el Refrán

One of the best dinners we had in Puerto Rico. The servers were very nice and patient even though it was very busy. It is a very small restaurant. We ordered churrasco (flank steak) and pork chops. Very tender, delicious and well season. We ordered as side grilled vegetables and they were the best in the island. I highly recomend this restaurant. They can improved a little bit the ambience.

Best authentic Puerto Rican Food that we had the whole trip. We all ordered something different and the portions are huge! I had the Grouper with amarillos (sweet plantains), we had tostones and sampler empanadas for apps and a mezcalita for cocktail. Heads up, it is a small place, but worth the wait and the food comes out very fast, the chef stopped by on her way out to make sure we liked our food, which was an added bonus, and of course we loved everything! We had a group of 7 and Michaela not only gave us great service, but also made us great cocktails at the same time she was serving other tables. This place is amazing and a hidden gem, please stop by to support this local spot!

Came here twice during our stay and the food was delicious. I was hoping to find a Cuban sandwich on my trip and the one here was the best Ive ever had! I also tried the amarillos...so yummy. The service was even better than the food! Xena was my wonderful server and she even offered to have the kitchen hack into the giant coconut I had purchased earlier in the day (a cool, refreshing drink option that left me with a 5lb coconut to carry around!) Without them I would have never been able to enjoy the coconut! I highly recommend this spot for lunch and dinner.

Tucked into the vibrant heart of Puerto Rico, El Refrán is more than a restaurant, it’s an experience that lingers with you long after the last bite. From the moment you walk in, there’s an unmistakable warmth that wraps around you like a familiar melody. The ambiance strikes a beautiful balance between modern island charm and soulful authenticity. The food? Absolutely unforgettable. Each dish bursting with bold Caribbean flavors, perfectly layered seasoning, and a freshness that speaks to both tradition and innovation. And the mofongo? Simply the best…rich, savory, and deeply satisfying. It was flavorful without being heavy, traditional yet elevated. Equally unforgettable was the arroz con habichuelas, cooked to perfection. But what truly elevated our evening from wonderful to extraordinary was our server, Michaela. Michaela’s radiant smile greeted us before we even settled into our seats. Her beautiful energy wasn’t just professional, it was genuine. Her customer service was impeccable, and her presence added a layer of joy that simply can’t be trained, it comes from the heart. If you’re in Puerto Rico and searching for an experience that feeds both your palate and your spirit, El Refrán is not just a recommendation…it’s a must. We’ll absolutely be back. 🌴

Wonderful authentic dining experience. It's not a 5 star fancy restaurant but if you want excellent authentic food, el Refran is a fantastic choice. I had the cod fritters which would be ideal to share amongst 2 or even 3 people. Not too heavy or dense as fritters can be, and we're wondering seasoned. Main meal was the mofongo with the shredded pork which was recommended by my server. The pork was cooked perfectly with a little crisp to it and the mofongo had great texture and when combined with the sauce the dish is near perfection. And it's a very healthy portion. For dessert, I had the tres leches which is made in house. Note that it is VERY sweet. I have a sweet tooth so I liked it just fine but I know that for others it might be a little much. Overall a great way for me to end my trip to Puerto Rico. Highly recommended!