This is one of the best Spanish restaurants in San Juan. I really like their braised meats and sauces. The appetizers are also delicious. My favorites are the octopus, croquetas de bacalao, and the corned beef alcapurrias. They also make the best flan de manchego (manchego cheese custard). I've heard the fideua is also excellent. Unfortunately, they were out of it last time we went. I instead went with the chuletillas de cordero. They were good but dry. It felt like I was eating carne frita. My husband's Iberian Pork Osobuco was awesome. Love those braised meats. The restaurant has undergone a nice makeover. New rug, new paintjob. Lots of colorful paintings on the wall.This is a nice place for a date. It is also kid friendly. The chef/owner is very nice. He is always on the floor greeting customers and taking their orders. Service is overall good, but there aren't many servers so it can get slow at times. Overall, this is a great restaurant. It can can cold so bring a jacket or sweater. read more

See all

Crowded! Unconfortable small table for two not withstanding having made a reservation well in advance. No attempt made to accomodate. We left! Very disappointed! read more

As of today (1/18/2022), this page hasn't been updated. It says they close on Sunday, however, I came here on Sunday for lunch and it was a full house. I believe they open from 12:30-4p on Sundays. I also believe they close on Monday. Here it says they are open. I will let Yelp know, but in case, I suggest double checking before heading here. I came here with my parents, grandmother, wife, and son. As always, the experience was pleasant. To my surprise, the restaurant was full when we arrived. Luckily, my dad had called and made a reservation. They make an excellent grilled octopus appetizer, but they were out. They were also out of the pique lol peppers. Instead, went with the alcapurrias de corned beef, croquet as de carne, and Spanish chorizos (not to be confused with Argentinian chorizos). For the main course, I went with the Osobuco de Cerdo Ibérico. Man was that a tasty piece of meat. Slow cooked to perfection. No need for a knife. Everyone was happy with their food. Well, my wife was a bit disappointed because her lamb chops were dry. However, she forgot about it with the dessert, flan de manchego. It is the best dessert they make. My grandmother went with apple pie (fyi, the only house made desserts are the flanes and torrejas). Also, they have a few vegan options. It turns out Real Madrid was playing in the final of the Supercopa de España against Athletic Bilbao. I had forgotten all about it. Manila, being a diehard Real Madrid supporter, had it on the TV screens. It was interesting watching him juggle attending the customers and watching the game, and celebrating the goals. Good thing Real Madrid won 2-0. I wonder how his mood would have changed if they had lost. There were a few people who showed up to watch the game. So yeah, if you support Real Madrid, this is a good place to watch their games. read more

See all

Casa Manolo receives a 3.5-star rating from me. Despite dining with a large group of 13, I found the food disappointing, especially the subpar quality and veiny filet mignon in the potatoes veggie mix, accompanied by overcooked and dry potatoes. The manchego Serrano ham appetizer leaned towards the drier side. On a positive note, the mixed cocktails and natural fresh-pressed juices were delicious. The service was outstanding, but I wouldn't specifically return for the meal. It seems hit or miss, with some in my group enjoying their meals and others not. The ambiance, reminiscent of an old Spanish colonial-era home, is a standout feature. Casa Manolo is a popular wedding venue with great valet parking and accommodations for ADA wheelchairs. Casa Manolo recibe una calificación de 3.5 estrellas de mi parte. A pesar de ir con un grupo grande de 13 personas, encontré la comida decepcionante, especialmente la calidad inferior y venosa del filete mignon en la mezcla de verduras y papas, acompañado de papas sobrecocidas y secas. El aperitivo de jamón Serrano con manchego tendió a ser más seco. En una nota positiva, los cócteles mixtos y los jugos naturales prensados en frío fueron deliciosos. El servicio fue excepcional, pero no regresaría específicamente por la comida. Parece ser cuestión de suerte, ya que algunos en mi grupo disfrutaron de sus comidas y otros no. El ambiente, que evoca una antigua casa de la era colonial española, es un rasgo destacado. Casa Manolo es un lugar popular para bodas con un excelente servicio de valet y facilidades para sillas de ruedas ADA. read more

What a great place to go for lunch or early dining. Spanish food at its best. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant, clean and proper. The servers were very courteous, savvy and the owner was always around, making sure of the great service and food. He kindly gave us an appetizer as a treat. Great for family, business and friends. read more

We stumbled across this lovely restaurant because the place we wanted to go to was closed. We were not disappointed! Luckily we were seated in the back, as my young kids were a little rambunctious for a classy place. When we told Manolo about my daughter's gluten allergy, he was extremely accommodating, making a kid-size churrasco steak and potato wedges. The gambos al ajillo was juicy and tender. At first I didn't love the Spanish omelet because it was very dense and lacked flavor but they later added a red pepper on top and that brought out the flavor. I think they intentionally made it more bland in case the kids wanted to eat it as well. read more

Comer en Casa Manolo siempre es una experiencia de primera. El servicio es profesional y simpático, especialmente el del Chef Manolo. Él es encantador. Se nota su pasión. Y la comida es buenísima. read more

Good food amd i think that there is a blue light special here too. Def an older clientele. The place can be quite a mess

We came here with my husband's uncle, Dr. Peña, while visiting San Juan. We had croquettes de jamón ibérico and an asparagus appetizer. For main course we had seafood fideuá... yum. Never had it before. It was explained by uncle to be paella with vermicelli instead of rice. Sorry I didn't take a photo. Presentation was beautiful. The chef/owner greeted each table personally and the place was really busy for lunch on a Wednesday. The service was outstanding and the ambiance was comfortable. We will return here again the next time we are in San Juan. read more

Attention was not great but also not bad- food is amazing! Sangria was also very good- read more

Casa Manolo - Ossobuco- wow!!! - Spanish Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

See all

This was the best local recommendation restaurant ever. A Puerto Rican friend told us to go here and it was mind blowing. We had massive grilled shrimp atop of lobster ravioli. Mahi mahi. Dorado. Grilled octopus. Heavenly taste experience read more

Excellent spanish restaurant in Santurce. If you want tapas they have a great menu for that too.If you want paellas, they recommend calling 1 hour before so they can star cooking before you get there. Chef Manolo personally goes to every table and makes sure that you order what you want, and if is not on it, ask! He'll gladly tell you other options that are delicious. Manolo is from Santander, north of Spain, and seafood is their specialty, so I would suggest going for the fish of the day. you can bring your own bottle of wine, and only pay $10 por corkage fee! Great ambience, food and service! Great for families and dinner dates! read more

See all

We had an excellent experience at this place while we travelled at Puerto Rico. Came to know this place from the snorkeling coach we had in a day tour. So we decided to give a try. We almost missed the place as google map navigated us to somewhere else... As soon as we arrived I knew I made a good choice as we seem to be the only group not local residents. Manolo is the owner of the place, he's really friendly and carefully explained all the dishes on menu as we can't read Spanish. The food was amazingly good. We had cod fish and a duck dish. read more

See all

Truly a 5 star experience: Great food, great service in very nice and pleasant environment! Very highly recommend Casa Manolo. We started with the Quesadilla Rellenas De Queso and Chorizo's Espanol that were both very very good. Loved the Chorizo - and the Chef/Owner was nice enough to tell us that the 1/2 order was likely enough considering what we were ordering. It was perfect.... We moved onto two really really well executed seafood dishes in the Scallops and Ravioli and the Monk Fish. BOTH were impressive. The Scallops and Ravioli were a perfect balance.... the cheese stuffed ravioli complemented the scallops really well well with the perfectly done scallops! Darn good sized portion as well. The Monk Fish - I love monk fish when done well as its just this lovely light, white, flaky fish and not easy to find. Served with this perfect vegetable "salsa" that was a fabulous complement. We truly can't recommend Casa Manolo enough - it truly is a 5 star stand out in San Juan! read more

Casa Manolo - Monk Fish - FABULOUS! (Sorry I took a bit before the pic) - Spanish Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

See all

Great traditional Spanish food, ambience could be improved. Fresh fish, excellent preparation. New Ciudadela complex exit to Parque street leads to Casa Manolo. Pricey, but you get your money's worth in food quality. read more

Unexpected delicious! I look forward to coming back. A wonderful discovery . The fish was spectacular and the meat was fantastic!

taken here once upon a time by my sister-in-law's family (who are locals). i honestly still dream about this meal three years later. i had the best pork of my life here. there were loads of other dishes that blew me away but that one took the cake. i can't wait to return to the island and immediately hit up casa manolo. read more

A piece of Spain in the heart of Santurce. Great authentic Spanish cuisine. Ask for "vino de la casa". The pork ossobuco , three cheese meat lasagna and the "cartucho" fish are amazing. read more

Casa Manolo - Pork Ossobuco - Spanish Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

See all

Excellent Spanish fare with some Puerto Rican variants also. The chef (who wittily told a walk-in beggar that the 'owner' would fire him if caught giving handouts) goes from table to table like a tornado explaining the day's dishes with pure passion. The food was fantastic (blue cheese croquettes, Octopus galician-style and seared cod with piquillo peppers, crunchy sauteed vegetables and a potato/onion mash), but service not so much for a 22-30/plate restaurant While the owner ran from one end of the room to the next, the 4 waiters would just gather around and chat while forgetting to fill the water, take away empty dishes, offer drink refills or even clean up old napkins, crumbs and straws from the table. This place smells of consistency as 5 tables were occupied by regulars who were welcomed by name by the owner. read more

Good basic restaurant away from the tourist areas with friendly service. Starter (octopus), and main courses (Langostin band Prawns) were very good. Next time I wouldn't bother with desserts as the taste was too overpowering (maybe we just ordered the wrong things... goat cheescake and some sort of pie). he service is good. Overall, it's expensive compared to other basic options in San Juan. read more

The dedication to wuality and grat service makes it a very Special place to go with good friends and family. Manolo is really constantly overlooking every detail. Very Nice!! read more

Fantastico! Menu is in Spanish which means you're getting authentic, away from the popular tourist sites. Very high quality dishes. Anything you order will be delicious. The sangria is to die for. read more

This place has fantastic food! If you're looking for a great meal in San Juan, this should be on your list. Full of locals - this is NOT a tourist destination. You can bring your own bottle of wine (corkage fee), but their house wine is quite good, and they have a full bar as well. They take walk-ins but are typically always busy on a Friday evening, so a reservation is recommended. Don't be scared by the ambiance when you walk in, that's not what you're there for. read more

Truly a local destination, it's a big restaurant that early in the night might seem empty, but just wait and car after car keep pulling up filling this restaurant within an hour. Great portions and the flavors are on point. Manolo the owner is a dear and will personally assist you in making a perfect election, even though all dishes are superb. They also have a wide dessert selection! Everything made right there. read more

See all

Come for the week ridiculously good Spanish-from-Spain cuisine, with very subtle Criollo influences... the charming chef who describes everything directly to you before heading to the kitchen to cook it...and the very attentive staff. Very much a local's place. Do not come for ambience/polish/decor/vibe/location - there's very little of that on offer. But the the food - so.good. If this place was a Madonna album, it would be: "Madonna" read more

I loved the place. The food was fabulous, great flavor, and wonderful service. I love the fact that the owner takes your order and is very attentive. The only thing that I would love to see them change is the ceiling, drop ceilings are an eye soar. It does not take away from the fabulous service and hospitality of the staff and it's owner. I love love love this restaurant I would highly recommend this place to everyone. My husbands niece recommended it and I am glad she did. read more

Excellent culinary experience. Had octopus, chorizo, Carne Frita, and all were outstanding. A glass of Rioja 2010, and Natilla. Worthwhile eating. Valet parking, great atmosphere, glad to find it. Prices were reasonable, food was very tasty and cooked very well. Service prompt and friendly. All and all, an excellent dining experience. read more

We discovered this restaurant when visiting Santurce for the first time. Food was excellent. Grilled octopus with seaweed was very good and so was the grilled branzino. We also had the Albariño house wine which was crisp and very enjoyable. We topped it off with a cordatito and a creme brûlée...excellent! Don Manolo is from Northern Spain, very pleasant, friendly and we had the opportunity to chat with him a few minutes. His restaurant is upscale and a bit pricey but well worth it. We had a great experience and will definitely go back to Casa Monolo on our next visit to Santurce! read more

The iPhone map is off and we had to ask around in order to find the right location. Yelps map is accurate. It has a nice clean look. Excellent service. The croquetas are very good, the lasagna is unique but fantastic, Fettuccine Alfredo was also very good and my wife liked it even though she doesn't like Alfredo sauce. It was definitely worth walking around to find the place. Even knowing where it is it was not easy to fine. Enjoy the hunt read more

Great food and service. It is a family and business Restaurant. The spanish cousine is delicious!