Santaella

Name: Santaella
Address: 219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR, United States, 00907
Telephone: (787) 722-7600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

3738 Reviews

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 52 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Hot spot

Chef José Santaella refined his culinary expertise with top chefs like Ferrán Adrià, Eric Ripert, and Gary Danko. His years of apprenticeships and a thriving catering career led to opening *Santaella* in Santurce’s La Placita Marketplace. The restaurant offers a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, with exposed brick walls, Edison lights, an indoor garden, and a stylish bar. Chef Santaella creatively combines local and international ingredients, crafting Puerto Rican nouvelle cuisine. The tapas-focused menu features favorites like ahi tuna skewers, goat cheese quesadillas, crab-topped ‘alcapurrias,’ and foie gras terrine with fruit jelly. Known for its vibrant ambiance, *Santaella* also boasts one of the island’s best cocktail bars, with expertly crafted drinks by its skilled mixologists. Praised as a culinary treasure in San Juan, *Santaella* impresses with "amazing food," "exceptional service," and "top-tier cocktails." Ideal for special events or memorable evenings, it’s a must-visit.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Puerto Rican, Contemporary Latin American, Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30–17:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 17:00–22:00
Phone number
(787) 722-7600
Website
http://www.santaellapr.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Chef José Santaella
Catering
For Caterings, please contact: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218
Private party facilities
For Group Dining Inquiries please visit our website at: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218

Location
219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907
Area
San Juan
Cross Street
La Placita de Santurce
Parking details
Santaella has valet parking thru Valera Parking ($10) and there are also two public, paid parkings nearby.
Public transit
Stop #19. Bus lines: A5, B21, M3, B16
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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Experiences

Rooftop Experience
Multiple dates available
Azotea by Santaella is a chic rooftop bar and restaurant in San Juan's Santurce district, set above the renowned Santaella Restaurant. Known for its relaxed, stylish open-air setting with cityscape and sunset views, Azotea attracts locals and tourists alike. The menu spotlights Puerto Rican-inspired dishes with international influences, featuring fresh seafood, light, shareable plates, and creative cocktails, including Puerto Rican twists. With a curated wine and beer list, lush decor, live music, and DJ sets in the evenings, Azotea delivers a vibrant nightlife experience ideal for romantic dates, group outings, or scenic relaxation. Sunday Menu on the Rooftop: https://www.josesantaella.com/azotea-menu/
Large Group Prix Fixe Menu
US$125.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Enjoy a delicious selection of dishes perfectly sized for your group. Select from a variety of dishes to create your custom Santaella 3-course prix fixe menu. Visit our menu section at santaellapr.com to view our group menu options or email us at reservations@santaellapr.com with any questions. Once booked, we will follow up with you to select desired menu. Group menus are required for parties of 11 or more guests. THIS EXPERIENCE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

Popular dishes

Sandía MojitoUS$17.00
bacardi superior, fresh watermelon, mint, fresh lemon & lime juice
Perfect LadyUS$17.00
citron vodka, santaella herbal syrup, st. germain, fresh lemon and lime juice. egg whites and lavender
Spicy PalomaUS$17.00
Mezcal, tequila, pink grapefruit juice, lemon, ginger soda, crushed red pepper spicy salted rim. Garnished with dehydrated citrus
Paper PlaneUS$17.00
woodford reserve bourbon whiskey, cappelletti aperitif, amaro, lime juice
Barrilito DaiquiriUS$17.00
ron del barrilito 3 stars, fresh lime and lemon juice, apricot brandy, angostura bitters, burned orange peel
Placita MartiniUS$17.00
bacardi superior and bacardi 8 aged rum, fresh coconut water, cinammon syrup & bitters
Jibarito MuleUS$17.00
bacardi 8 añejo tum, hot pepper-infused syrup, fresh lemon & lime juice, ginger beer
ParchitaUS$17.00
bacardi 4 añejo rum, fresh passion fruit, agave, lemon & lime juice, ginger juice
Tamarind MargaritaUS$17.00
tequila silver, puréed tamarind juice, cointreau, fresh lemon & lime juice, cinnamon-infused syrup. served up or over ice. salted rim.
Jalapeño MargaritaUS$17.00
patrón silver tequila, jalapeño-infused syrup, fresh lemon & lime juice, orange liqueur, salted rim
Oaxaca Old FashionedUS$19.00
zacapa 23 rum, mezcal, honey, 'sal de gusano', garnished with dehydrated orange
Spiced Old FashionedUS$19.00
bacardi 8 aged rum, angostura bitters and all spiced syrup
Santa GuanábanaUS$17.00
white rum, fresh guanábana (Soursop) pulp, fresh l&l juice, dark chocolate dust & basil.
Golden FamilyUS$17.00
Bacardi 8 añejo rum, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, sage and ginger infused syrup, bitters. Gold leaf garnish
Lady BulletUS$17.00
woodford reserve bourbon, fig marmalade, lavender syrup, orange bitters & lime juice
Butterfly KneeUS$17.00
gin, honey, rosemary, lemon juice, butterfly pea tea, orange bitters
Tito's MuleUS$17.00
tito's vodka, simple syrup, fresh lime and lemon juice, house-made ginger beer
Santaella Side CarUS$19.00
hennessy vs cognac, orange liquor, angostura bitters and fresh lime juice
CarajilloUS$17.00
espresso coffee & licor 43

Martinis

Classic MartiniUS$18.00
Gin or Vodka? Dry, Dirty or Perfect? Shaken or Stirred? Bitters? Your Martini your way
CosmopolitanUS$17.00
vodka, cointreau, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice
Espresso MartiniUS$18.00
Grey goose vodka, tequila reposado, espresso shot, coffee liquor, chocolate bitters. Garnished with coffee beans and powdered sugar

Negronis

Classic NegroniUS$17.00
gin, sweet vermouth, campari, orange

Luxury Cocktails

CasameloniUS$25.00
casa dragones blanco, cocchi americano, watermelon aperitif liquore
Green DragonUS$25.00
casa dragones blanco, agave, lime, ancho reyes verde, pineapple tepache

What 3,738 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Caribbean
Puerto Rican
Caribbean
Most Booked
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican
Puerto Rico
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Santaella in San Juan offers an enchanting dining experience with "amazing food" and an elegant ambiance. Guests consistently praise the "phenomenal service," especially from standout servers like Gabriel and Juan. The atmosphere is lively, perfect for enjoying "delicious" Puerto Rican dishes and "amazing cocktails." Reservations are recommended.

3,738 Reviews

C
Crystal
Caribbean
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I was searching restaurant near where I was staying and saw the grilled Octupus on the menu. Decided that I absolutely had to have it for my Birthday. This was my 1st time to Puerto Rico... visiting from Trinidad & Tobago and the food was impeccable. My husband ordered the salmon and enjoyed it, however, expected more noodles... he barely had a few strands on his plate; I tasted his food and didn't get any noodles. He said the vegetables were very tasty nonetheless. My grilled Octupus was delicious and so were the fingerling potatoes. The shrimp bao buns were delightful as well; that sauce tied it all together. It was a tad noisy but I guess that's what happens when you have many people conversing excitedly in such a small space. I was celebrating my birthday so was looking forward to getting a picture with the aesthetic wall but there were other patrons seated along it so couldn't. That was disappointing. Also, for special occasions I think complimentary dessert would be nice... not just a free candle. Overall, the experience was lovely.
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S
Sonia
VIP
Chicago
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Came in 30 mins early and was greeted by a friendly waiter and gave us a table. The waiter assigned to our table was attentive up until desert . He totally forgot about us assumed the busboy was in charge of bringing out dessert. That was 35 mins later .
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B
Brian
VIP
Houston
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful time at Santaella. The atmosphere was amazing. Our server was attentive. Cocktails and food alike were fantastic. Probably the best sea bass I’ve had in recent years.
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C
Cory
VIP
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the very best restaurants on the island. Great food. Creative drinks. Great service. Lively vibe inside and in the surrounding neighborhood outside it's doors. I have been many many times and I NEVER have had a bad experience. Can be hard to get into for dinner (you must have a reservation). Lunch is pretty open. Habe the pork shank. Sea bass also is perfevt. The place is just outstanding in every way.
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J
Jenny
Louisville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We both got the Camarones. It’s shrimp with trifongo and a garlic cream sauce. It didn’t look that big but it was filling. I highly recommend it. We were seated and served quickly. Our reservation was for the bar, but we got a table in the bar area. We were in and out in an hour. It’s pricy, but it’s worth it for something that’s a special dinner or vacation dinner. We’d go back!
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C
Christian
New York City
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food it was not at the level to be expected. I had the tomato salad and it was not that impressive. The pork loin was not really a pork loin it was more like q chicharrón, but it was very good.
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T
Todd
VIP
Orange County
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server Allan was great and super attentive. Drink and wine selections were good and food was outstanding and a great variety of influences to Puerto Rican cuisine. Pricing was a little high but worth it.
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T
Thomas
VIP
Phoenix
79 reviews
5.0
79 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Service at first slow.. from that point great .. red snapper was excellent.. overall good
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E
Emily
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We sat at the bar and had dinner. The octopus appetizer was a must get. They first brought out our entrees and must have forgotten about the appetizer, but they quickly brought that out too when we reminded them and we didn’t mind. The atmosphere was very nice and the cocktails (espresso martini and jalapeño margarita) were excellent. Would definitely recommend for a nicer date night or vacation dinner.
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A
Ann Marie
VIP
Bristol
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service …wonderful Nee Years dinner. Thank you!
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FAQs

Santaella does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Santaella is rated 4.8 stars by 3738 OpenTable diners.

Santaella does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 52 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Additional information

Cross Street
La Placita de Santurce
Area
San Juan
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30–17:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 17:00–22:00
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Puerto Rican, Contemporary Latin American, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Santaella has valet parking thru Valera Parking ($10) and there are also two public, paid parkings nearby.
Public transit
Stop #19. Bus lines: A5, B21, M3, B16
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Chef José Santaella
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.santaellapr.com/
Phone number
(787) 722-7600
Catering
For Caterings, please contact: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218
Private party facilities
For Group Dining Inquiries please visit our website at: https://santaella.tripleseat.com/party_request/26218

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Santaella

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Rooftop Experience

Large Group Prix Fixe Menu

Sandwich de Nutella

Escargots

Quesadilla de Pernil

Cócteles

Sandía MojitoUS$17.00

Perfect LadyUS$17.00

Spicy PalomaUS$17.00

Paper PlaneUS$17.00

Barrilito DaiquiriUS$17.00

Placita MartiniUS$17.00

Jibarito MuleUS$17.00

ParchitaUS$17.00

Tamarind MargaritaUS$17.00

Jalapeño MargaritaUS$17.00

Oaxaca Old FashionedUS$19.00

Spiced Old FashionedUS$19.00

Santa GuanábanaUS$17.00

Golden FamilyUS$17.00

Lady BulletUS$17.00

Butterfly KneeUS$17.00

Tito's MuleUS$17.00

Santaella Side CarUS$19.00

CarajilloUS$17.00

Martinis

Classic MartiniUS$18.00

CosmopolitanUS$17.00

Espresso MartiniUS$18.00

Negronis

Classic NegroniUS$17.00

Luxury Cocktails

CasameloniUS$25.00

Green DragonUS$25.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Santaella offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Santaella restaurant rated?

Does Santaella offer gift cards?

Is Santaella currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card