I just finished eating at this Flora restaurant in Aguadilla , Puerto Rico . I live in Miami and wanted to invite my cousin who lives in Aguadilla to a nice meal . They claim they are farm to table . We sat in a table outside and my first experience is smelling a foul odor blown in from the breeze . It smelled like human waste . When I told the waitress we wanted to move tables due to the foul order she said it was coming from An abandoned hotel next to them however she did move us to another table . When we open the Menu there were no prices on the Menu. I asked the waitress what were the prices since I do not like surprises . She said she would gladly bring me a hand written list of the prices but since today was Wednesday the big plates ( it was not a big plate) were 2 for 30.00 . We ordered the lamb chops , which came with mashed potatoes and spinach . The lamb chops were hard to cut and gamey tasting but the sauces and mash potatoes were good . The problem is when I was in trying to eat the second chop I saw a water bug crawling in my food . I asked discretely for the waitress to come over and see the bug in my plate . I asked her to replace the food and she asked me if I wanted a different plate . I told her perhaps the chicken plate is faster to make . The waitress came back and said the Chef will charge me to replace the plate since I had eaten most of it ( 1 chop) and the bug falling in the plate was not his fault . I told her I was not going to pay for a third plate because the bug was not myfault either . Nor was the nasty sewage smell coming from the abandoned hotel Cima next door . If this Chef was indeed Michelin trained he must have failed the course of customer service . I have traveled the world and eaten in many 5 star restaurants and this one definitely falls way below any standards of customer service I have ever experienced . Dining in a place where the breeze blows In a foul smell is not pleasant . Let alone when a bug falls in your plate and the Chef treats you with such disrespect and won’t even replace your dish without charging you . I left a cash tip to the waitress because it’s not her fault . But I will definitely dispute the bill if this restaurant with my credit card . Mr Chef, I suggest you go back to being trained on customer service before your business goes bankrupt . I am surprised at all the good reviews . Either they are not real reviews or people have no idea what customer service and ambiance means . It’s a shame because the place has potential if they block off the dining patio from the abandoned hotel so you don’t smell sewage or human waste from the homeless people and animals in that abandoned building . And if the Chef changes his attitude and learns basic customer service . For those of you who want to try their food despite my review I suggest once you enter the dining area you ask for a table on the right towards the front of the restaurant . Also I suggest you ask for the prices of your meals to avoid surprises . Luckily at least they had the special of 2 so called, BIG plates for 30.00 on this Wednesday and I did not spend whatever outrageous amount they normally charge for a subpar dining experience . To say the least I am appalled at the bad service and nasty smelling breeze courtesy of an abandoned hotel behind them . Follow up to this review : I did dispute this with my credit card company and the owner had the audacity to fabricate there was no bug in my plate and that I had eaten all the food which was not true and he never came to the table to even attempt to see what I was telling his waitress . The waitress did acknowledge: stating things like bugs happens in an open establishment . But he did not bother to meet me so how would he know if there was a bug and if I had eaten my plate since he never showed his face to me . I am a mature adult and eat in fine dining all over the world and I get no pleasure berating a small business since I have owned one myself . Owner is a lier, disrespectful and unprofessional . Thus my credit card sited with...
Read moreYesterday, we had the pleasure of dining for the first time at Flora Restaurant Cocina de Autor, and it was truly a memorable experience. We arrived without a reservation on a busy evening, fully prepared to understand if they couldn't seat us. Instead, we were welcomed warmly by Rafael, whose attentiveness set the tone for the entire night. He graciously arranged a table for us and made us feel immediately at home.
As first-time guests, we asked Rafael for his recommendations. He took the time to explain Flora’s concept in detail—their weekly rotating, carefully crafted menu designed to surprise and delight diners. His passion and knowledge made us even more excited for the meal ahead.
We began with the Salmon and Beet Tartar and the Passion Fruit Ceviche. Both appetizers were incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, highlighting authentic, vibrant ingredients.
For our main courses, we chose the Charcoal Grilled Steak with Piquillo and Guajillo Mojo, Pana al Ajillo, and the Malta-Braised Short Rib with Malanga Purée, Short Rib Gravy, and Crispy Malanga. Each dish was perfectly cooked—tender, rich, and balanced in flavor, showcasing the restaurant’s culinary artistry.
The experience was further elevated by their cocktails, particularly the bourbon-based option, which became an instant favorite.
This dinner was especially meaningful to us as it was our first one together as a couple. Flora made it everything we hoped for and more. In particular, Rafael’s attentive, genuine service truly made the evening unforgettable.
I wholeheartedly recommend Flora Restaurant Cocina de Autor to anyone looking for exceptional service, creative cuisine, and an experience that is truly unique every week. It is a place where passion for food and hospitality shines in...
Read moreThis only has 3 stars because I’ve absolutely loved Flora’s food for years, but our server, Ashley, created the most unwelcoming experience. First and foremost, I’ve been a server for 7 years and 100% understand being overwhelmed, but that can be communicated. No one in PR is in a rush and we’re very understanding. Ashley rudely dropped our waters at the table and left quickly, without providing a menu or asking if we needed anything before she left. She took our order and when I tried to run back to her for a change, she didnt look at me in the face and proceeded to walk while bluntly saying “im seating these people.” The way it was said made me feel super uneasy, and after that my friend and I decided to leave. When we passed her on the way out I said “Dont worry about it, you seem overwhelmed” only to receive an eyeroll back. That INFURIATED me. As someone who’s ACTUALLY Puerto Rican, to be treated like this at a restaurant you love is so disappointing.
I would LOVE to see local Puerto Ricans/Reconnecting Puerto Ricans work at this spot to get a beautiful experience working with farm-to-table products from their island. How beautiful would that be?! I’d love to be greeted with an Hola from anyone, Boricua or not who makes an EFFORT to learn the language and relate to their clientele. It was weird to see not just one but both Front of House staff be completely American with no cultural consciousness or MANNERS!! Flora’s so amazing and if I hear they’ve made some changes, I’d absolutely love to come back. I’ve been...
Read more