Puerto Vallarta

Ah Caramba

This restaurant is located atop a roof in the more residential part of Puerto Vallarta. They serve seafood that is freshly caught that day. Also they feature live music and a view that is unmatched. A very intimate setting. One of Puerto Vallarta’s very best kept secrets. The restaurant offers an exciting, ascending taxi-ride to the restaurant entrance, (high in the hills of Puerto Vallarta). The entrance to the restaurant is non-descript and belies what is to follow after walking a few shot stairwells. Upon entering the panoramic veranda, the view from table-side is phenomenal - panoramic east-to-west). The prices are very reasonable when taking into consideration the presentation of entree and service/accommodation.

Bacha's

This restaurant sits in the beautiful marina, surrounded by massive yachts and a peaceful ambience. The food here is very authentic and quite tasteful.

Cafe des Artistes

The restaurant is divided into 3 areas: Inside, outside with a view of the ocean, and the garden. The garden is the most beautiful of the three, with an artificial creek running through it. The food here is very tasty.

Daily 18:00-23:00

Chez Elena

Famous hotel and restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. It has been cited by Playboy Magazine and well known actors such as Peter O'Toole and Elizabeth Taylor.

CoexistBistro

formerly Coexist Cafe

Locals and tourists create a unique atmosphere, where music is definitely an ingredient you will enjoy. An eclectic menu, reflecting Mexican and international dishes. Live music daily!

Tue-Thu 08:00-18:00; Fri-Sun 08:00-02:00

Coffee Cup

An American-style coffee house that serves espresso, latte and cappuccino with local baked goods. It is still rare to find this type of coffee in Puerto Vallarta. Local art is displayed on the walls.

Daily 07ː00 - 20ː00·M100

EL Zoo Bar

This dance club is quite small but very fun. The dance floor doesn’t offer much room to bust a move but offers a great time to be had. Located on the Malecon it is in the center of everything.

Daily 11:00-03:00

El Palomar de los Gonzalez

Romantic restaurant serving innovative regional and international cuisine specializing in seafood. Outstanding views of the town and sea. Large cocktails with some unusual mixes like a cucumber pineapple margarita.

Daily 18:00-23:00·M$300

Galeria Colectika

Extensive collection of Mexican wood carvings and Huichol Indian yarn art and bead work.

Mon-Fri 10:00 - 20:00, Sat 10:00 - 18:00, closed Sun

Galeria Indigena

A shop specializing in Huichol art as well as art from other indigenous peoples. You'll see bead art everywhere, but this is one of a few shops that sell something at least a little more authentic than colorful beaded lizards and such.

Galería Omar Alonso

Dedicated to antique and contemporary photography, engraving and sculpture.

Gallería Pacifico

One of Vallarta's leading galleries since 1987; sponsors the Public Sculpture Walking Tour that starts at 21:30 every Tuesday on the Malecon, Nov-April.

Gringo Gulch

This small hillside residential area is where Elizabeth Taylor and other Hollywood names built vacation homes in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the mid-century luxury architecture is still on display.

LAMARA

A trendy space with over 20 different styles of ceviche and aguachiles, piled high on a plate for on a snack-size tostada.

La Bodeguita del Medio

Look for the distinctive round yellow sign. Good solid Cuban food, great drinks, and a cigar shop up front, but the real attraction is the excellent salsa bands, often imported from Cuba. The dance floor is a delightful mix of young people showing off their moves and older couples who can still cut a rug.

Daily 11:00 - 04:00

La Casa del Habano

Vallarta's best selection of real Cuban cigars. They also have a cigar bar.

La Dolce Vita

Lively Italian restaurant that's a popular night spot featuring live music and drink specials.

Mon-Sat 11:30 - 00:00, Sun 16:00 - 23:00

La Marina Vallarta Golf Club

Good accuracy is a must for this course due to narrow fairways that are guarded by water

La Piazzetta

Locals come for the delicious Naples-style pizza (the crust not too thick, not too thin, and cooked in a brick oven), but there's also great pasta and a good variety of entrées, like the cream-based salmon with caviar and lemon. For appetizers try the top-heavy (con molto tomate) bruschetta or steamed mussels with lemon, parsley, and butter. Most folks choose to sit on the open patio, but La Piazzeta also has an intimate dining room. Personal attention of the owner, Mimmo.

Daily 16:00-00:00

Las Glorias Beach

Quiet beach near the Hotel zone that generally caters to the all inclusive resorts nearby, but still has lots of activities (e.g. jet skis and parasailing. Public access to the beach is through side roads off of Route 200.

Los Arcos

4 arches on the Malecon. Free shows, music festivals and folk dance performances are held there.

Los Muertos Beach

The beach along the Zona Romantica. You will find some beachfront restaurants with "palapas" that you can rent per day or have drink in. It is a perfect place to relax and meet people who party all day. Also, there you will find the trendiest place of the moment, where to go, what to see, the best shows.

Malecón

The beachfront promenade stretching over 12 blocks of Centro, first built in 1936. It is lined with restaurants, souvenir stores, craft vendors and a collection of sculptures.

Mandala

Popular dance club where the beats keep pulsing into the wee hours. Very clean, professional with good security.

Daily 18:00 - 04:00·M$400 (cover)

Maria Baja

Delicious Baja-style fried fish tacos and generously-sized burritas (fish burritos). Order enough so that you can try them with each of the house salsas.

Mariscos Tino's

Up on a hill overlooking Vallarta, most tourists don't know about this place, frequented by local businessmen, and others looking to spend a buck for some fantastic seafood dishes. Some recommendations: tacos de marlin are excellent, and the "mariscada" or "parrillada" which is a huge sampler platter filled with house specialties. They also have another location operating as "La Laguana Tino's" at Blvd. Nayarit #393, Nuevo Vallarta in Bahia de Banderas (tel: 322 297-0221 or 297-6663)

Tue-Sun 12:00-21:00

Mauricio's

Somewhat unpromisingly located in a field next to an industrial area near the airport, this humble but clean and cheerful joint is a classic local spot for very high quality, inexpensive seafood. All taxi drivers in PV know where it is. It gets some tourist trade, but tourists are normally heavily outnumbered by local families. For dinner, go early; they close at 19:00.

Naval Museum Secretary of the Navy of Mexico

Museo Naval

Modern museum that tells the story of the Mexican Navy, with its roots in the Spanish Armada during the Spanish Empire. The museum features a large gallery of ship models, from the era of sailing ships, to today's modern patrol boats and sea going vessels. Lots of historical relics including cannons and military uniforms. Interactive displays where you can try your hand at piloting a modern ship.

Pipis

Authentic Mexican food. Fajitas and enchiladas to die for and also delicious margaritas of all flavors. Be prepared for a long wait, however it is worth it you will not regret waiting for this delectable treat. The only downside is that this restaurant is very touristy.

Planeta Vegetariano

Planeta Vegetariano serves a buffet-style vegan meal with a varied and changing menu. All-you-can-eat fresh juices, vegetables, salads, fruit, and many traditional dishes served "sin carne" are to be found. Reasonable prices. They serve a breakfast and lunch buffet, each with different dishes.

Daily 08:30-11:30 & 12:00-22:00