Trust me, it wasn't easy. I had so many candidates on my "best restaurant in Puerto Rico" short list. It's a tribute to the terrific array of dining destinations around the island, from San Juan to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. But in the end, one had to reign supreme (to quote TV's original "Iron Chef"), and that culinary champion turned out to be Pikayo. What made it rise to the top of the mountain? The answer has to start with Chef Wilo Benet, a warm and friendly guy who just happens to turn Puerto Rican classics into culinary masterpieces. The food and the ambience at Pikayo are both original and transporting, and it is also the only restaurant (along with Chef Wilo's two other eateries in San Juan) where you can get Chef Wilo's signature wine. Finally, I had to listen to the popular vote. And of all the people I met during my frequent travels to the island, Pikayo was a unanimous choice as Puerto Rico's best. I'm just the latest to add my voice to the crowd.
I have to agree. Being on the Road traveling months non-stop and working for an International Consulting Company gave me the opportunity to get my good share of visiting many restaurants and eateries at all levels.
I had the privilege to have a meal with friends at Pikayo a week ago and it was a unique experience.
I highly recommend visiting the new facilities and getting an unexplainable experience.
I think this review is right on the Spot and if you really want to get the best representation of Puerto Rico’s highest cuisine. Pikayo is a MUST.
I have had the pleasure to eat at Pikayo and I must say, it was an awesome and memorable gastronomic experience! I also had the opportunity to interview Wilo Benet, for the book I am writing about authors, and I admire the many talents Wilo has besides the culinary ones, which include his photography and being a musician! His cookbook is part of my extensive cookery library, which has over 5,000 cookbooks;-) I actually have the English and the Spanish editions. Both of my books are signed by Wilo. Congratulations to Wilo!!!
I had the pleasure of tasting different appetizers and my favorite from Pikayo had to be the Popcorn Shrimp. I also tried the Red Snapper with Pastel and it was a great combination. Chef Wilo Benet has found a way to incorporate traditional Puerto Rican elements into his dishes. The ambiance plus his attentive staff are added bonuses.
Thanks for your comments, everyone! I’m a huge Wilo fan as well, and I had the pleasure of meeting him and trying all three of his restaurants; if you haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend Varita and Paya as well.
All the best,
Zain