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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Santaella - Braised Pork Shank Lacón - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

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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

Santaella - Cocktails - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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We came here for dinner and had a great time. The food here is absolutely amazing and delicious! We shared some appetizers. I highly recommend the croquettes. We also shared the truffle quesadillas and I loved it so much that I ordered it as my main dish as well. We placed an order for the pizza and that took forever to come. They gave our pizza to a different table and had to remake it. The service here is also very slow - expect to be sitting for a while. They also only have one bathroom so the lines were long. Overall the food was amazing but the service was lacking. read more

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

Santaella - Espresso martini - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Wonderful dinner in a beautiful atmosphere. The cocktails were delicious, though the creative effort sometimes make the cocktails too sweet. I loved the pastelon entree, but it was way too big for 2 people. We took home half after enjoying an app as well. read more

Love this spot! Came here for a cute Saturday night dinner and it did not disappoint. The drinks are great the food was amazing and the decor was so cute. We had a great time and would recommend for anyone looking to have a nice dinner. The staff gave some great recommendations and made the dinner enjoyable. read more

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

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Both the food and service were excellent. We lived the atmosphere, it was quiet and classy. Staff is friendly and professional read more

Santaella - CAMARONES EN CREMA AL AJILLO - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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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

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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

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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

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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

Santaella - Extreme rude and unprofessional employee with a bad attitude. Makes the restaurant a red flag - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

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HORRIBLE SERVICE. Showed up after having a reservation for over a month and they said their system had a glitch so the reservation was never made even though I received a confirmation text today. They asked how many of us there was and we said 11 and they immediately rolled their eyes at us and told us they wouldn't have a seat for us until an hour. Then what's the point of making a reservation here?!??? Completely rude and soooo unwilling to help such a waste of trash. Don't recommend!!! Don't make reservations here don't come! It's also next to 'La Placita' so if you like your peace when you eat go somewhere else. It also smells like shit. read more

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

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The ambiance is beautiful but don't go if you have nut allergies or any allergies. The server was very rude when he explained he can't take off nuts- regardless if it's only a topping. Very disappointing read more

I got a chance to check out Santaella this past weekend and it did not disappoint. This 5 star restaurant brings good vibes, amazing food and even better service. We were a group of 26 people and they still managed to knock it out of the ballpark, which is usually impossible without a prefixed menu - but they managed with a smile in their face. My side of the table ordered the following: - croquetas of the day - pulpo - pinchos de atún - ceviche - goat cheese quesadilla - fried fish - filet Everything we ordered was fresh, had some great flavors, and was presented nicely. Food came out at a timely hour and the Sauvignon Blanc I had to pair with my food was the perfect addition. Essex my night with an espresso martini and bad bunny playing in the background -- the perfect end to any dinner! read more

No recomendamos este lugar Teníamos una mesa de 6 personas. 5 de nosotros recibimos nuestros platos, terminamos de comer y el último plato aún no había llegado. El mesero nos preguntó si podíamos irnos antes de traer la comida restante. Saltáte este lugar. Recomendaría McDonald's antes que este sitio. La comida, cuando llegó, estaba fría y poco original. El bistec estaba quemado. El restaurante nos cobró $15 por 'ketchup y mayonesa', pero no pedimos nada que los incluyera. Es un cargo extraño para una cena de bistec, pero quizás si hubieran traído el ketchup, la comida habría sido más agradable. La luz parpadeó durante toda la cena y el restaurante estaba demasiado frío. We had a table of 6... 5 of us got our meals. Finished our meals and the final meal still had not shown up. The waiter asked us if we could leave. Before bringing the last meal. Skip this place. I would recommend McDonald's over this dump. The food when it arrives is was cold and unoriginal. The steak was burned. Restaurant charged me 15$ open ketchup Mayo but I didn't order anything with a side of ketchup or mayo. Odd charge for a steak dinner but maybe if they brought the ketchup it would have made the meal more palatable. The lighting blinked the whole meal, and the restaurant was way too cold. I am not a Spanish speaker but wanted to try my hands at writing my review in Spanish. read more

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

Santaella - Camarones en Crema al Ajillo con trifongo - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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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

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Santaella siempre es una buena opción. Me encanta probar del menú del día para probar cosas nuevas. La última vez tenían un sashimi de salmón en tamarindo espectacular! Tuve que pedir dos órdenes por lo delicioso que estaba. Y no es posible ir a Santaella y no comer las quesadillas de queso de cabra. Son un must have de aperitivo. La coctelería es espectacular. El ambiente siempre es agradable y el servicio de primera. read more

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

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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

Santaella - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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This place was a gem. Hard to enter as the door isn't marked and until he knows you've reserved, the host isn't particularly welcoming. Once seated, however, all was wonderful and the host was friendly. We enjoyed many seafood items to share as well as a tomato salad with parmagiano ice cream. Cocktails were creative, atmosphere was lively and the place was full of locals. Great find. read more

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What we had was pinchos atun, alcupurrias with crab which was okay, shrimp boa buns in a homemade bbq sauce which was oustanding. filet mignon with mushroom sauce which was flavorful, balanced seasoning, and cooked propperly. I had the veal cheeks braised in a creole sauce which was knock your socks off good. Fork tender, rich, flavorful, incredible. cocada dessert, and pot de creme salted caramel dessert. Every dish was Excellent. The wine list is extensive. Ask for the digital wine list, its more up to date and easy to skim through because it has the labels along with the name. When I come.back to Puerto Rico, I will be back here. Highly recommended. Cheers! read more

Had a large party for a bachelorette party. So happy that we got a reservation. The waiter for so nice, patient and attentive. Everything was great! The expresso martini was delicious! The food was amazing! Everyone loved it. read more

Santaella - Expresso Martini - Puerto Rican Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

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