La Bodega Vasca — Restaurant in Guaynabo

The service here is fantastic. The owner is very attentive and watches the place like a hawk, making sure everyone has what they need. If the review was based on this alone, I would rate this restaurant as a 5 star. Unfortunately my wife and I ate as well, and although it may have just been our choices, we weren't overly impressed.

We had some asparagus as an appetizer, it was extremely overcooked to the point of mush. The same with my wife's vegetables with her steak. The steak was done well, but not much flavor. I had rissoto with churrasco, the risotto wasn't bad but the churrasco was tough and stringy. I have had some amazing churrasco on this island so I know it's not just the meat!

Given our experience with the food I also wasn't too happy about the prices.

Anyways, I really wanted to like the food here because the service and ambience was very good, the passion the owner had really nice to see. I will probably try again and order something different...

My girlfriend and I recently went to Puerto Rico for a small and beautiful vacation and after a long day at the beach we decided to look for a place that cooked a seafood Paella. This search led our adventure to a classy and upscale restaurant called La Bodega Vasca. Trust me when i say this is a hidden gem of a restaurant.

We did not know that we were about to be in for a meal of a life time the owner and chef Mr. Gaspar Ballestero greeted us at our table with kind words and friendly conversation. During our meal the staff was extremely friendly and we felt like royalty with their outstanding customer service I wish an establishment of this character and quality was near where I live. next time I'm there I will make it a priority to eat there again also ask about the Orujo (Oh-rue-CHo) wine from Mr. Ballesteros home in Spain...

Gaspar is not a bad host, neither chef; but he just sits around and allows his helpers cook! First I am not an avid drinker nor alcoholic, but they keep pushing wines onto the clients! As Spanish descendent, I have good palate for tapas & food taste, if you drink a few glasses of wine you’ll loose your palate and will not be able to differ between what’s good and what’s not! Also they charge you an arm & a leg for non freshly made tapas, as well as scanty in their servings! And the food seasoning is never as in the beginning when I used to go frequently; quit going due to that issue and the pastries were old, yes dried out. Inquired and no body cared! Very far away from what real good Spanish cuisine should be no matter from what region of Spain it is! Sorry Gaspar Ballesteros but you earned it! You must take better care of...