C9856a766df6fb7f843c6742c750b1a3

San Juan Travel Guide powered by advice from Real Travelers

 Get Real Deal alerts »
Aguaviva
364 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico
+1 787 722 0665
site: Aguaviva
#14 of 85 restaurants rated by Real Travelers

More information on Aguaviva

This is the third and final addition to a trio of restaurants, each within a few steps of each other, and each dauntingly stylish, that are owned by the same investors. The location is at the bottom of Calle Fortaleza, in Old San Juan, within a cool, turquoise-colored environment that's in welcome contrast to the saffron-and-fire-colored decor of the other members (Dragonfly and The Parrot Club, both also recommended). Presiding above the sometimes frenetic bar action and dining room hubbub of this place are replicas of three aquaviva (jellyfish), quivering with illumination, each painstakingly manufactured from stained glass specifically for this site. Don't come here expecting calm or respite from the maddening crowds. Its owners spend a small fortune on publicity and promotion, making it one of the hottest restaurant tickets in Old San Juan.The result verges on the chaotic, albeit in the most stylish of ways. Just when you think the bar area is packed to the point where no further clients will possibly be admitted, boom, a new carload of hopefuls, either with or -- unfortunately for them -- without dining reservations will cram themselves in among the stylish and scantily dressed crowd. Oysters and stiff drinks are served at the bar. Flowing from the open-to-view kitchens come dishes whose ingredients derive from the watery turquoise world that inspired this restaurant's color scheme. The best examples include six different ceviches, including one made with mahimahi, mango juice, and lemons; and a different version from marlin and garlic. You might opt for a heaping tower composed of fried oysters, coco-flavored shrimp, fried octopus, and calamari. The best main courses include grilled fresh mahimahi with smoky shrimp, salsa, and coconut-poached yucca; seared medallions of halibut with a fondue of spinach and crabmeat; and a succulent version of paella garnished with seafood and pork sausage. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Price

Main courses $16-$42,P

Credit Cards Accepted

AE, DC, MC, V

Reservations

Reservations required

Directions

Old Town Trolley

Hours

Mon-Wed 6-11pm; Thurs-Sat 6pm-midnight; Sun 4-10pm

Information by Frommers

Things to do near Aguaviva

  • Hotel Milano
    Hotels
    Calle Fortaleza 307 San Juan, 00901 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $95.00
    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #21 of 61
  • Hotel El Convento
    Hotels
    100 Cristo Street San Juan, 9010 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $160.00
    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #43 of 61
  • Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
    Hotels
    100 Brumbaugh Street San Juan, 9010 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $109.00
    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #33 of 61
  • Howard Johnsons in Old San Juan
    Hotels
    San Jose St 202 SAN JUAN, 00901 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $76.00
    Distance 0.3 miles away
    Popularity #25 of 61
  • Howard Johnson Inn Plaza de Armas Old San Juan PR
    Hotels
    202 SAN JOSE ST SAN JUAN, 00901 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $87.20
    Distance 0.3 miles away
    Popularity #29 of 61
  • Le Consulat Ascend Collection Hotel
    Hotels
    1149 MAGDALENA AVE CONDADO SAN JUAN, 00907 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $89.99
    Distance 0.5 miles away
    Popularity #20 of 61
  • La Concha A Renaissance Resort
    Hotels
    1077 Ashford Avenue, Condado San Juan, 00907 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $179.00
    Distance 0.5 miles away
    Popularity #35 of 61
  • Caribe Hilton
    Hotels
    Calles Los Rosales St, San Geronimo Grounds San Juan, 902 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $99.00
    Distance 0.5 miles away
    Popularity #34 of 61
  • Parador Caribbean Paradise
    Hotels
    Road # 3 Km 1143 San Juan, 723 Puerto Rico
    Distance 0.5 miles away
    Popularity #3 of 61
  • Parador Villa Del Mar
    Hotels
    Ave Albizu Campos # 3 San Juan, 667 Puerto Rico
    Average price: $92.00
    Distance 0.5 miles away
    Popularity #5 of 61
 more San Juan hotels »
  • Parrot Club
    Attractions

    This hotspot is located in the trendy district of South Fortaleza Street. This Nuevo Latino cuisine powerhouse offers some excellent Cari...

    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #20 of 210
  • El Siglo XX
    Attractions

    This is a great dining option. This is the original member of the South Fortaleza Restaurant district, and it is a traditional Spanish bi...

    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #64 of 210
  • Teatro Tapia
    Attractions

    This gracious old theater has been appropriately named after local playwright, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera. If you plan to take in a play, d...

    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #90 of 210
  • Government Reception Center
    Attractions

    Visitors will find this exquisite architectural landmark in front of Plaza Colón, at the entrance to Old San Juan. Bu...

    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #97 of 210
  • Casa Papyrus
    Attractions
    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #153 of 210
  • Joyería Madrid
    Attractions
    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #170 of 210
  • Cafe Berlin
    Attractions

    This cafe has a pleasant casual feel in its outdoor seating overlooking the Plaza Colón. For vegetarians, there are...

    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #26 of 210
  • Motor Sport Boutique
    Attractions
    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #168 of 210
  • Plaza Colón
    Attractions

    This lively plaza is dedicated to Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón), the man who opened Puerto Rico and the rest of the Americas to...

    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #37 of 210
  • Nuyorican Cafe
    Attractions

    One of the hottest spots in old San Juan, the Nuyorican Café is a great place to hang out. It is home to the new and up coming artists. T...

    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #18 of 210
 more San Juan things to do »
  • Aguaviva
    Restaurants

    This is the third and final addition to a trio of restaurants, each within a few steps of each other, and each dauntingly sty...

    Popularity #14 of 85
  • DragonFly
    Restaurants

    At one of San Juan's hottest restaurants, the decor has been compared to that of a bordello in Old San Francisco. You pass th...

    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #7 of 85
  • Parrot Club
    Restaurants

    Parrot Club is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Old San Juan. This bistro and bar serves Nuevo Latino cuisine that...

    Distance 0.0 miles away
    Popularity #5 of 85
  • Trois Cent Onze
    Restaurants

    Trois Cent Onze is the latest entry into the fine dining scene in the district of South Fortaleza. The restaurant has a stunning decor an...

    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #16 of 85
  • Al Dente
    Restaurants

    Al Dente is one of the loveliest places in the Old City, offering exquisite Italian cuisine in a colonial Spanish setting. This unpretent...

    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #1 of 85
  • Al Dente Ristorante
    Restaurants

    For colonial Italian cuisine and the perfect Spanish ambience this restaurant is your destination. The well seasoned Calamari and the Sca...

    Distance 0.1 miles away
    Popularity #62 of 85
  • La Bombonera
    Restaurants

    This place offers exceptional value in its homemade pastries, well-stuffed sandwiches, and endless cups of coffee -- and it h...

    Distance 0.2 miles away
    Popularity #4 of 85
  • Cafe Manolín
    Restaurants

    This restaurant, founded in 1940, has become a local favorite due to its excellent Spanish-Puerto Rican menu and fine European atmosphere...

    Distance 0.2 miles away
    Popularity #30 of 85
  • Mallorquina (La)
    Restaurants

    San Juan's oldest restaurant, founded in 1848, is tucked into a courtyard enclosed in glass with arches and antique wall clocks. The inte...

    Distance 0.2 miles away
    Popularity #8 of 85
  • Gopal
    Restaurants

    Gopal is one of the best vegetarian eateries in Puerto Rico. A local Krishna family operates it, and the food is simply outstanding. The...

    Distance 0.2 miles away
    Popularity #52 of 85
 more San Juan restaurants »

Hotels near this restaurant

San Juan Travel Experiences

Traveler Photos of San Juan

C9856a766df6fb7f843c6742c750b1a3 Fb169f2044a42f47f0e17c30104c145f Df4386b76bc0399a01c1e61e3acee100 View from our hotel
 See all photos in San Juan »