Café des Artistes:

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 Puerto Vallarta, Café des Artistes. Now, with recent dramatic changes, it´s one of the best in the world. Merging vitality and boldness, a trilogy of dining experiences is under one roof: Café des Artistes, Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor (recently singled out by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top restaurants in the world) and Costantini Bar Lounge. Café des Artistes maintains the original concept, including live music and flawless service. Showcasing not only culinary French-Mexican masterpieces but a fantasy-like setting including lush, multileveled garden (garden open November through May), this 212-seat flagship restaurant offers an eclectic a la carte menu, as well as the three-course, wine included, prix fixe bistro menu. The traditional cream of prawn and pumpkin soup has been a hit since day one, and the tuna fish sashimi salad is outstanding. Mains like the glazed roasted duck in ginger and lemon sauce give this venue its well-deserved gourmet reputation.

Guadalupe Sánchez 740, El Centro

El Arrayán:
In just over a year, this charming country-style Mexican restaurant has become a Vallarta favorite with those who know good food and value when they see it. Quadrilingual owner Carmen Porras is exceptionally welcoming, everything about her brilliantly conceived eatery authentic Old Mexico, yet the mood is fresh and contemporary. The namesake tangy-sweet fruit adds intrigue to many hearty and traditional dishes served, like Mexican duck carnitas and grilled beef fillet in a mole sauce. Four fragrant ceviches and a subtle lettuce salad are new on the menu, while the popular shrimp and chicken pozoles and plantain fritters continue winning raves – everything creatively prepared by chef Juan Manuel Cruz respecting traditional approaches.

Allende 344, El Centro

The Pancake House:
Have you ever walked past Memo's Pancake House on a weekend morning and not seen a full house? You won't find a broader variety of pancakes, waffles and french toasts, US style, not to mention traditional Mexican breakfasts, anywhere else in Puerto Vallarta.

Freshly squeezed orange juice and great coffee varieties, which can be purchased by the bag, are additional pluses.

Basilio Badillo 289, South Side • 222-6272

Mark's Bar & Grill:
This cornerstone of North Shore dining, Mark’s Bar and Grill has received acclaim from both patrons and the media for chef Jan Benton`s elegant menu. With focused flavors and clean lines, the menu at Mark’s reflects the best of the season and the area, changing frequently with innovative specials. With a style and reach that is global and an atmosphere that is elegant while decidedly friendly and comfortable, you will not want to miss this gorgeous dining experience. Mark`s Bar and Grill is located in Bucerias, only 15 minutes north of the airport.

Lázaro Cárdenas 56, Bucerías

La Palapa:
Haute cuisine and friendly service blend in this beautiful setting at Los Muertos Beach that offers the perfect balance of fine dining and exceptional service in a casually elegant atmosphere with the characteristic warmth and charm of Puerto Vallarta.La Palapa Restaurant and Beach Club is one of Vallarta`s favorite places for locals and visitors to enjoy excellent food. Their creation of innovative dishes has earned them international recognition. The menu features a wide variety of savory dishes complemented with an impressive selection of wines and spirits, using only the freshest ingredients and seafood blended with regional fruits and spices. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Palapa is the perfect setting for a sunny afternoon or a balmy evening enjoying the ocean view and spectacular sunsets. At night, the tropical sophistication is enhanced by live Latin jazz, the incredible view of the moonlit bay and the candlelit tables on the beach that create an intimate, romantic ambiance and unforgettable experience.

Púlpito 103, South Side

Boca Bento:
From the moment you see this sophisticated venue harmoniously integrating the architectural and interior design, art, music and cuisine of Asia and Latin America, you know dining will be an exceptional experience. Boca, Spanish for mouth, suggests taking bites of something, the Japanese bento a popular small lunch box. And because plates are small and priced accordingly, you find yourself trying a range of exquisitely nuanced taste sensations, sweet and sour bursting on your tongue as the integrity of the ingredients shines through. Everything is beautifully done, several sleek atmospheric spaces ensuring privacy and perfect parties, and staff speaking more than half a dozen languages.

Basilio Badillo 180, South Side

Outback Steakhouse:
The great thing about successful chain restaurants is that you know exactly what to expect from the food, service and ambiance; and once you discover that they have just what you crave, the decision on where to dine is automatic. The Outback’s philosophy consists of pleasing each client personally through their No Rules ordinance. Set against the background of the rugged Australian outback, off the grill come juicy seasoned ribs, chicken and lobster, while fat sirloins and tenderloins are cooked on a flat iron. Portions are large and drinks served to the brim. Two of the worldwide Outback favorites are the Bloomin’ Onion and the home-baked brownie. Outback Steakhouse is a Family Restaurant first-prize winner twice in a row.

Fco. M. Ascencio 4690, Hotel Zone

Daiquiri Dicks:
Savor tuxedo service – with sand in your shoes – at Puerto Vallarta’s grand dame restaurant, overlooking the waves and iridescent sunsets of Los Muertos Beach. The cuisine is without borders, a rollicking joyride of international flavors. Tuscan, Thai and nuevo Mexican all take star turns here. The menu, directed by chef Ignacio Uribe Moreno, ranges from Asian summer rolls to mole-marinated shrimp and that favorite: lobster taco. Likewise, the decor reflects an eclectic and elegant eye. Frommer’s recommends Daiquiri Dick’s as “one of the few places that is equally enjoyable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.”

Olas Altas 314, South Side

Carlos O'Brian's:
For the past 33 years, Carlos O’Brian’s has been part of Vallarta’s history and a Malecón staple. Offering the best atmosphere, drinks, entertainment, and food, like world-famous BQ Ribs, Oysters 4-4-4 and Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp. Sit back and enjoy a drink or full meal as you watch people walk by on the Malecón.

Paseo Díaz Ordaz 786, El Centro

Barcelona:
Winning in this category twice in a row, Barcelona is ideal for sharing, appetizer-sized servings of Spanish flavors are served with a bird’s-eye view of the town and bay. Sea breezes refresh the charming terrace, while the dining room is air-conditioned. Owners European-trained chef Bill Carballo and his wife Yesenia, a Vallarta native, ensure every guest leaves this homey spot happy by delivering top-notch food at reasonable prices. Trying two or three tapas per person is a delicious adventure – grilled vegetables with caramelized red onions, raspberry vinaigrette and balsamic reduction, grilled garlic mushrooms, and sizzling shrimp in olive oil with spicy pepper possibilities. Keeping things current, daily specials like grilled scallops and Portobello and shitake mushrooms in two exquisitely creamy sauces.

Matamoros y 31 de Octubre, El Centro

La Piazzetta:
The rich aromas that emanate from this authentic Italian kitchen confirm owner Domenico (Mimmo) Lorusso’s, passion for the freshest and finest ingredients and his talent to meld them elegantly in his rich slow-cooked sauces, homemade pasta al dente, thin crust pizzas, home-baked bread and extra virgin olive oil to season delectable dishes that can be complemented with a choice from the fine wine list and amply stocked bar to top it all off with a sweet send-off from his line-up of scrumptious desserts and specialty coffees.

Rodolfo Gómez 143, South Side

Brasil Steak House:
Brasil Steak House comes back as a landslide winner for the second time in a row as the best all-you-can-eat-for-a-set-price restaurant. Renowned not only for the quantity but also the quality of its fare, this South Side restaurant offers 12 varieties of meats cooked over an open fire, sure to satisfy even the most voracious meat lover.

Venustiano Carranza 210, South Side

Tsunami & Aoki Samurai House (tie):

It's a tie! This year both Tsunami Sushi Bar and Aoki Samurai House received the same number of votes. Regretfully, Aoki's Antonio Galindo has decided to close his La Cruz restaurant, a loss for North Shore visitors and residents, and he was not available for comment. Eight is a big number at Tsunami Sushi Bar. The successful restaurant opened its doors to the public almost 18 years ago, on 8/8/88, and has been under Joaquín Comella's supervision for the last 12. Originally from La Havana, Comella came to Puerto Vallarta by way of Madrid, New York, and then Japan, where a one-year stay enlightened him to the pleasures and virtues of this healthy dish, one that is becoming increasingly popular here in Puerto Vallarta

La Dolce Vita:

Among the many Italian restaurants in town, La Dolce Vita stands out as a Vallartense favorite. A taste of Italy, La Dolce Vita serves exquisite dishes renowned for their original flavor and pizza prepared in a wood-burning oven. With an extraordinary atmosphere featuring a romantic view of the sea, this is a corner of Italy in Puerto Vallarta.

Paseo Díaz Ordaz 674, El Centro

Archie's Wok:

A landslide winner twice in a row, Archie's Wok is a true out-of-Vallarta experience. Sip a Mai Tai Thai in a serene oriental garden as d’Rachael delights with harp, flute, and vocals 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. Continuing the inspired culinary tradition, his wife, Cyndi, and their family serve perpetual favorites like Cheng-Mai shrimp, sizzling fish in banana leaves, spicy Thai noodles, barbecued pork riblets Hoi-Sin style, calamari fried in light beer batter with sweet, sour and spicy dips, and cashew chicken.

Francisca Rodríguez 130, South Side

Chile's:

Of the South Side's many charms, this lunch-only eatery stands out. For over a decade, owners Hank and Conrad have personally tended to their garden restaurant, greeting visitors and locals, and serving delicious no-frills staples such as fried chicken and burgers. Ask for horseradish sauce with your fries! Their ingredients are first-quality and the portions generous. The soothing sound of a water fountain, tasteful choice of background music, plus the non-stop breeze invite you to relax and step away from reality in their lush green surroundings.

Púplito 122, South Side

Ernesto's Good Grub:

How does an expat-owned restaurant that serves all-you-can-eat barbequed ribs on Thursdays become known for its tortilla soup, a staple of Mexican food? Marry a local gal who happens to be an excellent cook! This is the case of Ernesto, who opened his restaurant 14 years ago. Conveniently located behind Cinema Versalles, Ernesto's is an excellent place to visit before or after going to the movies.

Rafael Osuna 157, Versalles

Mariscos Tino's:

Tucked away behind the town of Pitillal, this family restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood. Main courses include the house special, filete sarandeado-filets of huachinango (red snapper) perfectly barbecued in a rich sauce (comparable to Pacific Northwest BBQ’d salmon). A couple of outstanding dishes are the Shrimp El diablo-jumbo shrimp grilled lightly and served with a spicy, but not heavy, tomato sauce-and the Lobster Caribe-a large Baja lobster, split in half and grilled with garlic and butter.

Avenida 333, El Pitillal

Planeta Vegetariano:

“Bon Appétite” says it’s “one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the world,” those who appreciate good food at low prices calling it their favorite place. The place for fresh and wholesome soup, salads and main dishes capped with a dessert of the day.

Iturbide 270, El Centro

Pie in the Sky:

“Fodor’s” (2002) says, “For 14 years making the most delicious desserts in Mexico!” Pies, cakes, cookies and cheesecake tarts. Try the world-famous Beso, a molten chocolate-rich brownie. Now serving coffee, espresso, latte, cappuccino and gourmet tea. Don’t forget their special occasion cakes for weddings and events. They deliver, but their products can also be found in Rizo's, 7-Deli and other fine restaurants, cafes and stores in the Vallarta area, as well as Nuevo Vallarta’a Sunset Market, Yelapa’s La Lagunita, Hikuri in La Cruz and Margaritas in Punta de Mita.

Heroes de Nacozari 202, Bucerías

Dee's Coffee Company:

Credit where it's due: In our last Readers' Choice poll readers awarded Santa Barbara's former Knock-Off Coffee Company as the winner, and by a landslide! However, the real mastermind behind their choices in coffee beans and blends was Deanne Rindt. Originally from Vancouver, she managed several branches of a Seattle-based coffee outlet for more than five years. Deanne opened her successful Dee's Coffee Company in South Side almost a year and a half ago.

Rodolfo Gómez 120, South Side

Kit Kat:

Hip and fresh with a clubby atmosphere, this very cool South Side eatery stays open into the wee hours to satisfy late-night yearnings, its innovative and extensive cocktail menu including 30 martinis and an equal number of “On the Rocks” libations. Every course a delicious art form, the Thai-influenced Sizzling Coconut Chicken Soup appears in a coconut, the Pacific Rim Caesar an intriguing take on an old classic with a hint of ginger and crispy wonton. Perennial favorites include the juicy Mombo Burger on homemade focaccia with onion rings and Bangkok Baby Backs with a Hoisin plum sauce. A first-prize winner, twice in a row.

Púlpito 120, South Side

Gallería Dante:

A must visit! Owners Claire and Joe Guarniere have presented sculpture and paintings in Vallarta’s largest gallery and sculpture garden for more than 10 years. Works by more than 50 Mexican and international artists include Alejandro Colunga, Guillermo Gomez, Gabriel Colunga, Megrail, Zzepda, Valui, Capeche, Genest, Espiridion, Tellosa, Boback, Andie Hathcote, Knowles and Lambert, among others. Their high-season art openings are not-to-be-missed. Off-season viewings by appointment.

Basilio Badillo 269, South Side

Rogelio Díaz:

Rogelio Díaz, this year's Readers' Choice Best Visual Artist award winner, is a rising star with great chances of becoming one of Mexico's leading artists. He is a family man and an artist. He's the sixteenth of 17 children. A self-taught expressionist, his influences range from Jean Michel Basquiet to Jackson Pollock. His collectors range from museum curators and art dealers to rock and roll stars and even a former astronaut, Buzz Aldrin. A Puerto Vallarta resident since age 18, his work can be appreciated at Gallería Dante.

The River Café:

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. A beautiful setting along the Rio Cuale is even lovelier through careful tending of a riverbank garden that continues right into the restaurant patio. And what a better setting to enjoy live music? Local celebrities Beverly & Willow have been performing their own blend of jazz standards there for years, as have Willy & Lobo, for an unforgettable New Year's Eve concert. Grupo Arcano, a young keyboard/violin duet from Tepic can also be heard regularly at the River Cafe. Vacationing jazz players are known to sit in with these musicians for spontaneous unexpected jam sessions.

Isla Río Cuale L-4, Isla Río Cuale

D'Rachael:

Multi-faceted flutist, harpist and singer D'Rachael wins this category for the second time in a row. A long-time Vallartense, D'Rachael wears many musical "hats," performing jazz standards in a trio setting, Latin songs and classical music during Daiquiri Dick's popular Sunday brunch (another Readers' Choice winner), as well as solo at Archie's Wok. It is in this modality where she impresses the most. Close your eyes, and you'd think there are at least three musicians performing at the same time!

J&B:

"Fodor's" singled out this dance club as "the best place in town for dancing to live salsa." Indeed, salsa lessons are offered all night Thursdays and Fridays, and live bands inspire you to shake your hips and shoulders through the weekend. Although it's more popular with locals, J&B gets its share of tourists interested in dancing and partying Mexican style.

Fco. M. Ascencio 2043, Hotel Zone

The Net House:

For eight years Jamie Coates' Net House has been offering genuinely personalized service through its friendly, bilingual staff. This popular South Side cybercafe now offers wireless high-speed internet service, as well as coffee and light fare. Additionally, its bulletin board is an excellent resource, whether you're looking to rent an apartment, find a cat-sitter, or sell your old VCR.

Ignacio L. Vallarta 232, South Side

Acqua Day Spa:

Not too large, but with all the amenities, this exclusive health club has been quietly gaining followers since opening a couple of years ago. Fully equipped, Acqua features the expected state-of-the-art weight training and cardiovascular equipment, sauna and steamroom, plus professionally trained staff to pamper you with therapeutic massage, facial treatments, personal workout sessions and more. A comfortable juice bar allows you to supplement your workout with friendly socializing — membership is limited to avoid crowding, so you can count on running into old acquaintances or making some new ones.

Constitución 450, South Side

Los Muertos:

Aren't we fortunate that Puerto Vallarta's most popular beach is right in the heart of town? There are many beach options surrounding Puerto Vallarta, from serene destinations with peaceful surf and soft sand to fishing villages that you can visit for a day or overnight. But Los Muertos has something for everyone: great swimming, light surfing, beachfront dining, sunbathing, live music, people watching, not to mention the "chairs" section at the south end of the beach, a popular gay hangout.

Malecón:

Puerto Vallarta's famous Malecón prevails as an all-time favorite place to stroll and get a sense of what Mexican small towns are all about. From music and dance performances to mimes and clowns, from corn on a stick to unique bronze and sand sculptures, night or day, strolling down the Malecón is an experience any Puerto Vallarta visitor must have. And with the addition of the newly finished extension to the Cuale pedestrian bridge, as well as the proposed continuation towards South Side to be completed next year, Puerto Vallarta's Malecón will continue to become a favorite place to be seen and people watch.