The Best Vegan food in San Juan at Berlingeri’s Cocina Artesanal
I am picky when it comes to feeling part of something. It is almost impossible nowadays for me to walk into a venue and feel that I am part of it. But Berlingeri Cocina Artesanal , definitely makes me feel at home on every visit.
As a Vegan living in Puerto Rico, I can't state how difficult it is to get food on the Island.
I have said it so many times, even my friend and New York Times Best Selling Author, Chris Brogan starts a chapter in one of his books mentioning my struggle. That chapter in, The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits, and World Dominators, focuses on the fact that Business is about belonging.
Best Vegan Food and Service in Puerto Rico
What It is even more difficult to get in Puerto Rico is great quality food that is vegan and service.
Lately, my favorite place in San Juan to get a Vegan meal is Berlingeri Cocina Artesanal.
This is an oasis of great food, exotic flavors, awesome staff, and very creative cuisine.
Family and Locally Owned
This family-owned business pretty much sets the standard on what Artisanal cuisine is.
The owner, Joseph Berlingeri, creates an awesome menu that usually includes many vegan options. He usually accommodates requests to veganize any item on the menu.
I have visited at least 5 times and everytime I go, Berlingeri sets the bar higher. At this point Berlingeri is exactly what I want in a place to have a delicious Vegan lunch in San Juan.
Puerto Rican and Latin American Themed Vegan Cuisine
Some of the creations on the menu exceed what high-end and fine dining restaurants usually offer.
My Review of Berlingeri
This past week we visited and I brought my camera to capture some of the greatness.
In no way do my pictures will do the plates justice because the food is so delicious.
What to eat at Berlingeri?
The menu that day was made-up of all Vegan Plates:
- Potato Curry with “apio”, “verdolaga”, and lemongrass.
- Hummus Wrap
- Homemade Falafel Pattie
- Pastelon de Malanga filled with brecol, portobello mushroom, and beans.
With each entree you can choose up to two sides:
- Arroz Con Cilantro
- Lentils Salad
- Beets Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Green Salad
- Carrot Salad
- Sweet potato soup with coconut and peas.
I went with Lucy and we ordered two separate plates.
Her plate was a Falafel Pattie with two sides. One being a delicious cilantro rice and the other was lentil salad.
I myself asked for a Potato Curry along with the Cilantro Rice and a Beets Salad.
What to Drink at Berlingeri?
Berlingeri also has a Juice Bar. On the day we visited they were offering the following juices:
- Melon & Lemon
- Lemonade with Thyme
- Horchata
- Tamarind, Dates, and Curcuma
Lucy asked for a Melon and Lemon Juice and I asked for the Horchata.
The horchata was so delicious I had to order another one.
Take out for Dinner
As I finished my meal I took a bite of Lucy's Falafel Patty. That made me decide to take an order for myself so I could have that for dinner.
It's don’t normally go into a place to eat and order two plates. Most of the time it's hard for me to order one as a Vegan.
One of the best vegan desserts ever.
One of the cool things Berlingeri has is the fact that they have some solid vegan desserts. I ordered the Vegan Key Lime Pie.
When I took my first bite and tasted the glaze, I had to baptized it as my favorite Vegan dessert on the Island.
Great People and Awesome Food
Not only is the food great but the staff is awesome. The staff is always seeking to improve the experiences of anyone having a meal at the restaurant.
Yamil is usually the one taking care of serving guests. Take a few seconds and observe Yamil and the owner Joseph preparing the dishes once you’ve ordered ; you can see how nicely they decorate each plate and you can perceive how much they love what they do.
Where is Berlingeri Located?
Berlingeri is located near Kasalta Bakery. Kasalta is known by the locals and is well known for the place President Obama had lunch when he visited a few years ago. It was a big deal to have the first President visit the Island Colony since JFK visited.
Map Berlingeri Cocina Artesanal.
You need to Visit
If you live on the Island or just visiting, this is the one place you should go get a meal even if you're not vegan or vegetarian.
For now Berlingeri is #1 on my list to have a meal and I can't wait to find another reason to visit them in the coming weeks.
Berlingeri Cocina Artesanal On the Map