Sama — Restaurant in Puerto Rico

I have a hard time leaving 4 stars because our visit truly was a 5 star experience. Ceviche special-AMAZING. Fresh, acidic, coconut milk flavor, everything I was searching for in PR. The crispy element to the dish, fried calamari, was for sure sitting on the pass too long before being used as garnished. A bit cold and soggy. Would have been the perfect crunch if it were freshly fried and hot. Tortilla chips would have sufficed.

Steamed clam with pancetta- DELICIOUS. We even asked for more of the amazing bread to soak up the sauce- that I was actually drinking with the leftover shells. Only qualm- 5 chowder clams- very inexpensive product was over inflated price wise. clams were not purged properly leaving sand in most bites.

Veal ragu- One of the best I have had with the addition of olives making the dish more of a ropa vieja with spaghetti but executed to perfection- this was ordered for our kids whom thoroughly enjoyed before I inhaled the rest. Branzino- perfectly cooked- a bit overpriced yet again - needed salt and a bit more fresh acid.

Seafood stew dish is where I was the most disappointed. Was specialed as this abundantly heavy seafood dish with potatoes, monkfish, mussels and shrimp but came out with 1 shrimp, 3 mussels, 3 oz monkfish and a stew base, with amazing flavor, yet missing the hearty potato/starch base that would have made up for the small amount of seafood in this dish. For the price, the dish should have had double the seafood, potatoes added after the stew base was prepared/ or sub rice. Monkfish was prepared to perfection.

Dessert was good but the run of the mill bread pudding and freezer box lemon-whipped cheesecake.

This review is VERY critical and written by a chef in search of an amazing dining experience that showcases PR cuisine. SAMA was by far the best meal we had in PR. I only wished it was more authentic to the island itself showcasing the local flavors and dishes, prepared in the near flawless technique of a very experienced Chef. As a fellow chef/restauranteur I wish Chef did not cater so much to the -$$$ American/tourist and more to the adventurous foodie looking for the technically perfected preparation of...

Sama is the restaurant Luquillo needed!! I have lived here for almost 3 years and I was so excited when I first heard that they were opening. I went here for the first time opening week and was so impressed.

Atmosphere: relaxed, inviting, and romantic ambiance; you're surrounded by the ocean view and breeze, warm lighting, and tropical music; the staff is so sweet and accommodating, you automatically feel at ease and welcome to stay a while. Chef Erika personally comes out to greet everyone and check how guests are enjoying the dishes. Table seating and bar seating make it great if you wish to dine alone, in a pair, or a larger group.

Food: I will go out of usual order, but it's a must...BREAD PUDDING, get it. Thank me later. All of the dishes are so fresh, creative with textures and flavors, and delicious. Ask your server for the specials, I'm never disappointed when I do. It's fun to get a few appetizers and mains for the table to share. That way you get to try more dishes. If you're going for lunch, try the caesar salad and a pizza or the burger (my mouth is already watering thinking about this one).

Drinks: I'm a tequila gal so I love this blue spicy margarita I had one night that was just a special but I hope they still have it...the tequila was infused and I can tell you that it was the best spicy margarita i've had on the island so far. Trust the expert. The smokey waves is also a great choice if you like the smokiness of mezcal and it has a foam made of chickpeas on top. I don't usually like Chardonnay but the Bread and Butter one they have really hits the spot for me. The other cocktails I haven't tried but they all look super fun in tropical drink-ware.

If you're in town for vacation, Sama is a must. Make a reservation and come at 6 o'clock so you can catch the...

Nestled atop a charming rooftop, Sama Bistro is a true gem offering an elegant dining experience complemented by breathtaking views. From the moment we arrived, the staff's warmth and expertise set the tone for a delightful evening. Our server, Miah, exemplified gracious hospitality with her kindness and extensive knowledge of the menu.

We began our culinary journey with the Elote, a delectable dish enhanced by its creamy spicy sauces and flavorful queso fresco accompaniment. The cocktails were equally impressive; The New Fashioned offered a delightful twist on a classic, while the Sama Spritz provided a refreshing balance without overwhelming sweetness. For those seeking a bolder option, the Sun of a Beach cocktail delivered a perfect blend of sweetness and strength.

Moving on to the main courses, the Bucatini alle Vongole stole the spotlight with its impeccably cooked noodles and decadent creamy sauce, beautifully complemented by tender clams—a dish I highly recommend. Equally memorable was the Picanha, featuring exquisitely tender meat accompanied by a flavorful chimichurri sauce and heavenly smashed potatoes.

Saving room for dessert was undoubtedly worthwhile as the bread pudding exceeded expectations. Paired with velvety ice cream and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, it struck the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle hints of saltiness—a fitting conclusion to an exceptional dining experience.

In summary, Sama Bistro offers not only exquisite cuisine but also an ambiance and service that elevate the dining experience to a truly memorable occasion. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a culinary journey infused with...