7 Best Restaurants in Rincón and the Porta del Sol, Puerto Rico

The English Rose

$ Fodor's choice

Open for breakfast only, this quaint bed-and-breakfast has a spectacular view of the valley spilling into the sea. If terrace seating is not available, indoor dining is equally charming, with walls colorfully adorned by the work of local artisans. House specialties like eggs Benedict are served with homemade breads and sausages. The "BBC" is quite popular—a toasted croissant topped with organic chicken, cranberry sausage, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce—but we can't stop thinking about the "Portobello Road," made with roasted portobello mushroom, smoked Gouda, thick-cut black forest ham, and cherry tomato confit on a fresh-baked croissant. Enhancing the freshness of the dishes are the herbs grown on-site. You can now sip on a mimosa or homemade Bloody Mary while overlooking the lush mountain and ocean below. During high season, you might wait up to an hour for a table, so reservations are recommended.

CINCO

$$$

Although the menu at this family-friendly restaurant includes pizza and pasta dishes, it's a good place to dine on hearty Caribbean fare, including Puerto Rican specialties like mofongo, churrasco, and bistec encebollado. The wine list is short but well curated, and the cocktails are creative and affordable.

Rte. 110, Km 32, Aguadilla, n/a Puerto Rico, 00603, Puerto Rico
787-658–6078
Known For
  • mofongo
  • churrasco
  • friendly staff

Downtown by José Carles

$$$
Former executive chef of the Royal Isabela resort, José Carles, is now the proprietor of this restaurant in his home town. His menu focuses on seafood, most of which he catches himself, and dishes might include fish crudo with passion fruit, grilled lobster, blackened shrimp, or octopus risotto. The wait may be long as Downtown is popular with locals, but the outdoor terrace with a full bar is a great place to relax until your table is ready.
9 Calle José de Diego, Boquerón, n/a Puerto Rico, 00622, Puerto Rico
787-366–6166
Known For
  • fresh seafood
  • family-friendly atmosphere
  • crudo specials
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

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Jack's Shack

$
This popular food cart across from Pool's Beach serves healthy breakfasts and lunches featuring seasonal ingredients and the catch of the day. The fish tacos are popular, though the menu also has veggie burgers and quinoa salads. Tasty fresh pressed juices are available for your pre- or post-surf session.
Rte. 413 Ramal, Rincón, n/a Puerto Rico, 00677, Puerto Rico
939-274–8066
Known For
  • fish tacos
  • breakfast burritos
  • fresh-pressed juices
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No dinner

La Cambija

$

You'll find some of the freshest seafood in town at this casual roadside restaurant. Order an assortment of grilled fish skewers, choosing from tuna, mahimahi, grouper, wahoo, rainbow runner, and more. The lobster is excellent, and the empanadas are great, too. Happy hour lasts all day—no wonder it's always packed.

Calle Cambija, Rincón, n/a Puerto Rico, 00677, Puerto Rico
787-823–1118
Known For
  • grilled fish skewers
  • house-made empanadas
  • happy-hour drink prices all day

Parrilleria Vacas Gauchas

$$$
Excellent cuts of meat—from filet mignon and rib eye to pork loin—are the draws here. Splurgeworthy dry-aged porterhouse and kurobuta pork are also likely to be on the menu. The service is excellent.
Rte. 115, Km 11.8, Rincón, n/a Puerto Rico, 00677, Puerto Rico
787-529–1200
Known For
  • family-friendly restaurant
  • great meats
  • fantastic service
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Shipwreck Bar & Grill

$$$

This pirate-themed restaurant has a laid-back vibe and a friendly staff who are always ready with a smile or a joke. Don't be surprised to see local fishermen making their way to the kitchen with their still-flapping catch. Entrées include juicy steaks, grilled mahimahi, homemade pastas, and stuffed mofongo. Although portions are large, lighter options are available, including fish tacos, a selection of wraps, and seared ahi tuna served on a pyramid of mixed greens. Don't miss happy hour (daily 3–7).

Black Eagle Rd., Rincón, n/a Puerto Rico, 00677, Puerto Rico
787-823–0578
Known For
  • fresh seafood and steaks
  • kid-friendly dining environment
  • large portions
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays