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Isla Verde, also known as Carolina, is a great place to stay if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation.  There aren’t too many amazing restaurants within the area, with the exception of La Piccola Fontana at The El San Juan Resort & Casino.  Additionally, I wouldn’t venture out too far in Isla Verde since the area does get a bit shady during the day & evening hours.  Stay within the vicinity and you’ll find some decent places for food.  For a great restaurant selection, consider visiting the area of Old San Juan.  Here to share with you some of my EATS in Isla Verde.

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1. La Piccola Fontana (Italian)
Exquisite Northern Italian food at The El San Juan Resort & Casino.



LOCATION: 6063 Isla Verde Avenue (El San Juan Resort), Isla Verde (Carolina)
COST: $$$
CUISINE: Northern Italian
VERDICT: 5 / 5 
Perfection. Outstanding service!  One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve ever been to.  This is perhaps the only restaurant in Isla Verde worth dining at.

2. Lupi’s Mexican Grill & Cantina (lunch or dinner)
A fun greasy Mexican shack in Isla Verde that offers late night dining, worth considering after partying.

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LOCATION: Isla Verde Avenue (next to the El San Juan Resort & Casino), Isla Verde (Carolina)
COST: $
CUISINE: Mexican
VERDICT: 3 / 5 
Whenever I stay in Isla Verde, I pay a visit to Lupi’s.  The food here is good, greasy, and cheap, but by no means would I consider it authentic Mexican.  Due to the lack of decent restaurants on Isla Verde Avenue, it’s only natural to stop at Lupi’s after a fun night out since it is open past 4 am and located right outside the El San Juan Resort.  Convenient.

3. Encanto Beach Club & Grill (lunch)
Restaurant at the El San Juan Resort & Casino, poolside dining or have them deliver to your beach location.

LOCATION: 6063 Isla Verde Avenue (El San Juan Resort & Casino), Isla Verde (Carolina)
COST: $$
CUISINE: American
VERDICT: 3.5 / 5 
It’s always fun to eat and drink while hanging out by the pool.  The food here is pretty good and satisfying after hitting the beach and soaking in the sun.

4. Galluzzo Bistro Café (bakery, breakfast & brunch)
Good breakfast spot in Isla Verde, but stay away from the average and painfully sweet desserts.

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LOCATION: 5757 Isla Verde Avenue, Isla Verde (Carolina)
COST: $$
CUISINE: Bakery, Breakfast and Brunch, Coffee, Sandwiches.
VERDICT: 3.5 / 5 
Personally, I did not care for the desserts here… everything was way too sweet and not authentic enough in my opinion.  The breakfast on the other hand was quite good and reasonably priced, the simple coffee and egg & cheese were amongst my favorites.  The average desserts brings down the score of this cute little bistro that serves up good breakfast or lunch.

TELL ME: Have you been to Isla Verde?  What restaurants/cafes/foods do you recommend trying? 



Hi, I'm Nisha!

A foodie passionate about bringing authentic Indian recipes and global flavors to your kitchen. I create dishes using simple, real ingredients, and seasonal produce. Join me on this soul-searching journey as I share "what's cooking" through my love for good food. I hope to inspire you to cook more at home, explore new flavors, and enjoy the process along the way.

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14 Comments

  1. As a DC metro area native living in Isla Verde I have to say there is no shortage of great restaurants,just dodge the tourist traps…otherwise expect to pay a pretty penny for good food. Low Cost: Piu Bello(Great little cafe with homemade gelato,sorbet and ice cream options),Market 24(think a 7-11 with a great fresh menu where buy your booze convenience store style),"Arepas"(little Venezuelan Arepa shack with delicious,meat,seafood and veggie options) and don't be afraid to buy some treats off the occasional beach vendor. High Cost: BLT Steak(Located in Ritz Carlton,definitely top dollar,but so worth it),Ceviche House(Not too pricey,but their Ceviche varieties are amazing,as is their Churrasco. Can't beat it for a surf n' turf pairing). Also,don't be afraid to leave Isla Verde,Puerto Rico is a land of great eats and great people. Just ask one of the many friendly locals where not to go and be smart. Things tend to look a little more "run down" on the outside than in the states…that doesn't mean inside there isn't great food,great people and great beauty! PS- Mofongo is good,but it's really the Puerto Rican equivalent of mashed potato,it's just uniquely Puerto Rican.

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