Over the last 10 years, my family has been putting this list together. We believe a vacation is not complete without experiencing the local cuisine, so we hope you get to try as many as you can to get an amazing culinary experience during your visit! Don’t leave without trying some of the local seafood dishes such as zarandeado-style fish, ceviche, and aguachile.
Below are all the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta that you shouldn’t miss:
Food tours might take a little bit of the adventure out of discovering food on your own, but I would argue that food tours make us braver and more likely to explore. I think taking a food tour in a foreign country is an essential activity when you travel, especially since food, history, and culture are deeply intertwined. Below are the Puerto Vallarta food tours that we most recommend (in order):
Breakfast & Brunch
The most important meal of the day doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. For the best breakfast in town, pull up a seat at one of these Puerto Vallarta restaurants and get your day off to a great start. From huevos rancheros and chilaquiles to sweet bread and a coffee, here are all our favorite breakfast and brunch spots in town.
El Andariego
The exterior is beautiful, covered in colorful Buganvilias. The interior is full of traditional wall murals and comfortable seating. The menu is extensive and is in both Spanish and English with all the Mexican breakfast classics. Omelets are huge and fluffy, eggs well made, and the bacon crispy good. The coffee is great and the fruit is also very fresh. Most of the staff speak great English, prices are quite affordable, and the portions are large. It is just a good, classic breakfast spot!
Website: http://www.facebook.com/ElAndariegoPV/
Hours: Everyday, 7 am – 11 pm
Coco’s Kitchen
One of the best courtyards in the Romantic Zone, Coco’s serves up a delicious breakfast. The food is very reasonably priced and never disappoints, but what I love the most is the laid-back, airy atmosphere of the place. It always feels comfortably cool even on the warmest of days. There is often a wait to be seated during the high season.
Website: https://www.cocoskitchenpv.net/
Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Fredy’s Tucan
Bright, airy, spacious, and colorful atmosphere with great breakfast food. There are lots of choices including gluten-free and vegetarian. You know it’s good when there are lines! Go early (before 9) if you want to avoid the wait.
Website: http://fredystucan.com/
Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM
Tacos
Everybody loves a good taco. They’re cheap. They’re quick. They’re damn delicious. Here are our favorites taco joints in Puerto Vallarta:
El Tacon de Marlin
This hole-in-the-wall is a Puerto Vallarta classic. It is across the street from the airport, so I highly recommend eating here when you arrive (plus it is right in front of the airport’s Uber pick-up spot) or before you leave. The specialty of the house is the legendary burritos filled with marlin (my favorite), shrimp, crab, or octopus.
Website: http://tacondemarlin.com/
Hours: 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Open late on weekends)
Pancho’s Takos
This small hole-in-the-wall is the can’t-miss place for tacos in Puerto Vallarta. Make sure to get the al pastor tacos, chorizo, and guacamole. It is worth the wait!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Panchos-Takos-192702504096731/
Hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
El Chulo
This taco stand is for more adventurous eaters. The tongue and beef cheek tacos have earned a cultlike following among locals and tourists alike. It is pretty hard to find since they don’t have signage, but don’t give up! The address is correct. The tacos are juicy and flavorful.
Website: https://www.yelp.com/biz/el-chulo-puerto-vallarta
Hours: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Seafood & Ceviche
Whether you are looking to try our regional seafood dish, Zarandeado fish, or you are on the hunt for the best ceviche in Puerto Vallarta, these are our favorite seafood restaurants in the area.
Maria Baja
Uniquely delicious flavor profiles and budget-friendly! We highly recommend the seared tuna taco, carnitas taco, crab, and octopus tostada… but honestly, everything is delicious. Aguachile is a local favorite which is a shrimp served ceviche-style with cucumber and habanero. The tuna-mango tostada, marlin taco, or deviled octopus are also top-notch. Spice them up with one of their seven homemade salsas and wash it all down with their pineapple & basil-infused drink.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mariabajapv/
Hours: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
8 Tostadas
This is an authentic Mexican seafood restaurant, and the menu is only in Spanish. They specialize in octopus, prawns, tuna, salmon, and squid. The service is very fast even when the restaurant is quite full. I highly recommend the Marlin ceviche tostada which is made fresh by the order. For the main course, they have the Trilogy which has grilled shrimp, octopus, and mahi-mahi in a bed of mashed potatoes, gravy, and sauteed zucchini.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/8TostadasPv/
Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Joe Jack’s Fish Shack
So far, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is one of our favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants in the Romantic Zone near the beach. It is much superior to its many competitors situated along the beach. Everything on the menu is fresh, delicious, and artfully prepared, so it never disappoints. The upstairs open-air terrace is very pleasant if the downstairs area feels too crowded.
The Red Snapper special and the Fried Chicken dish (Thursday and Sunday only) are great options, especially if you are very hungry. The bar has a generous liquor selection and they offer some great local craft beers. Great place to have a delicious meal and socialize with friends or family.
Mariscos Coleguita
Our family always eats here when we are in the Marina. Seafood is their specialty, and anything on the menu will be delicious. The portions are very large and each order comes with free shrimp broth, chips, and a bottle of tequila with limes and shot glasses. I wouldn’t recommend drinking the free tequila, as you can imagine the quality of it… but everything else is amazing! The lime frozen margaritas are also great. The dessert is fried bananas and a creme liqueur which is also included. It is very popular among locals and tourists alike.
Website: https://mariscoselcoleguita.mx/
Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Mauricio’s
This low-key family restaurant has an extensive seafood menu, and the view of the open kitchen opens the appetite for anything they offer. Great service and they also provide all guests with shrimp broth, plenty of chips, and salsa throughout the meal. It is a family business so Mauricio may introduce himself and invite you to some tequila shots.
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150793-d2439772-Reviews-Restaurant_Mauricio_s-Puerto_Vallarta.html
Hours: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Mariscos Cisneros
Several food tours stop here, so you may see some tourist groups but don’t let that scare you away. Their fresh seafood is some of the best in Puerto Vallarta and it is topped with outstanding service. Make sure you get some freshly made churros across the street!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mariscos-Cisneros/305071266170390
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Mid-Range Restaurants
Whiskey Kitchen
Nashville arrives to Puerto Vallarta! Whiskey Kitchen southern comfort food specializes in fried chicken, whiskey cocktails, and great live music. The founder, Gina Hendrix, is originally from South Carolina and learned to cook from her grandmother. You can taste the love that Gina puts into her food, and they have the best mac ‘n’ cheese that I’ve EVER had. Once you get tired of tacos and seafood, make sure to check out their open-air restaurant in Puerto Vallarta!
Hours: Tues – Sun, 1pm – 10pm
Live music: Every day from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyKitchenPV
Gaby’s
Gaby’s is very popular due to their traditional Mexican cuisine. The family converted their home into a restaurant more than 30 years ago where three generations of the family are still running the restaurant. The restaurant has tables throughout the house with a charming upstairs patio that overlooks the Malecon, the church, and the beach. You’ll feel like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home for a bite to eat! Our favorite dishes are the Chile Relleno, Tortilla Soup, or the Tequila Shrimp.
Mi Querencia
This restaurant is right on the Malecon, so they have a beautiful view if you’re sitting upfront. The Mexican coffee is delicious and their food is delicious with a great view! They also have Mariachis play on the weekends, which is an eight-piece group with three violins.
Website: https://miquerenciapv.com/
Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Restaurants with a View
Le Kliff
The breathtaking views (best in the bay?) are worthy of any special occasion such as an anniversary or birthday. Their most popular dishes are lobster, catch of the day, red snapper, and lava cake for dessert. We highly recommend making reservations as it fills up fast.
Website: http://www.lekliff.com/
Hours: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Ocean Grill
This is a very unique experience as you have to drive south of downtown to Boca de Tomatlan and the restaurant will have a water taxi ready to take you to their secluded location on the bay. Their most popular dishes are the octopus, mahi-mahi, and their key lime pie. The restaurant has amazing views of Colomitos Beach which you can walk to after dinner. Make sure to make a reservation and bring your swimsuit!
Website: https://oceanlivelovegrill.com/
Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
La Capella
This Italian restaurant offers amazing sunset views of the bay and of Puerto Vallarta’s iconic church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. The food is delicious, and the staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. It is definitely one of the best Puerto Vallarta restaurants with a view, and great for any special occasion!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lacappellarestaurant
Menu: https://www.bellviewhotelboutique.com/lacappella
El Panorama
The view is unrivaled as they are located on top of Hotel La Siesta on a hillside 4 blocks from the beach in Old Town. There are two rooftop terraces to choose from as well as indoor seating with spectacular views as well.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/elpanorama.restaurant/
Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Gourmet & Michelin-Star Restaurants
Although some may not be official Michelin-star restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, they might as well be! For the best fine dining experience and some amazing in the bay, look no further than these award-winning culinary establishments:
Cafe des Artistes
Situated in an old house in downtown Puerto Vallarta for the past 29 years, Cafe des Artistes is known for its exquisite menu. Chef Thierry Blouet is a legend. Upon entering the Four Diamond restaurant, the romantic multi-level patio gardens surround you and the twinkling lights engulf your senses. They specialize in Mexican fusion with European techniques to deliver a meal you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
Our favorite dishes were the duck confit taco, the prawn & pumpkin flower soup, and the tuna tartare. Can’t decide on what to order? Go for the 5-course tasting menu!
Website: https://cafedesartistes.com/
Tintoque
The Culinaria Mexicana awarded Tintoque as one of the 120 best restaurants in Mexico, and for good reason. Headed by chef Joel Ornelas, it is the only place in the city with this distinctive award.
The cuisine at Tintoque could be described as a reinterpretation of local recipes that identify us as Vallartenses, incorporating my personal style along with the latest technology and culinary trends.
This Puerto Vallarta restaurant is located in the Romantic Zone overlooking the Cuale River. The dining experience is designed to be enjoyed in several courses, which makes it ideal for sharing. The menu includes contrasting textures, with acidic and spicy elements, beautifully presented. Some items on the menu change daily, depending on the seafood and fresh produce their local suppliers can provide.
Website: https://facebook.com/tintoque/
Makal
Chef Graham Campbell is a Michelin star chef that was featured on Netflix’s Final Table series. He brings an eclectic and impressive menu of fusion of modern Mexican with an international flair to the Puerto Vallarta restaurant scene!
La Tienda Grande
Chef Salvador Carrillo is the new kid in town. Located in the small town of Ixtapa (~20min north of downtown Puerto Vallarta), La Tienda Grande opened its doors in February 2021. Its concept is to offer creative and refined dishes that remind you of old, traditional Mexico.
La Tienda Grande was born as a tribute that I pay to the women who taught me to cook, including my mother, my grandmothers, aunts, and friends. I base the menu on the dishes that I once tried and that still remain in my memory, but they will be interpreted in my own way.
There is a fixed 5 and 8-course tasting menu, or you can pick à la carte. Our personal favorites were the “La de Regina” cocktail (Guava, Raicilla, and Lime) and the Dubai-style lamb shank with carrot hummus. We’ll go back very soon to try their breakfast menu, as it looks amazing!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LaTiendaGrandepv/
Menu: https://www.facebook.com/LaTiendaGrandepv/menu/
Beach Restaurants
La Palapa
La Palapa is a historic restaurant since it was the first to open on Los Muertos Beach in the late 1950s. Plus, it is still owned by the same family! It features a gorgeous open-air palapa with several tables out on the sand beach. It has a great balance between fine dining and Mexican charm. It is perfect for a romantic dinner and you get to poke your toes in the sand. The tenderloin, beet salad, and coconut shrimp are very popular dishes.
Website: https://www.lapalapapv.com/
Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Blue Shrimp
This restaurant is on Olas Altas Beach, right on the ocean for a spectacular sunset view. They have live music on the weekends and it is under a huge palapa roof. The coconut shrimp, guacamole, red snapper, and octopus are very popular seafood dishes.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/blueshrimp/
Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
El Dorado
El Dorado is the sister restaurant to La Palapa Restaurant. It is beachfront, so you have to option to sit under the big open-air palapa or at one of the tables out on the sand. We highly recommend the shrimp tamal, Red Snapper, ceviche, or mussels.
Website: https://www.eldoradopvr.com/
Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Breweries, Bars, & Happy Hour
Los Muertos Brewing
Micro-Brewery with some of the best pizzas and craft beer you’ll find in Puerto Vallarta!
Website: http://losmuertosbrewing.com/
Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Monzon Brewery
Monzon Microbrewery makes some of the craft beer in town, including IPAs, blondes, and some other unique styles. To top it off, they have a great food menu including a delicious burger, mac & cheese, and fish tacos. Make sure to order the TATER TOTS!!! Beers are also available to go to take to the beach.
Website: http://www.monzonbrewing.com/
Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Cerveceria Chapultepec
We call this the Dollar Store of bars. Everything on the menu goes for $20 MXN, including the drinks and food. We usually order 3-4 food items per person along with a beer or two. Most everything on the menu is delicious, so don’t be afraid to try something new. There is also a location in Nuevo Vallarta.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/cerveceriachapultepecvallarta/
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