Pizza is not usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Puerto Rico. Mamposteao, tostones, alcapurrias in Piñones, or lechón asado in Guavate are dishes Puerto Rican cuisine is mostly known for. Yet there’s something universal about pizza; its undeniable appeal makes it a favorite dining alternative no matter where you are. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite places in the metropolitan area to get a slice or a pie.
Starting Off At The Historic City
Pizza Luna @ El Burén, Old San Juan
El Burén
Calle Cristo 103, Old San Juan, San Juan, PR 00901
Phone: 787-977-5023 / Fax: 787-977-1292
With it’s friendly staff and charming interior, El Burén doesn’t exactly feel like any old pizza joint. Yet their specialty pizzas, named after streets in Old San Juan, will almost make you forget that they also have a varied menu of international and local dishes. There are no wrong choices when ordering a pizza here - the thin, crackery crust has just the right level of crispiness - but the Luna (buffalo mozzarella/tomatoes/basil, basically a traditional pizza margherita) and the Tamarindo (mozzarella and manchego cheeses/prosciutto/sun-dried tomatoes) are can’t-miss selections.
PizziCorre
Calle Luna #255 , Old San Juan, San Juan, PR 00901
Phone: 787-725-4025 / 787-725-4105
This relatively small and hidden spot in Old San Juan lets customers order by the slice or whole. They even deliver! Do yourself a favor and order the namesake Pizzicorre; it doesn’t get much better than the simplicity of mozzarella and pesto.
Family Friendly Fare
Faccio Pizza Isla Verde @ Howard Johnson
Magno’s Pizza Palace
26 Ave Domenech, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-764-3756
Situated in the heart of San Juan’s Hato Rey neighborhood on Domenech Avenue, Magno’s offers a spacious and amiable setting for any occasion - from a business lunch to a gathering of friends and family - at very reasonable prices. The pizza might not be groundbreaking but it’s definitely worth the visit.
Faccio Pizza
Lobby Hotel Howard Johnson, Ave. Isla Verde, Carolina, PR
Ask for other locations
Phone: 787-268-7755
What started out as a single restaurant in the community of Cupey in the municipality of San Juan has branched out into seven franchises peppered throughout the greater metropolitan area. Faccio’s does pizza well: a chewy, thin crust, savory sauce and a variety of fresh toppings (my personal favorite: chorizo). Along with the pasta menu, their wide selection of beers and the easy-going ambiance make Faccio’s one of the island’s favorite dining spots.
Definitely Unique
Bistro Pizza
2424 Loiza Street, Punta las Marias
San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00917
Phone: 787-982-2000
A wood-burning, brick oven isn’t the only thing that makes this Isla Verde eatery stand out; the variety of non-traditional toppings will have you scratching your head. But bravery never goes out of fashion and, if you dare, you will find a whole new world of flavors (who knew nuts would taste good on a pizza?) Even if you’re not feeling adventurous, you can still try a traditional pie and be blown away; Bistro Pizza is second to none.
La Cueva del Chicken Inn
507 Ave Ponce de Leon, San Juan, PR 00919
Phone: 787-753-1306
Let me state right off the bat that this is my favorite pizza in Puerto Rico. It could be the fact that I’ve been going there since I was a kid. Or it could just be the crunchy, chewy crust, the tangy sauce and the toasted cheese that make it an utter delight. Feel free to add any topping you like, but you won’t get the same taste of perfection as a plain cheese pizza. It doesn’t hurt that the place also makes great chicharrones de pollo (unbreaded pieces of fried chicken).
The South American Flavor Tour
Pizzaiolo's savory Brazilian-style pies
Pizzaiolo
47 Ave. Isla Verde
Carolina, Puerto Rico, 00984
Phone: 787-268-0622
One of several pizzerias lining the Avenida Isla Verde, Pizzaiolo offers authentic Brazilian flare, not only with the food, but with the atmosphere created by the music and decor. The pies are covered with cheese, a small amount of sauce, and any fresh vegetables or meats that you can think of (sausage or chicken work very well but there is a wide array to choose from). Do have a Caipirinha if you are there, it would be almost a crime if you didn’t.
Ferrari Gourmet
51 Ave. Isla Verde, Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979
Phone: 787-982-3115
A few yards away from Pizzaiolo we find another South American flavor, Ferrari Gourmet’s Argentinian cuisine. Over forty different varieties of bold flavors and very hearty toppings characterize the restaurant’s pizza menu. A must for visitors staying along Carolina’s Isla Verde Hotel Strip.
Juan Pan Pizza
Ave. Piñeiro 1117, San Juan 00920, Puerto Rico
Phone: 787-792-6735
Another Argentinian pizzeria, this one on Piñeiro Avenue in San Juan. The ingredients go all the way to the edge of the pizza making the small crust it has super crunchy and the cheese around it deliciously golden. Very hearty, extremely satisfying and a quaint setting to boot. You can’t miss the building either - a giant mural in honor of “The King of Tango” adorns one of its sides.
When In Condado…
Danny’s International
1351 Ashford Ave., Condado, San Juan, PR
Phone: 787-724-0501 / 787-721-4231
Usually packed, and for good reason, I would venture to say that Danny’s is my second favorite pizza on the list. The soft, chewy dough and the unbelievable variety of specialty pizzas make each bite a pleasure unto itself. They haven’t reinvented the wheel, they just make some darn fine pizza. If you are feeling bold try the Puerto Rican specialty pizza with ground beef and ripe plantains (amarillos).
Via Appia
1350 Ashford Ave., San Juan, Puerto Rico
Phone: 725-8711
Featuring sidewalk tables for a better view of Avenida Ashford, Via Appia’s offering of Italian food and spectacular pizza make it one of the area’s most popular restaurants. There’s also inside seating for those not interested in people-watching (but still interested in pizza-eating).
The Night Cap (by the slice)
Pizza City's sign (hard to miss, even at night)
Mike & Charlie’s
1024 Ave. Ashford, Condado, San Juan, PR
Phone: 787-722-2480 / 787-722-2484 / Fax: 787-723-0118
Another pizzeria in Condado, and open till late so you can get a slice (or two) before heading off to who-knows-where. Small space but very friendly staff and pizza slices overflowing with toppings (they certainly don’t skimp on those).
Pizza City
5950 Ave Isla Verde
Phone: 787-726-0356
Let’s be honest, at 3 o’clock in the morning you’re not looking for anything complicated, you’ll settle for a nice cheese pizza straight out of the oven. Just another reason to love Pizza City. You could go there at anytime - the pizza is excellent - but it becomes magical when you’re desperate for something to eat and you see that great, big, kitschy sign welcoming you, and others, to sit down, relax, and enjoy.
Hope you enjoy the list (and the pizza). Found a new pizza place worthy of our list? Let us know by replying below and we’ll set our pizza-tasting experts loose!
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Ferrari Gourmet is great. Brick Oven
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
This list is good, but it’s too Metro Area centric. What about all the great pizza places throughout the island? Like the awesome pizza served by San Marino’s Pizza at Hormigueros.
Also, if you are in the Cupey area, try Il Tomate at Parana St. It’s a really small place that serves Argentinian style pizzas. Try the chorizo calzone. It’s the closest thing I’ve found in the island to Buenos Aires’ pizza, which, in my opinion (and I’ve been to Italy and all over the US) is the best pizza in the world.
Cheers and keep up the great work!
May 20th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Bistro is always the best, great people, fantastic pizza. Pizza lovers know that for a good pizza, it’s all in the crust
May 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Faccio is an excellent choice for families because it’s pretty affordable. Their pasta is great too.
Mike & Charlies has been a favorite at home since they first opened. Their quality has been consistent, and their chefs too. They also offer delivery. Even though they raise their prices from time to time, they are still an affordable alternative. They also have whole-wheat dough.
There is a good place in Loíza Street, in front of Pedro G. Goyco School called Casa Vittorio that offers a mix of Puerto Rican and Italian food. You may enjoy a whole broiled chicken, a churrasco with mofongo, a rich and creamy fettuccine alfredo, or a crispy, thin-crust pizza. Now, the pizza is done in front of you and cooked in a brick oven. It may have virtually any topping you can imagine and the ingredients have quality taste. They also deliver.
June 4th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Nothing in the world compares to Mario’s Pizza Palace, located in Caguas. They serve these over-sized Calzone’s that can barely fit the plate.
June 4th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Thanks for the recommendation! We’ll be checking it out for our second look at Top Pizza Places in Puerto Rico that will list places around the entire island. Know any other good ones we should check out on that trip?
August 6th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Luis is right, the best pizza is certainly in Caguas; Mario’s Pizza Palace. If you do ever go to Caguas, you’ve got to go there.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Muy bueno se come todo muy linpio y la coida muy rica
September 19th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
I am from Caguas and a pizza freak the first taste of pizza that touched my mouth was from marios then i lived in new york where arguably the best pizza is from and I can tell you that marios is amongs them it is faboulous!!!
September 25th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
The best and original Mario’s Pizza in Caguas is the one in Gautier Benitez St., inside Caguas Shopping Center. Mario’s sold franchises that are all over the city but each owner do the pizza in their own particular way (and are not the same as the original). The best is the one I just said.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I must agree with the best pizza in Puerto Rico is Mario’s Pizza in Caguas. I am 50 years old right now but the first time I went to Mario’s I must have been about 9 years old. That pizza is awesome. I am from NY and used to eating great pizza.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Definitivamente La Cueva del Chicken Inn es el lugar donde mejor preparan la pizza. Debe ser por sus más de 60 años de práctica.