1919 Restaurant – Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived.
1919 is the most elegant fine dining restaurant on the Condado waterfront. Thanks to its muted, earthy palette, warm golden lighting, and gorgeous ocean views, it’s sophisticated without feeling stuffy.
What was the crowd like?
Couples celebrating anniversaries; suits tucking into steak and expensive Champagne. The restaurant is in the upscale What should we be drinking?
Sommelier Luis Simoes’ expansive wine list is a good mix of French and Italian classics, plus some lesser-known wines from California, Spain, and Hungary. Have him pick something delicious for you, or opt for pairings for the tasting menu.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Michelin-starred native Puerto Rican chef Juan Jose Cuevas does not play. From sourcing the best organic ingredients directly from local farmers to the flawless execution of every single dish, he makes sure 1919 is a serious culinary experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the island. The menu changes around five times a year, but you can expect fresh, vibrant modern Puerto Rican dishes that show off the island’s diverse natural bounty. The highlights of a recent meal: a salad made with beets, watermelon, and shishito (all local and organic); ravioli stuffed with local chard and ricotta; and a roast suckling pig so tender it was almost velvety. Order the chef’s tasting menu—you won’t be disappointed.
And how were the front-of-house folks?
Unbelievably warm and attentive, without being overbearing.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
Come to celebrate a special occasion or simply to treat yourself. It’s also a good choice for business dinners (just be sure to charge it to the corporate card).

1919 is the most elegant fine dining restaurant on the Condado waterfront. Thanks to its muted, earthy palette, warm golden lighting, and gorgeous ocean views, it’s sophisticated without feeling stuffy.Couples celebrating anniversaries; suits tucking into steak and expensive Champagne. The restaurant is in the upscale Condado Vanderbilt hotel , so there’s a good number of cashed-up tourists, too.Sommelier Luis Simoes’ expansive wine list is a good mix of French and Italian classics, plus some lesser-known wines from California, Spain, and Hungary. Have him pick something delicious for you, or opt for pairings for the tasting menu.Michelin-starred native Puerto Rican chef Juan Jose Cuevas does not play. From sourcing the best organic ingredients directly from local farmers to the flawless execution of every single dish, he makes sure 1919 is a serious culinary experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the island. The menu changes around five times a year, but you can expect fresh, vibrant modern Puerto Rican dishes that show off the island’s diverse natural bounty. The highlights of a recent meal: a salad made with beets, watermelon, and shishito (all local and organic); ravioli stuffed with local chard and ricotta; and a roast suckling pig so tender it was almost velvety. Order the chef’s tasting menu—you won’t be disappointed.Unbelievably warm and attentive, without being overbearing.Come to celebrate a special occasion or simply to treat yourself. It’s also a good choice for business dinners (just be sure to charge it to the corporate card).

This Post: 1919 Restaurant – Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler