From lobster tail and deep-fried, whole red snapper to garlic-butter shrimp and creole chicken, the kitchens of Fajardo offer a variety of mouthwatering dishes that will not disappoint. Plus, the city has two restaurants dubbed as mesones gastronómicos (a designation for outstanding Puerto Rican eateries).

Here's a look at some of the top restaurants in Fajardo.

Inside view of Pasion por el Fogón

Pasión por el Fogón has been dubbed a mesón gastronómico in Fajardo. 

Pasión Por El Fogón

Here, your meal comes from the sea to your table, literally. Fishermen around the area bring in their catch directly to Chef Myrta’s kitchen at Pasión Por El Fogón. A local staple for years, the restaurant was named a mesón gastronómico by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company for its excellent service and high-quality food. The restaurant has been recognized as one of the best outside the metropolitan area and it aims to highlight what their name stands for: passion and fire.

Pasión Por El Fogón's menu focuses on creole and seafood dishes like shrimp-stuffed lobster, stuffed mofongomamposteao with skirt steak, and much more. Try the house specialties like the fresh conch or almond-breaded tuna.

Wide view of Las Vistas Café

Brunch never looked — or tasted — better than at Las Vistas Café. 

Las Vistas Café

An open-terrace with a view overlooking the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve is the perfect setting for a delicious, homey brunch at Las Vistas Café.

Choose from brunch favorites such as coconut French toast with fruit, eggs Benedict with salmon served over arepas, veggie omelets, and homemade basil lemonade. Las Vistas highlights local ingredients with many of their vegetables coming from the owner’s backyard. As you wait for your meal, enjoy the stunning scenery and a complimentary refreshing fruit platter served with almonds and honey. This is one restaurant where you won't leave hungry.

Outside view of La Estación restaurant in Fajardo

A former gas station turned restaurant awaits to delight your palate at La Estación.

La Estación

An old gas station turned into a restaurant, La Estación aims to present the best cuts of meat in the east region. Chef Kevin combines his love for Puerto Rico and passion for barbecue to offer a unique style that merges traditional American techniques with Caribbean spices and flavor profiles. Meals at La Estación are prepped in open fires fueled by wood and charcoal, with dishes like campfire red snapper, Nuyorican-style chicken, and slow-smoked ribs. All ingredients are sourced from local vendors, fishermen, and farms.

Landscape view of Sal y Pimienta restaurant

Enjoy a savory and hearty surf and turf meal at Sal y Pimienta. 

Sal & Pimienta by the Sea

Enjoy a friendly atmosphere with an incredible view of the east coast at Sal & Pimienta by the Sea, where fresh seafood is the central focus. Start your meal with ginger sauce-spiced calamari rings or conch sticks with sweet and chili sauces. Their surf and turf lets you combine lobster, snapper, or shrimp with a skirt or porterhouse steak. On weekends, their special brunch menu features unlimited mimosas.

Inside view of restaurant Cinco Nudos in Fajardo

Cinco Nudos is located inside Puerto Chico marina in Fajardo. 

Cinco Nudos

Inside Fajardo’s Marina Puerto Chico, Cinco Nudos has been earning buzz with its modernized presentation of local favorites. This restaurant highlights the delicacies of the sea merged with traditional creole techniques. Try their risotto topped with salmon and capers, or the Mandarin-cured ceviche. Their exquisite food and stunning view of the marina are the perfect combination for a romantic dinner.

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