Jul 4, 2009

Restaurants

The Puerto Vallarta restaurant dining scene is so surprisingly diverse and extensive you would have to go to a different restaurant every day for over a year to try them all! Naturally, Puerto Vallarta is a great place to discover the amazing variety of Mexican dishes, as well as succulent seafood, fusions of popular cuisines like Mediterranean and Oriental, gourmet French; the list is endless. And whatever your mood and pocketbook, there’s an ambiance and location to suit, stellar views often accompanying memorable meals.

There are two wonderful Puerto Vallarta restaurant events held each year you really should consider attending; the Festival Gourmet in November and the Puerto Vallarta Lifestyles Restaurant Week in May. Check out also our Vallarta Lifestyles Platinum Section Restaurants which includes samples of their menus, and our annual Readers' Choice awards, where you can discover some of the most popular options.

The imaged descriptions visible below are a sampling of the finest restaurants found in El Centro, Puerto Vallarta's picturesque and historic downtown area. To find other excellent dining options in and around the bay, simply click on any of the other zones listed under the ‘By Location’ tab, or click on 'By Cuisine' to discover the many options available. For a complete listing of featured restaurants, conveniently organized in alphabetical order, please click on the ‘Quick List’ tab.

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Agave Grill
Agave Grill — Mexican
Morelos 589 — Tel: (322) 222-2000 — $$$
This beautiful, romantic, hacienda-style patio restaurant is a celebration of Mexico – its cuisine, wines, spirits, ambiance, music and flavor. Created by award-winning chef Oscar Galvan, a graduate of Mexico City´s prestigious Ambrosia culinary school, you won´t find ordinary tacos on this reasonably priced, gourmet menu. — Platinum American Express Visa MasterCard
Archie´s Wok
Archie´s Wok — Asian
Fca. Rodríguez 130 — Tel: (322) 222-0411 — $$$
Sip a Mai Tai Thai in an oriental garden as d´Rachael delights while you await a feast of tropical flavors. Archie, movie director John Huston´s chef for many years, garnered the best elements of Pan Asian cuisine and gave them a Thai emphasis. — Readers Choice • Asian • Vegetarian • Live Music Venue Visa MasterCard
Banana Cantina
Banana Cantina — Mexican
Amapas 147 — Tel: (322) 222-2114 — $$
Contemporary Mexican cuisine at lunch and dinner in a vividly colorful and super comfy open air ambiance. Daily specials and a constantly evolving menu, the almond-crusted garlic shrimp and Banana Cantina Martini made with tequila particularly popular. — Readers Choice • Moderate
Barcelona
Barcelona — Spanish
Matamoros & 31 de Octubre — Tel: (322) 222-0510 — $$$
Ideal for sharing as a couple or with friends, appetizer-sized servings of Spanish flavors prepared with the highest quality ingredients and a bird´s eye view of the town and bay. Sea breezes refresh the charmingly casual terrace, while the dining room is air conditioned. — Platinum American Express
Beijing
Beijing — Asian
Fca. Rodríguez 136 — Tel: (322) 222-8609 — $$
This is authentic Chinese food, the Chinese chef-owner taking pride in every dish. Maintaining 100% integrity in the kitchen, the restaurant recently updated its look, the patio´s red-and-black theme now spiced by sparkling white floors and linens. Visa MasterCard
Café des Artistes
Café des Artistes — Avant-Garde — Reserve Now
Guadalupe Sánchez 740 — Tel: (322) 222-3228 — $$$$
Thierry Blouet, Maitre Cuisinier de France and a member of the Culinary Academy of France, has what is considered by many to be the best restaurant in town, Café des Artistes. Now, with recent, dramatic changes, it´s one of the best in the world. — PlatinumReaders Choice • Gourmet • Wine List American Express Visa MasterCard Diner´s Club
Cilantro´s
Cilantro´s — International
Abasolo 169 — Tel: (322) 222-7147 — $$$
Here the artistic, modern Mexican décor in the air-conditioned, candlelit dining room is complemented by the soothing sounds of acid jazz playing in the background. And the Pacific Northwest menu with a modern Mexican influence is reasonably priced, creative and innovative. American Express Visa MasterCard
Coco Tropical
Coco Tropical — International
Basilio Badillo 101 — Tel: (322) 222-5485 — $$$$
In a splendid beachfront terrace, this elegant bistro café offers traditional European cuisine. Although the liveliness of a tropical ambiance is present, Swiss owner Heinz E. Reize, one of the founders of Vallarta´s Gourmet Festival, caters to suit European tastes with typical specialties. American Express Visa MasterCard
Daiquiri Dick´s
Daiquiri Dick´s — International — Reserve Now
Olas Altas 314 — Tel: (322) 222-0566 — $$$
For two decades, Peter and Tari Bowman have nourished Vallarta at their serene, if somewhat incongruously named, restaurant. What started as a beach-side eatery has been transformed into a sophisticated, world-class establishment, where service is attentive, yet non-intrusive, in a contemporary atmosphere. — PlatinumReaders Choice • Best Overall • Service • Most Fun • Tortilla Soup • Seafood • Salad • Margarita Visa MasterCard
Dick´s Halfway Inn
Dick´s Halfway Inn — International
Basilio Badillo 287 — Tel: (322) 223-1263 — $$
This new bar and restaurant will spotlight live rock & roll bands an offer pub-style dining. Watch all the major and minor sporting events on their many large flat-screen televisions and use the complementary Internet or phones to call the USA or Canada.
El Arrayán
El Arrayán — Mexican
Allende 344 — Tel: (322) 222-7195 — $$
One of the hottest restaurants in town, everything about it inspired by authentic Mexican traditions. Explore this country´s most amazing dishes with confidence, because they´re all wonderful here. And we can´t say enough about the duck carnitas! Even the cocktails are never to be forgotten. — Readers Choice • Mexican • Tacos American Express Visa MasterCard
Época
Época — International
Aquiles Serdán 174 — Tel: (322) 222-2510 — $$
Featuring Nuevo Latino cuisine in the romantic zone, Época offers seating right on the beach. Under the guidance of Chef Gerardo Gómez Velasco, this Vallarta gem highlights locally caught seafood and well-appointed dinners that perfectly capture an evening out. Visa MasterCard
Hacienda San Ángel Gourmet
Hacienda San Ángel Gourmet — International
Miramar 336 — Tel: (322) 222-2692 — $$$$
Hacienda San Angel is a masterpiece restoration of three classic Vallarta-style houses set on the hillside overlooking Banderas Bay , almost in touching distance of the spire of the historic center´s landmark Guadalupe church. — Platinum American Express Visa MasterCard
Joe Jack´s Fish Shack
Joe Jack´s Fish Shack — International
Basilio Badillo 212 — Tel: (322) 222-2099 — $$$
A fun, kitschy atmosphere with hand-crafted cocktails and inspired fresh Mexican seafood, like daily ceviches "frescado," baja-style fish tacos, simply-prepared grilled fish and meats, our famous "tasty burger", and a commitment to serving the freshest produce at the best value. Visa MasterCard
Kaiser Maximilian
Kaiser Maximilian — International — Reserve Now
Olas Altas 380-B — Tel: (322) 223-0760 — $$$$
Since 1995, it has been a tradition for European and Austrian dining. The decor and portrait of Kaiser Maximilian transport you to the atmosphere of a Viennese café at the end of the 19th century. Dine in the dining room or at sidewalk tables. — Platinum American Express Visa MasterCard
La Palapa
La Palapa — Avant-Garde — Reserve Now
Púlpito 103 — Tel: (322) 222-5225 — $$$$
Haute cuisine and friendly service combine in this tropical setting at Los Muertos Beach for the perfect balance of fine dining and the charm of Puerto Vallarta. This is one of Vallarta´s favorite places to enjoy excellent food in a casually elegant atmosphere. — PlatinumReaders Choice • Romantic • Outdoor • Sunset Dining American Express Visa MasterCard
La Piazzetta
La Piazzetta — Italian
Rodolfo Gómez 143 — Tel: (322) 222-0650 — $$
The tastes and aromas that have emanated from their kitchen since 1995 reinforce the notion that only a native Italian can truly know this sophisticated cuisine. An abundance of return patrons attests to Mimmo´s passion for the freshest, finest local and imported ingredients. — Readers Choice • Italian • Pizza Visa
Marazul
Marazul — International
Olas Altas 336 — Tel: (322) 222-1059 — $$$
With a delightful view of the ocean under a spectacular palapa perfectly illuminated by engineer Francisco Rivas, chef Luis Encinas prepares international dishes during the day and Mexican-Hindu fusion dishes at night. Visa
Sí Señor
Sí Señor — Mexican
Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez 274 — Tel: (322) 113-0064 — $$$$
An exceptionally pretty restaurant celebrating the vivacious spirit of Mexico´s most authentic cuisine in six different ambiances, including an ocean-view terrace, garden sanctuary and air-conditioned dining room. Everything is made from scratch, from tortillas to moles and sauces. Open daily for lunch and dinner, noon to midnight. American Express Visa MasterCard
The Blue Shrimp
The Blue Shrimp — Seafood
Olas Altas 336 — Tel: (322) 222-1059 — $$$
Named "the" number one restaurant for shrimp lovers by many pleased clients since it first opened, where the jumbo-size shrimp are prepared in many different ways to please the client, like the half coconut shell stuffed with shrimp with a mouth-watering dipping sauce. American Express Visa MasterCard
The River Café
The River Café — International
Isla Río Cuale L-4 — Tel: (322) 223-0788 — $$$$
On the Isla Río Cuale, The River Café has it all: great location, ambience, food and service. From its opening it has grown steadily in popularity to become a thriving new spot in Puerto Vallarta´s restaurant scene. Visit for casual but elegant dining. — Platinum American Express Visa MasterCard
Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor
Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor — Avant-Garde — Reserve Now
Guadalupe Sánchez 740 — Tel: (322) 222-3228 — $$$$
This dining experience is like no other in Mexico, guests here sumptuously wined, dined and entertained as if favored members of a privileged family. Advancing chef Blouet´s philosophy of continual evolution, it was designed to Òcreate a relationship with guests on a deeper level.Ó American Express Visa MasterCard
Trattoria Michel
Trattoria Michel — Italian
Olas Altas 507 — Tel: (322) 223-2088 — $$$
To experience authentic Italian cuisine created with premium quality fresh ingredients, consider Trattoria. Food is prepared ´a la minute´ with care and expertise, so enjoy the view and sip a glass of fine wine, in anticipation of a fabulous meal and memorable dining experience. — Platinum Visa MasterCard
Trio
Trio — Mediterranean — Reserve Now
Guerrero 264 — Tel: (322) 222-2196 — $$$$
European chefs Bernhard Güth and Ulf Henriksson have become the favorites of locals and food critics with their hearty honest food. This cosmopolitan, multi-level eatery with an open courtyard, Tiffany-style windows and hand painted doors is top notch, the atmosphere always welcoming. — Platinum American Express Visa MasterCard
Viejo Vallarta
Viejo Vallarta — Mexican
Morelos 484 Altos — Tel: (322) 222-8558 — $$
With a magnificent oceanfront location right across the street from the seahorse statue, this traditional Mexican restaurant offers excellent Mexican cuisine and the best view of the Flying Birdmen show. Restaurant open from Tueday to Sunday, from 11 am to 11 pm. American Express Visa MasterCard
Vista Grill
Vista Grill — Avant-Garde — Reserve Now
Púlpito 377 — Tel: (322) 222-3570 — $$$$
What vistas this sophisticated venue is privy to, jutting terraces making you feel the views are yours alone. Despite the setting, the exquisitely prepared and presented food is really what this refined place is all about. Beef carpaccio and coconut shrimp two appetizing possibilities. — PlatinumReaders Choice • Dining with a View American Express Visa MasterCard
Vitea
Vitea — Mediterranean
Libertad & Malecón — Tel: (322) 222-8703 — $$
Everyone is raving about this oceanfront bistro offering something completely different in Vallarta, classic and contemporary bistro fare in a casual European Riviera ambiance. This swanky but definitely unstuffy art deco space is sister restaurant to the popular Trio. — Platinum Visa MasterCard
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