When it comes to restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, there are a wide variety of options — from classic Mexican seafood to Italian and Caribbean cuisine. Puerto Vallarta’s international locals bring influences from all over the world, making it a unique spot for foodies to indulge in a wide variety of cuisines.
Where is Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is an idyllic beach town situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Known for its stunning mountain views, impressive sunsets, and water activities like kitesurfing, paddle boarding and parasailing, there are many reasons why thousands of international tourists flock to this beach town each year.
Keep reading for our list of the top 10 restaurants in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Tuna Azul
$$-$$$
Calle Francisca Rodriguez 155
A no-frills seafood restaurant and bar in the heart of Zona Romántica. We recommend the tuna poke, the shrimp tacos or the garlic shrimp dish.
2. Toscana Mia
$$-$$$
Calle Hidalgo 25
This Italian restaurant staple is just a 30-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta in the beach town Bucerías.
3. La Palapa
$$-$$$
Pulpito 105-3
La Palapa is a casual eatery offering tasty Mexican food and margaritas. Located at the end of the pier, you'll love watching the sunset over the water.
4. Oregano Restaurant and Bar
$$-$$$
Aldanaca 130
A Caribbean-Mexican fusion restaurant serving creative dishes and cocktails. Try the oxtail and the Caribbean wings.
5. Cafe des Artistes
$$$-$$$$
Guadalupe Sánchez 740
An elegant dining experience by French chef and founder Thierry Blouet. Try the creamy smoked chipotle soup followed by a fresh filet of fish.
6. El Barracuda/Bar Solar
$$-$$$
Paraguay 1290
Located right on Camarones beach, this is the perfect place to catch the sunset while sipping a margarita and eating some delicious tacos or ceviche.
7. Joe Jack’s Fish Shack
$$-$$$
Basilio Badillo 212
A restaurant with a Southern feel serving up red snapper, fried chicken and savory fish and seafood dishes.
8. Makai Restaurant
$$-$$$
Carretera Punta de Mita km 15 Plaza
Makai is worth the one-hour drive up to Punta Mita. This is the perfect post-surf seafood meal.
9. Loma 42 Bahía
$$-$$$
Blvd. Nuevo Vallarta Int. 2 Plaza San Carlos
Loma 42 is a gastro pub meets seafood restaurant. Its diverse menu offers decadent, juicy burgers, grilled octopus and classic seafood dishes.
10. Restaurante Fernando
$$-$$$
Calle Lazaro Cardenas 95
A family-owned restaurant specializing in a classic fish dish native to Nayarit called zarandeado (zarandeado-style fish).
F.A.Q.
Some of the top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta include Cafe des Artistes, La Palapa, and El Arrayán. Cafe des Artistes is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a fusion of French and Mexican cuisine. La Palapa is a beachfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood and international dishes. El Arrayán is a traditional Mexican restaurant that offers a range of authentic dishes from different regions of Mexico.
It is highly recommended to make reservations at the top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, especially during peak tourist season. Many of these restaurants are popular and can get crowded quickly, so it's best to secure a reservation in advance. Some restaurants may also require a deposit or credit card guarantee to confirm the reservation.
When dining at the top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, visitors can expect a high level of service and quality. Many of these restaurants offer a fine-dining experience with a focus on presentation, taste, and ambiance. Prices at these restaurants can be higher compared to other dining options in the city, but the quality of food and service is typically worth it. Dress code may vary depending on the restaurant, but it's generally recommended to dress smart casual or formal for fine-dining establishments.
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