Melissa C.
Yelp
Where do I even begin with this place? First, per usual, Yelpers know what's up. We read review after review and they all said that the food here was the best on the island. Pretty sure that's a fact.
Stuff to know: El Nuevo Acuario is in Piñones, just a short drive from Carolina toward Loíza. As others have said, when you first get there, you might think, "Wait. This is where I'm gonna get the best food in Puerto Rico?" Yes. Yes, it is, and YES. YOU. ARE.
We were greeted by big smiles from Leo and Dove, who filled us not only with righteous food and drink, but lively conversation, too. Just delightful humans.
To start, THE HOUSE-MADE PASSIONFRUIT MOJITOS. There were several other flavors, too, but WHOA. These were downright life-giving.
Everything on the menu sounded fantastic, and we dove right in, starting with their seafood sampler (easy choice when you have no ability to make a decision) that featured their firecracker grouper (light, crispy, perfectly spiced, amazing), octopus ceviche (to die for), calamari, and mofongo balls (I've had lots of mofongo on this trip and this was definitely the best--and it's not even close). Also got langostine (lobster) empanadas whose pastry was perfectly tender and flaky (also a don't-miss selection).
For the mains, my partner in crime had coconut shrimp, which were light, crispy, and wonderful, and I decided on the whole, fried red snapper with tostones. This may have been the best fish I've ever eaten. Light, perfectly seasoned in a way that just let the freshness of the fish shine through, and straight up perfection. The tostones, which you should totally get also, are made even better by dipping them in the restaurant's tamarind sauce.
To recap: NO FRILLS. Yes, yes, you ARE in the right place. Warmth, smiles, and the best seafood you'll find anywhere. I can't wait to go back.