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There are many good restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, with more than three dozen on the South Side alone. "Restaurant Row" on Basilio Badillo street has some fifteen or more eateries in seven blocks, from Coco Tropical on Los Muertos beach to Hacienda Alemana, including those that serve Mexican (Cafe de Olla, Fajita Republic and Asaderos), Italian, German (Hacienda Alemana), international, American (Johnny's Diner) and seafood fare (Joe Jack's and Roberto's Puerto Nuevo). The malecon area also has many restaurants, with a number of them serving food (and playing music) such as La Bodeguita del Medio (Cuban music), La Dolce Vita (jazz), La Chata and Tequilas (mariachi), as well rock 'n roll at Viejo Vallarta. Vallarta has become a major attraction for people who enjoy fine cuisine, winning more gastronomic awards than any city other than Mexico City. You can be pretty confident that you'll not only have lots of good food while you're here but good service as well. Most of the major hotels also have their own specialty restaurants serving international cuisine. 'Casual but elegant' or 'casually elegant dining' seems to be the phrase in common use these days to describe going out to dinner in many Vallarta restaurants. the Flavors of Vallarta - by Lorenzo "Twig" Menne

Puerto Vallarta Restaurants

Listed here are some of Puerto Vallarta's popular, unique, fine or well-known restaurants. Some of these restaurants have live music during the winter months; you may wish to call for details. Many will accept only cash. All restaurants in Vallarta use purified ice and water. It is customary in Mexico for you to have to ask for the bill at the end of your meal. Tipping is the same as in the States, 15-20% depending on service.

Apaches Bistro - South Side - 443 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-4004
Steaks, seafood and continental, prepared by chef Andre from Europe. Delicious fare at reasonable prices. Next door to Apaches martini bar. Happy hour, 5pm-7pm.  Daily, 4pm-2am.

Archie's Wok - South Side - 130 Francisca Rodríguez.  Tel: 222-0411
Archie Alpenia was film director John Huston's personal chef for years. Now the restaurant is run by his wife Cindy and their daughter. Combines Chinese, Thai and Filipino food, and the place has its own lovely oriental garden. Tranquil atmosphere and delicious fare. The menu includes Filipino egg rolls, calamari, Thai style spicy noodles, garlic shrimp, Hoi Sin ribs and a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes. One half block up from Los Muertos pier. Among the best Asian food in town.  Mon-Sat, 2pm-11pm.

BananaCantina - South Side - 147 Amapas.  Tel: 222-2114
Serving breakfast downstairs at Choco Banana and lunch and dinner in the new BananaCantina restaurant upstairs. Menu includes salads, sandwiches, avocado enchiladas, crab ravioli, sea bass and two shrimp dishes. Voted best moderate priced restaurant in 2007 by Virtual Vallarta.  Mon-Sat, 4pm-11pm.

Barcelona Tapas - Central - Matamoros & 31 de Octubre.  Tel: 222-0510
Spanish restaurant and tapas bar with mixed seafood grill, charcoal grilled lamb, paella Valencia, duck and vegetarian dishes, as well a selection of cold and hot tapas. One of the better meals in town, with panoramic views of the bay. By owner and chef Bill Carballo. Reservations are often a good idea.  Daily, Noon-11:30pm

the Blue Shrimp - Central - 779 Morelos at Pipila.  Tel: 222-2280, 222-4246
Air-conditioned inside or an open patio outside for those that enjoy dining under the stars. Shrimp prepared a dozen different ways, lobsters, fish filets and rib-eye cuts.  Daily, 12 noon-11:30pm

Cafe Bohemio - South Side - 127 Rodolfo Gomez.  Tel: 044-322-134-2436
Classic cocktails and delicious food at reasonable prices on the outdoor patio area, with friendly service by owners Solomon and Christopher and staff. Standard dishes include chicken pomodoro, shrimp coco mango, cornish game hens, meat loaf, fajitas, grilled fish of the day, or the "Carne Especial" with a choice of chicken, beef or pork, as well as a full line of traditional mexican favorites. Quite popular. Happy hour, 5pm-7pm and 11pm-midnight.  Mon-Sat, 5pm-midnight. Closed Sun

Cafe de Olla - South Side - 168 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-1626
A great place for Mexican food, with reasonable prices and friendly service. The Mexican plate is probably the best in town and the ribs are delicious. Menu also includes chicken, beef, shrimp and traditional Mexican dishes. Be prepared to stand in line during the winter months. One of my favorite places to eat for years.  Weds-Mon, 10am-11pm. Closed Tues.

Cafe des Artistes - Central - 740 Guadalupe Sanchez.  Tel: 222-3228
Blends provincial Mexican with classical French cuisine under chef/owner Theirry Blouet.  Live piano music, original works of art and lush gardens enhance the romantic effect. Menu includes stuffed crab, roasted sea bass, marinated salmon and roasted duck. One of Puerto Vallarta's most well-known restaurants, winner of several awards for cooking and according to a local poll voted the overall favorite in town, as well as voted best service, best atmosphere and most romantic. Expensive.  Daily, 6pm-11:30pm.

De Santos - Downtown - 771 Morelos.  Tel: 223-3052
Mediterranean international cuisine from Spain and Italy in a chic environment. Main courses include lobster ravioli, rib eye, seafood stew and salmon covered in crispy potatoes. Open-air terrace dining in the back. After dinner the place becomes a straight disco nightclub, 10pm to 4am. House DJ spins a combo of flamenco, mood, lounge, and jazz music for meals and later. One of the owners is a member of Mexico's famous rock group Mana.  Dinner daily, 5pm-1am; music and dancing 11pm-4am.

Daiquiri Dick's  - South Side/los Muertos beach - 314 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-0566
California cuisine blended with traditional Mexican flavors, on Los Muertos beach. Menu includes filet of fish "Zarandeado" or "Portofino", BBQ spareribs, lobster tacos, butter fried prawns, chicken in Oaxacan mole. One of the overall favorites in town year after year according to local polls, and noted for its service. Definitely some of the best food in town. Owners Peter and Tari Bowman recently celebrated their 23rd anniversary at the restaurant, and have a new cookbook of their recipes out, Sand in Your Shoes. Closed Weds.  Daily, 9am-11pm.

El Arrayán - Downtown - 344 Allende.  Tel: 222-7195
Locally voted "Best Mexican" two years in a row. Old family traditional recipes from different parts of Mexico. The place has a welcoming atmosphere with a courtyard and a lovely arrayan tree growing there and plenty of original huichol art (photo at left). Menu includes shrimp pozole, fish filet, ceviche, plantain empanadas, duck "camitas" and "Chiquis" chicken breast. Owned and operated by Carmen Porras. Voted best Mexican restaurant in Vallarta the past 4 years. Weds-Mon, 6pm-11pm

El Brujo - South Side - Venustiano Carranza 510, at  Naranjo.
Mexican and seafood. This place has become popular for its reasonable prices and ample servings of good food. Expect to wait in line during the winter high season.  Tues-Sun, 1pm-9:30pm

El Dorado - Los Muertos Beach South Side - 102 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-1511
Seafood and Mexican specialties in one of Vallarta's oldest restaurants, since 1961. During the '60s and '70s when the South Side was mostly fields and woodlands, El Dorado was one of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's hangouts for meeting friends and drinking. Nowadays it's a favorite among local gringos, especially for lunch. Sculptor Ramiz Barquet's work "Sharks in Spiral" graces the little square at Pulpito street and Los Muertos beach between the El Dorado and La Palapa restaurants.  Daily, 8am-10pm.

Fajita Republic - South Side - 188 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-3131
Beef, chicken, shrimp, combo and vegetarian fajitas are the specialty of the house. BBQ ribs and traditional Mexican plates as well. Ample delish portions and moderate prices make this place popular. New location. One of my favorites.  Daily, 5pm-11:30pm

Hacienda Alemana - South Side - 378 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-2071
Good German and international food prepared by chef/owner Mike Pohl from Bonn and served in an open garden restaurant. Menu includes schnitzel, cordon bleu, fish filet and veal bratwurst. (Formerly the Cafe Frankfurt). Nov to May, typical German buffet including draft beer on Mon, Weds and Sat from 6pm-11pm.  Weds-Mon, 11am-12:30am.

Joe Jack's Fish Shack - South Side - 212 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-9752
Fish and chips, fish tacos, burgers. Some tasty dishes!  Daily, Noon-11pm.

La Bodeguita del Medio - Downtown - 858 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-1585
Cuban cuisine in the upstairs and downstairs dining areas with pleasant views of the malecon and the Bay. Live traditional Cuban music, boleros and rumbas with Del Yayabo from 9pm to midnight or later (photo at left). Cuban cigar store too.  Daily, Noon-2am.

La Palapa - Los Muertos Beach South Side - 103 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-5225
One of Puerto Vallarta's loveliest beach-front restaurants, recently totally remodeled. Mexican and international cuisine, with candlelight beach dining. A romantic setting and tourist favorite. Casually elegant. Expensive. Acoustic guitar accompaniment, light latin jazz, 8pm-11pm.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm.

La Piazzetta  - South Side - 143 Rodolfo Gomez at Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-0650
Over 20 kinds of delicious Southern Italian style pizza, as well as pastas and traditional Italian plates. Often voted the best Italian restaurant and best pizza in town. Good service too and very popular year round.  Mon-Sat, 4pm-Midnight. Closed Sun.

La Tia Catrina - South Side - 202 Francisco Madero.
Tapas, seafood, mexican dishes and other delights. Good quality with reasonable prices. Popular with locals and tourists; recommended. Friendly owners Erin and Hector. Closed in summer.  Mon-Sat, 5pm-11pm.

Le Bistro Jazz Cafe - River Cuale Island, Local 16-A, East Bridge.  Tel: 222-0283
International cuisine and an ambience that is unique to Vallarta, with upscale decor and beautiful plants, located along the Cuale River. Menu includes Mexican and vegetarian dishes, coconut tempura shrimp royale and crab sashimi. One of the oldest and most well known restaurants in town known for its extensive jazz collection and the romantic atmosphere. A favorite since 1979.  Mon-Sat, 8am-Midnight.

Marazul - South Side -336 Olas Altas on Los Muertos beach. Tel: 222-0577
Beachfront with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Mama Dolores - South Side - 534-B Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-5897
Serving simple American and Mexican food at reasonable prices, with dining inside and streetside. Menu includes chicken and pork dishes, fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and burgers and a few Mexican specialties. New ownership, same location since 1996. Voted best inexpensive Vallarta restaurant in 2007. Closed June-August. Sunday is turkey night, 4pm-11pm. Happy hour, 4-6pm.  Tues-Sun, 4pm-11pm

Oscar's - Central - Cuale River Island, Local #1 West Bridge.  Tel: 223-0789
Located at the west end of the Island in the Cuale River, the restaurant offers dining under a large thatched palapa with views of the river and bay. Menu includes Lobster bisque, grilled shrimp, and traditional Mexican and American dishes.  Daily, 8am-11pm.

the Pancake House - South Side - 289 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-6272
Memo's breakfast place is popular, so you may have to wait in line. Pancakes, omelets, waffles, eggs and Mexican dishes. A pleasant open interior patio too. In June '03 the Pancake House was rated "the best place in the world to go for breakfast" by International Living.  Daily, 8am-2pm.

Picnic - South Side - 154 Pulpito at Olas Altas street.  Tel: 223-2353
Same great menu as the old Chiles restaurant: hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, veggie burgers and roasted chicken to go. Friendly service, tasty food and reasonable prices. They deliver.  Mon-Sat, Noon-8pm.

Pipi's - Central - 807 Guadalupe Sanchez at Pipila.  Tel:  223-2767
Specialties include steak, chicken, shrimp and fish fajitas. Often crowded with tourists; serving traditional Mexican food since 1986. Noted for its large drinks and plentiful servings.  Daily, 11am-11pm.

Planeta Vegetariano - Central - 270 Iturbide; and North Side - in the Marina at Edificio Marina del Rey, Local #4.  Tel: 222-3073 and 209-0555
A wonderful little place with an all-you-can-eat vegetarian lunch buffet for only 65 pesos, including drink and dessert. A la carte menu for dinner, 7pm-10pm. Colorfully decorated with a tranquil atmosphere to compliment the good food.  Mon-Sat, 8am-11:30am for breakfast and 11:30am-10pm for lunch and dinner.

Red Cabbage Cafe - Remance - 204-A Rivera del Rio.  Tel: 223-0411
This charming out of the way place along the Cuale River in a typical Vallarta neighborhood is filled with movie photos and posters. Regional Mexican food with specialties from all over the country including divine chiles en nogada, intricate chicken mole from Puebla, and hearty carne en su jugo (steak in its juice). In addition, the vegetarian menu is diverse and tasty. Attentive service. Woman owned and operated. Frommer's rates it as "exceptional traditional Mexican cuisine".  Daily, 5pm-11pm.

The River Cafe - River Cuale Island, local #4, West Bridge.  Tel: 223-0788
International cuisine such as diver scallops, rainbow shrimp, filet mignon, rack of lamb, soups and salads. Seating on the terraces along the banks of the Cuale River with a pleasant natural setting. "Casual but elegant dining."  Daily, 9am-11:30pm

Trio - Central - 264 Guerrero.  Tel: 222-2196
"Casually elegant", featuring gourmet food that combines Mediterranean cuisine with the traditional flavors of Mexico. Stylish decor with art work by local artists and a patio in the back. Chef Bernhard was once cook at Kaiser Maximilian restaurant. All reports indicate that Trio Cafe prepares one of the best meals in town.  Lunch, Mon-Fri, Noon-3:30pm; Dinner, 6pm-Midnight.

Uncommon Grounds Buddha Lounge - South Side - 625 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 223-3834
Restaurant, lounge, cafe, aromatherapy bar, boutique. Unique in Vallarta, a multi-sensory experience. Reservations recommended Fri and Sat evenings. Oct-Apr: Weds-Sun, Noon to close; May-Jun: Weds thru Sun, 5pm to close.

Vista Grill - Alta Vista - 377 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-3570
Romantic mood, excellent cuisine and stunning views of the town and bay make this restaurant a fine dining experience. Main courses include grilled salmon, braised short rib, duck confit and five-spice shrimp. Expensive.  Daily, 5:30pm-11:30pm

Vitea - Downtown - Libertad #2 and New Malecón.  Tel: 222-8703
Oceanfront bistro located on the the stretch of the New Malecon between the Arches Amphitheater (los Arcos) and the new pedestrian bridge over the Cuale river. The place has a modern eclectic decor and an excellent selection of wines. Sandwiches, quiche, salads, pasta, filet mignon and seafood. By the owners of Trio restaurant. Casual, no beach attire.  Daily, 8am-midnight
 

Briefly, here are a few other Puerto Vallarta restaurants:

Brasil Steak House - South Side - 210 Venustiano Carranza.  Tel 222-2909
Serving twelve different kinds of meat barbecued on the grill, classic churrascaria style - all you can eat for around $17 includes vegetables, soup, chicken wings and salads. Also in Nuevo Vallarta.  Daily, 2pm-11pm

Casa Naranajo - South Side - 263 Naranjo at Lazaro Cardenas street.  Tel: 222-3518
Seafood, beef, salads in a small pleasant setting. The dishes noted for their slight flavor of orange. A little off the beaten track but all reviews indicate it was worth the time. Daily, 5:30-11:30pm

Chez Elena - Central - 520 Matamoros.  Tel: 222-0161
Romantic garden restaurant known for its diversity of Mexican dishes and international specialties. The rooftop bar El Nido has a panoramic view of the city and bay. Menu includes grilled catch of the day, chicken mole, several vegetarian choices and a savory Mayan pork dish. Opened in the 1950's by the original "Elena" and operated since 1980 by Gloria Whiting.  Dinner, 6pm-11pm.

Coco Tropical - South Side - 101 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-5485
International food with pleasant views of Los Muertos beach.

El Panorama - Central - Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez and Miramar.  Tel: 222-1818
The top three floors of the Hotel La Siesta make this restaurant famous for its panoramic views of Banderas Bay. Seafood and international cuisine with violin, guitar and grand piano accompaniment.  Daily, 5pm-Midnight

Freddy's Tucan - South Side - 245 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-0778
Restaurant-bar is popular with locals and tourists alike mainly for breakfast (no dinner) in the open interior patio and streetside. Waffles, french toast, omelets, and pancakes and a few Mexican dishes.  Daily, 8am-2:30pm.

Kaiser Maximilian - South Side - 380-B Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-0760
Combination of old and new world cuisine with a specialty of traditional Austrian and European dishes. Delicious fare such as braised baby lamb strips, mahi-mahi, sautéed squid and San Blas shrimp. Inside dining with a/c or outside on the sidewalk. Among the better meals in town. The Maximilian Espresso cafe, open 8am-Midnight, serves 20 different coffees, Austrian pastries and ice cream.  Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm. Closed Sun

La Chata de Guadalajara - Central - 708 Paseo Díaz Ordáz.  Tel: 222-5530
Mexican food on the second level up, with balcony views of downtown Vallarta and the ocean; sometimes with mariachi music.

La Dolce Vita - Central - 674 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-3852
Serving great northern Italian food, on the malecon with ocean views upstairs. Sometimes live jazz music 9-11pm, Thurs-Sat.  Mon-Sat, Noon-2am; Sun, 6pm-1am

La Fonda - South Side - 318 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-9447
Steaks and seafood. Breakfast, lunch and dinner; with dining on the open terrace in the back.  Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm

Mi Querencia - Central - 426 Morelos.  Tel: 222-2030
Mexican food in a pleasant traditional ambience with views of the downtown malecon and Banderas Bay.

Outback Steakhouse - North Side - 4690 Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio.  Tel: 225-4906
Food, decoration and atmosphere consistent with the Outback Steakhouses worldwide, family-friendly and comfortable. Near the Hacienda Buenaventura and Krystal Vallarta hotels.  Sun-Thrus, 1pm-11pm, Fri-Sat, 1pm-midnight

Papaya 3 - Central - 169 Abasolo.  Tel: 222-0303
Vegetarian as well as "100% natural food". Big salads, fruit shakes, sandwiches, Mexican dishes and other delicious fare. Ample portions and good service.  Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm and Sun, 9am-5pm

Paradise Burger - Central - 740 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-2328
All American fare with some Mexican specialties added in to spice things up, and a good location oceanfront in the middle of the Malecon. They sometimes have live rock 'n roll in the evening.  Daily, 10:30am-Midnight.

Porto Bello - Marina - Marina Sol Local #7.  Tel: 221-0003
Canadian owners Mario Nunes and Maurizio Pelligrini have a fine Italian restaurant here with pleasant views of Marina Vallarta, the large patio overlooking the yachts and mountains. Inside seating with a/c. Menu includes cannelloni, fusilli Porto Bello, veal scaloppine with white wine cream sauce, sautéed fish fillet, and tasty deserts.  Daily, Noon-11pm.

Spiaggia - Central - 109 Uruguay, Col. 5 de Diciembre.  Tel: 223-3722
Beachfront restaurant and lounge bar with a 40 foot high palapa, serving contemporary Pacific-rim cuisine.  Daily, 11am-2am

Steve's Sports Bar - South Side - 286 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-0256
Proto-typical sports bar with American food and drink and lots of televisions to watch your favorite game.  Daily, 11am-10pm.

Suzie Wong's - Marina - Royal Pacific, Local 124.  Tel: 221-2057
Chinese specialties include Mandarin beef, Buddha feast, Peking duck and General Cheng's chicken. Dining on the Marina Vallarta boardwalk, under the palm roof or with a/c in the dining room. Landscaped with rocks gardens, tropical plants and waterfalls.  Daily, noon-midnight.
 

Natural Foods Store

AgroGourmet - North Side - Avenida Francisco Medina 2820-A (across from the Marina Terminal).  Tel: 221-2656
Natural and organic fruits, cereals and grains, vegetables, herbs, fine cheeses, pastas, teas & spices and other fine products. Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm; Sun, 10am-4pm
 

Special Notes

Puerto Vallarta readers' Choice Awards 2007 can be found here. This year the winners were selected by Puerto Vallarta visitors and residents alike who filled out the on-line voting form between Feb 1 and June 15. Some 11,000-plus votes were submitted in 44 categories. Everyone has their favorites, but this list will perhaps help you to decide some local favorites. I consider it somewhat difficult to have a bad meal in Puerto Vallarta, though going out to eat in town is getting a bit pricey.

Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet  -  Nov 13-23, 2008
The annual Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet in November features the culinary talents of local chefs of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit state, as well as some guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels. Highlights of the Festival include cooking classes, cheese seminars, Tequila Madness Night and the exceptional Gourmet Brunch at Café des Artistes  Participating restaurants include Bianco, Bogart's, De Santos, La Palapa, Porto Bello, the River Cafe and some fifteen others.
 

Note: The info on this and other pages was deemed accurate when posted, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm any rates and details directly with the businesses in question before planning your trip or night out.
 
 

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