EAT
Carli‘s Fine Bistro & Piano
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“Our first stop in San Juan and a great one at that! If you’re tired of tacos, Carli’s has a great selection of Italian fusion food. We ordered the cheese plate and the balsamic risotto, but our favorite was the lobster ravioli! Our server spoke English, and I talked with the chef directly before he made my dinner. A very safe spot in Puerto Rico!”
@kqwright5, who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and plantain allergies
Marmalade
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“Marmalade was very receptive to my food allergies and immediately asked about dietary restrictions. The waitress was good about letting us know which menu items contained dairy and tree nuts and recommended some of their vegan dishes, such as the lentil soup and the cauliflower rice. Many of the dishes are able to be modified, and the food was delicious. She even offered an off-menu vegan and gluten-free blueberry cobbler. Great experience overall.”
@morganromo, who manages tree nut, milk, and seed allergies
Asador Boricua
Location: Luquillo, Puerto Rico
“After a morning hiking through El Yunke Rain Forest, our guide bus dropped our group off at this small restaurant before we went on to kayak for the bioluminescent tour. Initially, I had packed a small lunch in case the spot didn’t feel safe, but this cute local spot made me feel comfortable enough to order the quesadilla! The server spoke some English, and I made very clear to her what my allergies were. While they may not have had the most educated staff, the menu was a clear indicator that they might not even have nuts in the kitchen, so I felt safe enough to give the chicken quesadilla a shot! They were HUGE and very cheesy! Their guava margarita was also very yummy. Not sure I’d go out of my way to hit this spot, but if you’re like me and your tour group stops here, you can feel assured that the kitchen can accommodate you.”
@kqwright5, who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and plantain allergies
Blue Seahorse Pool Bar & Grill
Location: Dorado, Puerto Rico
“While staying at the Aquarius Hotel, I took a chance on the bar restaurant and felt surprisingly safe! I ordered the chicken tenders and fries, and the waitress took a lot of care to understand my allergies and make sure I was safe. The dish itself didn’t blow me away (I mean it was bar food), but it was safe and kept me satisfied!”
@kqwright5, who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and plantain allergies
Café Tropical
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“After a long morning of snorkeling in Escambrón beach, we headed to this small island cafe for lunch! The waitress did not speak much English, but after speaking with her in the minimal Spanish I know, she definitely understood my allergy and took it very seriously. I ordered a caramel latte with oat milk and the fish tacos! (She assured me the fryer had no cross-contamination). Honestly, the fish tacos left a bit to be desired and were so filling I only got through one and a half. The latte, however, was delicious! I wish I had made it in time for their breakfast menu, as I wanted to see if I could have their famous guava and cheese pastry, but I’ll have to try again next time! Otherwise, fish tacos were a skip, but I feel safe enough to come back again and try something new!”
@kqwright5, who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and plantain allergies
Caficultura
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“With one kiddo allergic to eggs, breakfast on vacation can be difficult. Caficultura’s supportive and caring waitstaff was so helpful in ensuring that his selections were safe and that he could enjoy the delicious and delightful experience. The food was delicious—highly recommend.”
@rebekahn, who manages peanut, tree nut, egg, fish, seed, legume, and raspberry allergies
Cayo Caribe – Condado
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“Skirt steak and steamed veggies. Waitress was helpful and offered multiple gluten-free options. Also recommend the Mojitos here.”
@eh2, who manages a peanut allergy
El Vagón Dorado
Location: Dorado, Puerto Rico
“This small, truck-style restaurant was a delicious local find! My server spoke a little English, but I was able to speak with a manager as well as skate by with my high school Spanish! I ordered the tacos al pastor, and they were DELICIOUS! Sweet and savory, and I would absolutely order again! From the sound of it, they don’t have any nuts in their kitchen. However, definitely double check with your waitress, as this is a smaller place and may not have consistently trained staff. Regardless, I felt very safe with the manager, and nothing on the menu felt like a red flag for me!”
@kqwright5, who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and plantain allergies
La Casita Blanca
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“What a feast for our last day in San Juan! My parents and I had a delicious meal that was completely free from peanuts. We had tender shrimp in the most delicious garlic sauce in one of the biggest avocados I’ve ever seen! The sangria was very good. Last but not least, the tres leches was the best tres leches I have EVER had! So delicious, so fresh, and the orange and cinnamon just adds something different. I will never not have cinnamon and an orange with my tres leches again! It’s a staple now.”
@amandapayo1219, who manages peanut and legume allergies
Mi Casita
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico
“We brought bilingual allergy eats cards. We told staff about the allergy immediately, and they got the manager to talk to us about food options. They didn’t immediately give us many options, but they were clear and careful with ingredients (they suggested rice, beans, and grilled chicken). When my picky preschooler asked for his sister’s buttered noodles, the server went back to double check the noodle box for us. I appreciated how careful the staff was with the allergy.”
@mamatoucan, who manages tree nut and egg allergies
Nana’s Places
Location: Piñones Loiza, Puerto Rico
“Puerto Rican street food is the best! The fried codfish is huge but very yummy! Some of the best empanadas and occupandos I have ever had. They have no peanuts in the restaurant and only cook in canola oil.”
@amandapayo1219, who manages peanut and legume allergies
Restaurante Raíces
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“The BEST mofongo ever! I had shrimp mofongo, my dad had the steak mofongo, and my mom had steak with rice and beans. So delicious and tender! They cook in olive oil and vegetable oil, so no peanuts whatsoever!”
@amandapayo1219, who manages peanut and legume allergies
Santaella
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“We had an excellent experience at this restaurant. The server noted our daughter’s specific allergens for the kitchen, and she ran back to the kitchen several times to speak to the chef to be sure his answers were correct. The food, service, and ambiance were all excellent.”
@laroko, who manages a tree nut allergy
Serafina San Juan Restaurant
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“Paper menu is clearly marked what is gluten-free or what can be prepared gluten-free. I had gluten-free penne pasta with sauce, chicken, and bacon—it was amazing! Crème brûlée for dessert. Dinner portion was large enough for two people. Service was great.”
@eh2, who manages a peanut allergy
Sobao By Los Cidrines Condado
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“BEST breakfast in Puerto Rico! Traditional pastelitos, dulces, and breads! So, so yummy and very filling. They cook in vegetable oil and have no peanuts.”
@amandapayo1219, who manages peanut and legume allergies
Spoon Food Tours
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“We went on a very fun walking food tour in Old San Juan. The food was delicious and interesting, and the guide was very engaging. It was a great way to learn a bit about the culture and history of Puerto Rico. Although the online booking system very clearly asks about allergies, I chose to email the company about our specific situation prior to booking. I received a prompt and thorough response from Gus, which gave me the confidence to book. The detailed confirmation and all other correspondence contained a reminder to inform the company of any allergies in advance. We were very comfortable throughout the tour with regard to the food.”
@laroko, who manages a tree nut allergy
The Cannon Club – Restaurant & Steinway Piano Bar
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
“Definitely my favorite bar and restaurant in all of San Juan! Not only was the food delicious, but the classy pirate theme was amazing! There was live music and the owner even came down with her two tropical birds that said ‘hola’ to us! The espresso martini is delicious, as are the truffle fries and the flan! The next morning we came back for lunch and had the avocado focaccia toast and the eggs Benedict with salmon. I safely ate it all! Our server spoke English and made me feel completely safe. Highly, highly recommend this spot!”
@kqwright5, who manages peanut, tree nut, seed, and plantain allergies
Tomate Cocina Mexicana & Margarita Bar
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico
“Had the chicken fajitas with corn tortillas, paired with a mango chipotle margarita on the rocks. Menu says 95% of their items are gluten-free. There is a shared fryer, so skip the chips.”
@eh2, who manages a peanut allergy
STAY
The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico
“The hotel was very knowledgeable when it came to my peanut allergy! Every meal I had for the conference I was at (which was from the hotel) was delicious and safe! No peanuts or nuts in general! They only cook in vegetable oil. I would recommend this hotel for anyone with food allergies.”
@amandapayo1219, who manages peanut and legume allergies
