El Nuevo Acuario
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Is this a Caribbean restaurant?
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles432 reviews
Excellent
405
Very good
14
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
3

DPG
37 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 family
Unbelievably wow FOOD! A must visit for foodies. Service is average (no water from the house can be offered) and atmosphere is simply not inviting (too dark and somber). We were seated inside an air conditioned space which seemed to be under renovations. We had garlic breaded chicken, fried pork, tostones, rice and beans, fried fish, mini mofongos, orange juive, blackberry mojito. ALL of it was effortlessly outstanding. Waiter forgot our kids orange juice and then went back to unfreeze it so it took close to an hour for my hungry kids to have their drink. Also, our tostones arrived when I had finished my meal. One of my kids said he wished to be able to eat here everyday.
Written January 3, 2024
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.

LenEvanston
Naperville687 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 family
We made reservations for a Thursday night for our family of ten (including two grammar school aged children). The appetizers enjoyed were the Coconut Shrimp and the Firecracker Grouper. The entrees we really enjoyed were the Homemade Empanadas, the Lobster Empanadas, the Creole Chicken, the Seafood Rice, and the Caribbean Grouper. The service was very attentive.
Written January 12, 2025
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.

Laura D
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 couples
Restaurant had been temporarily relocated and didn’t look like much to be honest. The waitress recognized a t-shirt my husband had on from our favorite restaurant in the Keys and commented “Our food is as good as theirs”. I was skeptical but took her advice and ordered the grouper bites and snapper. This was literally one of the best meals of our life. The grouper bites were tossed in a sweet spicy sauce and were delicious. But the snapper stole the show. Whole fried and so crispy on the outside (hubs compared it to a spicy hot wing) and fresh, moist, and clean on the inside. Best piece of fish I’ve ever had.
Written January 17, 2025
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.

marvi62
Horsham790 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 family
Three of us had a very nice dinner here once we found the restaurant. It’s only a 10 minute drive from Isla Verde, but this was our first time visiting here and it was dark out. When we turned off the main road (using Google Maps)it looked more like we were driving into an entrance than a road ( hard to describe). But then we saw a cluster of restaurants in a horseshoe shaped road. El Nuevo Acuario has a simple set-up of tables and chairs inside (capacity of 40-50?). There is a nice selection of cocktails, including a fantastic pina colada served with whipped cream on top that we could have ordered as a dessert. The lobster empanadas that we shared as an appetizer were very generously sized. The grouper and red snapper specials we ordered for entrees were nicely prepared. Entrees were priced mostly in the high $20s to $30s, same as all of the restaurants we have tried in PR so far. The tax rate here is approximately 11%. There is a free parking lot out front. The food was quite good but I rated the restaurant four stars due to its very plain interior.
Written December 8, 2024
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.

Susan D
Cleveland72 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2025 couples
We had a very nice experience at El Nuevo Acuario. We had excellent service which was refreshing. We had very poor service at some other restaurants. Appetizers were wonderful. The lobster empanadas were tasty, not greasy and full of favor. Grouper bites were fried with a sweetish sauce. The main courses were good but not great. The fried red snapper was a little over done but the skin was salty and nicely crisp. The grouper was nicely cooked and very tasty. The sides were wanting. Too much rice and slightly watery beans. We would go again for drinks and appetizers and choose different sides with the main courses. It’s worth going for the fine service.
Written February 4, 2025
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.

jenandmike79424
Saratoga Springs7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 family
We caught fish while out on a charter, the captain recommended this restaurant to bring the fish and have it prepared. The captain gave us the chef's contact information. Chef Leo was amazing. He greeted us warmly and was excited we brought our own Mahi-Mahi that we had just caught. We handed the fish over, went into the dining room and was greeted by a warm, friendly, and attentive staff. The seafood sampler appetizer is a must and their mojitos are amazing. The fish came out in a couple different preparations and they were amazing! The sides (rice & beans and tostones) were equally as tasty. I cannot recommend this place enough. Even if you do not have your own fish to bring, go there and experience Che Leo's amazing menu and creativity!
Written April 5, 2024
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.

Teri X
San Francisco7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 couples
The food was really so very good and my favorite meal in San Juan! The service by the two young ladies was quick, friendly, and engaging! We didn't get their names, but one was from Russia and the other was her second day on the job! The current temporary location (due to the renovation) is very basic, but do NOT let this discourage you. It is tucked/hidden away in the corner of the plaza. And we also experienced the surge in uber coming back. Tripled as well. We thought it was an error, but I've experienced this before in peak times, but did not consider it was tied to after dark and the area. We started off with the lobster empanadas and the shrimp cocktail. The mayo ketchup had a splash of cinnamon for the Caribbean flavor. Yummy. For our main dishes we devoured the seafood mofongo and the seafood shrimp. Packed full of amazing seafood, the flavors were perfect in our opinion. Portion size is large, so we had leftovers the next day to enjoy for lunch at our AirBnb. The cocunut and strawberry mojitos were a hit as well as a pina colada. We did not have room for dessert, but the beverages took care of that. We wanted to go back a second time, but after checking their hours, they were closed on Sat/Sun. Odd. (insert crying emjoi) :) So I will just live vicariously through our one wonderful meal here! Due to the renovations, the servers are coming from the other location with your food, so from nextdoor/outside...but...the food stayed hot. Kudos to the owner/chef for serving hot food...hot! Without question-go here and enjoy!
Written July 4, 2024
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.

Daniel R
Orlando28 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 family
Great experience, servers were very friendly and amazing. Food and drinks will definitely recommend to try it all had a group of 10 which they were able to accommodate. The bifongo, fried red snapper and churrasco are to die for will recommend this location to everyone that visits or is local all the drinks had were good. Our host Olga was bi-lingual English which is great for tourists.
Written April 13, 2024
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.

robinwn
Madison8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 friends
First time visitors to Puerto Rico. This restaurant was recommended by a deep sea fishing captain. The owner greeted us on arrival and seated us himself. We chose the seafood sampler and every choice was simply delicious. I ordered a lobster tail stuffed with fresh shrimp. Every bite was tender, well seasoned and there was enough leftover for another full meal. The owner checked in often to make sure we were enjoying the food. Affordable, expertly prepared meal. We highly recommend!
Written June 9, 2024
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.

Nancy B
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 couples
Best seafood meal of our trip to San Juan! Wonderful fresh fish prepared with delicious complementary sauces and mofungo. Friendly environment, from the servers to the owner chef personally presented his dishes to us.
Written March 19, 2024
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.

LRM321
Corona204 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 business
I’ll give credit to the food and drinks which were good. My issue was with the five or six cats all over the establishment. One brushed up against my foot and almost gave me a heart attack. Some people may like fuzzies around them when they eat, but I don’t. I’m not fond of cats period and around food it’s unsanitary. Another cat ran across the ledge against my co-workers arm. The staff told one customer if they order red snapper the cats will sit at their table cause it’s their favorite and when the snapper came that’s exactly what the cats did. We ended up being relocated to the bar area where we were told the cats don’t venture to although one still tried. If you want to eat around cats, this is the place for you. If not, order take out or go elsewhere.
Written September 8, 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.

Anita S
Somerset30 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 couples
Cannot express how disappointed we were with this restaurant. Unfortunately, we saved it for our last night in Puerto Rico after reading all the "amazing" reviews, and we had dined at some really fine restaurants in the last week. Not one seemed to mention there is no indoor space and the "restaurant" is on a terrace overlooking a parking lot. That being said, we were hoping the food would at least be "amazing" which it was not. It was OK, but certainly not worth the 25 minute ride from Condado. Oh, and did I mention the cats? This is a VERY casual restaurant with decent food. Would definitely never return. Still trying to get over the experience and we are home for a week already!
Written December 12, 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.

beagles1013
New Jersey412 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 couples
We heard about this restaurant last night from our Uber driver and let me tell you Reuben was 100% right. We started with very delicious cocktails, a pina colada and a coconut mojito. Both were outstanding. We moved onto a ceviche appetizer and it was just filled with octopus and shrimp and was the best ceviche I’ve ever had. Onto dinner. I had the grouper and it was expertly prepared, moist and flavorful. The wife had the seafood rice that was just filled with shrimp, octopus, and grouper and it was phenomenal. The serving was massive and of the highest quality. After dinner the very kind owner asked if we needed a ride back to our hotel. We said no thanks as we were going to order an Uber. He said not necessary as his wife was driving back that way and would gladly drive us. We accepted the offer and the wife was delightful. How do you get any better than great drink, food and the kindness of the owner and his wife? This restaurant is just great food from wonderful people.
Written September 21, 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.

Jorge S
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 family
Ambiance was dark and not very nice. Food was expensive and mediocre at best. We ordered the Firecracker Grouper. It was smothered in mayonnaise (which overpowered the dish). The chef was very heavy-handed on the garlic in the Pulpo Ceviche. The Lobster Empanadas were the only good thing we ate, albeit still not worth the price. The Seafood Rice and Seafood Mofongo were not bad, but only decent. It was also shocking that there’s no tap water available; only bottled water for sale. Overall, I can’t recommend this place. The food and ambiance are simply not worth the cost.
Written March 5, 2024
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.

Margarita
Chicago8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 business
If you plan a trip to Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 stop by and try the delicious food at El Nuevo Acuario. The tostones are fresh and served with an amazing side of garlic sauce. The firecracker grouper appetizer was 🔥 and well seasoned and we paired the grouper with the Tamarindo sauce. Overall, everything was delicious the mofongo, Churrasco aka skirt steak and seafood rice. Que Rico!!
Written March 8, 2024
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.

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EL NUEVO ACUARIO, Loiza - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

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