MARCELLA: ORQUIDEA VIOLETA

Absolutely phenomenal dinner and easily the best meal we’ve had since arriving in Puerto Rico! We started with five oysters, and Chef and owner Jose Sanchez surprised us with three complimentary oysters of a different variety so we could try something new. Both were absolutely delicious. For dinner, we had the teriyaki mushroom chicken, New York strip with blue cheese tortellini, and sea bass, and every single dish was phenomenal. Everything was flavorful, beautifully prepared, and exactly what I had been craving after several days of mofongo, empanadas, etc.; a good steak, pasta, and seafood all in one place. What really made the experience stand out was the hospitality. Jose stopped by our table several times throughout the evening to check on us, talk with us about the dishes, and make sure we were enjoying everything. You could tell he genuinely cared about the food and his guests. We also ordered two different desserts, and both were incredible. We’re definitely foodies and have had the opportunity to eat at some really incredible restaurants all over the U.S., and this place genuinely stood out to us. The food is so unique, creative, and delicious. Just wow. If you live here or you’re visiting Puerto Rico, do not sleep on this place! This was exactly the kind of dinner I was hoping to find on this trip, and we would absolutely come back. Highly recommend!

We had the pleasure of finding this gem with our children by total accident, and what an absolute delight. The chef was preparing new menu items and we were offered to drive the new feta appetizer. Our picky children devoured it, I barely got a bite. But the bite I did have was delicious, with a blend of sweetness from the guava and the flaky pastry crust, A perfect start to what ended up being just spectacular. I had the braised short ribs with pumpkin ravioli, and I cannot say enough about how tender the meat was and how sub the raviolis were. It was magnificent, and the pleading is exquisite a feast for the eyes. My friend had the chicken with mushrooms and it was beautiful and quite a large portion. Much to our surprise, they even had a secret kids menu with house breaded chicken tenders, and either marinara or Alfredo. Penne kids declared it was a win. We also had the Barada appetizer with passionfruit seeds and tomatoes. Another delicious treat. The staff was absolutely lovely, warm hospitable. We don’t speak Spanish and they do speak English, which made it very easy for us to order. Red in their beautiful restaurant and the service was at the perfect pace and very obviously all custom-made.

We visited this restaurant at Paseo Caribe and absolutely loved it. We came on a Thursday, so it wasn’t very crowded. The service was excellent, the restaurant is small but very cozy, and the food was exquisite. We also loved the wine. We will definitely be coming back!

Amazing!!! Everything is fresh and flavorful and would go back again!!!

Excellent food! We stumbled on the restaurant by accident after going to the Hilton for Pina Coladas. Wow, wow, wow!! From cocktails to appetizers to main course, everything was delicious. We even tried dessert. Lobster Bisque and Barrilito were our favorites.