Puerto Rico's Ultimate Hidden Gem Restaurant

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After a full day exploring El Yunque National Forest, we drove to one of the most beautiful restaurants I have ever experienced - Bacoa.
Bacoa is a renowned farm-to-table restaurant located in Juncos, Puerto Rico, celebrated for its dedication to sustainability and local cuisine - (normally) only about an hour drive from Old San Juan, and less than an hour from Liquillo Beach (near El Yunque).
Founded by friends Chef Raúl Correa, Xavier Pacheco and René Marichal, Bacoa takes its name from a traditional Puerto Rican farming practice, signifying a deep connection to the land. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on the property itself or sourced from nearby farmers. With a menu that highlights Puerto Rican food, Bacoa combines contemporary culinary techniques with traditional recipes, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the island's agricultural heritage.
The setting of Bacoa is equally remarkable, located in a rustic countryside environment that adds to the restaurant's authentic charm. Guests can dine on a scenic outdoor terrace surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tranquil and immersive experience. The ambiance complements the menu, allowing diners to enjoy the essence of Puerto Rican food in an environment that feels deeply connected to the island's culture and natural beauty. Bacoa's commitment to sustainability, local agriculture, and the community makes it a standout in Puerto Rico's dining scene, attracting both locals and visitors looking for a taste of the island's culinary traditions.
CONTACT BACOA:
bacoapr.com/en/
/ bacoapr
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--- WHO IS GARETH LEONARD? ---
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZbinr with a passion for slow, meaningful Travel. I have spent the past 14+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help educate and inspire people to “Travel Deeper.”
If you enjoy my work, please subscribe to this channel and turn on the notifications bell to stay up-to-date with my travel deeper adventures.
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Thanks for following along! 🙏
#puertorico #puertoricanfood #foodie #foodreview #foodvlog #garetheats #traveldeeper #garethleonard #travel #bacoa

[@TheKayaklover]

So far TWO of your videos made me shed tears. The first one was during your visit to the Yucatán Peninsula while you sat down with a Mayan ancestry people that cooked for you. The second is this one. You feel the honesty of your words and the passion. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico but live in California for the last 43 years. It is so refreshing to watch videos like this one where you can see the potential the Boricuas have to create new culinary concepts. THIS is 100% the definition of 'FARM TO TABLE' May the Universe bless you with much peace, love and above all great health. With it ALL is possible !!

[@mikemalave9527]

BBC wrote an article about Bacoa titled, “Is America’s best restaurant in Puerto Rico?” I went to Bacoa with high expectations and they blew my expectations away. It was definitely the best dining experience I’ve ever had! Gracias mi gente. 🇵🇷

[@ilyamuromets8534]

Yeah… I hope they don’t mean “American” in the sense of USA. Puerto Rico es de AMERICA pero no es USA.

[@dahliarodriguez4495]

I’m puerto rican i’m so happy to see other individuals love our food! 🧆🥙🍨🍹🇵🇷❤️

[@BM-df2mv]

First time I see one of your videos. I’ve always said that Puerto Rican food is underrated. The world needs to know that our food is delicious and flavorful. You can give testimony of that. Thank you for this video, it felt very honest. There are many other delicious foods waiting for you to try. You will not regret it. Enjoy your stay in PR 😊.

[@8325A]

Im from puerto 🇵🇷 and never heard of this place! Looks incredible!!

[@sandy-ke1kr]

That food looked so delicious. It's the kind of food you just can't stop eating because it's so good.

[@alexwallace6120]

Wow! It looks so beautiful, and the food do interesting, healthy, and, delicious. I live in Connecticut(Pr is a short flight, I hear.. lot s of Puerto Ricans living here. My late father's neighbors were from PR, had some cook-outs,and gave us some food. In In Hartford,,they have a whole Street, Park Steet, almost all Puerto Ricans, shops ,restaurants, and more. Hey even have a Parade and festival every year. looks like you had. Did you enjoy any of their Beautiful beaches?

[@mojojim6458]

Gareth really knows how to enjoy food, and show his enjoyment. You want to be there beside him, enjoying it with him.

[@ivonnesanchez4438]

.p9.. ...,....b l L😅😊

[@user-od4op6ng9y]

Wow!! I dont think Ive connected with food like this in a very long time. Extremely unique dishes and passionate driven for sure. I could feel the love they put into it. Hopefully Im blessed enough to one day travel there.

[@steph7valeria]

All that food looks amazing 🤩 I am glad you guys enjoy our gastronomy and our beautiful island 🇵🇷❤️

[@Nightshade047]

I thought of Anthony Bourdain too before you mentioned him. Miss him.

[@love4awmn]

Puerto Rico is beautiful… and the food is out of this world. ❤️🌺🇵🇷

[@nairobymarien.4916]

I ❤ my Puerto Rico, happy you love our island as much as a puertorican does.. Blessings ur way 🥰👏

[@gustavosantiago9624]

A real culinary gem in the mountains of Puerto Rico.

[@nypr10]

Hi from NYC! 🤗 All of that food looked delicious! 😋 Enjoy our beautiful island of Puerto Rico! 🇵🇷

[@armandos9135]

Thank you for showing us this place. I will definitely go there when I go back to Puerto Rico ❤

[@lourdessantiago3291]

I love that you visited and enjoyed Puerto Rico. This is my birthplace and I go back and forth as much as can. Our food is the best my dad loved to cook it. Our families and friends enjoy it so much. Thank you

[@robertsmith-zz7ot]

It's easy to get a real sense of the culture through your videos. Much like Anthony's and the shows he made. Great video. Keep 'em coming.

[@LuisOrlando-w4r]

Gracias por tanta delicia de mi bella isla de Puerto Rico provecho saludos éxitos

[@blancavazquez1305]

Thank you ...Gracia mi hermano...yes you have been adopted by our Madre Bornquen! And thank you for mentioning Anthony! Beautiful!

[@deevila704]

So glad I came across this video. Been dying to find a place like this in the island.

[@Panther55-ip7zb]

That meal looks incredible!

[@rosiemetha1413]

Thks for sharing my friend You always bring food to Life even through the camera lens 😅 I love that you Truly enjoy B safe out there

[@ShaneJBurke1]

❤🇵🇷absolutely love your videos but these in Puerto Rico truly touch my heart. I love how you tried all the traditional and new age meals with so much passion. I can’t wait for our vacation the next year! Gracias amigo

[@yamilzaidi6430]

I’m from the south of PR and haven’t gone will be my next destination for sure !! Thanks

[@Sasha-hm7wr]

This is my first time seen your videos and I really enjoy it! Im from the west side of the Island Aguadilla never been to that side of the Island. I also enjoy humble was the owner and how he explain everything.

[@socorroabreu6282]

Thanks. Happy that you enjoyed our food and island 🏝️.

[@sylvialopez9490]

Thanks 🙏🇵🇷🇺🇸 enjoy !!!!🎉

[@EvelynRodriguez-uu9jj]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Puerto Ricans and our beautiful island it's amazing I love it your making me hungry injoy your stay God bless you 👌👍

[@hectorrivera6624]

Nice, I love Puerto Rican food.

[@larentaestamuyalta6132]

Muchacho move to PR, thank you for visit my country 🇵🇷

[@WeirdButCute27]

HAY QUE RICO kRajO!!!!.... Vieques next please..... ❤❤❤❤❤

[@e2u20]

I was salivating while you were eating all of those dishes.... oh it brings back such a good memory in PR. And after that feast, all you need is salsa dance...wepa!!!

[@noemirodriguez8421]

My humble island 🇵🇷🇵🇷Love your clip ❤Puerto Rico in the house 🇵🇷

[@AZSH.TRACKZ]

Thank you for exploring Puerto Rico, mom moved out when I was 8 years of age so seeing you experience Puerto Rico today inspires me to plan a 2weeks get away filled of Boricua basilon 🐦‍🔥♥️✨

[@edstjames2779]

This is the Puerto Rico I wish was promoted more often. The coast is great, but the mountains have a magic feel to it. Plus the food is really good. BTW, things TASTE differently. Fruits and vegetables have a stronger flavor. Great video. My favorite restaurants are El Jibarito in Old San Juan and La Barca in Salinas. 💙

[@trentlindo6151]

Going on the bucket list 💪🏽

[@cfig5017]

DIACHE..que ricura..thank you for visiting la isla del encanto..I will definitely be there in January. Honestly everything you ate was awesome..the food..the owner, staff y the view A+++ across the board.. Bacoa se botaron..DE SHOW

[@stargazer5073]

I WANT TO GO THERE!!!! Wish they were in LA.

[@normagonzalez7470]

Travel to Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico.

[@stargazer5073]

@@normagonzalez7470 will do!

[@depthgod7672]

Wanna see this guy travel the globe trying food

[@eltripudiante]

I need to visit this place when I go visit Puerto Rico.

[@shirakawanaoya]

Been there twice and man... The best food I've had in a while

[@MrFunkadeIic]

The background view is so cool.

[@ChristopherVanDunk]

Wow, that was a lot of food, Gareth!! I need a bowl of those cod fritters/chips. And any custard works for me. Oh, look, a blue Travel Deeper t-shirt, or was that black?

[@Aric_1]

Wow what a beautiful place 😳 and the food looks amazing 😻

[@victoriouslove1658]

I miss PR so much

[@user-zg1ji8kd7u]

Man, I want to go visit there, everything looks soooo delicious

[@karenrn5607]

Loved the video!!! ❤

[@alexdelvalle4841]

This is why Hawaii and Puerto Rico are grateful for what they have because life is rich out there.

[@seff-g1e]

OMG that food looks delicious! Will be eating at that restaurant 😋

[@ElHuertoJFPR]

Love this good to know about this restaurant

[@hectormonclova7563]

Love that you have been very respectful and appreciative of the experience and everything it took to take place. And the part where you said Bourdain would have enjoyed brought me to the edge of tears. But I have to tell you, that Puerto Rico you discovered in your experience is an endangered species. After a debt contracted by mostly corrupt politicians, that damaged our credit, an Oversight Board from the Congress that controls the budget, a ravaging hurricane that damaged our economy further, a fraudulent energy distribution and transmission consortium from US and Canada that made our electricity bill the most expensive of any jurisdiction in the US, and a massive migration of the land's most young and productive people, we have entered a stage in our history of dispossession of our place in a gigantic gentrifying process, where those gems from the island are ceasing to be for their impoverished inhabitants. I tell you all of this, because I can see you can understand the value of what we have.

[@jacquigrippa9329]

Spectacular!!

[@onrode]

Bro I've always seen Bacoa. But I didn't know it was LIKE this, damn!

[@carmenjaniratarafacortes7405]

Amazing site Stay awesome, strong and happy I got you😘🥰

[@MariaSanchezOrtiz-sp1uh]

Welcome to my town Juncos PR la ciudad de los Mulos del Valenciano.

[@MariaSuarez-cw6ju]

Que chevere! Love this!

[@sandramoreno6043]

Fabulous!

[@christianmelendez4575]

Hey Gareth!! Anthony Bourdain visited Casa Vieja in Ciales Puerto Rico. You should try their food and drinks.

[@dunamisespada7289]

Can you do more videos of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 I’m Puerto Rican lol 😆 please thank you 😊

[@TheBoricuaGamer]

yummy yummy 🤤

[@normaespada7526]

Thanksss👏🤤💯🇵🇷 Wee, All of us, have to go👍👏🫶✨️

[@Adrian0-tx9nb]

This place, Casita Miramar and La Esquina Gastrobar… top 3 restaurants in PR.

[@lovelilpeep99]

I once had bunny stew in Colombia, it was like the best chicken stew I ever had, like better than chicken.

[@jimdellavecchia4594]

It opens early-at 3 pm

[@sanchopanzaandsonnycrockett]

Estas como batracio de alcantarilla!!!!!😂🇵🇷👌💐

[@imandoce4246]

Como perro en basurero.

[@noelnunez4918]

Listening the coquis at the end 😢

[@yasminperez6907]

I ben many places nothing like Puerto Rico ❤

[@raulogarcia7624]

You are🔥nice videos👍

[@ElBigRican]

I need all you Americans in this chat to understand something. Listen up. Puerto Rico is an American territory. What does that mean? It means if you're an American citizen you don't need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. Just a freaking license. That's it. Buy a plane ticket and visit this beautiful country. We are American too. We use American dollars. We are welcoming of everyone. We drive on the same side you do. We speak English, not fluently but enough to where we understand. English is taught in school mandatory for the very reason that we are able to communicate with visitors from the states. We might not be a State but we are American too!

[@HAHA-rm3ii]

What's the name of the restaurant?? What town? Thank you 🇵🇷 🇵🇷 🇵🇷 🇵🇷 🇵🇷

[@noguaynabita]

Bacoa, en Juncos

[@irenearroyo77]

Pricey though

[@lesbyberrios6753]

Where this place located in 🇵🇷...fir some reason my stupid dumb phone won't let me see the whole video...I know most of restaurants in 🇵🇷...but once I know where is located will tell you if I been there or not? And if not? Will love to try it...every year all countries around the world add more new restaurants to bring the taste of their culinary cousins to share with everyone...like in 🇵🇷💯✌️

[@streetfoodnetworkpk]

Very Nice Video good work enjoy food

[@Panther55-ip7zb]

How is your leg?

[@sencillo96]

🫡❤🇵🇷

[@jeannetteizquierdo215]

Life is good when you get free food lolol

[@Millie-do8mc]

No Macdonald wright

[@ricardoochoa9175]

I am from PR 200%, now in Spain. Those dishes look more SPANISH and FRENCH to me than Taino. We are MUCH MORE SPANISH than Taino. La cocina puertorriqueña es MUCHO MAS QUE las alcapurrias y el mofongo, GIVE ME A BREAK. Ahora estoy por toda Europa. En Canarias se producen plátanos y gandules, y se cocinan constantemente, Calabaza EN TODA EUROPA con todas sus variaciones. La cocina PUERTORRIQUEÑA ES MUY RICA Y VARIADA

[@normagonzalez7470]

Our food is a whole mix of the three races. We have more, much more 😋

[@noguaynabita]

De verdad,? Alcapurrias, gandules, calabaza nativa, pique, plátanos maduros...from Spain and France, really?

[@normagonzalez7470]

@@noguaynabita La forma de cocinar. Yo fui guía de museos históricos de PR y explicaba que el pastel tiene las tres razas mezcladas: Cerdo, jamón y aceitunas (Español) , Achiote (Taíno) y las verduras como guineos, yautía, plátano... (Africano), los sabores, una mezcla...

[@SgrhGehns]

Anderson Linda Martin Jason Lee Betty

[@SinthiyaAhamed-g6q]

Martin Timothy Williams Christopher Williams Sandra

[@MatrixDeception722]

PR is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Too bad 🇺🇸 does everything in its power to keep it financially poor.

[@andayaman]

How does it do that?

[@benitolopez9969]

Another morón liberal

[@saidissa8306]

The island's corrupt politicians are the one's responsible​@@andayaman

[@josh8837]

Nah bro i live here in PR it’s obviously the politicians robbing us stop 💀 33% of our funds goes towards education and the teachers over here gotta buy everything on their own, it’s rough

[@sencillo96]

​@andayaman how would you feel if I take an apple from your yard and sell it to you double the price, how would you feel about that, those that sound fair to you?....

[@Panther55-ip7zb]

I can’t believe you are still getting in unchlorinated water!

[@uha01]

Clickbait title, as a local, I have to say this place is not really what it seems.... went there for and order the ribeye with "coffee seasoning" and the damn thing had absolutely no flavor whatsoever... total disappointment for the price and hype of the place. Sure it's a nice place, but certainly is no "Ultimate Hidden Gem" at all.

[@ChristianRamos-my1ey]

looks good...but this is not Puert Rican at all....same concept...but different results...and some are not even close...

[@WilmaHooper-i2n]

White Margaret Wilson Cynthia Harris Michael

[@Quiblets]

One of the worst restaurants I have ever eaten in. I'm a local and their rabbit dish was a grandma's worst nightmare. That thing tastes like wet carton. 🤢

[@mildredreyes7633]

I'm shocked! It was that bad?

[@Quiblets]

​@@mildredreyes7633 Yes. I was raised eating rabbit, en los montes de San Lorenzo, and this was the worst rabbit I have ever eaten. It didn't smell like rabbit and it didn't taste like rabbit. Completely bland. Waste of money.

[@MartinGonzalez-j8j]

Wonderful 😊😊😊

[@keilaestela9833]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🍽️🍽️😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lalarivera8093]

❤🥹