From celebrities to athletes, it looks like everyone falls in the spell of majestic Puerto Vallarta.
Well, no doubt this pacific heaven has all the recreational activities with delicious authentic food.
As we say in Mexico, “Del Plato a la Boca, se Cae la Sopa.” So, to prevent any last-minute mishap, we’ve got a list of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.
So, you can relax and taste each dish from the buffet of life!
10 Best Restaurants In Puerto Vallarta That You Must Visit
There are more than 1041 restaurants in the city. Most of the fun and authentic Mexican restaurants are located near Zona Romántica, an escape for love birds and leisure seekers.
On the contrary, if you’re looking for exquisite delicacies, you might want to check out El Campanario and Cafe des Artistes, the celebrity choice restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.
1. La Palapa Restaurant
Escape all your worries here and enjoy tropical Mexican cuisine. Located in the zona romántica, it is a 10-minute walk away from the city center.
Sip an ice-cold cerveza while basking in the warmth of the Vallarta sun, enjoying the immunities of La Palapa’s Beach Club.
You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. Their breakfast spatiality, “sunrise pancakes,” is worth trying (again and again).
Overall, this place is a bit expensive as only breakfast can cost you over $250. When it comes to fine dinner or lunch, be ready to spend $500 to $700.
Contact# +52 322 222 5225
Location: Púlpito 105-3, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
2. Fredy’s Tucan
A paradise for breakfasts with a garden-like atmosphere. Don’t forget to reserve your table, prior to two hours. Otherwise, you might have to wait as the place is always jam-packed with tourists.
This is where you can feel the real vibe. It is the place where you can remove all the veils of your personality.
There are a total of 70 dishes on the menu. Don’t forget to try the Nachos with beef because life is better with nachos.
Overall, it is not a posh restaurant, but if pure delicacy is your choice, then it is the best place to visit with family and friends.
Contact# +52 322 223 0778
Location: Basilio Badillo 245, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48480 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
3. Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Sushi
Celebrities’ favorite spot, Mantamar beach club bar, is a gay heaven in Mexico. Only adults are welcome here.
From pizza to pasta and sushi, enjoy all the continental dishes with refined taste and exquisite presentation.
Regardless of the beautiful views and stunning scenery, the menu here is quite affordable. You can enjoy royal cuisine for just $500.
This LGBTQ-friendly restaurant must be on your bucket list if you’re looking for taste and leisure in one place.
Contact# +52 322 222 6260
Location: Malecón 169, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
4. Sonora Prime
This high-end restaurant is famous among expats and Americans due to its refined taste and spectacular views.
Be ready to fall in love all over again here. Their “meat juice with marrow” and “risotto with funghi” are something that you’ll never forget.
If you want to get tipsy and high, then enjoy the Mixology range, where you can taste the continental drinks.
Contact# +52 322 221 3124
Location: Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
5. Pancho’s Takos
A small hidden gem restaurant that is known for Tacos and quick drinks. The food here is economical and delicious.
Personally, I love this place to grab a quick lunch with my better half. From vibes to emotions, you can taste the essence of love here.
It is best to visit this place in the afternoon. So, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset here while enjoying the tropical beach vibes.
This is where we locals prefer to eat. So, don’t be surprised to see the full jam-packed house here because we believe in “ Surround yourself with tacos, not negativity.”
Contact# +52 322 222 1693
Location: Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
6. Café des Artistes
Undoubtedly, cafe des artistes, Vallarta, is the most famous restaurant in Mexico for high-end food and pure luxury.
From taste to views, everything is perfect here. The crafts and wall art represent the true local morsel.
When it comes to the menu, you can order both meat and veg dishes. The menu is quite expensive as the main course dishes start at $650.
If you’re planning to visit it, either sit in “The Troj” to enjoy the starry night or “The House Of Ghosts” for real wild west vibes.
Contact# +52 322 226 7200
Location: C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
7. Tintoque
One of its own kind, Tintoque is the 1st Michelin-star restaurant in Mexico. Their creative menu is a pure piece of art.
Tintoque is the home of the great chef Joel Ornelas. He has managed this place so well at this young age which is quite remarkable.
I have only visited this restaurant once, but since then, I have been under the spell of its taste, presentation, and overall environment.
The only con is that the prices are quite high. You are expected to spend $1500 on a full three-course dinner, but the luxury justifies the high cost.
Contact# +52 322 221 1460
Location: Aquiles Serdán 445, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
8. Margarita Grill
Margaritas Grill is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta zona romantica, with an excellent and fun atmosphere.
You can grab a quick lunch from various options, vegan and gluten-free options included. The one thing that I really like here is the value of money.
The food portions are quite big compared to other high-end restaurants. Be ready to enjoy the festive mood here.
The friendly staff is the cherry on top. In a nutshell, from low pricing to delicious food, everything is perfect here.
Contact# +52 322 222 9755
Location: Pino Suárez 321, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
9. La Leche Restaurant
An artistic place that is a true example of “minimalista y contundente.” The first thing that will leave you stunned is the restaurant seating style.
The simple food and unique presentation style are quirky and stylish. Mexican seafood is the specialty of this place.
If you’re a fan of Oysters, then you’ll be happy. They serve huge portions that are juicy and full of flavors.
You can enjoy dinners and fulfill your late-night cravings here. It is worth mentioning that the prices here are a bit high. As a fancy dinner of two could cost up to $1200.
Contact# +52 322 293 0901
Location: Km 2.5, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
10. Hacienda San Angel
With live music and a romantic view, Hacienda San Angel is the most affordable restaurant in Puerto Vallarta.
The prices start from $12. You can enjoy a delicious dinner for just $150, which is quite remarkable.
You can also order rum or liquor and enjoy the starry night. A shot of Vodka will cost only $13, just like any regular pub in NYC.
Due to its affordable prices, it is a famous restaurant among locals. So, don’t forget to book your reservation prior two hours before your visit.
Contact# +52 322 222 2692
Location: C. Miramar 336, El Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Average Meal Cost In Puerto Vallarta
When it comes to the “average cost of a mean,” there is no straightforward answer. It mainly depends on you. You can grab your lunch or dinner from a fast food chain for under $10.
On the contrary, a fancy dinner in a high-end restaurant can cost up to $700 – $1500.
| Restaurant Type | Meal Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-Food Chain | Burger/Taco/Full Meal | $20 – $120 |
| Medium Range | Three Courses | $120 – $250 |
| High-End | Three Courses | $500 – $1500 |
| Micheline Star | Three Courses | $1800 – $4000 |
| Family Owned | Quick Grab | $15 – $35 |
What Food Is Puerto Vallarta Known For?
Chiles en Nogada is the most popular dish in Puerto Vallarta. Apart from it Mole Poblano, Nachos, and Tacos are also famous among visitors and locals.
Here’re the dishes and drinks you must try;
Wrapping It Up!
From the pearl white beaches to exquisite delicacies, Puerto Vallarta is the city that welcomes everyone with love and pride.
You can find any food or dish here. There are many restaurants in this resort city that serve French, Japanese, and Thai Food.
If you want to enjoy the “hot spice,” then local stalls and family-owned restaurants are the best fit for you.
Exhale all your worries and enjoy refined dining during your stay here. Because life is a buffet and we want to taste every dish.
