Manzana de Java — Restaurant in San Juan

Came here on 9/3/2025. What I witnessed here was very ridiculous. The arrogance I saw from the staff here was simply appalling. You would think this place has the credentials of a Michelin Star or James Beard award.

The place is extremely small. There were two women sitting to my left who were from another country. They had many questions about the menu as they were excited to try the food here. The waiter with the big beard and the waiter with the pony tail were extremely dull and no help to them. Gave no energy to help them out. Very bland and dull and basically said just try it.

Next I saw someone walk in and say that they had been calling to do a reservation but noone answers and they wanted to eat here. The guy simply responded with we are all very busy we can’t answer the phone. It literally says on their social media that if you don’t see a reservation available or if oyur running late to call the establishment. How are you supposed to notify that your running late if you don’t answer the phone. Also if your passed 10 minutes of your reservation they charge you but this place is literally hidden and very difficult to find at night. My uber kepy circling the block because we could not find it. They also lock the door so you can’t just walk in.

During my experience the guy with the big beard was cleaning the table with a rag and a bunch of wet crumbs hit my arm while I was eating. While he was pouring wine for the couple to my left the bottle he poured was dripping water all over me.

Additionally our server with the pony tail was also very rude. They carry themselves with such arrogance here. Just continued rude behavior throughout the night. They are trying to push this as some “amazing” experience but the waiters are dressed in street clothes. With white and black t shirts. I was also charged 15 dollars for still water that they pour in your cup without notifying you. Biggest rip off. Theres so many restaurants here in PR. While the food was flavorful and fresh I wouldn’t say its bot anything you can’t get for cheaper without the reduced quality. This place is so small i can’t stretch my arms out without hitting...

We called ahead and requested the most comfortable table possible, given the restaurant's small size. The staff was accommodating and reserved a cozy corner table for us, which we truly appreciated. The ambiance was charming, intimate but vibrant, with great music and an inviting atmosphere. The food was exquisite: full of flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care and attention to detail.

However, one issue significantly impacted our overall experience. We were charged $7 for tap water. When I inquired whether it was bottled water, the server responded that the charge was for the “service.” This was not communicated beforehand and felt misleading. Water is a basic expectation in any dining setting, and adding a charge for it (especially without transparency) detracts from the otherwise excellent service and food quality.

It's a shame, because Manzana de Java has the potential to be a standout culinary experience. I hope management reconsiders this practice to better align with the level of professionalism the rest of the...

This was our second time dining at Manzana de Java, and once again, it exceeded expectations. Our first visit was at their original location on Loíza and Pomarrosa Street, a cozy, charming space with a cool private table for six tucked away upstairs. The vibe was intimate and warm, perfect for a special evening.

This time, we dined at their temporary location inside Atelier Cocina Abierta due to the water shortage in San Juan. Despite the change of setting, the experience was just as incredible, if not better.

Both times, we asked the server to have the chef guide our meal (“chef’s choice”), and we ended up sampling nearly the entire menu. Every single dish was phenomenal… elevated Puerto Rican cuisine with Southeast Asian influence, but not quite fusion. It’s a delicate and thoughtful balance that feels fresh and authentic.

Standouts include the mofongo, pasteles de conejo, alcapurria de jueyes, and the breaded steak, all unforgettable. Creative, bold, and deeply satisfying.

We’ll absolutely be back. Manzana de Java is doing something...