El Rastro

This is my kind of restaurant! Quirky and fun decor but still elegant. Excellent food, but not too serious about itself. This was one of the best interpretations of Okonomiyaki I have ever had. I opted for it with the pork belly. And my husband‘s meal was exquisite too. Even though it was just an omelette with goat cheese and tomato, it was really well done, and the almond pancake was fluffy and delicious. The drinks were solid, the selection was good. I just had the aperol spritz; I should have looked at the mimosa flights, but I did not see them until after I ordered my spritz. The server was attentive. At first we sat outside because that’s what was available, but they were quick to move us inside when a table opened up. And it was rather hot, so even though the outside porch had a nice breeze, being inside was preferable. And again, I love the vibe inside as well. See all the photos. The spot was recommended to us by the owner of a Bakery on another area of the island. When he heard we were going to Ponce, he said we should absolutely stop here, and I’m so glad that we did. The only challenge we would have found was parking, but we did not even find that to be a challenge, because we were dropped off by our tour guide. He simply hung around until we were complete, and then he picked us back up. We loved everything about this place! We even took a cup home… we paid for it…. Not to imply we just grabbed one! They had nice silver insulated cups that will be perfect for the pool or hot tub, with their signature fingerprint design. The next time we are back in this town, we will absolutely stop here. It was one of the best meals we had in our two weeks on this trip to Puerto Rico.

I had an excellent experience at El Rastro in Ponce. From the moment we arrived, the service was attentive, warm, and very professional. The staff made us feel welcome and took the time to explain the menu and offer recommendations, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. The atmosphere is beautiful and unique, with an artistic and cozy ambiance that makes it perfect for a relaxed evening or a special outing. The restaurant combines creative international cuisine with a stylish setting, creating a memorable culinary experience. One of the things I appreciated the most is that the restaurant is pet friendly. They have a lovely outdoor garden patio where guests can dine comfortably with their pets, making it a great option for animal lovers who don’t want to leave their furry companions at home.  Overall, El Rastro offers excellent service, great food, and a welcoming environment for both guests and their pets. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Ponce who is looking for a unique and enjoyable dining experience.

We found parking right away. Service was on point. Dishes were ordered were great. After appetizers it took a bit of time before we got our food. That was a bit of a mood kill. But everything else was good.

We found parking immediately upon arrival, and the staff was extremely attentive and friendly from the moment we walked in. The interior is beautiful and cozy, creating a very inviting atmosphere. We also enjoyed playing some of the board games available while sipping on an exceptional Japanese whiskey flight. Food Review (photos included): Brisket Baos: The baos were good, but the brisket flavor was a bit overshadowed by the hoisin sauce. A stronger brisket presence would make this dish much better. Lamb Chops: Cooked to the requested medium, and they had the characteristic slight bitterness that lamb naturally carries. I personally enjoy that flavor, but it’s something not everyone may appreciate. The spinach and mushroom risotto served on the side was decent. Picanha with Udon (my daughter’s dish): The picanha had an unexpected mint or basil note that we couldn’t quite understand. The udon had a citrus touch that was pleasant at first, but became less enjoyable as you continued eating. Additionally, the udon left a heavy, greasy feeling on the palate—likely due to the oil or cheese used. Pairing it with a wine or something that could cleanse the palate might have helped, but that wasn’t the case here.

We went today for the first time after a friend reccomendation and it was superb! Food was delicious and oitstanding service from Yay, Alanis, and Alady. Highly reccomended 👍