Take time to enjoy the fantastic variety of Puerto Vallarta restaurants that are mainly distributed along the sea walk and downtown streets. Dining in Puerto Vallarta is a real pleasure, since this beautiful port is ranked as one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world. Here you will find more than traditional Mexican cuisine, you can discover sophisticated and avant-garde dishes as well.
Puerto Vallarta hosts an International Gourmet Festival each year, where acclaimed local and international chefs take part, and it also plays an important role as exchange forum giving Vallarta cuisine a very special character.
Ambiences are just as varied in Vallarta, from the breezy beach restaurant ''De Rigeur'' under a thatched roof, to restored colonial buildings framed by picturesque narrow cobblestone streets, or sophisticated restaurants inside the many the resort hotels.
We highly recommend you take the time to savor some of the many intriguing dishes on offer in Vallarta, especially some of the local cuisine. These are just some of the main Puerto Vallarta restaurants.
Cafe des Artistes
Dining in Puerto Vallarta is always a luxurious experience if you eat at Cafe des Artistes; the finest Mexican cuisine restaurant with very avant-garde decor and excellent service. It has a well assorted wine cellar and such a creative cuisine that you can even become involved in the cooking of your dish! Always a delicious entertaining dining experience.
Cafe Maximilian
Even though cakes, ice cream and coffee are the highlights you should also definitely sample the Austrian dishes that include Mexican ingredients for a surprise effect. The European ambience is complemented by a romantic terrace overlooking the street.
Chef Roger
Serving haute cuisine with a strong European influence, this delightful restaurant is a favorite with locals and repeat visitors who appreciate the attention and devotion to detail. Fine Californian, Chilean, Italian, German, Mexican and Spanish wines are complemented by fresh dates and terrine.
Chez Elena
This romantic garden restaurant on the hillside overlooking the bay is the ideal venue for a special evening. The rich regional diversity of Mexican dishes is prominently featured and expertly prepared. Every day a new dish is featured from a different Mexican State.
La Palapa
Beach and palm trees are the idyllic scenery from this thatched roof restaurant where great service and good food complement a casual yet elegant ambience. This is one of the most popular and exquisite restaurants in Vallarta.
La Petite France
Renowned gourmet Nacho Cadena takes meticulous care of every detail that makes any dinner a happening for the senses. The menu changes regularly, always in search of classic French haute cuisine. In the evening music gives the restaurant a sophisticated twist for a wonderful dining experience.
Le Kliff
Perched on the edge of a cliff, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation is the spectacular Le Kliff Restaurant, one of the most famous in Puerto Vallarta, renowned for its excellent service and world-class cuisine.
Under a giant ''palapa'', you can enjoy a magnificent ocean view and exciting tropical gourmet cuisine with Asian influences; all exclusive creations by the chef Everardo Robles. Le Kliff has been recognized as ''The most beautiful restaurant in Mexico'' by Mexicana Airlines and is a Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival member.
It also appeared in The Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest handmade palapa.
Mariscos Tino's-Pitillal
Excellent seafood, service, as well as a casual family atmosphere, Mariscos Tino's-Pitillal is the cathedral of seafood in picturesque Puerto Vallarta Bay. A tradition since 1990 in Vallarta, this restaurant offers its customers exquisite and original seafood recipes daily.
Begin your gastronomical voyage with succulent Marlin Tacos, continue with Green Shell Mussels Meuniere and finish off this lovely meal with one of the great house specialties, Zarandeado Fish, prepared with snapper of the season. Or try the tempting Gran Parrillada Tino's, a platter which offers a great variety of seafood.
Outback Steakhouse
Australian style is one of a kind when it comes to steaks and high quality ingredients, and it has satisfied many stomachs around the world. Come and enjoy incredibly delicious entrees, steaks, hamburgers and ribs.
Spiaggia
Spiaggia is a contemporary beachside restaurant with an amazing 45 foot tall palapa. This restaurant blends 3 concepts into one, a beach club, a restaurant and a lounge bar.
During the day, you can try a delicious dish from the menu while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean from your comfortable lounger. Enjoy gourmet dining from 6 pm, when they offer appetizing dishes from the brick wood fired oven or the charcoal grill, as well as an extensive list of wines. To wrap this experience up, listen to the gentle lapping of the waves as our resident DJs play an excellent selection of music.
Suzie Wong's
A favorite with locals and visitors, this restaurant was awarded as ''the best Chinese restaurant in Vallarta'' in 2004 for its ambience and cuisine, always loyal to Feng Shui principles they only offer the highest quality for a taste sensation.
Tikul
Tikul is the latest creation by restaurateur Alberto Perez, designer and owner of La Palapa and Vista Grill. In the tradition of great taste and fine dining, Tikul offers elegance and class, with soft tropical tones and a theme which reflects their culinary version of Pacific cuisine. A well stocked wine cellar, live acoustic music, a marina view and the fine dining experience are the perfect reasons to try Tikul.
Tutto Pronto
At Tutto Pronto, you can find delicious gourmet dishes. Discover and enjoy Italian cuisine, which features dishes with a rustic yet trendy feel. They have gourmet baskets for a picnic by the beach. Also, if you need a place to host a party, the dedicated staff would be glad to help you organize that special event. Treat your guests to haute cuisine and win them over with this gourmet experience.
Vacas Grill
Hamburgers, beer and football! What else do you need? A relaxed environment, affordable prices and friendly service are what you can expect at this fun restaurant. Vacas Grill is a favorite with visitors and locals alike, owing to its famous hamburgers and the grilled flavor that characterizes its dishes. The menu features a great selection of chicken wings, burritos, quesadillas, ribs, arracheras and many choice cuts of beef. This is a great spot to watch a football game, or have a few evening drinks while enjoying the live music, and Vacas also has WI-FI Internet for no extra cost.
Vista Grill
This beautiful terrace is becoming one of the preferred places for both Puerto Vallarta locals and visitors looking for an extraordinary culinary experience. The chef takes cuisine to new heights offering creative dishes in honor of the beautiful view.