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Aguaviva Review

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Aguaviva

Member Rating: **** 4.2 | Rate It
  • Address: 364 Calle La Fortaleza, Old San Juan, San Juan
  • Phone: 787/722-0665

Fodor's Review:

The name means "jellyfish," which explains why this ultracool, ultramodern place has lighting fixtures shaped like that sea creature. Elegantly groomed oysters and clams float on cracked ice along the raw bar. The extensive menu is alive with inventive ceviches, some with tomato or roasted red peppers and olives, and fresh takes on classics like paella. For something more filling, try dorado served with a shrimp salsa, or tuna accompanied by seafood enchiladas. You could also empty out your wallet for one of the torres del mar, or towers of the sea. This gravity-defying dish has comes hot or cold and includes oysters, mussels, shrimp -- you name it. Oh, and don't pass up the lobster mashed potatoes. Those alone are worth the trip -- and the wait.

  • Keep in mind: Reservations not accepted.
  • Credit Cards: AE, D, MC, V

Member Reviews & Ratings:

Wonderful!!!

Posted by FlyDST from Los Angeles, CA on 6/1/08
We have been to Puerto Rico a couple of times and do I wish that I had know about this place on the very first day. We ate dinner there (based on a friends recommendation) the last night we were there (on our second trip). The food was delicious!!! It was so beautifully prepared that we ever took pictures of it. We're going back this summer and can't wait to eat there. It was so good that I don't know if I should eat there as soon as we get there or rest and get some good shopping in.

Food: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0 RATING: 5.0

Top 3 Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Posted by djsupert from Dallas, Texas / Hato Rey, PR on 4/17/08
If you don't mind the price, then this is the spot to eat before you leave Puerto Rico. I've eaten here as a tourist and I've eaten here as a local. The food is consistent and well prepared. That's why the chef from here was on Iron Chef and won! I haven't eaten all of the dishes here but the one that I remember most is the scallops with orzo. If you like scallops, you have to order this. I've spent alot of money in Puerto Rico on restaurants and this has to be the one spot where the money is worth every dime.

Food: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0 RATING: 5.0

Full of Flavor and Atmosphere!

Posted by Carolina_L from Charleston, SC on 3/17/08
We decided to go to Aguaviva for ceviche as an appetizer and cocktail stop before dinner. We asked to sit at the oyster bar to enjoy watching the cooks. Our server was friendly, attentive and helpful. We had 3 ceviches - fantastic!! I am very much a ceviche fan (I'm from a coastal town) and this was among the very best! We enjoyed our cocktails and the crowd as well. It is indeed alittle expensive as some people mention. It was well worth it to me.

Food: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 4.0 RATING: 4.8

Great Food. Romantic Setting. A Perfect Night Out.

Posted by ENGCFO_GoBears from Naperville, IL/Relocated to PR on 2/28/08
This has become one of our favorite restaurants in PR. Our first time there was for Valentine's Day and the service, selection, and setting did not let us down. On the contrary, we really felt that the staff really cared about our dining experience. It is the perfect size restaurant to take your sweartheart on a great dining date.

Food: 4.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 4.0 RATING: 4.4

Cool down on a hot night

Posted by Scott_Leslie from Los Angeles on 6/24/07
If you're looking for a cool, well-decorated spot for some refreshing fish, this is the place. A great selection of ceviches (the house specialty) and a live oyster bar makes this a perfect spot to unwind after a hot day walking Old San Juan. A little pricey, but worth it if fish is your want.

Food: 4.0 Atmosphere: 3.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 3.0 RATING: 3.8

Don't waste your time here

Posted by beachview23 from Philadelphia on 4/7/07
Worst dinner on a recent march 2007 trip. Over priced, over rated and under staffed.

Food: 2.0 Atmosphere: 3.0 Service: 2.0 Value: 1.0 RATING: 2.0

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