Sablée — Restaurant in San Juan

We were just picking someone up from the airport with no real plans, just a “let’s grab a bite” situation. First spot we tried? Packed. Long wait. Universe said “not tonight.” So we wandered a few steps farther and landed in this gem of a place that, until now, had somehow flown under our radar. One of us had it on their “we should try that” list, and wow—past us really knew what was up.

The vibe? Sophisticated, but not trying too hard. Elegant decor with a modern touch. Service? Instantly warm and welcoming, like we were regulars who’d just been away too long. Shoutout to José—MVP of the night—for recommending a wine so on point, I’d let him pick stocks for me.

We kicked things off with green pea croquettes and the warm cheese from the specials menu. Croquettes were crispy little flavor grenades—lightly herbed, perfectly fried. And that warm cheese dish? Glorious. It was the dairy equivalent of a hug from someone who smells like jam and good decisions.

Then came the mains: ribeye, beef stew, and the so-called Wellington burger. The ribeye had that dream steak crust with a blue cheese finish that whispered, treat yourself. The stew? Deep, rich, and sneakily special thanks to a cinnamon note that made us all pause mid-bite like, “Wait, what is that??”

But let’s talk about the Wellington burger. Except… it’s not really a burger. Calling it that is like calling a symphony “a bunch of noises.” It was a beautiful mashup of ribeye and filet mignon, wrapped in all the gloriousness of a proper Wellington. Tender, flavorful, indulgent—this was the showstopper.

Oh—and the fries? We almost ignored them. “Just fries,” we thought. Wrong. These were transformative fries. I don’t know if they were boiled, double-fried, or blessed by a potato whisperer, but the texture was unreal—crispy outside, cloud-like inside. Fries that made us consider asking the chef to adopt us.

Dessert came in strong: a rich, satisfying chocolate cake and a fruit tart that casually walked in with puff pastry, fresh fruit, and thyme ice cream like it invented summer. That tart was a revelation. It made the chocolate cake (which was honestly great) feel like the understudy.

This is what dining out should feel like. Good food, thoughtful service, and enough unexpected joy to make you talk about it the whole ride home. We’ll be back. Probably with more people. And...

Sablee: A Taste of French Elegance in San Juan Sablee, a hidden gem in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers a delightful escape into the world of French cuisine. The restaurant's elegant ambiance, with its soft lighting and tasteful decor, creates the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The culinary offerings at Sablee are a testament to the chef's skill and passion for French cuisine. The French onion soup is a comforting classic, with a rich and flavorful broth that is simply irresistible. The beef wellington burger is a unique and decadent twist on a classic, featuring tender beef perfectly cooked and paired with rich flavors. And to end the meal on a sweet note, the chocolate cake is a decadent indulgence that will satisfy any chocolate lover. The drinks at Sablee are equally impressive, expertly crafted cocktails that complement the flavors of the food. The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enhances the dining experience, providing impeccable service that makes you feel like a VIP. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in San Juan, Sablee is a must-visit. Be prepared to be captivated by the beautiful atmosphere, delighted by the exceptional French cuisine, and impressed by the...

I used to love Sablée, but my recent visit was disappointing. I went to celebrate my birthday and, despite having a reservation, the host made no mention of it and immediately suggested seating at the bar, locals will not get the same service as tourists. Their space management is awkward, parties of four get decent tables, but couples often end up at weirdly placed ones in the center.

Service has noticeably declined. Our server was unfriendly and head to toe with tattoos, added items to our tab without asking, and even responded rudely when I asked a simple question with a “you don’t even care about that”. I ordered the roasted chicken, waited over an hour, and was served a plain chicken breast with no explanation or apology that the actual roasted chicken was unavailable. My friend’s steak fries were literally frozen inside.

Also, they’ve been promoting an afternoon tea experience on social media for months, but there’s still no launch date or update. It feels like empty marketing.

Sablée still fills a unique niche with its French-inspired menu, and I’ve enjoyed many dishes in the past. But right now, the lack of service, poor communication, and inconsistency are hard...