20+ Best Restaurants Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta (2026)

Puerto Vallarta is my favorite beach town in the Mexico. So it isn’t surprising that some of my favorite food memories happened here too. Most of them weren’t at fancy restaurants — fish tacos from a stand while chatting with the owner, watching the sunset while enjoying dorado caught that morning or a cold Pacifico at just the right moment. Simple food done perfectly in a city that somehow makes everything taste better

I’ve been going to Puerto Vallarta long enough to have regulars — places I go back to every single time without question. This list is built from those visits, those meals and those moments. It’s not exhaustive — Puerto Vallarta’s food scene grows faster than I can keep up with — but everything here I’ve eaten myself and would order again.

Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has five main tourist zones which makes understanding the layout of the city easier. Within those zones are colonias and streets with their own unique qualities. To make it easier to navigate, I’ve organized this guide by those tourist zones — because in Puerto Vallarta, where you eat is almost as important as what you eat.

Knowing a little bit about each zone’s personality helps you plan your day and figure out where to eat in Puerto Vallarta. You can read more about the various neighborhoods in my Best Area to Stay in Puerto Vallarta guide.

I also created a customized Google Map of every restaurant on this list. Open it and save it to your Google account by clicking the star at the end of the title and you’ll have it ready when you land. It’s super helpful plus Google Maps is also one of the essential apps I recommend for traveling in Mexico.

As far as food — Puerto Vallarta is on the coast so seafood — but near enough to Guadalajara to be influenced by it too. Don’t leave without trying pescado zarandeado — a whole fish marinated and grilled over wood that you’ll find everywhere from the beach to sit-down restaurants. Ceviche and aguachile are equally essential but so are al pastor and pozole. Try them all.

One final note before the list — I travel to Puerto Vallarta frequently as a solo traveler which means my picks lean toward places comfortable for one. I’ll point you toward fine dining worth the splurge at the end of the article — but most of what I love here I’ve eaten at a table for one or at the bar.

The Marina

The Marina Zone sits just south of the airport and north of the Hotel Zone and is where you’ll find more stand alone restaurants and less street food than in some of the other neighborhoods. For most visitors it’s either where you land or where your resort is. It’s not the neighborhood I choose first but it has its advantages and a few restaurants worth knowing about.

If you arrive hungry then one place that shouldn’t be missed is right across the pedestrian bridge to the left as you leave the airport. A visit to Tacón de Marlin is a must before you do anything else. Bonus: it’s the spot to wait for your Uber or bus. A smoked marlin tacón (a small folded burrito) with a cold Pacifico is the only way to arrive in Puerto Vallarta. If the marlin has run out — and it does — the res, or beef, is just as good in my opinion. 📍 Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

Another solid pick for a casual lunch or dinner is D’ Santini. The menu includes Italian dishes, sandwiches and burgers but for me the star of the show is the pizza — prepared in a woodfire oven with one of thinnest, most flavorful crusts I’ve ever eaten in my life. 📍 Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

For something a bit more upscale, Casa Prime serves steak, steak and more steak or “cortes” in Spanish. Even though it’s a chain restaurant with locations in some of the major Mexican cities, it’s worth a visit. And the atmosphere is just right for a special occasion.📍 Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

Cervecería Chapultepec sits in the parking lot of the City Express hotel which sounds like a reason to skip it but don’t. The night I was there it was packed with locals — good staff, fun and exactly the kind of place you stumble into and end up staying longer than you planned. Think tacos and bar food done well. I stuck to Pacifico but they have their own craft beer. If you’re staying at the City Express it’s basically your frontyard and that’s a very good thing. 📍 Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

Restaurants in the Hotel Zone

The Hotel Zone is exactly what it sounds like — a stretch of large hotels and resorts, a few chain restaurants and tourist infrastructure along the bay. It’s perfectly find in a Florida kind of way. It just doesn’t have as much authenticity as the Romantic Zone or el Centro but it has its place, especially if you’re staying in one of the resorts along the strip.

In terms of restaurants — the coolest thing to happen in this area is the revitalization of Versalles — an up and coming colonia just inland that has some genuinely good food worth seeking out. I’ve only scratched the surface there but Los Muertos Brewing has a location there with really good pizza, juicy burgers with hand-cut fries and craft beer that holds its own. 📍 Hotel Zone or Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

For late night bites and a casual meal try Food Truck PV Gastro Bar. You’ll find Italian, burgers, a full bar and occasional live music. Here’s a couple of other restaurants in the Hotel Zone I like:

I’m a sucker for Argentinian food. Since Mexico has a lot of expats from Argentina, I always look for them when I’m in Mexico. I’ve had great Argentine food in Guadalajara and Mexico City. In Puerto Vallarta La Vaca Argentina Steak House is my go-to. From the freshly baked bread when you sit down to the chimichurri and premium cortes of steak prepared the Argentine way — over a fire — you can’t miss. 📍 Hotel Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

La Madalena is a trendy restaurant and bar serving up a little bit of everything. The food is just as good as the bar is pretty with out of this world cocktails. The restaurant has a high energy vibe featuring a DJ most nights, so if you’re looking for a low key experience, this probably isn’t it. You could also totally skip the food and just go for cocktails. They’re that good. 📍 Hotel Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

If I was staying in the Romantic Zone I probably wouldn’t make the drive all the way back to Versalles just for dinner. I would, however, put the appropriate effort into gobbling up pastries from Oh! Croissant Pastelería — the closest thing to a French bakery in Puerto Vallarta, and owned by a French chef. Obviously, try the croissants — sweet or savory — they are delish but so are the quiches, the eclairs, the cookies, the coffee…to be continued. 📍 Versalles · Cash or card · Google Map

Eating in el Centro

El Centro, or Downtown, is exciting — you can find everything and there’s always something going on. Located south of the Hotel Zone, you’ll find a mix of local restaurants and plus some other places catering to tourists on the Malecón. This area has so many restaurants worth trying I can’t include them all but start with these recommendations.

For Spanish small plates and tapas Barcelona Tapas can’t be beat. They are widely known for their fabulous paella, authentic sangria and amazing gin and tonics. Also — from their perch above the city — the views are some of the finest in town and is ideal for a special occasion or a romantic rendezvous in Puerto Vallarta. 📍 El Centro · Cash or card · Google Map

Mariscos Santa Anita is a little taco stand in a collection of taco carts on Calle Uraguay near Playa Camarones in el Centro. They cook up a wide variety of seafood tacos and quesadilla. The breaded shrimp tacos are tasty. 📍 El Centro · Cash only · Google Map

Even with no air conditioning and a line out the door in August — El Campanario rewards anyone who survives every sweaty minute of waiting. Once seated at the cute green tables and chairs with a cold glass of agua de Jamaica in front of you, you’ll remember exactly why you came to Mexico in the first place. This type of Mexican comfort food — cenaduría style — is the reason people stand outside in the heat. They know it and you’ll know it too once you eat there. 📍 El Centro · Cash or card · Google Map

La Bodeguita del Medio has awesome Cuban food in Vallarta. For dinner, live music, dancing or just a mojito and a moment — this is it. I’ve sampled several of the beef — my fav is the vaca frita — and pork dishes and the salads are favorites too but it’s the maduros — sweet plantains — that I dream about. El Centro · Cash or card · Google Map

The staff are the kind of people who remember regulars but treat every table like they’re the most important one in the room. The service alone is reason enough to go back — and I have, many times. Be warned — it gets crowded especially on weekends and in busy season. Go anyway. There’s nothing like dancing salsa on a Saturday night in PV with someone you only just met. 📍 El Centro · Cash or card · Google Map

Rico Mac Taco is the restaurant that’s in a touristy spot but not overly touristy — if that makes sense. It’s a great choice for a sit down restaurant in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood when everyone wants something different. The menu covers all the bases — soup, salad, Mexican, burgers and even pasta but just go ahead and order queso fundido with pico de gallo and thank me later. 📍 5 de Diciembre · Cash or card · Google Map

There’s a special place that sits at the end of Playa Camarones. I’ve only been for drinks — but plan on a proper visit next time I’m in town because when it’s sunset at el Barracuda that’s enough of a reason to be there. I sent some friends there and I think they went almost every night. The menu is small, the seafood is freshly caught and they have shrimp al pastor. Something I’ve never seen anywhere. I can’t wait to try it. 📍 El Centro · Cash or card · Google Map

Romantic Zone Restaurants

The Romantic Zone — or Old Town — sits just south of the Río Cuale and is my favorite neighborhood in all of Puerto Vallarta. No there are more new buildings and condos than I’d like to see but it still feels like a piece of old Mexico in a big city. It’s also where I’ve spent the most time and eaten the most food. These are my favorites — and I still have a long way to go.

Hands down my number one go-to for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Romantic Zone is Café de Olla. I can always count on amazing food anytime — breakfast is superb — with rich, delicious café de olla featuring their special piloncillo blend served in the cutest boxes on the table.

For dinner, the fresh catch is yum. They also grill barbeque chicken and potatoes right out front. If you can score a small table outside on the sidewalk — do it. The people watching alone is worth the trip. 📍 Romantic Zone · Cash only · Closed Tuesday · Google Map

Pasta, pizza and one of the most delicious tiramisus I’ve had anywhere is on the menu at La Piazzetta. I certainly didn’t expect that in Puerto Vallarta but I found it. The outside patio is perfect for a casual date night, a relaxed meal or ordering a pizza to go and wandering back toward the beach.📍 Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

At Los Muertos Beach, I had fresh dorado on Valentine’s Day at The Blue Shrimp. I decided to splurge and celebrate my aloneness, surrounded by giant LOVE letters on the sand. Because even when you’re solo, beachside dining makes everything taste better and the food doesn’t need the help — it’s done well — plus the view doesn’t hurt. You have to try it at least once. 📍 Romantic Zone· Cash or card · Google Map

Sometimes you end up ordering food in Puerto Vallarta during a summer rain because you have two huge blisters on your feet and the Uber Eats driver deserves a good tip. We ended up with cashew chicken from Siam Cocina Thai and oh my my it was incredible. If you can, try to make it in to the actual restaurant in the Romantic Zone. It’s the kind of unexpected gem that makes Puerto Vallarta’s food scene endlessly surprising. But in a pinch — they deliver when the weather has other ideas. 📍 Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

Cuates y Cuetes may look like just another restaurant in a string of oceanfront eateries along Los Muertos Beach — but it’s my go-to for a quick snack, an after swim hang or a reliable dinner when I don’t want to try anything new. You get a front row view of the famous pier, traditional Mexican food, fresh seafood and nachos worth ordering every time. The live music — especially the jazz combo — keeps me coming back. 📍 Romantic Zone · Cash only · Google Map

Panchos Takos may not know how to spell tacos — they do it with a “k” instead of a “c” — but they absolutely know how to make them. The al pastor is life changing. You will have a new found appreciation for it when you see the huge trompo of pork spinning quietly just waiting to fill a tortilla for the most delectable bite of food there is. Don’t skip the salsas — they are exceptional — try every one of them. Yes there’s usually a line at Panchos but just get in it. 📍 Romantic Zone· Cash or card · Google Map

Tucked away under two huge ficus trees, Marisma Tacos serves tacos with homemade tortillas and sauces that will make you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. I’m not joking — I could eat here every day. The setting alone is worth finding. Even on rainy days there’s just enough room to not get wet. Try the expertly battered fish or shrimp tacos and you won’t be sorry. 📍 Romantic Zone · Cash only · Google Map

When you need a break from tacos — and eventually you will believe it or not — Jerusalem Express delivers. Tabbouleh, falafel, hummus, traditional pickles and much more done properly by Alon, who is from Israel and brings that authenticity to every plate. The space is tiny but the food is anything but small. A quiet reliable gem in the middle of all that Mexican food. 📍 Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

Coco’s Kitchen is that place everyone who loves eating in Puerto Vallarta tends to rave about but somehow it still manages to feel like a secret. I like to go a little later in the day but I’d get up early — even on vacation — for the churro pancakes. This is exactly where I want to enjoy at my leisurely breakfast or brunch. Just be aware it can get crowded so plan accordingly. 📍 Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

The South Zone

The further south you go from Puerto Vallarta the more the city gives way to smaller properties, luxury resorts and dramatic coastline. I haven’t eaten at many restaurants out here — most of my south zone experiences have been day trips to Mismaloya, Yelapa and Garza Blanca. But what I have found has been worth the drive.

I went to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens — beautiful by the way and worth it — expecting nothing much from the restaurant Hacienda de Oro. But after a humid trek down to the river I decided to cash in my complimentary agua de Jamaica — included with your ticket — and wow I’m glad I did.

Not only was the Jamaica of the tastiest I’ve ever had but the guacamole was delicious and the shrimp tacos at the next table were enormous. I ordered those too. Don’t skip the restaurant just because you’re there for the gardens. It’s a lot of fun watching the hummingbirds while you eat. 📍 South Zone · Vallarta Botanical Gardens · Cash or card · Closed Monday · Google Map

Located about five miles south of the Romantic Zone inside Garza Blanca resort, Blanca Blue serves innovative Mexican food on a terrace overlooking some of the bluest water in all of Puerto Vallarta. I can’t speak to lunch or dinner but the breakfast was wonderful. It’s an excellent stop on a south beach day. The views alone justify the drive. 📍 South Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta Worth the Splurge

As I mentioned, since I travel by myself frequently I don’t always do fine dining alone so I haven’t gotten to these places yet. Here’s a couple of swankier restaurants on my list that come highly recommended and some others just because:

La Cappella at the Bellview Historic Boutique Hotel serves Italian classics with prime views of downtown and the Bay of Banderas. Ideal for a special occasion or a splurge brunch on the weekend.

Le Kliff — I haven’t been yet but I’ve seen it recommended more than almost any other restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. Perched on the side of a mountain high above the ocean south of the city — the location alone is the reason to go. One day.

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack — not fancy but one of the most talked about restaurants in PV for good reason. Fresh fish, easy vibe and the kind of place that ends up on everyone’s list eventually. And I’ve heard they have a southern fried chicken as good as grandma’s.

Mezcal y Sal — for mezcal, seafood and a good time. The name tells you everything you need to know. Who doesn’t want to eat somewhere named for Oaxaca’s famous spirit?

De Cántaro — wood-fired grill, mezcal bar, steak and seafood in a open courtyard in the Romantic Zone. It looks romantic, it smells divine and it’s been on my list for an embarrassingly long time. Next trip.

Do You Need Restaurant Reservations in Puerto Vallarta?

For most casual dining in Puerto Vallarta — taco stands, palapa restaurants, neighborhood spots — you can walk right in. That’s part of the charm.

But for the restaurants that are destination dining — the ones you’re planning your evening around — reservations are worth making in advance, sometimes well in advance depending on the season.

Restaurants that typically require or strongly recommend reservations:

• Le Kliff — the sunset views make this one book up fast, reserve before you arrive in town
• La Capella — good for special occasions and books up ahead of time even for weekend brunch
• Café des Artistes — a PV institution, reservations recommended especially December through April

Most Puerto Vallarta restaurants take reservations by phone or WhatsApp rather than through OpenTable or Resy, so don’t be surprised if you can’t book online the way you would at home. A WhatsApp message to the restaurant a day or two ahead is usually all it takes for most mid-range spots. For the top-tier restaurants, call or message as soon as you know your dates.

High season in Puerto Vallarta runs roughly December through April. If you’re visiting during that window, especially around the holidays in December or Semana Santa, make reservations earlier than you think you need to. And always check ahead of time if you have a big group.

What to Wear in Puerto Vallarta Restaurants

Puerto Vallarta is a beach town and the dress code reflects that — but it varies considerably depending on where you’re eating.

For casual beach and taco spots, shorts, sandals and a sundress are completely appropriate. And nobody is looking at your shoes.

The Romantic Zone restaurants are for more smart casual. A nice sundress or linen pants and shirt for women, a collared shirt or nice linen shirt for men. You don’t need heels — no one wants heels on Puerto Vallarta’s sidewalks and cobblestone streets — but you’ll probably feel out of place in a swimsuit.

Now for the upscale restaurants — Le Kliff, Barcelona Tapas, La Capella — dress up a little. Not formal, not a tie, but put together. Think resort elegant — a maxi dress, pants, collared shirts and maybe even a blazer for men — something that signals you’re there for the experience. La Capella in particular states no beachwear, flip-flops, tank tops or gym shorts.

Most restaurants aren’t going to turn you away for wearing the wrong thing but you’ll want to match the room. And one universal rule: even the casual restaurants prefer you not walk in straight from the beach dripping wet. Dry off and throw on a dress or shorts over your swimsuit.

Paying and Tipping in Puerto Vallarta

A few notes about paying at restaurants in Puerto Vallarta that will save you from an awkward moment at the end of an otherwise great dinner.

First — you will not be going to a register to pay. In Mexico, the server brings the check to your table and in most restaurants now, they’ll bring a card terminal directly to you as well. You don’t hand your card to anyone and watch it disappear into the back. The transaction happens right in front of you, which is actually a much better system.

One more thing that catches visitors off guard: your server will not bring the check until you ask for it. In Mexican dining culture, leaving the check on the table uninvited is considered rude — it signals you want the customer to leave. When you’re ready to go, just catch your server’s eye and ask for la cuenta. It’s not slow service, it’s just how it works.

That said, cash is best for tipping. Many card terminals don’t have a tip line or the tip doesn’t always make it to your server if it’s processed through the machine. There are enough stories circulating in traveler and expat groups about owners keeping credit card tips that it’s worth taking seriously. Bring pesos for tips and leave them on the table or with the server directly.

Before you pay, look at your check carefully. Make sure the prices match what was on the menu and check whether gratuity has already been added — especially during high season when restaurants are full of tourists. A service charge of 10 to 15 percent is sometimes added automatically and it’s easy to miss.

As far as changing prices, I want to be clear that this is not the norm and it has never happened to me personally. But I have seen it come up enough times in travel groups that it’s worth a quick look before you hand over your card.

For tipping in Mexico, a Mexican friend taught me to simply round up — I don’t feel that’s enough but then again, American tipping culture is to blame for mostly what’s wrong with tipping in the first place. At minimum, 15 percent is appropriate for decent service and I wouldn’t leave less than that. For really good service, 20 percent is well earned.

More Puerto Vallarta Food Tips

• Still don’t know where to eat in Puerto Vallarta or want to try it all? Then book this food tour.
• Uber Eats works really well in Puerto Vallarta. On a rainy night it might just deliver the cashew chicken of your life.
• Many Puerto Vallarta restaurants close or reduce hours in August and September during the less busy months. Always check ahead before making a special trip.
• Cash is still preferred in many restaurants especially at taco stands and smaller local spots. Always have pesos on hand.
• The most popular street food often has no sign and no menu. Follow the locals and look for busy taco stands.

Eating Your Way Through Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s food is one of the reasons that keeps me coming back — and I always leave with a longer list than I arrived with. You should see my Google Map saved list. From fish tacos on the beach to Cuban food and salsa dancing on a Saturday night, this city feeds you well in every sense of the word.

If you want help planning your Puerto Vallarta trip — from where to eat to where to stay and everything in between — that’s exactly what I’m here for. Fill out this form and let’s start planning or feel free to email me with any questions.

Whatever you do in Puerto Vallarta — find a Pacifico, a paloma or un trago de raicilla, pull up a chair somewhere with a view and just sit for a while. That’s the whole point.

See you south of the border!