Marmalade — Restaurant in San Juan

My friends and I were truly excited to try out Marmalade. Several other reviews set high expectations for us. Our reservation was made a month in advance. Our first impression was conflicting. The bar is what you initially see, and it was stunning. As you enter the main dining area, it certainly feels special and upscale. The color palate was conflicting. There seemed to be a lack of harmony and cohesiveness to the decor. It was a 5-course meal at $135 per person (they provided a complimentary soup in this special). The wine pairing was $79/person. The menu choices included categories the following: appetizer, intermediate, main entree, and dessert. There were several choices amongst all the aforementioned categories. All the choices on the menu seemed appetizing. They had a great selection of global cusinine. Our expectations were high! First course, the appetizers were exquisite. The paella and ceviche were phenomenal. The paella was cooked perfectly and was full of flavor. The paella was served as three single bites. Our only complaint was there wasn't more of the paella. We wanted more!The ceviche was devine! The acid/citrus was so flavorful and well balanced with a little bit of heat. The pairing was 3 perfectly cooked tostones with sea salt. It was one of the best I've ever had. At this point. What followed was the complimentary soup. It was a white bean balck truffle soup. This was the best Black Truffle meal I have ever had. The texture was smooth, full of flavor, and balanced with the perfect fine cut pieces of black truffle. Overall, the intermediate course was also excellent. The lobster risotto was the favorite at the table. The risotto was aldente and the sauce rich and tasty. The lobster portion was generous. The lobster was sweet, and the added acidity beautifully balanced it out. There was a special on the intermediate menu, a saffron clam linguine. It was also delicious and well seasoned. The third intermediate we sampled was the diver scallop ramen. The scallop was cooked to perfection. The curry was tasty, but the texture wasn't enjoyable. The ramen had more raw/crunchy vegetable-like rather than soft ramen. It didn't eat like a ramen meal. We were halfway through our meal and then it felt like a rollercoster dropped. There was so much excitement built up to the entree, but unfortunately, our palette experience took a dive. Majority at the table had the Lamb Tajin, and it was far too salty. There was more stew than actual lamb. The meal was desperately missing some type of starch. Then there was the beef entree. Unlike the lamb, the beef and red sauce was severely underseasoned. The beef was extremely tender, the mashed potaotes were good- but forgettable. We completed our 5 course meal with dessert. We tasted 3 different desserts. We tried the bourbon bacon and berry dessert, the honey crsip apple almond cake, and the miso caramel brûlée. All of the desserts were disappointing. The bourbon dessert pastry was nearly impossible to cut through with the provided spoon. We considered asking for a steak knife. Also, bacon usually pairs well with bourbon and berries. The bacon seemed to be an afterthought. It was a piece of bacon placed on top of the dessert. The bacon should have been incorporated throughout the dessert. The single piece of bacon seemed out of place. The almond apple cake lacked good texture and sweetness. The top of the cake was extremely dry, and the bottom was soaked with far too much syrup. The miso caramel brûlée was possibly the "best" of the desserts. However, it also had flaws. The ice-cream paired well with the mandarin and creme brulee. There was too much sesame seed in the dish; so much that it dominated the whole dessert. Overall, the second half of our courses overshadowed the pleasentry of the first three courses.

New experience in PR, would not reccomend as...

Where should I begin?

A sudden craving for fresh ceviche led me to Marmalade while exploring Old San Juan. I entered, unaware it was a fine dining restaurant requiring reservations, and was immediately greeted by the attentive staff. The host graciously explained their current offering(for availability to dine in without a reservation): a five-course tasting menu priced at $145, and provided clear ordering instructions.

I chose a seat at the bar. Shortly after, the host thoughtfully offered a scarf, anticipating I might be cold – a gesture I greatly appreciated. My chosen dishes were: an appetizer of Red Snapper Ceviche, the signature Tiny White Bean Soup, an intermediate course of Saffron Linguine with Little Neck Clams, a main course of Natural Hormone-Free Lamb Tagine, and a dessert of Passion Fruit Jelly with Pistachio Ice Cream. I paired these with a refreshing Jimi Hendrix cocktail, a delightful blend of fresh cucumber juice, cardamom, and house-made ginger beer, perfect for the warm day. [ The ceviche & linguine were the stars for me; the soup was creamy yet might be a puzzle for some; the Tagine was bold & a little heavy; the passion fruit was a bit acidic nevertheless delicious and great combination of textures and a beautiful presentation. ]

When my phone battery ran low, the host kindly offered to charge it. This allowed me to fully immerse myself in the dining experience, engaging in conversation with the seasoned bartender. He shared anecdotes from his extensive career in the restaurant and hospitality industry, revealing that the ginger beer was crafted in-house, and that he even made the clear ice cubes for the cocktails himself. He also emphasized the restaurant's commitment to using seasonal ingredients, adapting dishes to showcase the island's finest produce. I also learned from the bartender that the chef is also the owner. The chef's extensive experience in hospitality and management was evident in the restaurant's exceptional atmosphere and service. Additionally, the complexity and well-balanced flavors of the dishes suggested a strong background in Asian cuisine.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. While some might argue that such service is expected for the price, it's not always guaranteed. I've experienced more expensive tasting menus with mediocre service and indifferent staff. What truly stood out at Marmalade was the genuine passion for food and providing great service to their customers, which was palpable throughout the entire meal. Great thanks to the host, server Carlos, the general manager, the bartender, and the last server at the door who gave me tips about safety walking out at night in the area!!! (The CARE you can feel, made a great experience and...

Marmalade in San Juan, Puerto Rico, truly exceeded all my expectations and left an indelible mark on my taste buds. This restaurant holds a special place in my heart, as it was where I first encountered the talented chef nearly 14 years ago. He graciously invited me to sample his delectable white bean soup, and ever since that day, I had been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to return and savor the culinary delights of Marmalade once more. Finally, the moment arrived, and this time I had the pleasure of sharing the experience with my daughter.

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we were greeted with warm hospitality and an atmosphere that exuded elegance and sophistication. The impeccable service provided by the staff was truly commendable. The attention to detail demonstrated by the Marmalade team was exceptional; they made us feel like valued guests throughout our entire visit.

To our delight, the moment my daughter mentioned feeling cold, they promptly offered her a cozy scarf, ensuring her comfort. Their thoughtful gesture continued as they took the time to acknowledge and congratulate my daughter on her accomplishments, making her feel special and appreciated.

Josh, our server, was an absolute gem. His attentiveness and impeccable service enhanced our dining experience. He was knowledgeable about the menu, guided us through the tantalizing options, and ensured that our every need was met. His genuine care and professionalism were evident in every interaction.

Now, let's talk about the food—it was simply out of this world. Marmalade's culinary creations are a symphony of flavors that transport you to a realm of pure gastronomic delight. Each dish was carefully crafted with an artistic touch, showcasing the chef's passion and mastery. From the first bite to the last, every morsel was a revelation, leaving us craving for more. The white bean soup, which I had eagerly anticipated, was even more exceptional than I remembered. Its velvety texture and rich, nuanced flavors were a testament to the chef's culinary prowess.

I wholeheartedly recommend Marmalade to anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. The combination of exceptional service, attention to detail, and mind-blowing food is truly unparalleled. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, a discerning foodie, or simply looking to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey, Marmalade is the place to be. Make a reservation, savor each bite, and let Marmalade weave its...