Casita Miramar

"Set in a beautiful colonial building, Casita Miramar embodies Puerto Rican tradition and hospitality. Run by brothers Leo and Jesús Pérez and inspired by their father’s fonda, Casita Blanca, the restaurant boasts charming interiors — featuring arches, high ceilings, and vintage furniture — that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu, presented on a chalkboard, highlights Puerto Rican staples with refined twists. Favorites include alcapurrias filled with roasted pork, tender carne frita marinated in Maví, creamy pastelón with cheese fondue, and a three-hour slow-braised goat stew with rice and beans. This is a go-to for locals and visitors alike." - Paulina Salach Antonetti, Alicia Kennedy

"Casita Miramar is a classic restaurant that serves traditional Puerto Rican dishes in a space that feels like an old house—there are lots of rooms, dim lighting, and an outdoor patio full of plants. It’s packed on the weekends, so go for an early weeknight dinner to avoid the crowds. You'll want to start with the buñuelos con chorizo y alioli and a pitcher of sangria, followed by the cabrito (goat stew), duo de carne frita y ahumada (fried and smoked pork), or the empanada del jefe (fried chicken) with their mamposteao rice.  " - adriana silva, tiffany yannetta

"Casita Miramar is a classic restaurant that serves traditional Puerto Rican dishes in a cool space that feels like an old house with lots of rooms and an outdoor patio. It’s packed on the weekends, so go for an early weeknight dinner to avoid the crowds. Begin with the buñuelos con chorizo y alioli (a fried dough fritter) and a pitcher of sangria, followed by the cabrito (goat stew), duo de carne frita y ahumada (fried and smoked pork), or the empanada del jefe (fried chicken) with their mamposteao rice." - Adriana Silva

"This chic house on Avenida Miramar was designed for Doña Aurora, the mastermind behind all the recipes and flavors that are now on the menus at Casita Miramar and Casita Blanca. Aurora’s grandchildren, Jesuito and Leonardo Pérez, now run the emblematic restaurant, where their goal is to maintain their grandma’s traditions. Start your meal with the first-rate bacalaitos (cod fritters) served with a green banana broth, or the buñuelos de malanga (taro cakes). Then dig into their popular mofongo de yuca stuffed with seafood. The cassava brings a rich base to a soft inside, perfectly fried to a crispy shell, with flavors more subtle than sharp. The chicken fricassee is also great with a side order of mofongo and slices of avocado for brightness." - Gabriela Torres

"Housed in a pretty Spanish villa and cozily decorated with hanging plants, twinkle lights, and vintage furniture, Casita Miramar feels warm and inviting from the moment you step in. This is one of the best spots in San Juan for down-home comida criolla: the traditional Puerto Rican cuisine that pulls from the island's Spanish, African, and Taino heritage. We recommend the perfectly cooked mofongo (fried and mashed plantains), as well as the beef stew, which is so comforting and hearty you'll need a nap afterwards." - Kris Fordham