The Bottom Line
On Fortaleza Street there's no shortage of exotic, non-Puerto Rican cuisine. Indian, French, and Asian flavors cluster among more traditional menus. In this eclectic mix, Fratelli does quite well for itself, thanks to above-average Italian food, a great vibe, and a late-night conversion into one of the nicest bars in Old San Juan.
Pros
- Delicious Italian cuisine
- A fun, laid back environment
- A bar and lounge scene that carries on until two or three a.m. on weekends
- A nice change of pace from Puerto Rican cuisine
Cons
- The menu is not the cheapest on the block
Description
- Don't forget to try the tiramisu, made with homemade whipped cream, or the crème brulee, which is flambéed table-side.
- I'm a big fan of Fratelli's risottos, which are rich and flavorful.
- Among the house cocktails are the Lemoncello Martini and the Sexy Fratelli...but also try their excellent apple martinis.
Guide Review - Review of San Juan’s Fratelli Combo
Located on 310 Fortaleza Street, Fratelli couldn't ask for a better location in the heart of Old San Juan's SoFo district. The Italian trattoria attracts a fun young crowd who come for the very good Italian fare. In addition to traditional basics like osso bucco, antipasto misto, and a variety of pastas and risottos, Fratelli throws in a few Italian-Puerto Rican fusion dishes that are positively scrumptious. Examples? The tuna carpaccio with an avocado truffle relish is a good way to start your evening. Their Al Cartoccio is a braised baby halibut wrapped in plantain leaves. And the restaurant's take on the ever-popular surf n turf is a healthy chunk of lobster tail perched on a succulent filet mignon, which in turn is nestled in a bed of lobster linguini ... yes, it's as good as it sounds.
And then there's the nightlife part of the restaurant. From Thursday to Saturday nights, the restaurant gradually morphs into a bar and lounge. It's a pleasant alternative to some of its competitors because it is a spacious space with a broad bar space and fun, blaring music. It's got a more casual vibe than, say, nearby Dragonfly, and it's not uncommon to find Sanjuaneros dancing the night away on the makeshift dancefloor where, not long ago, elegant tables filled the main room. If you like good food, a chill atmosphere and a fun crowd, try a night of drinking, dining and dancing at Fratelli.
