4 Best Restaurants in Ponce and the Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico

This mesón gastronómico, hidden among a string of oceanfront restaurants south of the center in the Playa de Salinas area, is one of the most popular on Puerto Rico's southern coast. Sit in either the open-air patio or air-conditioned dining room and bar and sample specialties like mofongo relleno de mariscos (seafood-stuffed plantains) or the many preparations of mahimahi, red snapper, arrayao (mahogany snapper), octopus, lobster, or conch. The seafood paella is a house specialty.

In operation since 1961, this restaurant is still considered one of the best in town. Don't be surprised to see flapping fish delivered straight off the boats and into the kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes like grouper fillet stuffed with seafood. The red snapper is delicious, and like all the fish on the menu it can be prepared fried, buttered, breaded, or with a vinaigrette. There's also a children's menu and a large selection of wines. Be prepared for the collection of fish mounted on the walls.

This trendy bistro in the heart of downtown has an eclectic menu to match the decor. Grab a seat in a green-velvet booth, and start off with their delicious tuna tartare taquitos, beef bruschetta, and fried plantains. The menu ranges from tuna steak to filet mignon to a full Cornish hen. Be sure to ask about the daily specials, which are always worth trying. This is a great place to admire work by local artists and sip on a house special Quenepatini (Don Q Cristal, guava juice, cranberry juice, quenepa liquor).

The only Greek restaurant in Ponce, this open-air establishment has successfully captured the cuisine and atmosphere of its namesake island. Statues of goddesses line the pathway leading to a bi-level dining area, decorated with 1960s-era movie posters from Greece, and nearly every dish is bathed in olive oil and vinegar, including the salads and sandwiches. You'll also find plenty of Caribbean food and Spanish tapas like conch fritters and stuffed lobster hamburgers, but it's the grilled lobster that's the hands-down favorite. On Friday and Saturday, the bar is open late for drinks and dancing. Request a table on the lower deck, where water gently laps near your table, and bring bug repellent.