Perhaps the premiere spot for brunch in the Old City, this bistro's blend of classic French cuisine with Mediterranean and Caribbean herbs and flavors, along with reasonable prices and down-to-earth service and atmosphere, make it a good bet any time. Algerian chef-owner Christophe Gourdain trained with star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and offers wonders such as baked goat cheese croustillant (in crispy pastry), hangar steak with sautéed potatoes and string beans, flavorful mussels Provençal, and delectable braised lamb shank. The frites (fried potatoes) can’t be beat. Kudos to the friendly wait staff who give savvy advice on the menu, as well as on other places to see and things to do in San Juan. This is one of the Old City's unexpected pleasures.