Restaurants
Aguaviva's cool, turquoise décor is very laid-back, in stark contrast to its chaotic atmosphere. The stained-glass
aquaviva (jellyfish) replicas are intriguing, best contemplated over oysters and a stiff drink from the bar. An open kitchen serves delectable cuisine including a marlin and garlic
ceviche (appetiser), and a seafood tower made up of fried oysters, coco-flavoured shrimp and fried octopus. The grilled mahi-mahi with smoky shrimp, salsa and yucca is also fantastic, as is the paella with seafood and pork sausage. Reservations required.
Address: 364 Calle Fortaleza;
Telephone: 722 0665
| Augusto's Cuisine |
$$$$$ | French |
This elegant and glamorous restaurant flaunts its European flair in a portentous grey and green dining room within the Hotel Excelsior, Miramar. Fresh ingredients are used to create indulgent offerings such as creamy corn and oyster soup, an exquisite lobster risotto or medallions of veal with foie gras and Madeira sauce. The wine list is also outstanding.
Address: 801 Ponce de León Ave;
Telephone: 725 7700
| Dragonfly |
$$$$$ | International |
Dragonfly's décor is reminiscent of an old San Francisco bordello with beaded curtains, fringed lamps and gilded mirrors. Their trademark drink is the 'Dragon Punch', often accompanied by live Latin jazz performances. The plantain chips,
chicharrónes (pork rinds) and spicy crab cakes are easily followed by delicious red snapper or grouper, while the pumpkin and bean selection is quite formidable. For those with bigger appetites, the barbecued lamb shank is a must! Reservations required.
Address: 364 Calle Fortaleza;
Telephone: 977 3886
| Parrot Club |
$$$$$ | Caribbean |
The Parrot Club is found in a stately 1902 building and occasionally hosts local dignitaries in its ambient dining hall. The courtyard tables are accompanied by live music among potted ferns, orchids and palms. This bistro and bar blends Puerto Rican cuisine with Spanish, African and Taíno flavours. Halibut, salmon and mahi-mahi form part of the
ceviche (appetiser) menu and the criolla-style flank steak is superb for a main course, as is the tuna with rum and orange-essence sauce. A favoured drink is their trademark 'Parrot Passion'. Closed for two weeks in September.
Address: 363 Calle Fortaleza;
Telephone: 725 7370
