1919 Restaurant

Went for their Mother’s Day Brunch event and I’d say the food was great, the highlight for me was the New York Strip and the Raviolo. I also have to say, the portions were super appropriate and filling. And also the service was top notch, lot of staff paying attention to our table. I appreciate being so accommodating in the reservations and the dietary restrictions.

We loved our meal here! It was a culinary experience. Some of our favorites were the heirloom tomato salad, steak tartar, risotto, scallops and the desserts were divine. Every course transformed your taste buds. The service was great! They had a team of servers to ensure it was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it! Make sure you come hungry! We were stuffed by dessert.

Title of the review: A Culinary Masterpiece in Condado. I am a retired lieutenant colonel from the US Army, and I recently had the pleasure of treating my husband, Cris, to dinner at the 1919 Restaurant in the Vanderbilt Hotel to celebrate his birthday, and it was an experience I will never forget. From the moment you step into the elegant seaside setting, you are transported to a world of sophistication and culinary excellence. The atmosphere is perfect for special occasions, with large windows offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The service is impeccable, attentive without being intrusive, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience. The floor captain and the waiters move with a grace and precision similar to a ballet performance, reminiscent of the elegance and fluidity of "Swan Lake." Each server glides through the dining room, anticipating the guests' needs with perfect coordination. The captain orchestrates this ballet with an almost invisible hand, ensuring that every detail is perfect. The dishes are presented with synchronized timing, the wine is served with an elegant gesture, and the removal of the plates is executed with the utmost discretion. The harmony among the staff members enhances the overall dining experience, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance and attention to detail. The menu, created by virtuoso chef Juan José Cuevas, awarded two Michelin stars, features the freshest and locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and full of flavor. The flavor fusion of every dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and full of flavor. I opted for the four-course tasting menu, which included a delicious variety of local fish dishes and perfectly cooked meat options. The vegetarian selections were equally impressive, ensuring that all dietary preferences were catered to. The drink list at the 1919 Restaurant is extensive and impressive, with a vast selection of local and international wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The opportunity to pair wines with your meal is a standout feature. Simão, the knowledgeable sommelier provides expert recommendations, ensuring that each wine complements the flavors and textures of your chosen dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. We are extremely appreciative of Bryan, the manager, for his phenomenal capacity to supervise without disrupting the guests. He approached us to discuss his team and to receive recognition. Adilys is the first person to welcome you, her radiant smile and melodious voice inviting you into a world of unparalleled elegance and sophistication. I made a reservation online, and she selected the perfect table for us, close to the sea with excellent lighting that created a beautiful ambiance. William, as a good captain —I can say this because I was a captain in the army— made sure our experience was unique. Simão has an extensive drink menu, and if you don't know which one is the best, he will recommend the best one for you. He ensures that your drink is cold and that your glass is at the right level to keep it fresh. Gabriel, Emmanuel, and the rest of the team keep your table clean and ensure you have an extraordinary experience. They are kind and you can have a brief conversation with them. This made the service personalized. In the end, as I requested in the reservation, they gave Cris a beautiful gift, a small cake with a candle. That made the experience completely excellent. 1919 Restaurant surpasses any other restaurant I have visited in my 20 years of traveling the world. Giving less than 5 stars means you don't have the required taste to enjoy it. I encourage you to write about the good things in your culinary experience because giving less than 5 stars doesn't do it justice. In summary, the 1919 Restaurant offers a world-class dining experience with a local touch. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night of good food, this restaurant is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and explore more of Chef Cuevas' culinary creations. T

Photo of my poached swordfish. Only posting because when I pointed it out to the manager I was told that it was cooked perfectly. I assumed it was cooked sous vide and finished it, worst swordfish of my life. Would have preferred it dry over this. Everything else was spectacular to be honest. Even a mediocre swordfish and this would have been a 9/10 or 10/10 dinner. Service was exceptional, and every other dish we tried was delicious. But this swordfish was soft and flaky on the outside and gummy on the inside. I would still go again, but next time I’d just send the dish back and be rude instead of take the manager at their word.

I can not say how good the food is with words. The staff is incredibly nice, and even gave us some great banana bread. Definitely worth every penny. Coming back the next chance I get.

I’m currently sitting at the table, writing this review while waiting for our meal. We booked the New Year's Eve tasting menu, paying $400 per person, and unfortunately, the experience has fallen far short of expectations. The meal is not worth the price, and the overall experience does not reflect the standard of fine dining one would expect for this cost. We made our reservation for 8:30 PM, but were not seated until 9:15 PM. The service is extremely slow, and while the food itself is subpar, the portions are disappointingly small. It’s not just us—many other tables around us are also waiting for their meals. I understand that New Year's Eve is a busy time, but if a restaurant cannot handle the demands of fine dining service during peak hours, it should not offer such experiences. At this point, we are still waiting, and it seems like we might ring in the New Year right here at the table. I cannot recommend this place—it’s simply not worth the money or the experience.

Dining at 1919 in San Juan was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. We travel frequently and have dined at many one to three Michelin-starred restaurants, and this evening was truly among the most memorable. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. Agustín, Eugenio, Alejandro, and Nicole created a seamless, warm, and professional experience that elevated the entire evening. Each course was thoughtfully presented and perfectly executed. The wine service was a particular highlight. The selections were thoughtful and bold, with standout pairings throughout the night. One moment that stood out: a beautifully aged Madeira served with a pumpkin bread pudding. My partner typically doesn’t enjoy dessert wines, but this pairing was so exceptional that he was fully won over. The evening opened with a Champagne that had more floral notes than I remembered from previous tastings—balanced with deep, bready proof characteristics that made it an ideal start to the meal. Every dish was crafted with intention and finesse, but a few deserve special mention. The pork cheeks with polenta were rich and comforting, executed with technique and depth. The local salad was a perfect reflection of the island’s ingredients—fresh, vibrant, and full of character. As someone with extensive knowledge of cheese, and who grew up in one of the regions where a cheese on the board was produced, I was especially impressed by the curation and presentation of the cheese course. The accompaniments were perfectly chosen to highlight the flavors and textures of each cheese. Course after course, we were blown away. 1919 is a rare gem that delivers not just technically excellent food and wine, but also the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after the meal ends. We can’t recommend it highly enough.

Had an amazing dinner tonight thanks to William and Wes. We spent the evening celebrating my husband’s birthday and they made it truly special. The sommelier Luis also had some phenomenal pairings to accompany the 4 course dinner. We highly recommend this restaurant especially if you’re celebrating something special.