Tino's Restaurant, Cabo Rojo: Joyuda /Frazier Nivens
Restaurants & Clubs August-2004, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Hunnngry? You've got the Mesones!
In addition to spectacular beaches, infectious music and a vivacious culture, Puerto Rico is also known for its food. Hailed as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Caribbean,” the Island boasts numerous world-class and award-winning restaurants. With an endless selection of international and specialty cuisine, you can find everything from Hindu to Latin-Asian fusion.
Restaurant recommendations are a big help when choosing a dining destination and you’ll get plenty of suggestions while in San Juan. But what if you venture outside the metropolitan area? How would you know where to find a nice restaurant with good food that won’t take up your entire vacation budget?
This is a common scenario for visitors to Puerto Rico as well as residents exploring the Island. So what does one do when hunger strikes in unfamiliar territory? Just look for a restaurant that is part of the Mesones Gastronómicos program. This program recognizes an elite group of gastronomic inns endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company that offer the best cuisine in the finest country settings.
While the Mesones Gastronómicos Program began in Puerto Rico in 1987, the concept originated in Spain. Participating restaurants must adhere to the highest standards of quality and service to attain, and keep, the PRTC endorsement.
All of the restaurants are outside of Metropolitan San Juan and you will find them in every corner of the Island as well as its center. Most of the mesones are family owned.
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Casa Grande Café 787-894-3939
Utuado. Jungle Jane's is located at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat. Dine on the veranda in a stunning mountain setting. Comidas criolla and more contemporary dishes are on the menu. Try homemade pasta and shrimp or grilled salmon in a mango-papaya sauce.
Grille Room, The 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Enjoy traditional fine dining in a warm and inviting club atmosphere with sensational views of our golf courses and the Ocean. Our steakhouse style menu features succulent steaks, chicken and fresh grilled seafood and an extensive wine list.
Liquid Bar at Tangerine 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. "Liquid" is the Water Club's main bar and sizable lounge. Instantly discovered by the trend setters, "Liquid" is the fashionable "in" spot in a city famed for vibrant lifestyle and nightlife. There is a late night DJ to keep things going.
Marbella 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Enjoy spectacular buffets and traditional table service in a relaxed ocean-view setting. Sample a diverse menu, featuring everything from salads, soups, and sandwiches to fresh seafood and prime steaks.
Palio 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Our AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant incorporates authentic Tuscan flavors, rich spices, homemade pastas and the freshest meats, poultry and seafood into its Northern Italian menu. Reservations required.
SeaBreeze 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Dine al-fresco at this casual poolside restaurant, serving a full luncheon menu, snacks and tropical drinks. Casual dress or beachwear suggested.
Shimas 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Delight your taste for the Orient at our Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, serving authentic Japanese sushi, plus a wide array of tantalizing dishes from the Far East. Reservations required.
Tangerine 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. "Tangerine" serves American Asian cuisine overlooking the Atlantic and is the creation of well known Chef Nelson Rosado. "Tangerine" recently made the Conde Nast Traveler "Hot Tables" list of 75 of the most intriguing new restaurants in the world.
Wet Lounge and Sushi Bar 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. Day and night, the rooftop exotic bar and lounge aptly named "Wet", with the best sushi bar on the island, offering a panorama of San Juan's most dazzling views, the vast expanse of the Atlantic and the buildings of the capital city.
Marketplace
Platos Restaurant & Bar 787-791-6868
Carolina: Isla Verde.
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