Food & Drink
3 hours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$149.00
per adult
The Spoon Experience
The Spoon Experience
5
City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Food Tours
Read more
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Get ready for a delicious culinary experience! Spoon offers walking, driving and customized culinary & cocktail tours in Puerto Rico. We highlight “off the beaten path” dining establishments that locals frequent and incorporate unique and delicious food & drink tastings. Besides tasting great Island food, you will learn about the history, culture and architecture of the neighborhoods visited. We recommend taking our tours at the beginning of your stay so you can return and enjoy these wonderful areas at your leisure. Join us for a fun cultural journey to the best local spots, opening up a whole new world of savory experiences.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by The Spoon Experience
Food & Drink
3 hours
Recommended by 98% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$149.00
per adult
Food & Drink
2–3 hours
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$119.00
per adult
Travelers talk about
(91 reviews)
(11 reviews)
(47 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,070 reviews
Excellent
1,022
Very good
38
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Wittea
8 contributions
Feb 2020
Our cooking class with Chef Nivia was phenomenal! Firstly, she walks you through the history of agriculture in Puerto Rico and after you meet with her at the farmers' market (in Old San Juan or La Placita), you get a real feel for the agricultural industry in PR and an idea of how to source fresh ingredients for your cooking class/future meals (plus, it's great to meet the farmers, too).
After the shopping is done, you go back to her house to cook your meal. Our experience with her was amazing — it was great to be in a home setting vs. a commercial kitchen as it made the experience that much more intimate, fun, and just gave us the chance to interact with her and other class participants on such a personal level. She is so kind, welcoming, and fun to be around and the fact that you're cooking the meal with her, in her home, kind of makes you feel like family — and food is best enjoyed with good company :)
Plus, it was such an added bonus to learn how to make a traditional Puerto Rican dish from freshly-sourced ingredients — such a big win!
I 10/10, 100% recommend a class with Chef Nivia — it was one of my top culinary experiences to date!
After the shopping is done, you go back to her house to cook your meal. Our experience with her was amazing — it was great to be in a home setting vs. a commercial kitchen as it made the experience that much more intimate, fun, and just gave us the chance to interact with her and other class participants on such a personal level. She is so kind, welcoming, and fun to be around and the fact that you're cooking the meal with her, in her home, kind of makes you feel like family — and food is best enjoyed with good company :)
Plus, it was such an added bonus to learn how to make a traditional Puerto Rican dish from freshly-sourced ingredients — such a big win!
I 10/10, 100% recommend a class with Chef Nivia — it was one of my top culinary experiences to date!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Lam
Miami, FL4 contributions
Jul 2020
We did the Sip and Savor Cocktail Tour around Old San Juan.
This should be considered a must-do if you are visiting San Juan. What an amazing way to learn about the history and culture of Puerto Rico, while drinking amazingly crafted cocktails and eating bites made with local ingredients.
I am also incredibly grateful for their flexibility with planning. Originally, we were supposed to be a group of 13. Then 3 dropped out of the trip. Then 6 more dropped out of the trip. Paulina and her team were great to work with! I thought it would be difficult, but they were extremely easy to communicate with and were very transparent. They also accommodated a gluten and shellfish allergy with no problem.
The tour itself was amazing. Our tour guide, Pablo, had a very warm personality and was very knowledgeable about not only the history of PR, but of the current food scene happening. He was able to answer all our questions and I really like how it felt more like a discussion than a Q&A. Loved it!
As far as food & drinks - 10/10. The tour started off with a light meal (which was incredibly thankful for later on!) and a drink, and as we moved to different bars/restaurants, it felt like just the right pace and the right balance. I believe we had 6 cocktails and 3 food stops. All the places were amazing and rich in history and culture. Would highly recommend this tour!
I also just want to add that we did this during the Covid-19 pandemic and I really appreciated the safety measures taken to ensure the safety of our group and of the community. Prior to starting the tour, our temperature was taken and hand sanitizer (and essential oils!) were provided whenever we wanted. Pablo kept his mask on the entire time as well. Each establishment we went to also took our temperature prior to entering and provided hand sanitizer as we walked in. When the original plan was a group of 13, we were kindly asked to separate into two groups for safety precautions. I am extremely impressed and thankful of their safety precautions!
This should be considered a must-do if you are visiting San Juan. What an amazing way to learn about the history and culture of Puerto Rico, while drinking amazingly crafted cocktails and eating bites made with local ingredients.
I am also incredibly grateful for their flexibility with planning. Originally, we were supposed to be a group of 13. Then 3 dropped out of the trip. Then 6 more dropped out of the trip. Paulina and her team were great to work with! I thought it would be difficult, but they were extremely easy to communicate with and were very transparent. They also accommodated a gluten and shellfish allergy with no problem.
The tour itself was amazing. Our tour guide, Pablo, had a very warm personality and was very knowledgeable about not only the history of PR, but of the current food scene happening. He was able to answer all our questions and I really like how it felt more like a discussion than a Q&A. Loved it!
As far as food & drinks - 10/10. The tour started off with a light meal (which was incredibly thankful for later on!) and a drink, and as we moved to different bars/restaurants, it felt like just the right pace and the right balance. I believe we had 6 cocktails and 3 food stops. All the places were amazing and rich in history and culture. Would highly recommend this tour!
I also just want to add that we did this during the Covid-19 pandemic and I really appreciated the safety measures taken to ensure the safety of our group and of the community. Prior to starting the tour, our temperature was taken and hand sanitizer (and essential oils!) were provided whenever we wanted. Pablo kept his mask on the entire time as well. Each establishment we went to also took our temperature prior to entering and provided hand sanitizer as we walked in. When the original plan was a group of 13, we were kindly asked to separate into two groups for safety precautions. I am extremely impressed and thankful of their safety precautions!
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald B
Asheville, NC1 contribution
Feb 2020
A group of 15 friends thoroughly enjoyed a foodie tour to local establishments and a trip to the rain forest. This was a 2nd tour for many of us with Paulina. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the culture of Puerto Rico guarantees a remarkable and unforgettable experience! To start off, Paulina served authentic pastries for us to munch on the way to a locally owned place for brunch. At Ekelekua, we were served wonderful coffee and rolls that were stuffed with pulled pork and topped with a poached egg. Yummy! Then it was on to the rain forest with her partner, Frankie, who told historical, scientific and informative facts in an interesting and fun manner. He is a great teacher and really enhanced this tour. After that , we stopped at a locally owned craft brewery for a sampling of beer and sangria. Our last stop was for a late lunch at a scenic restaurant along the beach. The setting was secluded and spectacular. Lunch was a special meal of roasted pork, coconut rice, crab rice and plantains. Of course, we also had rum drinks! I can't think of a better way to spend your day in Puerto Rico than with these experienced guides!
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward S
Providence Forge, VA79 contributions
Feb 2020
Truly phenomenal!! Pablo Garcia, our highly animated guide, led us from our cruise ship (Norwegian Dawn) through Old San Juan's most historic streets and regaled us with his intimate knowledge of the island's history, gastronomy and rum-based drinks. An engaging and consummate student of San Juan's storied past, Pablo shared volumes of data regarding the old city's beginnings, growth and change and the food and drink that converted our walking tour into a tasting experience second to none! His passion about his home and the ease with which he guided us to restaurants and drinking establishments made this tour the "cherry on top of the sundae" at the end of our 12 day Caribbean cruise. To be honest, I think that Spoon created this tour especially for cruise ship passengers since I could not specifically identify our experience with any one or two on their website. That aside, my strong recommendation is to contact them and tell them you want Pablo to set you up with a 'cruise' tour and let him treat you to his exceptionally friendly insight into San Juan's colorful and delicious past and present. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Portymom
Lafayette, CA20 contributions
Dec 2019
We did the Craft Cocktails, Authentic Bites and San Juan History excursion through Holland America. Our guide's (Pablo Garcia who works with Spoon Food Tours) passion was infectious and his knowledge was expansive. It was a small group tour and none of us wanted it to end. We ate and drank and walked and talked and laughed for hours. We can't recommend this tour highly enough,
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We LOVE this feedback so much!
Thank you for booking our HAL excursion and we hope to see you in Puerto Rico soon!
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hank E
14 contributions
Sep 2021
Cooking with Nivia was amazing! Chef Nivia is such a kind and engaging teacher. We warned her that our two teen aged boys (16 and 14) would be typical teenagers and appear to not be enjoying themselves. But, Nivia drew them in quickly. She got them prepping ingredients and cooking, and when they tasted the first food, the appetizer, they were hooked! By the end, the boys were telling stories, plating the food and even cleared the table after we were done eating.
One of the boys put Cooking with Nivia as one of the top 2 things we did during our week in Puerto Rico, and she was up against catching a Blue Marlin, a hike to an amazing waterfall, jumping and rope swinging off cliffs into huge pools of water, kayaking in the mangroves, a full day of sailing and swimming in the ocean....Top two is high praise from our son. And the food was DELICIOUS! We ordered mofongo at a restaurant a couple of days later and were wildly disappointed that it wasn't even close to the mofongo we made with Nivia.
You really shouldn't miss this. We had a lovely time, made the most delicious food, and Chef Nivia is an absolute delight to spend some time with. You won't be disappointed.
One of the boys put Cooking with Nivia as one of the top 2 things we did during our week in Puerto Rico, and she was up against catching a Blue Marlin, a hike to an amazing waterfall, jumping and rope swinging off cliffs into huge pools of water, kayaking in the mangroves, a full day of sailing and swimming in the ocean....Top two is high praise from our son. And the food was DELICIOUS! We ordered mofongo at a restaurant a couple of days later and were wildly disappointed that it wasn't even close to the mofongo we made with Nivia.
You really shouldn't miss this. We had a lovely time, made the most delicious food, and Chef Nivia is an absolute delight to spend some time with. You won't be disappointed.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSpoonExperience
Hola!
We are so glad that this experience was everything you wanted and more! We agree that Nivia is amazing and are so happy she was able to captivate everyone in the group!
Thank you for this very lovely review and for making us your Top 2 experiences in Puerto Rico!
We would love to host you all again!
Best,
Spoon Team
Written September 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea O
Winnipeg, Canada36 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
This cooking class was amazing! Chef Nivia was knowledgeable and patient. She shared information about Puerto Rico’s culinary history and skillfully guided us through the preparation of several local dishes. Highly recommend this experience to any foodies visiting PR or those who are just looking for something fun and interesting to do!
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSpoonExperience
Hi Andrea! Muchas gracias for choosing Spoon to know more about our history and culture! I'll relay this amazing review to Chef Nivea; she'll be so happy to know that you had an amazing time! We hope you share your new culinary knowledge with everyone you care about! ¡Hasta la próxima!
Written August 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erin R
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Family
We had a delightful evening. Delicious food and drinks. Pablo led us on a purposeful meander through the beautiful Old San Juan recounting fascinating tales of how the city came to be, why it functions so well, and when, why, and who helped it changed through its long life. Then we would wander in just the perfect spot and sample delicious food and drink made with pride and care. What a fantastic experience!
Pablo was the perfect host. Warm, friendly, and deeply knowledgeable, he shared the city with us in that quick, upbeat rhythmic delivery that makes it so easy to learn. He knows so much from first person accounts, that he could easily follow and expand on anyone’s interest from how the food came to be, what parties the city hosts and what they are like, the significance of each statue and what it is made of, to why the bricks in the city are blue. My fourteen year old son, was initially reluctant to come, but Pablo had his interest within the first minute and held it the whole time. The stories of the city design connected with my son’s interest in architecture (and Simcity addiction), the stories of the battle with the English made real what the signs at the Castles had not. And when we saw the Governor’s seal with the Latin charge and my son knew immediately what it meant, well that made the last 2 years of studying Latin in school worth it! It also helps, when on a tasting tour, to bring along a teenagers stomach :). He helped me eat all the food!
My 8 year old daughter came along as well. She enjoyed the food, the non alcoholic drinks, and asked questions of Pablo which he answered with authentic warmth. A three hour sunset tour is perfect for an adult and a bit challenging for a child. My daughter hung in there, but needed some Mom coaxing for the last hour. Still, she said she was very glad we came and she would like me to learn to make some of the dishes.
Go on the tour! You will get so much more than you can get from guidebooks and signs. I am so glad we did!
Pablo was the perfect host. Warm, friendly, and deeply knowledgeable, he shared the city with us in that quick, upbeat rhythmic delivery that makes it so easy to learn. He knows so much from first person accounts, that he could easily follow and expand on anyone’s interest from how the food came to be, what parties the city hosts and what they are like, the significance of each statue and what it is made of, to why the bricks in the city are blue. My fourteen year old son, was initially reluctant to come, but Pablo had his interest within the first minute and held it the whole time. The stories of the city design connected with my son’s interest in architecture (and Simcity addiction), the stories of the battle with the English made real what the signs at the Castles had not. And when we saw the Governor’s seal with the Latin charge and my son knew immediately what it meant, well that made the last 2 years of studying Latin in school worth it! It also helps, when on a tasting tour, to bring along a teenagers stomach :). He helped me eat all the food!
My 8 year old daughter came along as well. She enjoyed the food, the non alcoholic drinks, and asked questions of Pablo which he answered with authentic warmth. A three hour sunset tour is perfect for an adult and a bit challenging for a child. My daughter hung in there, but needed some Mom coaxing for the last hour. Still, she said she was very glad we came and she would like me to learn to make some of the dishes.
Go on the tour! You will get so much more than you can get from guidebooks and signs. I am so glad we did!
Written January 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheSpoonExperience
¡Hola!🤩 Thank you so much for this incredible review! I'll send this message now to Pablo, he'll be elated to know what an incredible time you had learning about our history, culture & architecture while tasting our delicious food and drinks. We call Pablo, WikiPablo and he loves sharing all his knowledge and passion with all of our guests. I'm glad that your daughter had a good time too! Hope you can cook for your family and friends some Puerto Rican dishes! Hope you come back and join us again! Wishing you and your family an amazing 2023! ¡Hasta pronto!😀🥄🇵🇷
Written January 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sophea75
Chicago, IL123 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We were a small group of 8 persons. Our guide was Ro. She is a true local, born a d raised in PR. So when she talked about a building or history the big History meets the personal history which brings more nuance and reality to the story she shared! The food and drink were great but what make the walk enjoyable is to learn about San Juan!! We had a great time.
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luckyfindiver
Walworth, NY109 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Our group of four took the old San Juan walk and taste tour with Rocio. She was amazingly knowledgeable, professional, friendly and well composed even though the island was reeling from several earthquakes and power outages. We learned a lot of history of the island and the city and tasted some amazing food - including pastries, chocolate and Puerto Rican Christmas food! Truly delicious and informative tour! Thanks Rocio.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are beyond grateful that you decided to visit our Island, especially during this difficult time. I'm glad you were able to experience San Juan, taste its delicious offerings and learn about our culture. Thank you for supporting small businesses, the Island's economy and spreading the word that San Juan is open for business!
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kim
Gaffney, SC3 contributions
I will be on the Celebrity Edge at the port. We arrive in port at 3:30. Will we have enough time to meet up at 4:00?
Spoon
San Juan, Puerto Rico3 contributions
Hi,
Please get in touch with us to see if we have flexibility to push back the tour start time.
All our best!
the Spoon team
drnrn
metamora, il9 contributions
We will be arriving via cruise. We are interested in doing your day tour. I see that it concludes at 12:30. Would we have enough time to go to Bacardi for their basic tour and make it back to port by 3:30?
Carol M
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States18 contributions
Forget Bacardi. Not worth your time. But no, that's not enough time.
Stacy E
South Lyon, MI92 contributions
Hi! We will be in San Juan for the day on March 7,2018. We are cruising with Holland America. This is our first cruise, but many people suggested booking excursions thru Tripadvisor. Questions are: do you pick up where HAL docks or do we need to find our way somewhere? What time are your excursions? Do you guarantee to get us back to our ship on time? Thank you for your help.
Spoon
San Juan, Puerto Rico3 contributions
Hi Stacy,
Thank you so much for your inquiry! Our group walking foodie tours run at 9:30AM & 4PM local time and are 3 hours long. What time are you in port?
The meeting point is Old San Juan and easily accessible by foot if docked in Old San Juan. (The Pan American Pier is across the bay but is not used as often. I would check with the cruise line to see where you will be docking).
We'd love to host you on one of our tours, you can book directly on our site or give us a call. If the timing works, i.e. you are in Port from 8am - 3PM, 12 - 8 etc, our tours will fit perfectly and you'll have plenty of time to reach your ship.
Have a great day!
Susan L
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI2 contributions
My sister and I are on the Celebrity Silhouette arriving in San Juan on Feb. 13. Unfortunately, we are not scheduled to arrive until 3:30 pm. Do you have any tours that start later than 4 pm? i'm afraid we'd never make the 4 pm meeting time.
Spoon
San Juan, Puerto Rico3 contributions
Hi Susan! Our sunset tour will begin at 4:30PM on Feb. 13 to accommodate your schedule. Go ahead and visit our site to book and spread the word :)
annied0612
Los Angeles, CA3 contributions
Which tour is the most popular and best one to take? Old San Juan Walk and Taste, Drive Around and Walking Tour, or Sunset Walk and Taste?
Megan V
Dallas, TX10 contributions
We did the Old San Juan Walk and Taste - it was wonderful because it was early and not too hot. Also, you get a mix of coffee AND cocktails!
LuceaHanover
Jacksonville, FL4 contributions
Any recommendations on reasonable places to stay near here? I'm planning on looping the island I want clean and friendly. Recommendations on island are welcome . 30 day countdown.
Michelle B
Barnegat, NJ5 contributions
We stayed at the Hilton Caribe and really enjoyed it. Our room was clean, spacious and hotel staff were extremely friendly. If you're planning to do any of the rainforest tours, which I highly recommend, the tour busses will pick you up in front of hotel.
SIll_nh
Epping, NH10 contributions
Would this tour be good for vegetarians?
Jennifer K
Bradenton, FL2 contributions
I agree with all the above answers. We have someone who had dietary restrictions and they made accommodations. There were also two who did not partake in the alcoholic drinks and were given non-alcoholic options. Just let them know before hand.
Actionrg
New York City, NY16 contributions
Where do we gather for the tour, how far is it from where we dock!
Spoon
San Juan, Puerto Rico3 contributions
Hi!
All our meeting points are in Old San Juan. (A few minutes walk from the cruise ship docks). As soon as you book, you will receive an email confirmation with a map and details.
The Spoon Experience - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
The Spoon Experience Information
Excellent Reviews | 645 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 28 |
The Spoon Experience Photos | 600 |