Portela by Orujo

906 Av. Juan Ponce de León, San Juan 00901
$$$$$ Nouvelle

Portela is based under Orujo Taller de Gastronomia.
We are an inspirational, dynamic and experimental Puerto Rican food concept.
Orujo brings a modern twist on classical Caribbean flavors, and we are a tasting menu concept where you will experience a full gastronomic flight up to 20 courses. Perfect for wine lovers, gastronomic travelers and foodies.
Portela does not offer a set menu (a la carte) but we can accommodate SOME tasting restrictions according to specific allergies, nutritional or religious guidelines.
Prix fix concept- from $155.00 per person + add wine
Orujo is a 16+ adult only venue

Reservations

Booking Notes:

Sudden reservation changes or space cancellation on the same day will have a $50 dollar charge per person. Your table will not be held if not confirmed the day of reservation.
We are a slow food concept

Business Info

  • Address: 906 Av. Juan Ponce de León, San Juan 00901
  • Cross Street: Miramar
  • Cuisine: American | Caribbean | Contemporary | Latin | Middle Eastern | Nouvelle |
  • Cost: | Very Expensive
  • Category: Upscale Casual
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Required
  • Dress Code: Casual Elegant
  • Meals Served: Dinner |
  • Parking: Street |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Cash | Bitcoin | Debit |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A
  • Staff: Carlos Portela | Chef
  • Phone: 9392823524
  • Features: Private Room, Prix Fixe Menu, Tasting Menu, Chef’s Table, Farm-to-table,
  • Occasion: Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Special Occasion, Date Night,

Photos

Portela by Orujo - orujo
Portela by Orujo - logo

Business Hours

Reservations Available
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Thursday
Tasting 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday
Tasting 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday
Tasting 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday
Closed
False

Customer Reviews & Ratings

4.89 out of 5 stars based on 410 votes

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 08, 2024
Diane g K.
Absolutely fabulous

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 24, 2024
Brigette B.
Where do I start, this was such a fantastic experience. The food was creative and delicious. The chef and his assistants were welcoming and went above and beyond to please us. The food and wine kept coming and coming. Make sure you go in the kitchen to get the full experience. We had a 6 pm reservation and were the only table for about an hour. We left at 11pm. This was our last night in San Juan and a memory we will never forget.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 31, 2023
Rand N.
One of the best meals we've ever had! Chef Carlos and team are incredible and their creativity and skill come through with every bite. Well worth the cost for something this special!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 10, 2023
Helen N.
Grateful to experience the magic of Chef and his team. Beautiful evening of unique and delicious treats and wines, from start to finish. A delight, and so welcoming.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 04, 2023
Holden C.
Incredible, literally unbelievable

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 29, 2023
Chris C.
Fantastic, what an amazing experience, thank you.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 07, 2023
Paige I.
Outstanding experience! We celebrated my birthday and it was an incredible and unforgettable culinary dinner. We hope to be back and will definitely recommend this restaurant to everyone who visits San Juan. Thank you again! -Paige & Omar

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 17, 2023
Luis A. P.
Chef Pórtela and his group continues to show how to provide an amazing culinary experience with fresh products and care. In simple terms we just loved it.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 16, 2023
Rommel C.
En mi opinion, de lo mejor que hay en Puerto Rico ahora mismo. Este tipo de concepto me encanta. No hay menu, sino que el chef va trayendo platos uno a uno. Cada plato es una sorpresa y lo parean con vino. En total trajeron mas de 15 platos. Productos de alta calidad, la mayoria locales. Yo como de todo, por lo que no hubo ningun plato que no me haya gustado. La calidad de los vinos es muy buena tambien. Definitivamente volvere.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 23, 2023
Jennifer R.
Fantastic experience. The intimacy of the experience with only 7 tables and a very attentive chef/owner was surprising and delightful. Chef's knowledge of local ingredients and wine was great and the food was very inventive.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 14, 2023
David C.
We had a marvelous experience from the minute we walked in until we left. Chef Carlos Portela was welcoming, funny and happy to have us. It shows he loves what he does and wants his guests to enjoy and be informed about the food he prepares and services. The food was delicious and the wine he selected was complimenting to each course. I can’t wait to go back and share the experience with family and friends.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 23, 2023
Dorothy H.
Was it food, theater, meeting with a cherished group of friends? It was all of those things and so much more. It was a shrine to local food created with creativity. Beware-do not eat for a day before you go!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 25, 2023
Johnette P.
love it... different in a really good way!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 24, 2023
Beverly C.
An absolutely incredible dining experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Mar 17, 2023
chistine B.
All the dishes were amazing! We lived the rabbit sausage, the black fin tuna, swordfish, fois gras, empanadas… all so delicious. The tasting portions were perfect- just right-sized to tantalize the palate. Wines were perfectly matched. A once-in-a-life time experience!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 17, 2023
Ashley B.
Most amazing dinner experience. A definite must try!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 13, 2023
Yenssi U.
Nos encanta el restaurante, el chef es muy amable y el trato es personalizado. Hemos ido 3 veces y siempre nos sorprende.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 11, 2023
Danie F.
It was a spectacular dining experience!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 04, 2023
Frank K.
The food is terrific. It is creative, complex, interesting, and delicious.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 30, 2023
Barbara S.
What an experience it was!! Me and partner we both loved it, food was delicious and the service was on the spot. It was just a never ending supply of joy on the plate and delightful wine to supplement the food. Ambience of the restaurant was on the mark. Visit to the kitchen just made me appreciate the food more. Well done chef Carlos and his team. I will highly recommend the restaurant, it’s a must visit if you are in San Juan.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 04, 2023
Yaitza G.
The Best place ever

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 20, 2022
Danilo A.
Outstanding experience that will be different every time since there is no set menu and chef Portela works with ingredients available. If you are a poser or influencer do not ruin it for the serious foodies 'comidistas'. For the rest, you will be rewarded with an experience like no other. 60 to 70 pc of the ingredients are sourced locally. Chef Portela is one of a kind chef who continues to master his craft with his roots as a priority. ¡Mucho corazón!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 19, 2022
Mildred C.
It has been a very long time that I have experienced such an amazing treat. Everything was absolutely perfect. The staff made us feel at home and prepared us to what would be a joyful occasion. The food was superb. The Chef was amazing and made us feel special by explaining every dish in detail. The were careful with every single detail from ambience to presentation!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 31, 2022
Aileen T.
I wasn't prepared for the chef's philosophy, but it was certainly a surprising delight. Every plate was prepared with dedication and creativity, and they were like 15 of them! Tremendous effort and enthusiasm by the team. I want to go back!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Jul 18, 2022
Grecia M.
Todo estuvo exquisito. Una experiencia única. Valió la pena esperar un mes por la reservacion.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 01, 2022
Aixa N.
Best restaurant in Puerto Rico!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 28, 2022
Rosangela S.
Simply perfect.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 29, 2022
Nylmarie T.
Love the place, perfect ambiance and great food. Love it!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 19, 2022
Diana O.
Amazing food and experience!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 17, 2022
Sharon C.
Excellent tasting experience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 09, 2022
Ángel P.
In Puerto Rico, there is no restaurant better that Orujo. I’ve been in multiple fine dining restaurants but this one is the best. It is an outstanding food in a Cosy and romantic place that made a plus to celebrate any important date….Oh, forgot to mention that our 17th Anniversary, which is today but we celebrate it yesterday evening, was great! …no wonder we still celebrating our Anniversary since the opening year. Thank you Chef Portela for still making this evening so special. Love it…Chef Portela….you Rock!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Mar 18, 2022
Susan N.
An outstanding, once in a lifetime experience.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 26, 2022
Yaritza O.
Amazing!! The best culinary experience We’ve had! Had the best time with my son and daughter. Chef Pórtela’s talent is unbelievable. Every single course was an experience in itself. Great ambience and attention like no other place. Please visit this place, it will not disappoint. Thank you chef for making our night special and memorable.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 10, 2022
Luis G.
Excellent food, service and experience. We’ll be back.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 08, 2022
Natalie B.
Amazing experience on every level, highly recommended, one of the best dining experience in San Juan.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jan 10, 2022
Carli D.
absolutely fantastic and unique experience of trying so many plates from the chef's hands

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Dec 26, 2021
James P.
We happened across this restaurant on Google! Our family of four absolutely LOVED everything! Chef Carlos and staff were amazing. We had never experienced anything like this. Super creative, amazing presentations. Deliciousness! So personal and also loved all of the wine pairings!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Dec 26, 2021
Tamara P.
An amazing culinary experience. Delicious, unique, thoughtful food and wine pairings. Highly recommend.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Dec 02, 2021
Kelsey N.
Chef Carlos is a true master of his craft. I've had the opportunity to dine at Orujo twice this year, each time a unique awakening of the taste buds. It's clear the dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, as well as creativity and pride. Treat yourself to this culinary experience – it's worth it.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Nov 29, 2021
Zulma G.
Una experiencia única. Nos encantó.

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Oct 17, 2021
Claudio C.
Loved it! Me hubiera gustado la opción de escoger cuantos platos comer (solo la cantidad). Gracias! ❤️

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Jul 17, 2021
Bruce D.
This was the best dining experience of my life!!!

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
May 11, 2021
ALINA O.
Orujo was excellent experience We really enjoy it and the food was amazing. We have an excellent dinner experience

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 9/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Apr 25, 2021
Alexander M.
Excelente

Overall: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Feb 26, 2021
Emanuel W.
Perfect, unique, special. Thanks!

Overall: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Feb 06, 2024
Jorge M R.
My wife and myself went for tis special dinner. Overall Chef Orujo and other chefs were very creative, showing expertise in combining flavors, textures and presentations. Every dish was unique and having good combination of the ingredients. We were following the chef because we were sure that the culinary experience was going to be great. We were wright. Chefs in charge were attentive and gave us explanations on every dish that was served. Very good experience and Chef Orujo Portela has a great domain and great way of combining good ingredients.

Overall: 9/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Nov 05, 2022
Annette D.
Everything was marvellous, except for pricing; check was twice of what was reasonably expected

Overall: 8/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Jul 31, 2023
Juan A.
Amazing food and friendly service , wine pairing needs to improve and it would not hurt to change silverware in between courses , wonderful experience, will come back

Overall: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Sep 18, 2022
Dianira C.
La comida de Portela muy buena como siempre, sin embargo la atencion a los detalles no estuvo presente: la temperatura de los vinos blancos no fue la mejor, el servicio del vino un poco abrupto causando derrames en la copa o sobre el mantel, si usan mantel deben usar un crumbs remover entre cursos o remplazar el mantel completo a mitad del servicio. Uno de los cortes de carne salió completamente crudo y el otro Perfect medium rare, el postre de chocolate blanco con mango picado le echaron pimiento amarillo por equivocación. Para mi sigue siendo uno de mis Top 5 de todos los tiempos en PR pero lamentablemente esta vez No lo fue, fue triste pagar lo que pagué por esta cena. Never lower your standards or fall for comfort!

Overall: 7/10
Food: 8/10
Service: 6/10
Ambience: 6/10
Value: 5/10
Sep 01, 2022
Joey M.
Food was good, but to pricey for the experience.

Overall: 7/10
Food: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Ambience: 5/10
Value: 10/10
Sep 06, 2021
Zaira R.
La comida y servicios fueron excelentes. Nuestra reserva era para dos. No hubo respeto al distanciamiento, sentando a un grupo de seis personas en la misma mesa nuestra.