Tourist arrivals to Puerto Rico reached an all-time high in 2021, surpassing even the record-setting year of 2019. During a November visit, San Juan’s restaurants felt noticeably busier than usual, reflecting the island’s strong rebound.
For Vianda’s chef Francis Guzman and his wife Amelia Dill, that renewed interest was welcome. The couple opened their modern Santurce restaurant in 2017, navigating the aftermath of hurricanes Maria and Irma while they were still getting established. After earning recognition as a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and being named Puerto Rico’s “most exciting new restaurant” by Eater in 2018, Vianda faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
Chef Frances Guzman and Amelia Dill © Joanna Tricorache
P uerto Rico emerged as one of the Caribbean’s safer destinations during the pandemic, thanks to high vaccination rates. As travel returned, leisure and business visitors flooded the island, and Vianda’s online reservation system began filling quickly.
“Vianda offers a small, constantly evolving farm-to-table menu built around local ingredients and products,” Guzman explains. “That approach lets us highlight the best of Puerto Rico—its agriculture, flavors and warm hospitality—while keeping the menu fresh and seasonal.”
Santurce itself has seen gradual revitalization. Once a thriving downtown area that suffered decades of disinvestment, the neighborhood is regaining momentum through its vibrant arts community and an expanding roster of restaurants and cafés. While some vacant or hurricane-damaged buildings remain, new businesses and cultural institutions are reshaping the streetscape. Vianda sits near cultural anchors such as the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico, along with multiple galleries, bookstores and small eateries.
Gambas © Joanna Tricorache
Guzman, a native of San Juan, and Dill, from Philadelphia, brought more than two decades of experience from San Francisco and New York restaurants to their San Juan venture. Vianda focuses on approachable, well-priced Puerto Rican cuisine that emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include a roasted beet salad with horseradish vinaigrette, chicken and cheese empanadas, generous gambas, pork belly served in a coconut broth, and fresh halibut with mashed potatoes and turmeric.
The restaurant’s design complements the food: large front windows that look out onto the street, patterned tile floors, soft ambient lighting, local artwork on the walls and attentive, friendly staff. The combination of thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking and a welcoming atmosphere makes Vianda a standout dining destination in Santurce.