If you’re walking through the Condado district in San Juan, you’ll see it. The buzz is hard to miss. People are dressed to the nines, standing outside a sleek facade, hoping for a table at Gekko, the high-end Japanese steakhouse co-owned by global superstar Bad Bunny and hospitality mogul David Grutman.
But here’s the thing.
Most people think this is just a "celebrity spot." They assume it’s all smoke and mirrors, a place where you pay $200 for a steak just because Benito’s name is on the door. Honestly? It’s a bit more complicated than that.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Bad Bunny Restaurant in San Juan
When Gekko opened its doors in Puerto Rico—following the massive success of its Miami flagship—the island went into a bit of a frenzy. It’s located inside the iconic San Juan Hotel (Fairmont El San Juan). That choice wasn't accidental. The hotel is a landmark of Puerto Rican nightlife history. By putting a restaurant here, Bad Bunny didn't just open an eatery; he claimed a piece of the island's cultural legacy.
It’s not a "Bad Bunny museum."
Don't expect to see "Un Verano Sin Ti" posters on the walls or waitstaff wearing bucket hats. This is a David Grutman production, which means the DNA of the place is rooted in Groot Hospitality’s signature "vibe-dining" philosophy. It’s dark. It’s moody. It’s velvet and gold and custom wallpaper that looks like it cost more than most people’s cars.
The Menu: Is the Food Actually Good?
Let’s talk about the Wagyu.
You’ve probably heard people raving about the steak, and yeah, it’s the centerpiece. Gekko focuses on a Japanese steakhouse concept, which means they are leaning heavily into premium cuts of beef and high-end sushi. They serve A5 Wagyu, which is that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth meat that basically ruins regular steak for you forever.
It’s pricey.
📖 Related: The Betta Fish in Vase with Plant Setup: Why Your Fish Is Probably Miserable
A dinner for two here can easily push past the $400 mark if you’re ordering drinks and several courses. But is it worth it? Most food critics and locals who have visited note that the quality of the ingredients is undeniably high. We aren't talking about frozen fish or subpar produce.
- The Lobster Fried Rice: This is a crowd favorite. It’s rich, savory, and usually topped with a generous portion of lobster.
- The Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice: A staple of the Grutman empire, and it’s just as consistent in San Juan as it is in South Beach.
- The Olive Wagyu: This is the rare stuff. Cows fed on toasted olive mulch. It’s decadent and arguably the most expensive thing on the menu.
The drink menu is equally curated. You'll find a lot of sake, Japanese whiskies, and cocktails that use tropical flavors—a nod to the restaurant's home in the Caribbean. The "Lava Stone" drink is often cited as a must-try for those who like a bit of theater with their booze.
The Vibe vs. The Reality
You need to know that this place is loud.
If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot to discuss your taxes or have a deep, whispered heart-to-heart, Gekko is probably not it. It’s a scene. It’s a place to be seen. The music is pumping, the lighting is dimmed to "party mode," and the energy is high-octane.
It feels like a nightclub that happens to serve incredible sushi.
One thing that surprises people is the dress code. San Juan can be casual, but Gekko is not. It’s "resort elegant" or "chic nightlife." If you show up in flip-flops and board shorts fresh from Isla Verde beach, you’re going to feel very out of place—if they even let you past the host stand.
Why Bad Bunny Chose San Juan for Gekko
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio is fiercely proud of Puerto Rico. We know this. While he could have opened a restaurant anywhere in the world—London, Tokyo, LA—he chose to bring his first major hospitality venture (alongside Grutman) back to the 787.
It’s a business move, sure. But it’s also about investment.
👉 See also: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
By bringing a high-caliber, international-standard restaurant to San Juan, he’s elevating the city’s status as a luxury destination. It creates jobs. It brings in tourists who might have otherwise stayed in their resorts. It’s part of a broader trend of Puerto Rican icons reinvesting in the island’s infrastructure and entertainment sectors.
However, there is a flip side.
Some locals have voiced concerns about the "Miamification" of San Juan. There’s a tension between traditional Puerto Rican "fonda" culture—where you get rice and beans for ten bucks—and these ultra-luxury spots that are out of reach for many residents. Gekko sits right in the middle of that conversation. It’s a symbol of the island’s economic shifts.
Practical Tips for Getting a Table
Think you can just walk in on a Saturday night?
Think again.
The Bad Bunny restaurant in San Juan is one of the hardest reservations to snag on the island. You basically have to treat it like you’re trying to buy concert tickets.
- Book Weeks in Advance: Use OpenTable or their direct booking site as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
- Go Early or Late: If the 8:00 PM slot is gone, try for 6:00 PM or 10:30 PM. The vibe at 10:30 PM is actually when the place starts to feel most "electric."
- Check the Bar: Sometimes, if you’re a party of two, you can find a spot at the bar without a reservation, but it’s a gamble.
- Don't Be Late: They have a strict grace period. If you’re 20 minutes late, your table is gone to the next person in line.
The Verdict: Hype or High-End?
It’s a mix.
Is there a "celebrity tax"? Absolutely. You are paying for the brand, the design, and the association with Bad Bunny. If you only care about the food and don't care about the decor or the "cool factor," you could probably find world-class sushi elsewhere in San Juan for 30% less.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Blue Jordan 13 Retro Still Dominates the Streets
But you aren't just going to Gekko for the sushi.
You’re going for the experience. You’re going because the service is usually top-tier (Grutman is a stickler for training), the atmosphere is unmatched in Puerto Rico, and frankly, the food is actually quite good. It lives up to the standards of a high-end international steakhouse.
It’s a piece of modern Puerto Rican pop culture you can eat.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to visit Gekko, here is how to handle it like a pro.
First, verify the current menu pricing. Prices in the hospitality industry fluctuate, and high-end beef is subject to market rates. Check their official website a few days before your reservation so you don't have "sticker shock" when the bill arrives.
Second, coordinate your transport. Parking at the Fairmont El San Juan can be a nightmare during peak hours. Valet is available, but it can be slow when the restaurant and the neighboring nightclub are both busy. Taking an Uber is often the smarter, stress-free move.
Third, explore the hotel. Don't just eat and leave. The Fairmont El San Juan has a stunning lobby bar with a massive chandelier that is worth a photo. Grab a drink there before your reservation to soak in the history of the building.
Finally, know what you're ordering. If you want the full experience, ask the server about the "Chef's Selection" or the specific origin of the Wagyu that day. The staff is usually very knowledgeable and can steer you toward the dishes that are actually worth the splurge versus the ones that are just "Instagram bait."
Skip the standard rolls you can get anywhere. Go for the signature items like the Wagyu Skirt Steak or the Bluefin Tuna appetizers. That’s where the kitchen really shines.