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In search of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta? I’ve got you covered, no matter what you’re craving.
This statement may surprise you, but I feel confident in saying that Puerto Vallarta has one of the best food scenes of any beach destination in Mexico. It’s the thing that surprised me most about our trip.
Unlike some of the more sleepy beach towns along the coast, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal combo of city vibes with stunning coastline, giving visitors the best of both worlds in a single trip. And because it’s a bit more bustling, the area has attracted some incredible chefs who are revamping Puerto Vallarta’s food scene.
There are truly a ton of great dining options. Much too many to enjoy in just one trip.
In PV, you’ll find everything from hole-in-the-wall taco joints and fine-dining establishments with international cuisine, to seafood surf shacks, and even a restaurant where you can dine with your feet in a pool. Yup, that was definitely a first for me!
In this post, I’ve tried to compile a well-rounded list that provides a little bit of something for everyone, whether you’re looking for street tacos, vegan joints or a meal that just screams vacation ambiance. Know that there are way too many amazing spots to include here, but these are my picks for the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for every food craving.
…But first, don’t miss this award-winning food tour:
We booked this amazing street food tour during our time in Puerto Vallarta and it was one of the most fun things we did on our trip. There’s a reason why this tour is award-winning (in 2019 and 2020 they were voted the #4 Food Experience in the WORLD by TripAdvisor).
During the 3.5 hour tour, you explore some of the most vibrant parts of the city on foot, stopping at the best restaurants and hidden gem taco carts while getting local insight into the city. It’s absolutely one of the best thing to do in Puerto Vallarta.
For even more options, check out my guide to the best food tours in Puerto Vallarta.
Quick Tips for Dining in Puerto Vallarta
Is it expensive to eat in Puerto Vallarta?
Luckily since Puerto Vallarta is a city, you can find quite a range of dining experiences from street food vendors to casual eateries, to fine dining restaurants.
If you’re on a budget, you can definitely stick to the street food vendors and smaller local joints to stay budget conscious (some tacos start at just $1!), however I recommend sprinkling your itinerary with a few of the nicer spots as well to round out your overall dining experience.
What is the tipping culture in Puerto Vallarta?
Like in the U.S., it’s customary to tip in Mexico to show your appreciation for good service. As a good baseline, I would say 15% is a good average tip, though 20% is appropriate if you’ve received excellent service. Some local Mexicans prefer to tip 10%, but I wouldn’t tip anything lower than that.
Servers in Puerto Vallarta will always bring the credit card terminal to your table for you to pay the bill, so there will be an option on the machine to add the desired percentage, which makes doing the math a bit easier.
What types of food is Puerto Vallarta known for?
Seeing as that Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination, you can’t leave without trying some of the local seafood. Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper and Grouper are some of the most common fish you’ll find on menus here along with dishes like ceviche, aguachile and catch of the day.
For non seafood lovers, the local birria is a must-try as well. This is a meat stew made from goat, beef or chicken and is served with corn tortillas. However, many places also serve birria tacos which come with meat inside and a consommé, which is an insanely delicious dipping broth.
If you want to order birria tacos with meat served inside your tortillas, make sure to specify that so you don’t end up with stew. You can get your tortillas cooked three ways: “Dorado” which is crispy, “Medio Dorado” which is medium crispy and then “Blandito” which is not cooked.
Is it safe to eat from taco trucks in Puerto Vallarta?
It can absolutely be safe to eat at the taco stands in Puerto Vallarta, but there are some important things to consider when choosing which ones to eat at. For starters, the best ones are usually not right next to the tourist sites—they are where the locals hang out.
To ensure cleanliness and food safety, I’d recommend picking one that has a line or is moving food quickly so items are not sitting out for long. You also want to make sure that the person handling the money is not also handling the food preparation.
Do restaurants take cash and credit card?
For how built up Puerto Vallarta is, cash is still king here. You’ll be surprised by how many restaurants are still cash only. Plus, if you want to eat your way through the city’s tastiest street vendors you’ll definitely need to pay in pesos.
However, if you’re sticking to fancier establishments or hotel restaurants then you can probably get away with paying with card.
REad MOre: ULTIMATE PUERTO VALLARTA TRAVEL GUIDE
The Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to Bookmark Now
El Campanario
El Campanario was a recommendation from our local walking tour guide on our first day in Puerto Vallarta and he did NOT steer us wrong. I normally would stay away from spots super close to big tourist sites (it’s right across from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church), but this one was a clear winner.
Very low-key with a colorful interior, this is a local spot serving local food at local prices. No frills here, but the pure authentic simplicity is what makes this place so special.
If you’re on a budget or just in the mood for a truly local experience with incredible flavors, this is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for you to try.
Address: Hidalgo 339, Proyecto escola, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location.
Abulón Antojería del Mar
You can’t come to Puerto Vallarta without indulging in the local seafood, and your first stop should be Abulón Antojería del Mar.
Located in the up-and-coming gastronomic neighborhood of Versalles, it’s a casual seafood spot with a solid menu of delicious options like grilled octopus, shrimp ceviche, and catch of the day. Plus, they make an excellent margarita too.
The owners of Abulón are from the small nearby fishing village of Yelapa, and their restaurant attracts a local crowd just as much as it does tourists.
They have a nice, laid-back dining area outside and there’s even a little play gym so it’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids. Expect to want to stop by for multiple meals, as they switch up the menu from lunch to dinner.
Address: Hamburgo 137, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location.
Café des Artistes
Tucked away in Old Town, Café des Artistes serves “French cuisine with Mexican inspiration” and has an incredible gourmet tasting menu with options for both meat eaters and vegetarians.
The menu changes regularly but always has a unique theme; when we were there it was based all on films, which was really fun.
The restaurant has been around since 1991, collecting awards and accolades along the way, and it’s no wonder. Chef Thierry Blouet has truly created something special here. This isn’t just a memorable dining experience for Puerto Vallarta, it’s one of my most memorable meals I’ve eaten anywhere, and I promise you won’t regret splurging a little.
While the food is truly a gastronomic work of art, the lush garden setting where patrons dine is just as magical, making this a super romantic option for a night out in Puerto Vallarta. Definitely make a reservation in advance and bring a romantic date here!
Address: C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
El Carboncito
In search of the best street tacos in Puerto Vallarta? El Carboncito is your spot, especially for a late night bite.
Our local food tour guide tipped us off to this place, and if hole-in-the-wall taco joints are your jam, you’ll love it. Locals are regulars here just as much as tourists, so you know it’s going to be good.
If you’re a meat eater, definitely order the al pastor tacos, which are my personal favorite and one of the most popular options here. Also, you can’t beat the price with tacos only costing about $1.
Note that they don’t open until 7 PM (but they stay open until the wee hours in the morning), so this spot is ideal for dinner or a bit after some bar hopping. They’re also closed on Mondays.
Address: C. Honduras 127, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location.
Veggitalia
You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy the food at this incredible meat-free Italian joint—it’s that good. I was vegetarian for one point for eight years, and although I’m not anymore, I would consider this to be some of the most delicious vegetarian food I’ve ever eaten. Anyone who enjoys Italian food will love it at Veggitalia.
Those with other dietary restrictions will be thrilled to know that you can also get anything vegan or gluten-free here too.
Chef Marco does an incredible job of making his customers feel like they’ve stepped into his home kitchen. The day that we went here for lunch, he served us himself and explained the menu to us. We learned that he imports a lot of his ingredients from Italy and uses many local producers where possible.
The pizzas and pastas are excellent, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Address: Corona 172, Proyecto escola, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Birriería Robles
Known for the best birria in town, Birriería Robles is a family-owned spot with four locations in Puerto Vallarta to choose from if you’re looking to try this braised meat dish. If you’re not familiar with birria, it’s typically a stew of goat, lamb, or beef, and it’s very popular in the Jalisco region of Mexico.
Though the thought of goat might scare you, this is the place to get a little daring with your taste buds and try this beloved Jalisco staple.
Just make sure to get the consommé too, which is basically like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The actual definition? It’s the broth used to cook the meat, garnished with onions and cilantro that add a richness to the tacos you’ll be fantasizing about for days.
I recommend trying both the tacos dorado (crunchy) and the tacos blanditos (not crunchy) to compare both. The dorado has a wonderful unique, golden-fried crunch that’s different to a typical taco experience, whereas the blandito soaks up the consommé with ease, allowing for maximum flavor.
Address: Multiple locations around the city.
Chakrana
We stumbled upon this funky metaphysical boutique and cafe on our way back from a hike, and they ended up having the most amazing smoothies.
I can’t personally speak to the food, but if you’re seeking out a super clean, healthy menu in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll definitely find that here. I’m not going to call it one of the absolute top restaurants in PV, but I wanted to include it as an option for those that are a bit more health conscious.
In addition to smoothies, you’ll find coffee, tea infusions, and healthy menu staples like avocado toast and bowls.
Overall, Chakrana is a cute little hidden gem worth popping into for healthy bites. Definitely at the very least order a smoothie—I got the Blue Magik, which was insanely good AND beautiful. It actually sparkles!
Address: C. Juárez 576, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Barrio Bistro
Another must-try restaurant in Puerto Vallarta located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Versalles is Barrio Bistro. It’s a good date night spot if you’re looking for a nicer dining experience without it being too “fancy.”
Barrio Bistro serves up creative dishes by Chef Memo Wulff that are made with fresh, regional ingredients and are plated beautifully. They also use Raicilla in many of their cocktails, which is an agave spirit that is becoming more and more popular in Jalisco, Mexico, so this is a great place to try it.
The atmosphere is cozy and colorful with art adorning the walls, and the menu changes every two weeks, so you can return again and again without tiring of the dining experience.
Address: C. España 305, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Makal Gastronomica
Serving up contemporary Mexican cuisine in a vibrant space, this is one gem in Zona Romantica that is still flying a bit under the radar.
Though Makal has won multiple awards, I was surprised by how empty the restaurant was when we visited. Maybe we just hit an off night, but I’m hoping business has picked up for them because the food is outstanding.
Though the menu here adapts to the current season, some of the most beloved dishes on the menu are their mushroom ceviche with chili ponzu, confit duck quesatacos and chicharrón arancinis.
Address: Lázaro Cárdenas 311, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48330 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
ICÚ
A contemporary take on traditional Mexican classics, ICÚ (which means corn in the Huichol language) has been voted one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta by numerous publications.
I haven’t had the chance to dine inside their Puerto Vallarta restaurant yet, but I did get the opportunity to attend a private dinner back home hosted by the Jalisco tourism board where ICÚ’s head chef cooked for us, and it was unreal! The unexpected flavors that paid homage to Mexican culture were a true delight.
The interior at ICÚ is modern and cozy and they offer a 5 or 9-course tasting menu as well as the option to order a la carte. One fun little fact about ICÚ is that their wine cellar is stocked with 100% Mexican wines, so if you’re interested in trying some of the local vino, this is a great place to do it.
Address: Venustiano Carranza 210, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Mar Y Vino
Mar y Vino has a really fun concept: you literally dine IN the water. Servers take your shoes upon arrival and hang them in a little bag next to your table, and then you’re seated with your feet in a pool overlooking the ocean.
I mean, does anything scream ‘I’m on vacation’ more?
I can’t say it’s one of the absolute best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta food-wise, but the experience was super fun and I would do it again just for the overall ambiance. Especially on a hot day in PV, this is a super refreshing way to dine oceanfront. Reservations are recommended.
Address: Manuel M. Dieguez 106, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Makai Restaurant
Though a bit outside of town and closer to Punta Mita, Makai is worth the drive if you want some incredible seafood.
Here you’ll find surf shack vibes and fresh, gourmet-quality food at a super reasonable price. Definitely try the ceviche and tuna tostadas and stop by nearby La Lancha Beach while you’re in the area too.
Address: Carretera a Punta de Mita, Km 15, 63730 Corral del Risco, Nay., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Elixir Spot Vegan
One of the top-rated vegan places in Puerto Vallarta, Elixir Spot makes the list for best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for vegan dining, since I want to make sure to include all dietary restrictions here.
With a super cozy and welcoming vibe, this small, tucked-away cafe is a great option if you’re looking for healthy options like smoothie bowls, toasts, and tacos. Plus, the location is right by the Malecón in the Romantic Zone, so it’s super convenient for those staying by the beach.
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best meat-free options in Puerto Vallarta, you won’t want to miss this spot.
Address: Francisca Rodríguez 142, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Cenaduria Tia Anita
If getting off the beaten food path is your jam, then you’ll love Cenaduria Tia Anita.
This is THE place for tamales and just real, authentic Mexican food in general. It’s located in the El Pitillal neighborhood, and in addition to their famous homemade tamales, you can also try dishes like pozole, tostadas, enchiladas, and more.
Keep in mind that they don’t open until evening, but make sure you get there early because there’s often a line and the tamales can sell out.
Address: 5 de Mayo 70, Centro Pitillal, 48298 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
La Capella Restaurante
La Capella Restaurante is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city with incredible views overlooking Our Lady of Guadalupe church. It’s so romantic in fact that we even witnessed an engagement at a nearby table when we were here!
La Capella is located inside the gorgeous BellView boutique hotel and serves traditional Italian fare. It’s a bit over the top in the best way with chandeliers, white tablecloths, and painted frescoes on the ceiling. My favorite part though are the live violinists that serenade you as you dine.
If you’re going to go here, make sure you time your reservation right. Puerto Vallarta has fireworks that go off every night from the local pirate ship tour (typically between 9 and 10 PM), and this is the perfect place to watch them from (you’ll want to request a table on the patio).
If you’re looking for a fancy date night/special occasion spot, La Capella is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for this.
Address: C. Miramar 363 B, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Pancho’s Takos
Located in the Zona Romantica, this beloved taco spot is divey and super casual, offering great options for both meat and veggie tacos. It’s a small restaurant with a line typically out the door, but if you’re a taco aficionado it’s well worth the wait.
If you’ve been sweating all day in the beating Puerto Vallarta sun, you’ll also be happy to hear that the margaritas are massive.
Pancho’s opens at 4 PM, so best bet is to get in line at around 3:45 PM so you can to try to beat the crowds.
Address: Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas
Another must-visit taco spot in Puerto Vallarta is Tacos Sonorita. We came to this Romantic Zone restaurant on our food tour and it was one of our favorite stops.
Tacos Sonorita is a step up from your typical taco stand, with a full sized restaurant, nice decor and plentiful seating, but it’s still got laid-back vibes. Here, the open kitchen creates a nice ambiance where you can watch the chefs cut meat straight off the trompo.
If you’re unsure what to order, you can’t go wrong with their tacos al pastor that are especially delicious.
Address: Pino Suárez 232, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Miscelanea Vallarta
Tacos in Puerto Vallarta are a dime a dozen, but it’s harder than you’d think to find aesthetic cafés in this city. If that’s what you’re on the hunt for, then Miscelanea Vallarta fits the bill, with their clean interior decor and tasty brunch staples.
Miscelanea’s design and vibe is on point here, and in addition to serving some of the best coffee in town, they have a full menu of healthy breakfast and lunch options like smoothie bowls, pancakes, egg dishes, and sandwiches that offer something a bit different when you’ve overdosed on seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine.
Address: C. Milán #255, Versalles, 48310 Mexico, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Trio Restaurant
There comes a point in every Mexico vacation when you’ve had one too many tacos and you’re ready to switch it up. If that sounds like you, then you need to check out Trio.
Trio is a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta that serves traditional entrees like pastas, steaks, and seafood. The vibe is old school, but the ambiance is cozy and the creative dishes will wow you with flavor.
Don’t miss their rooftop bar where you can order drinks and apps.
Address: Guerrero 264, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Google Maps Location
Looking for Even More of the Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Check out these highly-rated spots:
- Mezcal y Sal
- Gaby’s Restaurant
- La Leche
- Tuna Azul
- El Taquito Hidalguense
- Campomar
Discover More Mexico Posts
10 Unique Things to do in Guadalajara
Best Boutique Hotels in Puerto Vallarta
50 + Mexico Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go
How to Visit Balandra Beach (Mexico’ Most Beautiful Beach)
Best Things to do in Sayulita
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