Roasted SeaBass over 'Batata' purée - Santaella, San Juan, PR

Chef José Santaella - Santaella, San Juan, PR

Santaella

4.7

3852 Reviews

$31 to $50

Puerto Rican

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Select a time

Booked 85 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, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
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
Neighborhood
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

Large Group Prix Fixe Menu
$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.
Rooftop Experience
Multiple dates available
Azotea by Santaella, perched above the famed Santaella Restaurant in San Juan’s Santurce district, is a chic rooftop bar and eatery that draws both locals and visitors. Its laid-back, open-air setting offers stunning cityscape and sunset views. The menu highlights Puerto Rican-inspired dishes with global touches, including fresh seafood, light, shareable plates, and inventive cocktails with local twists. Coupled with a curated wine and beer selection, lush décor, and lively music, Azotea creates a vibrant nightlife atmosphere perfect for romantic dates, group gatherings, or simply taking in the scenic backdrop. Sunday Menu on the Rooftop: https://www.josesantaella.com/menus/#azotea

Popular dishes

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

Martinis

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

Negronis

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

Luxury Cocktails

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

What 3,852 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
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 offers a vibrant dining experience in San Juan with "amazing food," "exceptional service," and a "beautiful ambiance." Renowned for its creative Puerto Rican cuisine, it features standout dishes like "ahi tuna" and "baked Alaska." Despite occasional service hiccups, it remains a "must-visit spot" for locals and tourists alike.

3,852 Reviews

T
Tito
VIP
Caribbean
17 reviews
3.0
17 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Santaella has lost some of the luster it had some years ago. The dishes our group had were competent, not outstanding. The ambiance seems more focused on a party atmosphere, with the music noticeably louder than in the past. The deafening noise from the long line of bars next door (and the flashing lights of police cars) seeped into the restaurant, which marred the dining experience.
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G
Gabbi
VIP
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This was our favorite meal during our trip to San Juan! Elevated local dishes with fantastic flavors. The octopus and tuna starters are must-orders. We sat at the bar and ordered a lot of smaller plates to share. Service was fantastic!
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E
Elizabeth
VIP
San Antonio
49 reviews
5.0
49 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fabulous food and service! Totally exceeded expectations!
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L
Lance
VIP
Greater Boston
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All the five are reviews are accurate. Food and service were terrific and Ronnie behind the bar is a rockstar.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
10/10 would recommend. Everything was fantastic. Ahi tuna w/ chicharron appetizer is a must try. Girlfriend got the Sea-bass and I got the Veal cheeks. Both incredible. Drinks were also really good and unique. Ambiance is very nice for a date night. It is expensive, but worth it. There were no more tables so we reserved a bar seat and there was enough space. Bar service A+.
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J
Jennifer
VIP
New York City
133 reviews
4.0
133 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The rooftop is not the same as the restaurant, but the food was delicious. However, I have a few comments. Our waiter was very nice, but on a few occasions I had to try to get his attention. A group of about 5 waiters were joking around and having their own little conversation with their backs turned. This meant they were not scanning the room to ensure that patrons were being taken care of. At a restaurant of this caliber, I shouldn't have to keep waving to get my waiter. I also think the menu was overpriced. What was really a high end shrimp fried rice, was a whopping $46. It was delicious, but yikes! All in all nice rooftop!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, everything was delicious and so fresh. Tuna pinchos are a must. Great music ambience and service.
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S
Sheila
VIP
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Solid cocktails, very well priced wine list and food was delicious, especially the soup of the day and red snapper!
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C
Carolina
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Santaella was an amazing experience. The food and service was phenomenal. Juan Carlos was our server, and he was just the best. Everything he recommended was delicious. I would return back to Santaella. It was a very memorable experience.
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DK
DinahK
Washington DC
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We always look forward to dining at Santaella whenever we visit San Juan! The delicious food and attentive service was great and we look forward to returning soon.
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FAQs

Santaella does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Santaella is rated 4.7 stars by 3852 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 reservation

2 people

Mar 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Select a time

Booked 85 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

219 Cll Canals, San Juan, PR 00907

Additional information

Cross street
La Placita de Santurce
Neighborhood
San Juan
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Puerto Rican, Contemporary Latin, 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 reservation

Select a time

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Large Group Prix Fixe Menu

Rooftop Experience

Sandwich de Nutella

Escargots

Quesadilla de Pernil

Cócteles

Sandía Mojito$17.00

Perfect Lady$17.00

Spicy Paloma$17.00

Paper Plane$17.00

Barrilito Daiquiri$17.00

Placita Martini$17.00

Jibarito Mule$17.00

Parchita$17.00

Tamarind Margarita$17.00

Jalapeño Margarita$17.00

Oaxaca Old Fashioned$19.00

Spiced Old Fashioned$19.00

Santa Guanábana$17.00

Golden Family$17.00

Lady Bullet$17.00

Butterfly Knee$17.00

Tito's Mule$17.00

Santaella Side Car$19.00

Carajillo$17.00

Martinis

Classic Martini$18.00

Cosmopolitan$17.00

Espresso Martini$18.00

Negronis

Classic Negroni$17.00

Luxury Cocktails

Casameloni$25.00

Green Dragon$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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Select a time

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card