Puerto Rico Restaurants|San Juan, Puerto Rico

1919 Restaurant

Name: 1919 Restaurant
Telephone: 787-724-1919

VERIFIED LUXURY

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Part of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel — an elegant, oceanfront Spanish Revival property in San Juan — 1919 Restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience steeped in culture and history. Named after the hotel’s founding year, the restaurant gracefully infuses its rich past into the fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.

At the helm is acclaimed chef Juan José Cuevas, who’s all about showcasing Puerto Rico’s finest organic and sustainable ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, so you can expect dishes that celebrate the island’s vibrant flavors, from freshly caught seafood to locally grown produce — all plated to perfection.

The atmosphere feels upscale yet inviting, with warm lighting, polished wood finishes and stunning ocean views complemented by an award-winning wine list and handcrafted cocktails.

Our Inspector's Highlights

From the moment you walk in, 1919 Restaurant captures the romance and grandeur of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, setting the stage for one of the island’s best fine-dining experiences.
The handsome, light-filled space strikes the perfect balance between chic and relaxed, featuring dark woods and leather seats, alongside burgundy hues, metallic accents and wall-to-wall ocean views.
The menu elevates Puerto Rican cuisine by incorporating locally sourced ingredients with international techniques. Bold Caribbean flavors are paired with European culinary traditions for a celebration of the island’s vibrant food culture.
Standout dishes include inventive pastas such as spaghetti with sweet crab, fresh seafood like the wild sea bass, and locally inspired appetizers such as chayote salad with pickled ají dulce. Desserts, like mango passionfruit canelé and yuzu crèmeux promise a refreshing, island-inspired finish.
The bar program stars expertly crafted cocktails featuring local rum, fresh tropical fruits and premium Puerto Rican spirits. Try specialties like the Lady Vanderbilt (a zesty mix of Old Tom Gin, orange bitter, lemon and spice syrup) or the Honeysuckle (Don Q Cristal rum, honey and lime), while the extensive wine list offers both international and local selections.

The Chef

Born in Puerto Rico, executive chef Juan José Cuevas grew up surrounded by the island's rich culinary traditions. His early passion for food developed through family meals and local flavors, inspiring a career rooted in his homeland’s diverse gastronomy.
Cuevas trained at The Culinary Institute of America before heading overseas to hone his skills at acclaimed kitchens in Spain, including Akelaŕe in San Sebastian and El Racó in Barcelona. He later returned to the U.S., working at top-tier establishments such as Lespinasse, Blue Hill and Eighty One in New York, as well as The Pluckemin Inn in New Jersey.
After two decades working and learning in Spain and the mainland US, Cuevas returned to Puerto Rico in 2012 and has been at the helm of 1919 Restaurant ever since.
Chef Cuevas is committed to sustainability, working closely with local farmers and fishermen to source the freshest ingredients. His dishes embody creativity, authenticity and a dedication to showcasing Puerto Rico’s unique, diverse flavors.

Amenities