Whenever I travel, I make it a point to find good food near wherever I’m staying. The more variety, the better. Even if I have tons of fun, see a lot of sights, and experience a bunch of… er, experiences, if I don’t get to eat something I can’t find back home, I feel like my trip was lacking.
If you’re anything like me and happen to be staying in Dorado, you will find the following guide invaluable because, in no particular order, these are…
Dorado’s Best Places to Eat
1. Casita Guavate (Best lechón)
You might be thinking, “Guavate? Isn’t that in Cayey?” and you’d be correct. If you have ever been there, you know the main draw is the lechón (roast pig).
Here’s the thing: Why drive an hour each way when you can get the same experience just a stone’s throw away? Casita Guavate has lechón, carne frita (fried beef), and ribs you can shake a stick at. Get it with a side of arañitas (just try them, words will never do arañitas any justice) for the full Guavate experience.
Keep in mind: There are a couple of anecdotes online from folks who went after the kitchen closed for brunch but before it opened for dinner, so consider that when you go.
2. Kikita Beach House (Best View + Photo Spot)
Kikita’s menu is a bit more upscale than the rest of the list. Menu items include Beef Wellington, tomahawk steak, and filet mignon. However, appetizers include items as casual as sliders or mac and cheese.
As the title of this entry suggests, Kikita has one of the best beachside views you will find anywhere. Words simply cannot do it justice.
3. El Ladrillo (Best Steak)
El Ladrillo has been around for nearly 50 years. Staying power like that usually has something to back it up. In the case of this Dorado hotspot, it’s their Angus steaks.
T-bone? You got it. Sirloin? You got it. Filet mignon? You got it. Steaks aren’t your thing? Lamb chops, veal, and chicken are also on the menu. Looking for seafood? El Ladrillo has you covered there, too, but the steak is where it’s at.
4. Grappa Ristorante (Best Italian)
You know what this list is missing? The carb-loaded goodness of pasta! And that brings us to Grappa. Antipasti options include veal meatballs, caprese, and cheese tabla.
You can have stuffed pasta in the form of pumpkin rosemary ravioli or salmon tortellini, or if extruded pasta or ribbon cuts are your preference, you can try the chicken carbonara or the bolognese. Me? I’m all about that risotto, and if you’re in the same camp, their Risotto Spagnolo is the way to go.
5. Positivo Sand Bar (Best Sushi)
The selection of maki, nigiri, and sashimi here is just incredible. But it doesn’t stop at sushi. Positivo is all about Asian food. Noodles, fried rice, and pad thai are also on the menu. Positivo also has vegan options and even a kids’ menu.
The best part is that you don’t have to stay at the resort to enjoy everything Positivo has to offer.
6. COA (Best Place for Wagyu)
Considering Wagyu is in the title of this entry, it shouldn’t surprise you that COA is one of the more expensive alternatives on this list. With foie gras, truffle, and, as stated previously, certified Wagyu steak on the menu, elegant dining is definitely the name of the game. However, the experience is second to none if you have the budget.
7. La Terraza (Best Seafood)
While you can get ribeye and chicken breast at La Terraza, the main draw here is their selection of seafood. Snapper, salmon, mahi mahi, and my personal favorite, tuna steaks, are all part of their main course menu.
Appetizers include squid rings, grilled octopus, and crab cakes, but you can also get fried cheese. You’ll want to ask what’s for dessert, as they don’t have a fixed menu for that. Their namesake comes from their rooftop bar, which features live music on Fridays.
8. Pirilo Pizza Rustica (Best Pizza)
Pirilo is all about the pizza, and the pizza is all about deliciousness. The menu includes simple classics like cheese and pepperoni, the controversial Hawaiian, and more eclectic selections like the Tampiqueña (chipotle, carnitas, and pico de gallo), the Pirilo (ground beef and sweet plantains), and the Tripleta (you just have to experience this one. Trust me). If you like pizza, you’ll find something to enjoy at Pirilo.
9. Katrina’s Restaurant (Best Mamposteao)
Katrina’s is all about the seafood, but what sets them apart from other places is their arroz mamposteao. Mamposteao is a type of yellow rice with beans, pork, peppers, and ham. The consistency tends to be a bit more mushy, but not in a bad or unappetizing way. If you have never had mamposteao, you need to ask for it as a side with the main dish of your choice at Katrina’s.
10. Encanto Beach Club Bar and Grill (Best Something for Everyone)
Closing out our list is Encanto Beach Club Bar and Grill. Their menu has a little bit of everything on it. Depending on the time of day (some items are on the lunch menu, others on the dinner one), you can get nearly everything highlighted in the rest of this article. So, if you are traveling as part of a group and have yet to agree on what to get, Encanto is the place for you.
Be advised: There are some recent reports online that this restaurant is not open to the public and only available to Ritz Carlton patrons, but the information does conflict with other sources, so check first.
Conclusion
From pizza to burgers, to steak, to seafood, whatever you are in the mood for, Dorado has it. With something for almost every budget, there is no reason to deprive yourself of the delicious local cuisine this town offers.
