Lala: A Symphony for the Senses

Style and substance share center stage at Bad Bunny’s stellar eatery at the Mall of San Juan

Puerto Rican musical artist Bad Bunny has followed that recipe on his path to global superstardom, delighting tens of millions of fans around the world along the way. Luckily for food lovers, the same blend of qualities is on full display at Lala, his stellar new restaurant at the gleaming Mall of San Juan.

Located within a quick hop from a range of travel hotspots, Lala is accessible and elevated with a menu, setting and staff that combine to deliver a remarkable culinary experience. There’s magic in the air here – a symphony for the senses – as the elements combine to meet the eatery’s mission to be a destination for foodies, the adventurous and those seeking a night (or day) out that is beyond the ordinary.

Setting the scene, Lala strikes a balancing act in being both modern and homey. The airy space – soaring ceilings, contemporary colors, and chic furnishings – is exhilarating and inviting at the same time. Soaking in the settings as your host guides you to your table it becomes clear that plenty of thought and talent went into the shaping of the space which artfully incorporates a raw bar, cocktail bar, chef’s table, two private dining rooms and wine cellar with more than 300 labels. A DJ booth adds to the heady concoction.

Arguably the most striking feature in this stunning locale is the open-air kitchen, not surprising for a restaurant where substance never plays second fiddle to style. Simply put, while the ambience draws you in, it is the food that will keep adventurous diners coming back for more. Yet there is no clank and clatter from the kitchen, rather a sustained hum as the chefs compose remarkable dishes that mash up global flavors with top-notch ingredients.

The menu, while clearly marked by notes of Asian fusion, is out of this world. Worth noting is that offerings range from luxurious to familiar on a menu that serves Lala’s aim to make visitors feel at home regardless of where they are coming from.

Start with something from the raw bar, whether a progressive flight of oysters, a sample of nigiris or a selection from the crudo offerings. All super fresh and scrumptious. The appetizer offerings are no less impressive as the new spins are taken on salads, seafood, and other fare. Try the A5 Wagyu beef on a hot stone and prepare for liftoff.

Turning to Lala’s pasta course, think carefully edited rather than all encompassing. They regularly do about four pasta plates and they do them very well. No directions from us here, just know that you can’t miss regardless of which direction you choose to go.

On to the crescendo, the entrees, where crispy skinned salmon and swordfish schnitzel hold down the deep end along with pan seared Maine dayboat scallops. Grounding dishes include filet mignon, eggplant steak and pan roasted chicken. And although we can’t get into the myriad elements and techniques that go into each offering, suffice it to say the production team is at full stride. 

On the simpler side, but no less expertly delivered, are grilled selections finished on Japanese charcoal. Whole branzino, a 50-ounce tomahawk, Kurobuta double pork chops and a 16-ounce New York strip speak to Lala’s insistence on letting world-class provisions shine through.

But please save room for the finale – dessert. 

There is a not-so-secret ingredient at play that really pushes Lala over the top – which it its knowledgeable, personable, and professional staff of servers, runners, bartenders, and other pieces of the puzzle that make up this must-do dining experience. To watch them in action is something, a choreographed dance of constant motion that is efficient yet unrushed, considerate but never intrusive. Don’t hesitate to pepper them with questions regarding food and drinks, they know their stuff. And don’t shy away from taking recommendations on putting together a meal course-by-course. 

The gastronomic offer can be paired with a wine list that includes nearly 300 labels from wine regions around the world. Added to this is a designer cocktail menu that includes the Electric Lemongrass, Be humble, Jasmine, Yao Min, Chlorophyll, Lalalandia and Quickie. 

In addition, Lala offers several dessert options such as the Chocolate Praline Bar and the Tropical Tart. 

Lala encapsulates a multitude of representations rolled into one culinary haven.