Where to eat in Puerto Vallarta
28 independent restaurants, bakeries and food spots in Puerto Vallarta. Chains are left out.
Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.
Where to eat in Puerto Vallarta
- Eat
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.
- Eat
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.
- Eat
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
- Eat
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.
- Eat
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
- Eat
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 - 20ː00M100
- Eat
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 18:00-23:00M$300
- Eat
LAMARA
A trendy space with over 20 different styles of ceviche and aguachiles, piled high on a plate for on a snack-size tostada.
- Eat
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
- Eat
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.
- Eat
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
- Eat
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.
- Eat
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.
- Eat
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
- Eat
Red Cabbage Cafe
A funky restaurant up the hill from the main streets. Its theme is Frida Kahlo and features pre-Hispanic recipes.
Mon-Sat 17:00-23:00
- Eat
Rincon de Buenos Aires
This is a steak house that is simply put amazing. Their menu features a 900-g (2-lb) tenderloin that is marvelously prepared. They also offer a decent wine list. The setting is beautiful and the food even better.
Daily 16:00-23:00
- Eat
Señor Frog’s
This restaurant is mostly known for its club-like environment. At night it is one of the most popular and exciting clubs. During the day though it offers good food that might remind you of Hooters. Owned by the same folks as Carlos O'Brian and similar atmosphere.
Daily 10:00-02:00
- Eat
Street food on the Plaza del Pitillal
Here you find a quite good variety of street food which you may not have eaten before. The stalls are open in the evening.
- Eat
Tacos Chilo
You get a small taco for M$6 (Nov 2021). It's at in the Calle Honduras/Colombia. There is another in the Calle San Salvador/Colombia. You can sit directly in front of the fry top. They are open 24/7.
- Eat
Takos Panchos
Right next door to Cafe de Olla has awesome al pastor tacos. Opens around 18:00 and is open late. Get there early to avoid a wait.
Daily 18:00-02:00M100
- Eat
The Blue Shrimp
As the name implies you must like shrimp to eat at this restaurant. That said it offers some spectacular entrées that will take your hunger away that is for sure. Set partially outside the décor is fun but also very intimate.
Daily 09:00-23:00
- Eat
The Fajita Republic
They serve fajitas with over 10 varieties. This restaurant offers a quiet setting and great food.
Tue-Sun 17:00-23:00M$300
- Eat
Burrito Beach
Restaurant with a surfing design.
- Eat
Cafe de Olla
They have good, cheap food. Try the pork ribs or chicken.
Wed-Mon 10:00-24:00
- Eat
El Campanario
Traditional cuisine in a colorful restaurant.
- Eat
El brujo Vallarta
Venustiano Carranza 510, Emiliano Zapata
around US$10 per dish
- Eat
La Isla de Marins Seafood Restaurant
Seafood Restaurant Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Calle Matamoros 869, Cerro
- Eat
Xian Wei
A simple Chinese restaurant.
Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Puerto Vallarta (CC BY-SA 4.0).