This place was excellent. Every dish we tried had great flavors. You should make reservations in advance. It got busy after about 7. We had a 6:30 and got in fine. Mainly, we had appetizers, but we shared the rock lobster, which I recommend. It had a light creamy sauce and was cooked perfectly. It was not inexpensive, though. Cocktail menu was unique too. I cannot remember the names of the items, but check out the pictures i posted and ask your waiter. The only item I would not recommend was the frites.
Christine Belin (Xtine Xploring)
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June 29, 2024
This was the best meal of our 7 day trip! The food was all so delicious from the amazing bread that they brought you to the amazing dessert souffle they cracked and poured chocolate in. I got the pork chop, and everyone was in awe when it came to the table, including the tables surrounding us. It was authentic to Puerto Rico, but elevated and oh so good. The cocktails were artfully & thoughtfully crafted with beautiful garnishes on all from beautiful flowers to yummy cookies. The service was warm and friendly, yet upscale. If you are looking for a cherry on the top of your trip for a meal, this is the spot. Mario Pagan's original concept is 100% worth making a reservation. Don't miss out!
Eric Z
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September 30, 2024
Mario Pagan offers a level of refinement that is welcome in the Condado scene. As a visitor I looked for Puerto Rican cuisine that exceeded standard regional offerings, which I’ve had the opportunity to sample on previous trips. This restaurant provided an upscale experience at what I considered a reasonable price. The ever-changing menu was varied and appetizing making my only regret that I didn’t have enough days in San Juan to sample it more. Overall, presentation was outstanding. Portion sizes proved to be filling, even though it may not look that way on the plate so don’t underestimate the meal’s ability to sate your hunger. The dining experience was topflight. The servers were attentive, but not over attentive, were extremely kind and informative and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. If you follow their recommendations, you won’t go wrong.
Now for the food. Meal one consisted of the seasonal root vegetable soup which had a perfect amount of richness and a gentle flavor from the base vegetables. Portion size was perfect and it was itself a great introductory appetizer for the meal main dish to come. I ordered the Atun (Tuna) mostly because tuna is extremely difficult to do correctly due to its need to get an outer sear but correctly cooked interior. I chose “chef’s choice” for the degree of doneness, and for me it was perfect. The porcini crust was subtle but clearly enhanced the fish. The remaining accoutrements were perfectly complementary to the tuna, and nothing overpowered the taste of this fresh fish. And I was full afterwards. Almost too full for the recommended house made yogurt ice cream which really capped the meal, was rich but not too sweet and nicely presented in its own right. After my first experience I needed to go back for another meal to try something else on the menu. This time I began with the Pulpo con Lentejas (Octopus confit) because few restaurants get pulpo texture correct. As expected, this was perfect with a great mix of complementary flavors, and the portion was sizable. Because the server said that the Cordero (lamb) was one of the chef’s signature dishes, I ordered the Confitado de Cordero and was not disappointed. Lamb has such a subtle flavor itself I was pleased that the flavor was not only present but, as with the other dishes, was really enhanced by the risotto. I didn’t take pictures of the pulpo, so you’ll just have to go to experience the presentation of this dish. I could not indulge in dessert; I was just too full. Each meal is accompanied by a house made bread which had great flavor, but was a bit dense and doughy for my liking as a predinner offering.
The cocktail menu appeared imaginable, but I did not partake here; nor did I have wine so you’ll have to draw your own conclusions.
I really enjoyed the entire experience at Mario Pagan. I understand that the chef has other restaurants on the island which I look forward to trying when I have the opportunity. If looking for a nice, well mannered date night and one that that doesn’t break the bank, this is an excellent offering. Just go, indulge and enjoy.
jennifer chiffelle
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October 22, 2024
It was such a cute cozy and elegant vibe went there for my birthday as a last minute walk in and the food was delicious . I tried different plates and it did not disappoint. I had the crispy yellow rice plate with chicken , it came with beans and fried tostones on the side, it was delicious and enough to share with 2. I also tried the steak with mash potatoes and steamed veggies , the steak was delicious I love the sweet and salty combination. I also tried the feta green salad with steamed veggies ,chicken on the grilled with a delicious white sauce it comes with. And the souffle with ice cream on the side and hot hazelnut chocolate poured down the middle was so delicious. The service was great it’s like a cue hidden gem . Plates are a bit pricy but worth it.
Estaba todo bien riquísimo, el servicio también estaba muy attenta.
Mila Cardoze
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June 11, 2024
Let me start off letting you know that you definitely need a reservation to eat at this restaurant. The food here is so fresh and delicious! I’ve never had any cocktails made like this. The bartenders are amazing here. They’re entertaining to watch while they make their drinks. The chef food was out of this world I ordered the almond crusted chicken and the Seabass and it was so good. This place is definitely two thumbs up I will be coming back again!
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1110 Magdalena Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
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This place was excellent. Every dish we tried had great flavors. You should make reservations in advance. It got busy after about 7. We had a 6:30 and got in fine. Mainly, we had appetizers, but we shared the rock lobster, which I recommend. It had a light creamy sauce and was cooked perfectly. It was not inexpensive, though. Cocktail menu was unique too. I cannot remember the names of the items, but check out the pictures i posted and ask your waiter. The only item I would not recommend was the frites.
This was the best meal of our 7 day trip! The food was all so delicious from the amazing bread that they brought you to the amazing dessert souffle they cracked and poured chocolate in. I got the pork chop, and everyone was in awe when it came to the table, including the tables surrounding us. It was authentic to Puerto Rico, but elevated and oh so good. The cocktails were artfully & thoughtfully crafted with beautiful garnishes on all from beautiful flowers to yummy cookies. The service was warm and friendly, yet upscale. If you are looking for a cherry on the top of your trip for a meal, this is the spot. Mario Pagan's original concept is 100% worth making a reservation. Don't miss out!
Mario Pagan offers a level of refinement that is welcome in the Condado scene. As a visitor I looked for Puerto Rican cuisine that exceeded standard regional offerings, which I’ve had the opportunity to sample on previous trips. This restaurant provided an upscale experience at what I considered a reasonable price. The ever-changing menu was varied and appetizing making my only regret that I didn’t have enough days in San Juan to sample it more. Overall, presentation was outstanding. Portion sizes proved to be filling, even though it may not look that way on the plate so don’t underestimate the meal’s ability to sate your hunger. The dining experience was topflight. The servers were attentive, but not over attentive, were extremely kind and informative and really seemed to enjoy their jobs. If you follow their recommendations, you won’t go wrong. Now for the food. Meal one consisted of the seasonal root vegetable soup which had a perfect amount of richness and a gentle flavor from the base vegetables. Portion size was perfect and it was itself a great introductory appetizer for the meal main dish to come. I ordered the Atun (Tuna) mostly because tuna is extremely difficult to do correctly due to its need to get an outer sear but correctly cooked interior. I chose “chef’s choice” for the degree of doneness, and for me it was perfect. The porcini crust was subtle but clearly enhanced the fish. The remaining accoutrements were perfectly complementary to the tuna, and nothing overpowered the taste of this fresh fish. And I was full afterwards. Almost too full for the recommended house made yogurt ice cream which really capped the meal, was rich but not too sweet and nicely presented in its own right. After my first experience I needed to go back for another meal to try something else on the menu. This time I began with the Pulpo con Lentejas (Octopus confit) because few restaurants get pulpo texture correct. As expected, this was perfect with a great mix of complementary flavors, and the portion was sizable. Because the server said that the Cordero (lamb) was one of the chef’s signature dishes, I ordered the Confitado de Cordero and was not disappointed. Lamb has such a subtle flavor itself I was pleased that the flavor was not only present but, as with the other dishes, was really enhanced by the risotto. I didn’t take pictures of the pulpo, so you’ll just have to go to experience the presentation of this dish. I could not indulge in dessert; I was just too full. Each meal is accompanied by a house made bread which had great flavor, but was a bit dense and doughy for my liking as a predinner offering. The cocktail menu appeared imaginable, but I did not partake here; nor did I have wine so you’ll have to draw your own conclusions. I really enjoyed the entire experience at Mario Pagan. I understand that the chef has other restaurants on the island which I look forward to trying when I have the opportunity. If looking for a nice, well mannered date night and one that that doesn’t break the bank, this is an excellent offering. Just go, indulge and enjoy.
It was such a cute cozy and elegant vibe went there for my birthday as a last minute walk in and the food was delicious . I tried different plates and it did not disappoint. I had the crispy yellow rice plate with chicken , it came with beans and fried tostones on the side, it was delicious and enough to share with 2. I also tried the steak with mash potatoes and steamed veggies , the steak was delicious I love the sweet and salty combination. I also tried the feta green salad with steamed veggies ,chicken on the grilled with a delicious white sauce it comes with. And the souffle with ice cream on the side and hot hazelnut chocolate poured down the middle was so delicious. The service was great it’s like a cue hidden gem . Plates are a bit pricy but worth it. Estaba todo bien riquísimo, el servicio también estaba muy attenta.
Let me start off letting you know that you definitely need a reservation to eat at this restaurant. The food here is so fresh and delicious! I’ve never had any cocktails made like this. The bartenders are amazing here. They’re entertaining to watch while they make their drinks. The chef food was out of this world I ordered the almond crusted chicken and the Seabass and it was so good. This place is definitely two thumbs up I will be coming back again!