Coqué — Restaurant in San Juan

Nestled in Hato Rey near the Coliseum of Puerto Rico, Coqué offers a refined blend of Spanish and Puerto Rican cuisine in an elegant, welcoming setting. From the moment we arrived, the attentive staff and vibrant ambiance set the tone for a memorable evening. We began with the "Pulpo a la Brasa", grilled octopus that was tender inside, crispy outside, and perfectly seasoned with paprika... which enhanced rather than overwhelmed. The "Piquillos Rellenos de Mariscos" followed, with a rich crab-forward filling and a sauce that elevated the dish. A standout Puerto Rican creation, the "Canastas de Pana rellenas de Pulpo & Carrucho", featured crispy breadfruit baskets filled with a delicately dressed seafood salad, fresh, balanced, and beautifully executed. The "Croquetas de Jamón Ibérico" were textbook-perfect: golden, non-greasy, and filled with flavorful ham that didn’t rely on heavy flour. For mains, I chose the "Secreto Ibérico", a succulent cut of pork with a rich, well-balanced sauce, paired with crispy tostones and sautéed vegetables that retained their texture and flavor—no mushy greens here. My friend enjoyed the "Lobster Ravioli with Shrimps and Pecans", though he felt the portion could’ve been slightly more generous for the price. Dessert was a full tour of the menu: "Blackberry Crème Brûlée", "Guava" and "Apple Masa Real", "Manchego Cheese Flan", and "Tres-Leches Cake". While not all matched the high bar set by the savory dishes, they were still enjoyable and diverse. The ambiance is upscale yet relaxed, with tables placed close enough to feel lively but not overly crowded. Lighting is pleasant—not too dim, not too bright—and the vibe is ideal for a special night out. Although our total bill felt a bit pricey it is understandable given the location. Valet parking is available for $10. Coqué is a gem for anyone seeking a sophisticated fusion of Spanish and Puerto Rican flavors, exceptional service, and a thoughtfully curated menu. Highly...

I found Coqué's ambience pleasant despite the restaurant’s small size. However, the tables were positioned quite close together, making private conversations nearly impossible and limiting movement around the space. The restaurant was packed, which seemed to affect service, there were noticeable delays, and the servers appeared to be overwhelmed, possibly due to being short-staffed. While the appetizers arrived fairly quickly, the main dishes took an exceptionally long time to be served. Regarding the food, our group had mixed opinions. Some dishes were well-prepared, while others seemed rushed. One plate in particular had rice that tasted undercooked, not in the sense that it was raw, but rather that it lacked cohesion, as if the rice had been cooked separately and the onions were added afterward instead of being cooked together. This resulted in a dish where the flavors didn’t fully blend, making the onions stand out rather than integrate smoothly into the meal. The zarzuela was enjoyable, though a slightly larger portion would have been appreciated. The fried octopus was good. In general, the overall plate presentation fell below our expectations. Having seen more appetizing pictures online, we were disappointed that the visual appeal of the dish didn’t match what we anticipated. They offer a variety of drinks, some of which were quite enjoyable, but be mindful because those can add up fast and the bill grow quicker than expected. Dessert, however, was a highlight! Both the budín and the manchego cheese flan were excellent and are definitely top choices. Finally, the parking is limited, They do offer...

I recently visited a restaurant that had both great food and a beautiful atmosphere, but unfortunately, the experience was soured by what can only be described as a total rip-off. First off, they charge you $10 just to park your car in their lot—something that, frankly, should be included in the overall experience.

We were a party of 15, and right off the bat, the waiter brought over five plates of avocado slices to the table. No one had ordered them, but we thought it was a nice complimentary gesture, so we ate them. Big mistake. At the end of the meal, we were slapped with a $150 charge for those slices of avocado—something we never asked for.

But that wasn’t even the worst part. They serve you water in regular glasses, we ended up drinking a few. However, when the bill came, we were charged for 24 bottles of water (32oz each), which came to a staggering $192. This is for water! For 15 people, it doesn’t make sense, especially since we only drank one glass per person. It felt like an absolute scam.

While the food and ambiance were great, I can’t in good conscience recommend this place given the ridiculous and misleading charges. It’s unfortunate because the experience could’ve been great if they weren’t trying to nickel-and-dime us at every turn.if you go, please read your bill thoroughly...