Puerto Rico Guide: Cocina Abierta
Cocina Abierta
Address | 58 Caribe St, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
When exploring Puerto Rico’s vibrant culinary scene, Cocina Abierta stands out as a must-visit destination for those who value sustainability, innovation, and food sovereignty. We chose to dine here not only for its creative farm-to-table approach but also for its commitment to supporting local agriculture and reducing the island’s reliance on imported goods. By sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and fisheries, Cocina Abierta champions Puerto Rico’s food independence while delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
What further sets this restaurant apart is its inclusive approach to fine dining. In addition to its expertly crafted standard tasting menu, Cocina Abierta offers a dedicated vegan tasting menu. This thoughtful offering ensures that plant-based diners can enjoy an equally luxurious and flavorful meal, highlighting the versatility of locally grown produce.
From the moment you step inside, the restaurant’s modern yet warm ambiance reflects its philosophy: elevated cuisine rooted in sustainability. Each dish tells a story of Puerto Rico’s rich agricultural heritage, reimagined with contemporary flair. Whether you’re a devoted locavore, a vegan food enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Cocina Abierta promises a dining experience that nourishes both palate and planet.
Join us as we delve into the flavors, ethos, and unforgettable moments that make Cocina Abierta a standout gem in San Juan’s culinary crown.
Cocina Abierta’s Bar & Beverage Menu
No meal at Cocina Abierta is complete without exploring their inventive bar program, where craft cocktails highlight local flavors with a creative twist. We started with the Lavanda 75—a floral and effervescent blend of Bravada Vodka, lavender-infused syrup, Prosecco, and candied lemon. Light yet sophisticated, it was the perfect aperitif to awaken the palate. Equally refreshing was the Hibiscus Delight, a vibrant mix of pineapple, sorrel (hibiscus), and lemon—tart, slightly sweet, and wonderfully balanced.
Their beverage menu goes beyond cocktails, featuring Puerto Rican rums, natural wines, and zero-waste infusions that align with their sustainability ethos. Whether you prefer a classic mojito with a farm-fresh mint twist or a bold local coffee digestif, each sip complements Cocina Abierta’s farm-to-table philosophy. A true celebration of island flavors, their drinks are as thoughtfully crafted as their dishes.
Our tasting experience at Cocina Abierta started with a delightful amuse-bouche: guava gazpacho. This playful twist on the classic chilled soup blended sweet, ripe guava with subtle savory notes, creating a bright and refreshing first bite. Served in a cup, it set the tone for the meal—innovative, rooted in local flavors, and beautifully presented. The balance of tropical fruit with a hint of acidity teased the palate, leaving us eager for the courses to come. A perfect introduction to Cocina Abierta’s creative approach, where even the smallest bites carry big, intentional flavor.
The Tasting Menu Experience
Cocina Abierta’s culinary journey unfolds across five thoughtfully composed acts, each showcasing the island’s bounty through technique and creativity. For the traditional tasting menu, diners select from three options per act, allowing for a personalized experience—whether you crave seafood, pasture-raised meats, or inventive vegetarian dishes. The vegan tasting menu, while offering fewer choices per act, is equally dynamic, spanning five courses of plant-based artistry that highlight Puerto Rico’s freshest produce. Both menus reflect the restaurant’s farm-to-table ethos, ensuring every dish—whether omnivore or vegan—tells a story of sustainability and flavor. Each dish was delicious but we all agreed that the vegan tasting menu in fact was the best as Lynette shared tastes from her dishes with us. Something to consider when choosing your menu!
ACT I
ACT II
ACT III
ACT IV
ACT V
A Memorable Culinary Experience in Puerto Rico
From the moment we stepped into Cocina Abierta, the warm, inviting atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The restaurant’s modern yet rustic charm—soft lighting, lush greenery, and an open kitchen buzzing with energy—created a relaxed yet refined dining experience. The attentive staff made us feel welcome, guiding us through each act of the tasting menu with genuine passion for the food and its local roots.
And what incredible food it was. Each dish, from the guava gazpacho amuse-bouche to the final indulgent bite, was a celebration of Puerto Rico’s flavors, crafted with care and creativity. The vegan tasting menu stood out as a testament to the kitchen’s versatility, proving plant-based dining can be just as exciting as the traditional offerings. Paired with expertly crafted cocktails like the Lavanda 75 and Hibiscus Delight, the meal was a symphony of taste and texture.
Cocina Abierta is more than just a restaurant—it’s a showcase of Puerto Rico’s culinary future, where sustainability and innovation meet irresistible flavor. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is a dining experience we wholeheartedly recommend. Don’t miss the chance to savor one of San Juan’s most remarkable meals.
