Update: Ajili Mojili is CLOSED. You will find the restaurant Casa Lola in that location now
If you are looking for down to earth traditional Puerto Rican and Caribbean influenced food then Ajili Mojili should be on your short list of restaurants here in Puerto Rico. The name Ajili Mojili comes from the lemon-garlic sweet chili salsa that is traditionally served here with fish or meat.
The restaurant is located in the Condado area of San Juan, close to the Condado Plaza hotel and the interior replicates Old San Juan with influences from Spain. The restaurant is large but still retains an intermit feeling. If you plan to go on a weekend be prepared to wait for a table, as it gets very crowded with both tourists and locals alike. Don’t be put off by the wait as the food is definitely worth it.
The menu consists of numerous traditional Puerto Rican starters, main courses that would be seen on every Puerto Ricans table at home, as well as traditional Puerto Rican desserts and coffee. I can definitely recommend the appetizer sampler for those of you that want to try traditional Puerto Rican food, as well as the Spidered Chicken, Mango Chicken, Stuffed Hen, Battered Halibut and any of the Mofongo dishes.
Service at Ajili Mojili is very attentive and the waiters dressed in traditional white and black with straw hats are excellent. They will ensure that your visit to the restaurant is a great experience.
On our last visit we were also entertained by a group of four University of Puerto Rico students who played traditional Puerto Rican music as well as traditional Spanish music. The only negative about our last visit was that the side room section of the restaurant was being used for a private gathering and the music that was being played did not fit with the main area occasionally. Having said that, we had a great evening, with great food and great service.
Ajili Mojili: located on Ashford Avenue. Tel: 787-725-9195
