1919 Restaurant — Restaurant in San Juan

Title of the review: A Culinary Masterpiece in Condado.

I am a retired lieutenant colonel from the US Army, and I recently had the pleasure of treating my husband, Cris, to dinner at the 1919 Restaurant in the Vanderbilt Hotel to celebrate his birthday, and it was an experience I will never forget.

From the moment you step into the elegant seaside setting, you are transported to a world of sophistication and culinary excellence. The atmosphere is perfect for special occasions, with large windows offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The service is impeccable, attentive without being intrusive, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience. The floor captain and the waiters move with a grace and precision similar to a ballet performance, reminiscent of the elegance and fluidity of "Swan Lake." Each server glides through the dining room, anticipating the guests' needs with perfect coordination. The captain orchestrates this ballet with an almost invisible hand, ensuring that every detail is perfect.

The dishes are presented with synchronized timing, the wine is served with an elegant gesture, and the removal of the plates is executed with the utmost discretion. The harmony among the staff members enhances the overall dining experience, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance and attention to detail. The menu, created by virtuoso chef Juan José Cuevas, awarded two Michelin stars, features the freshest and locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and full of flavor. The flavor fusion of every dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and full of flavor. I opted for the four-course tasting menu, which included a delicious variety of local fish dishes and perfectly cooked meat options. The vegetarian selections were equally impressive, ensuring that all dietary preferences were catered to.

The drink list at the 1919 Restaurant is extensive and impressive, with a vast selection of local and international wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The opportunity to pair wines with your meal is a standout feature. Simão, the knowledgeable sommelier provides expert recommendations, ensuring that each wine complements the flavors and textures of your chosen dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

We are extremely appreciative of Bryan, the manager, for his phenomenal capacity to supervise without disrupting the guests. He approached us to discuss his team and to receive recognition. Adilys is the first person to welcome you, her radiant smile and melodious voice inviting you into a world of unparalleled elegance and sophistication. I made a reservation online, and she selected the perfect table for us, close to the sea with excellent lighting that created a beautiful ambiance.

William, as a good captain —I can say this because I was a captain in the army— made sure our experience was unique. Simão has an extensive drink menu, and if you don't know which one is the best, he will recommend the best one for you. He ensures that your drink is cold and that your glass is at the right level to keep it fresh. Gabriel, Emmanuel, and the rest of the team keep your table clean and ensure you have an extraordinary experience. They are kind and you can have a brief conversation with them. This made the service personalized. In the end, as I requested in the reservation, they gave Cris a beautiful gift, a small cake with a candle. That made the experience completely excellent.

1919 Restaurant surpasses any other restaurant I have visited in my 20 years of traveling the world. Giving less than 5 stars means you don't have the required taste to enjoy it. I encourage you to write about the good things in your culinary experience because giving less than 5 stars doesn't do it justice.

In summary, the 1919 Restaurant offers a world-class dining experience with a local touch. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night of good food, this restaurant is a must-visit. I can't wait to return and explore more of Chef Cuevas' culinary...

1919 Restaurant located in the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, Puerto Rico is a true culinary gem. Below you will find the review has been broken down into categories so you can find what you’re looking for more easily, if you do not want to read the entire thing.

AMBIANCE: The decor is elegant and sophisticated, with attention paid to every detail. The ocean view from the 1919 Restaurant is also something to behold. The stunning scenery adds an extra layer of ambiance to an already unforgettable dining experience.

FOOD: The menu at 1919 Restaurant is an absolute delight.They pride themselves on offering farm-to-table, organic cuisine that is both healthy and full of flavor. Every tasting menu has exceeded our expectations, including the experiences at the chef's table. This exclusive dining experience allows Chef Juan José Cuevas to express his creativity and highlights his true culinary skills. Each plate that he creates is made specifically for your table, resulting in a truly unique and personalized dining experience.

DRINKS: The sommelier at 1919 Restaurant is truly exceptional. He has an extensive knowledge of wine, but he also takes the time to get to know each and every guest. He remembers your preferences and tastes. Not into wine? Then try their incredible espresso martini. They know just how to mix these ingredients together to create the most velvety-smooth espresso martini you’ve ever had.

SERVICE: The service at 1919 Restaurant is also top-notch. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, making recommendations based on your preferences. But it's not just their attention to detail that sets them apart; the staff is genuinely friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home in creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is unforgettable.

PRICE: It's worth mentioning that 1919 Restaurant is on the pricier side, but it's ABSOLUTELY worth every penny. You have to remember, you get what you pay for… and here you’re paying for fresh, locally sourced, organic, mind blowing food. You will leave very very full and extremely satisfied. The portions are generous making the price tag more than fair. The quality of food, service, and overall experience is unparalleled.

DRESS CODE: 1919 Restaurant has a dress code. For men, collared shirts and dress shoes will work just fine, while long pants are required (avoid denim jeans). Although suit coats are not required, they are certainly welcomed-if you prefer a more formal look. As for women, whether you prefer to choose a chic cocktail dress, a stylish pantsuit, or something in between, you'll feel perfectly comfortable and confident in what you're wearing at 1919 Restaurant.

RESERVATIONS: 1919 Restaurant offers two easy ways to reserve your spot. You can call the restaurant directly to speak with their staff and book your table over the phone. Alternatively, you can also make a reservation on OpenTable (this is usually my preferred method).

PARKING: There is the option to valet your car via the hotel, which can be validated by the restaurant. Alternatively, if you prefer to self-park, there is a parking lot adjacent to the hotel that is only about a 2-minute walk away.

PLANS TO RETURN? Personally, I have been fortunate enough to dine at 1919 Restaurant four times now, and I can confidently say that I will be back again soon. It's simply that good.

CONS: Now, there is one small downside - the female hostess could use some improvement in her demeanor/attitude and communication skills. However, this minor issue pales in comparison to how amazing everything else about this restaurant is.

OVERALL: I highly recommend 1919 Restaurant for anyone looking for a truly special dining experience in Puerto Rico. It's perfect for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends or family. You won't be...

We decided this deserved two stars because of the outstanding service. Special thanks is due to Luis, the somm, who made the experience lovely with more than 10 pours of interesting wines from around the world and engaged us in conversation (without hovering).

But the food. Oh my. The food we ate last night was terrible. It was our fourth dinner in San Juan. After good experiences at Marmelade, La Lanterna, and Jose Enrique, we had high expectations for 1919. It was clearly the worst of the bunch. I’ll try to be specific.

We ordered the Chef’s Tasting menu, which lasts 3+ hours and is $200 per person (vs $125 for the standard menu). There were misses in every dish, including the introductory bites: 1) the tomato gazpacho was thin and almost completely lacking in tomato flavor. It was a bad place to start; 2) the foie gras / chocolate lollipop had such strong chocolate that the foie gras might as well have been simple cream. You couldn’t taste it. 3) the lobster and seared tuna dish had an amazing Array of ingredients: lobster, tuna, caviar, truffle, etc, and yet none of it melded. The lobster was rock hard - poorly prepared - and the tuna had zero fat and reminded me of simple sashimi from a cheap Japanese restaurant. 4) the branzino (a delicate fish) was completely overpowered by the tomato base; 5) cold pumpkin squash. They served us cold, bland pumpkin squash. 6) the ravioli were truly inedible - it wasn’t clear that the contents had been cooked thoroughly, and the ravioli themselves were served too clammy and not quite cooked enough. Neither of us finished them; 7) we’re not sure why the steak was served on lentils. The flavors had no business together.

By the time we got to dessert, we were honestly flabbergasted. The desserts were all quite excellent! But it was too late. The staff are so kind that we didn’t let on how little we thought of the food. We were expecting Michelin-caliber food in PR, and while it could’ve just been an off night for the kitchen, the flavor quality was so consistently low across courses that it’s hard to believe this was a blip. We have accumulated ~75 stars across 3 continents - including some of the chef’s previous restaurants - and this experience is well short of those. With the (excellent) prestige wine pairing, the total for two was $750. We made an...