Mario Pagán Restaurant — Restaurant in San Juan

Mario Pagan offers a level of refinement that is welcome in the Condado scene. As a visitor I looked for Puerto Rican cuisine that exceeded standard regional offerings, which I’ve had the opportunity to sample on previous trips. This restaurant provided an upscale experience at what I considered a reasonable price. The ever-changing menu was varied and appetizing making my only regret that I didn’t have enough days in San Juan to sample it more. Overall, presentation was outstanding. Portion sizes proved to be filling, even though it may not look that way on the plate so don’t underestimate the meal’s ability to sate your hunger. The dining experience was topflight. The servers were attentive, but not over attentive, were extremely kind and informative and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. If you follow their recommendations, you won’t go wrong. Now for the food. Meal one consisted of the seasonal root vegetable soup which had a perfect amount of richness and a gentle flavor from the base vegetables. Portion size was perfect and it was itself a great introductory appetizer for the meal main dish to come. I ordered the Atun (Tuna) mostly because tuna is extremely difficult to do correctly due to its need to get an outer sear but correctly cooked interior. I chose “chef’s choice” for the degree of doneness, and for me it was perfect. The porcini crust was subtle but clearly enhanced the fish. The remaining accoutrements were perfectly complementary to the tuna, and nothing overpowered the taste of this fresh fish. And I was full afterwards. Almost too full for the recommended house made yogurt ice cream which really capped the meal, was rich but not too sweet and nicely presented in its own right. After my first experience I needed to go back for another meal to try something else on the menu. This time I began with the Pulpo con Lentejas (Octopus confit) because few restaurants get pulpo texture correct. As expected, this was perfect with a great mix of complementary flavors, and the portion was sizable. Because the server said that the Cordero (lamb) was one of the chef’s signature dishes, I ordered the Confitado de Cordero and was not disappointed. Lamb has such a subtle flavor itself I was pleased that the flavor was not only present but, as with the other dishes, was really enhanced by the risotto. I didn’t take pictures of the pulpo, so you’ll just have to go to experience the presentation of this dish. I could not indulge in dessert; I was just too full. Each meal is accompanied by a house made bread which had great flavor, but was a bit dense and doughy for my liking as a predinner offering. The cocktail menu appeared imaginable, but I did not partake here; nor did I have wine so you’ll have to draw your own conclusions. I really enjoyed the entire experience at Mario Pagan. I understand that the chef has other restaurants on the island which I look forward to trying when I have the opportunity. If looking for a nice, well mannered date night and one that that doesn’t break the bank, this is an excellent offering. Just go,...

At times, the first bite of a great meal evoques emotions. That was such an experience tonight. Mario Pagán Restaurant is a place that provides for a great environment and even a better experience. Service was top notch. Drinks were fantastic. I recommend the two house cocktails (The Magdalena and El Palo de Mario). El Palo de Mario might sneak up on you so be advised!

While we waited for our appetizers, we were served “bacalaito” chips. A play on a local favorite that is simple but packs a lot of flavor. Every dish ordered came out fast and at great temperature. We ordered the Arúgula con Parcha salad and the Gouda Bolitas. Both were delicious. The salad looked refreshing but I can’t tell you how it tasted because my wife devoured it before I could even say “what’s in that?”. The gouda appetizer was crispy but with a good cheese pull.

Then our main entrees came out. My wife had the Colirubia y Rabo de Buey. A mixture of yellowtail snapper, local traditional vegetables, and oxtail. This was a dish with very simple ingredients, delivered in an incredible fashion. My wife took her first bite and paused. She then looked at me, clearly emotional, and whispered how this felt like what her mom would make for her when she was a little kid in Ponce.

I had the Mofongo de Langosta. The mofongo was absolutely delicious! I’m no Chef, or food critic. Heck, I can barely fry an egg but I know enough to know that the sauce seemed like a béchamel base. So the Chef took mofongo, a working man’s meal, spiny lobster, a Caribbean staple and delicacy, and béchamel, one the great French mother sauces and threw a fastball right over the plate (pun intended!)

To close it out, we had the chocolate souffle. It came with a hot hazelnut/chocolate sauce, and was accompanied by a chironja (orangelo according to Google) ice cream and some sea salt. Yes, do yourself a favor and sprinkle some sea salt over the souffle! As it was my birthday, they placed a nice little candle on it. Nice touch.

I learned about Chef Mario Pagán from watching a podcast and this was our second visit. Chef Pagán takes humble, simple ingredients and delivers more than a good meal, he delivers a personal experience. I hope this review helps other folks decide to come and explore what this place has to offer. It is a wonderful casual restaurant and we will return the next time we come down...

My husband and I dined at this restaurant during our first visit to PR. While it wasn't initially on our radar, we are SO happy we decided to come here for dinner.

First and foremost, I wish I would have remembered the name of our server (she had long dark hair and wore a headband) because she was SO SWEET and gave us wonderful recommendations for food and drinks that we wouldn't have chosen otherwise.

We enjoyed the ambiance of the entire restaurant, from the lighting to the music to the decor. Everything felt very clean, updated and fresh, including the restrooms (which we found to be a lacking in many restaurants in PR, even in those which appeared nice in the restaurant area). It made us feel very comfortable to dine here seeing how well kept everything was.

My husband and I split the elote corn sorullitos for an appetizer and the empanada de pollo. Both were absolutely spectacular and such unique dishes. I could have eaten 20 of the sorullitos! The chicken dish wasn't what I would call an empanada whatsoever, rather an almond crusted chicken breast covered in a luscious sauce. The restaurant was kind enough to split it for us into 2 plates so we wouldn't have to share the same one. For drinks, my husband enjoyed a local IPA (recommended by our server) and I had the best Moscow Mule I've had in my life! The bread and cod chips served as great appetizers, even for this chick who doesn't normally eat seafood. We also shared the chocolate souffle based on our server's recommendation. We don't normally order dessert at restaurants, as we're normally too full from dinner, but are so glad we did! My husband (a chocolate lover) was head over heels in love with this souffle. It was the perfect ending to an incredible meal.

Overall, our experience at Mario Pagan Restaurant was nothing short of amazing and worth every dollar! If you're in PR and looking for a great date spot, this is it. Will definitely return on...