Sofia's Old San Juan — Restaurant in San Juan

Okay so I usually like to end a holiday with a meal not to forget, unfortunately Sofia's just didn't hit the spot like I was expecting.

Walking up to the venue I got a "hello how are you" which caught me off guard and I had to ask if they worked there, no uniform, nothing clearly showing they worked there and they said "of course I do" in a less than ideal manner.

As a solo traveller I tend to go eat when it's quieter as I know taking a table on my own isn't the greatest when they're busy.

So it was fairly quiet and lots of empty tables and they put me inside right next to the front door, literally I think I could lock the door handle (I don't recommend with COVID).

No CDC card check like mandated by the authorities.

So now I had a seat next to the door where every waiter/waitress and visitor walked through every few moments.

I then got approached by a waitress to take my order and her politeness was lovely, that really helped rescue the customer service so far.

Grabbed a Margherita, the waitress advised they only had top shelf tequila currently so would be a bit more expensive but this is okay.

I eventually ordered the meatball starter and porterhouse rare.

The meatballs were breaded to have a crisp coating so I thought great, I kid you not they were pretty solid inside, not as I would expect a meatball to be.

Needless to say this place prides itself on steaks so I'll await the main course.

Before the main course there was an argument brewing between visitors and the staff over an overcharge that had been refunded and the visitors didn't understand as their online banking showed the overcharge. Did I mention I sat right next to the door so has 5-6 people arguing right next to my table?

Did the manager think to move them away from other guests? Appears not....

I eventually stepped in and explained that previously having things like this happen they should just ring their bank and the bank will clear it up and confirm the situation, this seemed to calm the guests down as it was an external party giving advice rather than guests Vs staff (and k think manager?)

So they leave.... Did anyone thank me or even note that I helped? Nope. Well not sure why I bothered but at least I no longer had people arguing within 6 inches of my table .... Covid distancing anyone?

So then the steak arrives, vert impressive looking on a still sizzling cast iron pan.

Wow was I disappointed, the meat quality seemed overly fatty for a Porterhouse, and it was certainly much closer to medium. I fully get this when it's someone ordering medium rare, air on the side of caution but if someone asks for rare they clearly want rare.

Wouldn't rate the meat quality that highly, though I'm no expert.

Unfortunately no staff came near during the main event so I couldn't be bothered to argue about the meat, maybe I should of but seeing how they handled the previous guests I'm pretty sure it would be a wasted effort.

Can confirm the Margherita was good though!

So all in all I really have to rate this 2/5. It could do so much better, it has a great opportunity but alas maybe they aren't taking advantage of that, maybe they just see it as single visit tourists so no need to impress for repeat business or perhaps it's because I was a solo traveller, bill was still close to $100 (the online menu on Google is woefully out of date on prices).

So yeah sorry but I would not...

Don’t get me wrong, the food was subpar. The five stars is for the server. She was AMAZING.

Not sure if it cause I looked like didn’t have money or cause I’m fairly “darker” skinned, but it start out as if they thought I was going to run on the check. From the moment I sat down, I had the restaurant manager come to me, ask me if I was dining (after I had asked could I have a seat outside for one and told yes), then it took a few moments for the server to come. I knew what I wanted so I ordered. Again, it was weird. After taking my order, every staff worker just watched as I waited for my food. Then came the drinks. The wine, meh & the water (well it’s water), then came the service. SHE WAS AMAZING! Wish I got her name. I was working as I was waiting, which I kind of mixed up the order but asked could it be changed. She was very accommodating! Then the meal: cold unseasoned veggies. Meatballs: tasted like they were frozen. I told the waitress and she kindly said she have it warmed or a new batch. I declined. Then came the pasta, again tasted frozen but covered in thin sliced garlic, and overly sauced.

When I asked for the check, I let her know the cash inside was HER tip. After she took it away, everyone looked as if I left fake money or fake card to pay. The host or manager asked again, is it half or what? I said to her, card for payment and cash for my server. It took them about 10 min before they ran my card and brought it back. Then the manager kept peeking through the door like I stole something or was going to run away. Finally after getting the check and card back to sign, EVERYONE stood off by the door as I signed and walked away.

Again, I’m not sure if it’s cause I look like I stole something, was going to runaway or what. But have better service next time, I work the industry and will pay for great service. Don’t treat ppl (that look like me) like I don’t belong or stole something.

Young lady or woman (not sure of your age or how you identify, but your amazing!) most likely won’t dine here again even though im literally 30 sec away. DO PPL OF...

With so many places to eat in Old San Juan you might want to try something different. I always have an uneasy feeling when you go to a restaurant you can’t identify who is in charge. It sort of seems like no one was in charge and the chaos was supposedly controlled. Our food was two pizzas, steak risotto and spinach raviolis.

Food took over an hour and half. When asked the waitress why tables that sat after we did were already finishing up she had no response but simply that it’s not her fault. She then resulted in visiting the table three times during our meal.

When our meal finally comes it does so in separation. The spinach and risotto came together. Now for us who ordered pizza it was just a staring contest. Once the spinach and risotto were devoured the pizzas came. Pizza was so burnt it overpowered its taste. I have included a picture. At this point it’s just an awkward feeling. No one seemed in charge. This is the kind of place you feel you are at the mercy of no one. Definitely not a place you would want to venture into.

Not sure how people can 5 star this place. Maybe a 3 if you didn’t have such a negative experience like i did but definitely not a 5 star. This place used to be called Aguaviva and it didn’t have this awkward feeling when you would come in. I guess its gotta be the weird decor between mafia paintings and reminders of the past restaurant. Management focus on one theme, give some structure to the decor.

And that’s exactly how i would describe this restaurant as awkward!

Old San Juan has more eateries per square mile than many other cities in the US. Try another place...