lala Puerto Rico — Restaurant in San Juan

A Complete Turnaround at Lala Restaurant

After a previous visit to Lala left me with mixed feelings, I returned on December 19th and was delighted to find the experience completely to my satisfaction.

From the moment we arrived, the improvement was evident. The hostesses greeted us warmly and promptly, making us feel genuinely welcome. This time, there was no delay in seating, and we were promptly shown to our table.

Our table was perfectly situated inside the restaurant, away from any external noise, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the ambiance. The interior decor was elegant and sophisticated, creating a pleasant and relaxing dining environment.

The culinary experience was exceptional. Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with precision and bursting with flavor. The menu offered a diverse selection of dishes, and everything we ordered exceeded our expectations. The presentation was impeccable, and the flavors were perfectly balanced.

Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was flawless. The service was seamless, with each course arriving at just the right time, allowing us to savor every moment.

Overall, my visit to Lala on December 19th was a complete turnaround from my previous experience. The restaurant has clearly taken steps to address the issues I previously encountered, and it now truly lives up to its reputation as a top-tier dining establishment. I look forward to returning to Lala and highly recommend it to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience in Puerto Rico.

//My original review//

I recently had the opportunity to visit Lala, often dubbed the Bad Bunny restaurant, during one of my frequent trips to Puerto Rico. Having heard so much buzz about the place, making a reservation was a no-brainer. Unfortunately, my anticipation met with a mixed experience that left me rather disappointed.

Let's start with the silver lining: the food and service from our waiter were impeccable. Each dish was crafted with skill, and our server was attentive and warm, which almost salvaged the evening. Unfortunately, the downsides of the visit overshadowed these positive elements.

Upon arriving for our 7 PM reservation, we were met with an indifferent reception by the hostesses. Despite our timely arrival and attire, we were made to feel unwelcome. The waiting lounge was not a pleasant space to linger, especially as we noticed people who arrived after us being seated before us. It seemed there were available tables, yet we were inexplicably delayed.

When we were finally seated, it was outside facing the bustling parking lot. The clamor of cars and the shrills of nearby birds were our dining soundtrack—not quite the ambiance we had envisioned for a top-rated restaurant. This, coupled with the lackluster hospitality at the door, marred what could have been an enjoyable dining experience.

The overall atmosphere exuded a sense of pretentiousness rather than hospitality, as if we should feel honored to dine there rather than being made to feel like valued guests. This unwelcoming vibe, particularly from the hostesses, left a bad taste in our mouths and unfortunately overshadows Lala's culinary strengths.

In summary, while the culinary offerings and service from our waiter were splendid, the poor handling by the front of house and dismal seating arrangement turned our experience into a regrettable one. For now, we'll be steering clear of Lala, hoping they fine-tune their approach to better align with the prestige associated with Bad...

Whenever you find yourself in San Juan Puerto Rico find your way over the lala located in San Juan Mall!! This large, elegantly appointed and luxurious space is serving up some of the tastiest and most innovative dishes around the island.

We did not have a reservation but they were able to accommodate us at the bar which was spacious and lush! We ordered a beautiful Cabernet and the Burrata appetizer….then it arrived. Most of us have had burrata, but I can assure you never like this!!! Of course the burrata was fresh, heirloom tomatoes perfectly ripe…parmesan crisp, rich and crunchy but then there was the TOMATO SORBET..OMG…WOW…this was true FLAVOR-PACKED PERFECTION!! It was like one of those things you would never think a dish needed and then you try it and realize all other preparations were lacking. An absolute STUNNER!!

My entree was up next.. the Spicy Rigatoni with Shrimp. Truth be told I am not a big pasta eater but once in a while, I go for it. I cannot express how thankful I am that I had that desire at Lala!!! What arrived at the table was art! A boldly colored rich tomato sauce enveloping perfectly cooked rigatoni studded by canelles of fresh creamy stracciatella with basil and plump, juicy shrimp finished with toasted lemon breadctumbs. As beautiful as the presentation was it could not hold a candle to the ABSOLUTELY AMAZING flavor of this dish!! The spices were intricately nuanced and created a balanced infusion of heat within the rich, sweet tomato gravy. I will go out on a limb and say this is the best pasta dish I have ever had in my life ..and I have had many living in NYC and visiting Italy several times

Last up we tried a few desserts…a Banana Bread Pudding and a luscious Coconut Ice Cream. The bread pudding was supple and delicious,and brilliantly garnished in gold..it was not overly sweet but certainly satisfying of a sweet tooth. The coconut ice cream was garnished with a toasted fresh coconut crumble and was a truly delightful bite that truly encapsulated and exclaimed the island vacation experience.

The menu at lala has so many gems to be excavated and indulged in…do not miss all this jewel...

Mixed Experience at Lala's Restaurant in Mall of San Juan

I recently had the opportunity to dine at Lala's Restaurant located in the Mall of San Juan, and while the overall experience was pleasant, there were a few aspects that fell short of my expectations.

Firstly, I must commend the staff for their exceptional attention and service. From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted and promptly seated. The waitstaff was attentive, knowledgeable, and made sure our needs were met throughout the evening. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also delightful, with a cozy and inviting ambiance that contributed to a pleasant dining experience.

However, I was disappointed with the quality of the food and cocktails offered at Lala's. While the menu boasted an enticing selection of dishes, the execution and flavor fell short. The food lacked the finesse and attention to detail that one would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. The flavors were bland, and the presentation was underwhelming. It was clear that the kitchen didn't quite live up to the expectations set by the restaurant's ambiance and service.

Similarly, the cocktails were a letdown. While the bartender was friendly and accommodating, the drinks themselves lacked the complexity and balance that I had hoped for. They tasted watered down and lacked the bold flavors that make a cocktail memorable.

On a positive note, when I expressed my disappointment with the cocktail, the bartender kindly offered to make me another drink. His willingness to rectify the situation was commendable, but unfortunately, the second drink didn't impress either.

In conclusion, while Lala's Restaurant in Mall of San Juan offers a wonderful atmosphere and excellent service, the quality of the food and cocktails did not meet my expectations. It is my hope that the restaurant can improve upon these aspects to truly deliver a remarkable dining experience that matches its ambiance and...