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    Nonna Cucina Rustica

    4.3 (286 reviews)
    PriceyItalian, Bars, Pizza
    Closed Closed

    Nonna Cucina Rustica Photos

    NONNA CUCINA RUSTICA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Nonna Cucina Rustica

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    The food was authentic Italian food you get a lot for your money not expensive really delicious .The service was superb nicest people. Nice atmosphere .

    Negroni Nero - negroni with grapefruit tincture and Amaro added.
    Steven T.

    Without reservation, Nonna Cucina Rustica is on par with or better than the best traditional Italian restaurants of NYC. Every dish we have enjoyed across several years has been expertly prepared and delicious. The wine list is simple, but it offers a number of well-made, popularly priced Italian wines. Service is consistently professional, attentive, knowledgeable and helpful, providing enticing descriptions of dishes and recommendations. My only disappointment is that we visit PR only once each year so we cannot dine here more often. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

    Menu
    Ed W.

    Nonna Cucina Rustica is a restaurant you can't miss while in San Juan. We made a reservation, and our table was ready when promised. The restaurant wasn't super busy but definitely had its clientele. Our server, which name escapes me now, was The Best. She was personable, attentive, funny, and very efficient. The menu has lots of great choices, even for those who are picky eaters. As soon as we were seated, complimentary bread (Focaccia) arrived along with some olive oil. The wine list is concise but good, and prices were not crazy. Very affordable. We ordered the burrata salad and the arugula salad as appetizers. They were both fresh and delicious. Main dishes: - Robalo (sea bass) was the fish special. - Tagliolini - Squid ink risotto (with seafood) - Lamb Lasagna (so good). Also, a special. Everything was DELICIOUS. I couldn't pick a bad thing about any of those dishes. I can't stress enough how good the food here was. Seasoning was on point. Great first night in P.R. thanks to Nonna Cucina rustica and the staff. PS: The ambiance in the restaurant is very welcoming, dimmed lighting, and has a homey kind of a feel to it.

    Interior
    Bea W.

    We had an overall great experience here! The food was excellent. The complimentary bread was so soft and tasty. Definitely order the arancini. The amatriciana pasta was also a favorite. We also got the short rib and saffron risotto which is not pictured, but was also delicious. Ambiance was lovely, service was great. Can't wait to go back!

    Tagliolini

    La comida (food) estaba súper buena, me encantó el servicio (service) y el ambiente (ambiance). Realmente es uno de los mejores lugares que he probado -- no tengo ni una sola queja. Si están dudando en venir, no lo piensen más. Les prometo que valdrá la pena. Además, los precios son económicos y las porciones, generosas.

    Christi S.

    A great Italian spot in San Juan. Loved the restaurant- it is small and intimate. Not really a private spot as you are sitting very close to other tables, but feels very homey. The food was great. A lot of good selections. I got the special lasagna-it was delicious! Service and wine options were great. We saw multiple people come in for takeout so looks like a solid option for that!

    The result of the  squidd ink !!!
    Jose H.

    Nice location, service seemed to be understaffed because we had to ask for water 2-3 times and that is unacceptable for a place like this. The entries were decent and pretty unique like the croquettes filled with some sort of risotto and the eggplant was also a table favorite. The saffron risotto tasted like smoked or burnt and the braised boneless short ribs could have been way better. One out of six plates served was left untouched. That person went for the bread and ice cream across the street. Maybe it was an issue of our poor choice, but for us this was our debut and our farewell.

    He'll pour you some wine  and make sure you're enjoying yourself
    Dutch S.

    BEST EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA on the island, no doubt! The eggplant is cut super thin, almost resembling Greek phyllo dough. It's the best I've ever had and as a Food Writer who's had that dish MANY times, I can say that Nonna's Cucina Rústica surpasses them ALL. The team at Nonna Cucina Rústica knows culinary excellence. They don't have a huge menu but what they do, they do perfectly!!! This is a top Italian restaurant that's known among the locals- it certainly has its loyal customers, I now consider myself one! What a treat to find an authentic spot with probably the most on-point staff in San Juan! They are helpful, welcoming and not too intrusive. This is a great place for a date or for enjoying a meal with friends you'd like to catch up with! It's quiet enough that you can actually hear each other speak : what a pleasure in this area, where most of the popular places on nearby Calle Loiza are quite loud. Nonna's has a palpable refinement. I had the opportunity to meet the owner one day and it's true - the vibe of a restaurant ALWAYS starts at the top! He could not have been more gracious, it's not surprising that he has a Chef who loves what he does and a team of servers who take great pride in bringing excellence to each customer. It's truly a team effort here! As one might guess from its' name, the interior is designed to resemble a rustic Italian Inn - one with a kitchen that really knows how to wow with flavorful hearty homemade food . Fresh grilled fish is a popular item and a best seller. I'm going to try that on my next visit. But it's the Eggplant Parmesan that has me coming back, time after time. When I'm dining solo, I can simply eat at the bar and know that I'll have a wonderful conversation with whoever is on duty. Nonna's wine list is extensive and top notch, they offer mocktails and other nonalcoholic beverages too. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the most incredible focaccia bread that you'll receive upon seating. It's dreamy and comes with balsamic vinegar and the most fantastic Italian olive oil, you know it's the good stuff straight from Italy when it has a light green color, as it does here. Carbs be damned, allow yourself to dig in! It's unlikely that you'll find focaccia THIS GOOD anywhere because it's not dense nor oily. BRAVO to the Baker! Nonna's comes through with great welcoming vibes, you'll feel like you're at a welcoming Countryside Inn in Italy . Totally charming with a welcoming atmosphere and staff. Cozy and refined. Allow it to totally charm you.

    Seafood squid ink linguine

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    1 month ago

    Delicious food!! We didn't have a reservation so we sat at the bar, so make a reservation if you are planning in advance to go

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    8 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Lovely restaurant with great service and nice ambience. The food is exceptional! One of my favorite places to eat in San Juan

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    3 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Absolutely live this place in my favorite neighborhood. Try the squid ink linguini, it was delicious! I will definitely be back.

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    5 months ago

    Great daily short rib. Small glass drinks. Nice ambiance. If you're a drinker No, if you're a foodie yes!

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    3 years ago

    Attentive and friendly staff. Location is romantic and rustic. Family feels. Every dish I had was divine. I highly recommend..

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    2 years ago

    Amazing food!! Amazing Italian food on Calle Loiza. Everyone was very kind and attentive. Highly recomend!! You can taste the quality.

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    Page 1 of 8

    Nonna Cucina Rustica Reviews in Other Languages

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    Nonna Cucina Rustica - italian - Updated May 2026

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