If you love fun and funky Asian fusion...go to Dragonfly. Simple amazing.

In Old San Juan there is Il Perugino which is part of Hotel Convento, I believe the restaurant is across the street from the hotel. I have not been but it looks and sounds like the type of place you are looking for.

www.elconvento.com/dining/ilperugino.shtml

Another option (but this is not in Old San Juan) is Pikayo which is located in the Puerto Rico Museum of Art. This is supposed to be one of the best restaurants on the island. This one is on my 'To Do' list of restauants.

http://wilobenet.com/restaurants/pikayo/

have fun

www.visit-the-coqui.com/home

Chef Marisol... need reservations, the restaurant is small, cozy, excellent cooking by the owner - Chef Marisol.

Pikayo is another excellent option ant the Art Museum - De Diego Ave. (close to Condado) Reservations also needed.

You might want to try Barrachina (www.barrachina.com) they are very famous for their mofongo (plaintains with your choice of meat and creole sauce) and their pina coladas are amazing. The setting is absolutely beautiful and on some nights they have live music. I go here every year and this is authentic Puerto Rican food. I am Puerto Rican myself and am very critical of the food but this place never disappoints me. The waitstaff is attentive and the ambiance is just wonderful. Call them for reservations. Good Luck.

Il Perigino was a great Italian restaurant that my wife and I visited after good reviews here and elsewhere. It was near the El Convento in Historic area and we both really enjoyed it. Romantic and fairly authentic.

The Parrot Club was very good too. FANTASTIC Mojitos. I was never a big fan of this drink until being here during the Culinary Festival. Not only did they set a Guiness World record....they are pretty darn good compared with any Mojito I've had elsewhere. Appetizers, were good....the Steak my wife had was HUGE and delicious. I had some Pork Carnitas that was a great experience.

Funny thing is one of my best dining experiences in San Juan was Sonne (across from Parrot Club and beside Aqua Viva). It's mainly a Tapas style bar, but EVERYTHING we had was tasty as can be. Even the deserts were sized perfectly and were unbelievable. Maybe because they are so close to "the big three" is why it isn't reviewed as much.

If you have some time...try them out!

The Parrot Club, El Picoteo (in the Hotel El Convento for great tapas), Baru, La Bombanero (breakfast/mallorcas), Amadeus. Dragonfly is wonderful if you like sushi.

Buren (across from Convento) is very good. But as with many restaurants in OSJ, it is more fusion- not authentic PR food. Parrot Club is more trendy- very good PR fusion food. Dragonfly is Asian food- delicious but not PR!

It is hard to get a bad meal in OSJ!