresso martinis were divine and they coat the foot of the glass with powdered sugar, a very nice touch. My red snapper was cooked and seasoned to perfection! The tostones were nice and crispy, the rice was cooked perfectly and with the habechulas on top added a nice touch with layers of flavor. The refreshing watermelon salad was delicious. 10/10 would definitely be returning. read more
1 year ago
Stellar dining experience in San Juan! The restaurant requires a reservation and credit card to hold it, so make sure to make one several weeks in advance. They offer valet parking service for $10 and have a valet stand right at the main entrance. All of the menu items we had from appetizer to dessert were excellent. Our group started with the Pinchos de Atun (ahi tuna skewers), had entrees of the antarctic sea bass, whole fresh red snapper, steak, and jumbo shrimp, and ended with the almond/coconut custard, which was spectacular. The sandia mojitos were good, but pricy at $17 each. Would highly recommend Santaella for a date night out or while visiting the island of Puerto Rico! read more
1 year ago
We started with the calamari--perfectly crispy and packed with flavor . For our mains, we had the camarones and the salmón asiático--both were super fresh, beautifully cooked, and full of bold flavor . The drinks were a total standout --you can definitely tell the bartenders are true mixology pros. I had the mojito de sandía , made with real blended watermelon juice--so refreshing and naturally sweet. Then the Green Dragon came out with a fire garnish and looked as cool as it tasted! And shoutout to the bartenders--they were so nice and attentive The ambiance is tropical and chic --perfect for a date night or a girls' night out. Amazing vibes, top-tier service, and unforgettable flavors. Make a reservation--Santaella is a must when in San Juan! read more
Business owner information
José S.
Wowww!! This review just made our day!! THANK YOU!!…
1 year ago
We made a confirmed reservation for Santaella through OpenTable for a Sunday evening, fully expecting the celebrated experience of this renowned restaurant. However, upon arrival, we were shocked to discover that the restaurant had been completely replaced with a new concept, new staff, and an entirely different menu -- with zero on OpenTable Instead of apologizing for the confusion or taking even a moment to acknowledge the error, the owners and staff tried pin the blame on us for not "reading the signs." That is an outrageous excuse when our reservation, photos, and confirmation all clearly indicated Santaella -- not whatever new place has taken over the location. Their attitude was dismissive, petty, and frankly unprofessional. They offered no accommodation, no apology, and no courtesy. It is unacceptable to mislead paying customers with a bait-and-switch situation, then gaslight them for showing up in good faith with a valid reservation. Be warned: if you book "Santaella" through OpenTable, you may walk into a completely different restaurant run by people who refuse to own up to their lack of communication -- and who will treat you as the problem if you dare to question it. Shame on this management team for their arrogant and condescendingg handling of loyal diners. We will never return read more
Business owner information
José S.
Ah yes — the great rooftop conspiracy of 2025. It appears we’ve…
1 year ago
The Best Pork Shank Ever - A Must-if your in Puerto Rico! I just had the best pork shank I've ever tasted! It was unbelievably tender, melting right off the bone with every bite. Every detail in this restaurant was pure perfection--from the incredible flavors to the great drinks, lively atmosphere, and outstanding staff. If you're in San Juan Puerto Rico, this place is an absolute must-visit. Trust me, you won't regret it! read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear…
1 year ago
YES YES YES Food - 10/10. We loved all the small plates we got, fresh and full of flavor. The drinks were also wonderful. Service- friendly, helpful, sophisticated,quick. The entire staff was great. Atmosphere- lovely, romantic. Location is great with lots of bars around, valet parking and help with Ubers also available. read more
10 months ago
I agree with the 4.3 average for Santaella. This must be a local hot spot, but not a great place for tourist. Menu had many good selections to choose from. It was a variety of mixed cuisines. Servers were kind, but not outgoing. We felt like our questions were off-putting. Plus the meal was very rushed so they can flip the table. While I like to pace myself, I just wanted to leave and go elsewhere for drinks/dessert. It's worth trying as everyone has their own experiences. read more
2 years ago
This place was highly recommended and it did not disappoint! Everything was amazing! One thing I would recommend is to sit inside (downstairs) instead of the rooftop as it gets pretty loud/rowdy in La Placita and kinda ruins the vibe. Plus if it rains you can get wet. Other than that I highly recommend! Food and drinks were all super delicious! My friends loved the tuna lollipops and lamb meatballs and almost everyone ordered the salmon and ate every last bite. I had the Alfredo pasta and it was also super yummy. Service was good too. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you for sharing such a glowing review and for recommending us!…
1 year ago
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled you…
We had a wonderful dinner at Santaella. Their food is delicious. We love chefs who make every dish flavorful. We loved the flavor profiles of every dish we ordered. The shrimp bao buns, quesadilla, sliders, popcorn chicken and fish tacos (Wow!) were all excellent. The sea bass was cooked perfectly. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at…
10 months ago
The pork belly is divine. Ambiance is so cute and lively. Our service was a little, unfriendly. We were tourist and we definitely felt like we were treated as such. He didn't seem interested in serving our table. read more
We've heard about Santaella for some time and my son and his fiancée wanted to go for a special dinner while visiting Puerto Rico. They are foodies so their reviews count triple. They Loved the food. He had the filet with mushrooms and she had the sea bass. I had truffled risotto that was perfectly cooked by the chef himself. Our service was awesome and quick in bringing our drinks and appetizers. Tropical ambiance is relaxing and beautiful. Make reservations. Typically is hard to get in without reservations. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you so much for finally paying us a visit at Santaella! We’re…
5 months ago
Both the food and service were excellent. We lived the atmosphere, it was quiet and classy. Staff is friendly and professional read more
I can not stress this enough, if you're planning a trip to San Juan in the near future you are officially obligated to grab a dinner reservation for Santaella. Do not go with the flow and simply walk-in. This place does not work on a walk-in service. There are staff managing the entryway and everything, but I can attest that once you walk in you'll be in awe of this magical place. Literally steps away from the rowdiness and rambunctiousness of the plaza, Santaella whisks you into another dining dimension. Literally next door is a 20-something club yet there we were drinking some of the best espresso martinis I've ever had on earth. There's a industrial tropical vibe that makes you feel you're in a futuristic steampunk pod with maybe 20 tables top inside the space. It's crazy to think you really can't see outside those four walls which leans into the appeal of Santaella since it really forces you to be in the "now". Staff here is always present and checking in on you with the respectable amount of attention without feeling overwhelmed. This isn't a casual dining spot so have fun and dress up in your best tropical fashion-forward vibes. The menu is always changing so make sure to check their website ahead of time if you're a menu peruser like myself. We went on Saturday, December 9, 2022 for a table of six and we were able to place it through their website. I had been eyeing a few appetizers and they were total rockstars. If they happent o still be on the menu you have to order the tuna tartare tacos and their quesadilla with goat cheese. The quesadilla wasn't one I've had before and it really felt transformative where you wouldn't even realize it was made with goat cheese. The honey and truffle oil moment made it really special. My main entree was their shrimps in garlic cream and it felt like the heart of Puerto Rico was put into the dish. The seasonings, ingredients, and flavors had me in awe. I was gracious enough to allow the table to try my plate and they all agreed. Their adaptation of monfongo with their own version (trifongo) made with platain, yucca, and sweet plantain was such a great pairing to some of the biggest pieces of shrimp I've ever seen. Everyone's cocktails at the table were pleasant and so refreshing. I really enjoyed every beverage I had. I've been chatting about this dining experience with everyone and can't recommend Santaella enough! read more
Go to Santaella. I honestly am tempted to leave my review at just that -- because if you are in San Juan, you need to go. **Make a reservation!** Super cool vibes and a pretty unique restaurant -- not too fancy or stuffy but you *know* that it's a nice place. It was one of the best meals we've ever had, seriously -- that good. We ate a LOT of food between the four of us and were truly blown away. Very fresh, very delicious and very cool dishes. Cocktails were on point, too -- the espresso martini was *chef's kiss* The pork shoulder was so tender it was basically falling off the bone without us even touching the plate. The escargot was OUTRAGEOUS. We had to get extra bread because we wanted to finish every single drop of the buttery, garlicky goodness in the dish. So again: Go to Santaella. read more
11 months ago
I booked a reservation early in the morning for 6:45 PM, but it was cancelled shortly after. Since I was traveling on vacation, I didn't notice the cancellation until later in the day. When my girlfriend called the restaurant to see if there was any availability, we were told it was fully booked, which was disappointing but understandable. Then, about 10 minutes later, we noticed a spot open online and reserved it right away. Because we had just been told there were no tables, we wanted to confirm that the reservation was actually valid. That's when things went downhill. Instead of simply giving a polite explanation, the staff's replies came across as short and rude, almost like we were bothering them for asking. We only wanted reassurance, especially after the earlier cancellation. I understand that cancellations happen and tables can free up, but the way this was handled left a really negative impression. Needless to say we did not eat here and would recommend anyone who reads this to spend your hard earned money elsewhere. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Ah, the suspense of modern dining — you booked, it cancelled, you…
Only reason this is a 1 Star is because the Manager on duty was lousy and not attentive and in the 2 hours we were there, we only had 1 round of drinks and appetizers. 1.5 hours in the server informed us that the fish was sold out, and we patiently waited for "complimentary drinks and apps" for the inconvenience, which never came. Ended up leaving about 2 hours into our apparent 'dinner,' not okay. read more
7 months ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
So freaking good. Went here with my gfs for my cousins bday. Ambiance was perfect. It was busy but not too busy and food was top notch. Would def go back. read more
3 years ago
I've been waiting 2 years to dine at Santaella, and it was well worth the wait! My husband and I made reservations (highly recommended) on a busy weekend for dinner. We ordered: 1. Bacon Cheese Croquettes - BEST croquettes we had on our trip! They were so creamy on the inside and had the perfect crisp on the outside. 2. Tomatoes with Parmesan Cheese Ice Cream - such a unique dish with the ice cream, but you must try it! It was light and refreshing, and was perfect to balance out the typically heavier PR food. 3. Chicken with Creole Sauce and Polenta - hearty, savory, and comforting without being overly heavy. For drinks, we ordered the Guava Negroni and the Golden Family. Both were very well-executed and even more fun to watch the bartender create them since we sat at the bar. We loved the dimly lit atmosphere, and by the crowds, they're definitely doing something right. I'd absolutely love to return to Santaella next time I'm in San Juan! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Nos gusto mucho Santaella, muy buen ambiente, todo muy rico. La atención de maravilla, lo mas rico fue la tostada de queso de cabra! una delicia read more
In reality, it could have easily been a 5 star review, but some dishes came wrong out of the kitchen. I don't know who made the mistakes, but they were quickly corrected. Santaella atmosphere is very welcoming and feels like you are not in the "la placita" area. The restaurant is charming and casual elegant. The bar area is nice to grab a few drinks while you wait for your table. Having said that, our table was ready at the time promised... maybe even 15 minutes earlier. The wine list is very good and has something for every budget or taste buds. The menu is filled with great options, the appetizers are delicious... all of them. We had squid ink croquettes, crispy cauliflower, and escargots. Main courses; Seabass (cooked perfectly), grilled octopus, Asian style salmon, and pork shank. They were all very tasty. Overall, I would recommend trying this restaurant if you are in San Juan. It is pricey but definitely worth coming here. read more
Business owner information
José S.
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review! We greatly appreciate…
1 year ago
Great service and amazing food! My filet mignon was cooked beautifully. I had bites of my friend's pork shank and NY steak, which were both delicious. The restaurant was very calm and classy with nice music playing. The bathrooms were very nice and clean. read more
1 year ago
Location & Atmosphere Tucked near the heart of San Juan's nightlife, Santaella is a perfect pre-game spot before hitting the nearby clubs and bars. The ambience is dark and sultry, yet alive with vibrant colors, lush plants, and an energy that feels upscale without being pretentious. It's the kind of place that sets the mood for a memorable night out. Food & Drinks We sat at the bar and were impressed right away by how attentive and skilled the bartenders were. The drinks were crafted with care and packed a punch in the best way. I ordered a special featuring octopus and chickpeas--it reminded me of a comforting homemade soup, served with bread for the perfect pairing. My friend had the shrimp trifle in a creamy sauce, which was rich, flavorful, and came with impressively sized shrimp. Portions were generous, and the dishes felt thoughtfully prepared. Service & Hospitality The bar team was excellent--professional, friendly, and quick to make us feel welcomed. Even without a traditional table setting, we didn't feel like we were missing out on the full dining experience. Unique Selling Point Santaella blends elevated Puerto Rican cuisine with an ambient, botanical lounge vibe. Whether you're in the mood for a quality meal or looking to kick off a night of dancing, this spot delivers both flavor and energy with style. read more
1 year ago
This place has an amazing Branzino, it's one of the best fish I've ever had and a must get for sure. Stellar place that I would recommend to anyone. Good service and music also to keep the vibe going on top of the insane fish! read more
1 year ago
We ate at the bar. The ambiance there was very nice and cozy. Johnny the bar tender was amazing. Johnny was attentive and quick. I don't remember the gentleman named who open there door for us, seated us and gave us helpful tips on menu choices. read more
1 year ago
Can't say enough about this! We were able to snag last minute bar seats for an early dinner and boy did it deliver! When pulling up the location looks very unassuming with guards outside but once you enter the doors you escape to a tropical oasis! The bartender was very attentive. The whole menu looked delicious. The goat cheese quesadilla is something so unique yet it worked - the tartness of the goat cheese paired with the sweetness of the honey and bitterness of the arugula was like a flavor dance in your mouth! Not pictured, but we also enjoyed the empanadas del dia (sausage and cheese), and the pinchos de atún (ahi tuna skewers). I don't usually like seafood but I tried the tuna and I could tell the grade was so nice. The "Nutella grilled cheese" is not to miss... comfort food but elevated and unique. Can't wait to go back and try more menu items if I'm ever back in Puerto Rico! read more
More info about Santaella
219 Calle Canals
San Juan, PR 00907
Directions
(787) 725-1611
Call Now
Visit Website
https://josesantaella.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Services
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
Santaella Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Santaella
Is a vaccination card required to dine here?
No. It wasn't when I dined there in May, and if anything mist health regulations have eased up here in PR.…
Are there vegetarian options?
There are a few but not many, very little. Basically just a couple of appetizers, salads, and sides. Neither are vegan.
Do they offer gluten-free options?
Yep! They don't have a gluten free menu, but several items are gluten free.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
25 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
3 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
8 years ago
7 years ago
14 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
15 years ago
Santaella - puertorican - Updated August 2026
Browse Nearby
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Restaurants near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Coffee near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Parking near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Things to Do near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Desserts near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Cocktail Bars near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Mofongo near Santaella
BEST of San Juan, Puerto Rico Alcapurrias near Santaella
Browse Brands
Browse Articles
People found Santaella by searching for…
Michelin Star Restaurant in San Juan, PR
Fancy Restaurant in San Juan, PR
Trendy Restaurant in San Juan, PR
5 Star Restaurants in San Juan, PR
Outdoor Dining in San Juan, PR
Restaurants for Large Groups in San Juan, PR
Fancy Dinner Restaurant in San Juan, PR
Anniversary Dinner in San Juan, PR
Philadelphia Eagles Bar in San Juan, PR
LGBTQ Owned Businesses in San Juan, PR
Business Lunch in San Juan, PR
Chilean Sea Bass in San Juan, PR
Bachelorette Dinner in San Juan, PR
Special Occasion Dinner in San Juan, PR
