La Cueva del Mar — Restaurant in San Juan

First of all, the food we received was pretty good and we enjoyed that aspect of this restaurant. We were here celebrating a special event. Right away when we got there, we were in line for the valet for about 15 minutes, not sure why it was so slow but we couldn’t find any other parking so we just went with the valet. Our group was seated in the back outdoor patio section. They have a live DJ, which I guess could be nice but this DJ’s music was at full volume. I could barely hear the person next to me and basically had to yell in order talk to anyone. Not sure why the DJ was blasting music so loudly at a sit down restaurant. It felt like we were in a club except no one was dancing. We ordered appetizers and they never arrived. The waitress came to ask if we got our empanadilla and we said no but that it was fine, we already received our food and the empanadilla was supposed to be an appetizer. They brought it anyway despite us saying we didn’t want it anymore. When we received our check, we noticed they charged us for other items that were ordered but never received, like a side of tostones that someone in our group never received. We were able to take that off the check. I’ve never stiffed on a tip before but the service here was not good at all + the frustratingly loud music was getting on our nerves. Went to pay and the waitress asked me if I wanted to add the 15% gratuity. I said no and she insisted I leave it. She said that for the size of our party, 15% tip was required. I checked the receipt and usually when tip is automatically included, it will say so on the receipt or somewhere on the menu/website/etc. I pointed out that the receipt said “suggested gratuity” and she got very upset. She was already giving me attitude about taking off the food we never received so I figured I would just tip and then call my credit card about it later on. Another thing to note if you’re sitting in the outdoor patio at night, it is a tropical environment and it was raining so we had a lot of bugs swarming the area, falling into food and getting stuck in people’s hair, so that’s something to be mindful of. Perhaps the ambiance indoors was better but with the obnoxiously loud music, bugs and bad service, this is just not a place I would recommend or ever go to again. Turned what should’ve been an exciting celebration dinner into a frustrating experience. There’s many better spots in the island with good seafood, Puerto Rican food and better ambiance that will actually...

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An Unforgettable Culinary Adventure!

My recent dining experience at this seafood restaurant in San Juan was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the stage for a remarkable evening.

The menu showcased an impressive variety of seafood dishes that left me spoilt for choice. Each dish was a masterpiece of flavors, perfectly capturing the essence of the ocean. The freshness of the ingredients was evident in every bite, and the skillful preparation truly elevated the seafood to a whole new level.

The staff’s knowledge and passion for seafood shone through as they expertly guided me through the menu, helping me make selections that turned out to be pure delights. Their attention to detail and commitment to providing a memorable experience added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

Whether it was the succulent lobster tail that melted in my mouth or the perfectly grilled fish that transported me to the coastal paradise, every dish was a testament to the chef’s dedication to their craft.

The charming waterfront view added a picturesque backdrop to the already delightful dining experience. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting to savor these delectable seafood creations.

In a city known for its culinary scene, this seafood restaurant truly stands out as a gem. If you’re a seafood enthusiast seeking an unforgettable dining adventure in San Juan, look no further. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors that celebrate the ocean’s bounty, all served with impeccable service and genuine hospitality.

This restaurant has undoubtedly earned its place on my list of favorites, and I can’t wait to return for another exceptional meal. Highly...

I personally cannot recommend this location, as no meal is worth risking your health. I wasn’t planning on writing a review, but after my experience at La Cueva Del Mar in Guaynabo, I feel it’s necessary to share for the safety of others. My Experience After dining here, I suffered from Scombroid fish poisoning, which occurs when fish is not properly stored or handled at safe temperatures. This is not a minor issue! it’s a serious food safety concern that can cause severe illness. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to me, and it left me very sick. I called La Cueva Del Mar to inform them of what happened. To their credit, they said they would investigate the issue and offered me a complimentary dinner. While I appreciate the gesture, I declined. My concern is not about getting a free meal it’s about ensuring that this doesn’t happen again to someone else. Foodborne illnesses like this are preventable with proper handling and storage practices. I wasn’t going to post a review, but I feel a responsibility to warn others. This isn’t just about one bad experience it’s about food safety and the trust customers place in an establishment when dining out. I sincerely hope La Cueva Del Mar takes this matter seriously and makes the necessary changes to prevent future incidents. Until then, I personally cannot recommend this location, as no meal is worth risking your health. This review is not written out of spite but out of concern for the well-being of others who may consider...