From Flavors to Flair: Why Dining at Lala Puerto Rico Is the Ultimate Guilty Pleasure
Sayonara to my waistline! Because Lala Puerto Rico has redefined indulgence, and I’m here to happily report that every delightful dish makes those extra calories worth it—if that’s not a glowing endorsement, I don’t know what is! As soon as you step into Lala, you’re embraced by an ambience that strikes the perfect balance between cozy and chic.
The semi-romantic lighting sets a serene mood, creating a spacious feel rather than the claustrophobic vibe that often accompanies trendy establishments. Less “bumping elbows” and more “fine dining bliss!” As a self-proclaimed foodie who has a zero-tolerance policy for style-over-substance restaurants, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Lala offers both undeniable aesthetics and a culinary experience located at the intersection of ‘pretty’ and ‘flavorful,’ much like my dating preferences.
Dining with a group of friends turned my evening into a lively gastronomic escapade, though my primary challenge became preventing my companions from attacking the dishes before I could snap a photo. Every plate that arrived looked like a masterpiece, and the flavors? Even better.
We began our culinary journey with the Roasted Garlic & Tomato Confit Focaccia. This dish is a winning combination of crunchy and moist, enhanced beautifully by invited olive oil and sweet-salty dehydrated tomatoes—truly, you can’t go wrong here! Next, we moved on to the Crispy Rice Tuna Tartare with Sweet Shoyu and Scallion. Although the tuna’s essence was gently subdued, it harmonized flawlessly with the sweet sauce, catering to my sweet tooth very nicely. If salty is your jam, however, you might want to tread carefully.
Continuing our Roman feast, we dove into the Tempura Shrimp; despite its fried nature, the shrimp remained vibrant and fresh. If you’re on the hunt for a couple of standout dishes, I recommend focusing on Lala’s experimental cuisine, especially the pastas—one of which featured a heavenly cheese filling ,Barriguita Caramele, made off mascarpone, goat cheese, and sage brown butter and praline decoration which makes the dish unique. It was without a doubt one of the culinary highlights of the evening.
Quality pasta was the theme of our night, with each dish boasting seductive textures and sauces that struck a beautiful balance between creamy and fresh. I sampled a ceviche that, while solid, didn’t give me the ‘life-changing’ experience I was hoping for—though I hear the fish options, steeped in classic Puerto Rican flavors with a gourmet twist, might steal the show on my next visit.
Now, let’s talk about the dessert assortment that sealed the deal on my dietary rebellion. I fully surrendered my calorie count for the Chocolate Praline Bar, a dreamy concoction of Hazelnut Mousse, Devil’s Food Cake, and Salted Caramel Sauce. Truly, it was like a romantic bliss wrapped in chocolate! The Tres Leches, which I usually avoid like the plague, surprised me with its perfect moisture balance—not overwhelming, but indeed delightful. My friends also raved about an ice cream of the day, which I unfortunately couldn’t partake in as it vanished before I could get a spoon. But judging by the looks of ecstasy on my friends’ faces, I’d say it must have been heavenly.
Though my heart belongs to the Chocolate Praline Bar, I’m definitely open to a sweet affair with the Tropical Tart next time—it features Passion Fruit Curd, Lime Crumble, and Vanilla Diplomat. If you lean more towards fruity desserts, make this your new obsession.
Lala is a culinary haven that seamlessly combines ambiance, flavor, and a hint of culinary mischief—a truly vibrant experience I’d love to relive. Not only did I plan an immediate return during my trip, but I can wholeheartedly say that Lala deserves a spot on your must-try list. Grab your food-loving friends and prepare for a delectable adventure—you’ll be glad you did!
TEAM CREDITS:
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Ruben Chamorro (@rubcha)
