Restaurante Alexandra (Copamarina Beach Resort, Carr. 333, km 6.5, 800/981-4676, U.S. tel. 800/468-4553, daily 6–10 p.m., $19–32) is that rare thing in Guánica: an upscale fine-dining establishment. The lovely enclosed ocean-side restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows hung with long sheer white curtains that set an elegant, romantic mood for your meal. The menu serves classic continental and New American cuisine, including osso bucco and pan-seared duck breast in port wine mango sauce.

San Jacinto Boats and Restaurant (Carr. 333, 787/821-4941, daily 3–10 p.m., $8–25) is a rustic fish-camp kind of establishment in a rambling old two-story white clapboard building overlooking the water. The restaurant serves seafood Puerto Rican–style, including mofongo stuffed with lobster or shrimp, octopus salad, and fried whole fish, as well as steak and pork chops. Outside there is a small walk-up kiosk where water-sports enthusiasts can grab an empanadilla on their way to Gilligan’s Island.

Festival del Juey, held in mid- to late June in the town of Guánica, celebrates the crab with a variety of local dishes made from the crustacean.