Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta: Best Restaurants by Area + Local Favorites

Puerto Vallarta is my favorite beach town in Mexico — and some of my favorite food memories happened here too. Most weren’t at fancy restaurants: fish tacos from a stand while talking with the owner, sunset with 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 coming to Puerto Vallarta long enough to have go-to spots I return to every time. Unlike many “best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta” lists, every place here is somewhere I’ve personally eaten — often more than once. It’s not exhaustive — the food scene grows faster than I can keep up with — but everything here is worth your time.

Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta

In Puerto Vallarta, where you eat is almost as important as what you eat.

There are five main tourist zones, which makes the city easier to navigate once you understand the layout. Within those zones are colonias and streets with their own distinct feel. I’ve organized this guide by area to help you decide where to eat in Puerto Vallarta based on where you are.

I also created a Google Map of every restaurant on this list. Save it to your account so it’s ready when you land—it makes navigating the city (and deciding where to eat next) much easier.

As for the food itself — you’ll find a little bit of everything. Puerto Vallarta is known for seafood, but its proximity to Guadalajara brings in regional favorites too. Don’t leave without trying pescado zarandeado — a whole fish marinated and grilled over wood. Ceviche and aguachile are essential but so are al pastor, birria and pozole. Try it all.

Best Restaurants in the Marina Zone

Best for: marina stays, walkable dining and easy access near the airport
The Marina Zone sits just south of the airport and north of the Hotel Zone and is where you’ll find more standalone 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.

Tacon de Marlin – Near the Airport

If you arrive in Puerto Vallarta hungry the one place that shouldn’t be missed is right across the pedestrian bridge as you leave the airport. Tacon de Marlin is a must before anything else. Schedule an Uber or wait for the bus while enjoying a smoked marlin tacón (a small folded burrito) with a cold Pacifico. That’s 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 only · Google Map

D’Santini

A solid pick for a casual lunch or dinner in the Marina Zone 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 the thinnest, most flavorful crusts I’ve ever eaten in my life. Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

Casa Prime

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 a few locations in other major Mexican cities, it’s worth a visit. And the atmosphere is just right for a special occasion or a nice date night. Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

Cerveceria Chapultepec

Cervecería Chapultepec sits in the parking lot of the City Express hotel which sounds like a reason to skip it but don’t. It’s a locals place — good staff, fun and exactly the kind of place you go 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. Marina Vallarta · Cash or card · Google Map

Best Restaurants in the Hotel Zone

Best for: resort stays, convenience and familiar dining options
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 fine 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.

Los Muertos Brewing

One of the coolest things to happen to the food scene in Puerto Vallarta is the up and coming Versalles — a colonia just inland from the Hotel Zone, where you’ll find some really good restaurants worth seeking out. I haven’t had the chance to try many yet but when I’m craving a burger or pizza I head to Los Muertos Brewing. And they have two locations. Hotel Zone or Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

La Vaca Argentina

I’m a sucker for Argentinian food. Since Mexico has a lot of expats from Argentina, I always look for Argentine restaurants when I’m in Mexico. I’ve had great steak and pasta in Guadalajara and Mexico City. In Puerto Vallarta, La Vaca Argentina Steak House is the place. 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

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 — 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

Oh Croissant Pastelería – Breakfast Favorite

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

Best Restaurants in el Centro

Best for: a mix of local spots, casual eats and easy access to the Malecón
Puerto Vallarta’s 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 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.

Barcelona Tapas – Views & Spanish Tapas

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

Mariscos Santa Anita is a little taco stand in a collection of taco carts on Calle Uruguay 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

El Campanario

Even with no air conditioning and a line out the door in August — El Campanario is worth every sweaty minute of the wait. Once seated in the cute green chairs with a cold glass of agua de Jamaica in front of you, you’ll remember this is 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. El Centro · Cash or card · Google Map

La Bodeguita del Medio – Mojitos & Salsa Dancing

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

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

El Barracuda – Beachfront & Fresh Seafood

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

Best Restaurants in the Romantic Zone

Best for: walkable dining, nightlife and some of the best food in the city
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 a few of my favorites — and I still have a long way to go.

Café de Olla – Breakfast Favorite

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 yummy. 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

La Piazzetta

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

The Blue Shrimp – Dini

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 dining on the sand makes everything better. Their food doesn’t need the help — it’s done well — and the view doesn’t hurt. You have to try it at least once. Romantic Zone· Cash or card · Google Map

Siam Cocina Thai

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 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 – Beachfront Dining

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

Panchos Takos may not know how to spell tacos, jajaja — but they absolutely know how to make them. Their al pastor is life changing. You’ll have a new found appreciation for pork when you see the huge trompo spinning quietly just waiting to fill a tortilla for a delectable bite of taco. 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 because in my opinion these are the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta. Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

Marisma Tacos

Tucked away under two huge ficus trees, Marisma Tacos serves the best fish tacos in Puerto Vallarta 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 and even on rainy days there’s 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

Jerusalem Express

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 small but the food is anything but. A quiet reliable gem in the middle of all that Mexican food. Romantic Zone · Cash or card · Google Map

Coco’s Kitchen

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

Best Restaurants in the South Zone

Best for: scenic dining, day trips and restaurants with a view
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 I’m willing to make the drive.

Hacienda de Oro

I went to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens — beautiful by the way — but after a humid trek down to the river I decided to cash in my complimentary agua de Jamaica—included with your ticket — at the restaurant and wow am I glad. Not only was the Jamaica of the tastiest I’ve ever had but the guacamole and shrimp tacos at the next table were delicious. Don’t skip the restaurant just because you’re there for the gardens. South Zone · Vallarta Botanical Gardens · Cash or card · Closed Monday · Google Map

Blanca Blue

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

Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Tips: Reservations, Tipping & What to Know

Do You Need Restaurant Reservations in Puerto Vallarta?

Most casual dining in Puerto Vallarta — taco stands, palapa restaurants, neighborhood spots — don’t take reservations and you can walk right in. But for the restaurants that you plan 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 Vallarta institution, reservations recommended especially December through April

Many 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.

High season in Puerto Vallarta runs roughly December through April. If you’re visiting during that time, 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.

In contrast, August and September are slower months, and many restaurants close or reduce hours — so always check ahead before making a special trip.

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 — 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 por favor. It’s not slow service, it’s just how it works.

You also won’t be paying at a register. 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. The transaction happens right in front of you, which is actually a much better system.

That said, bring cash for tips. 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.

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.

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.

Eating Your Way Through Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of those places where you plan a trip around the beaches — and end up planning your days around where you’re going to eat next.

The best meals aren’t always the ones you research ahead of time. Sometimes they’re the taco stand you almost walked past, the restaurant you return to three times in one trip or the place you didn’t expect to love but can’t stop thinking about after you leave.

This list is a starting point — my spots after years of visiting — but the best part of eating in Puerto Vallarta is finding your own favorites along the way.

If you want help planning your trip — from where to stay to where to eat and everything in between —that’s exactly what I do. You can work with me here or reach out with any questions.

Whatever else you do in Puerto Vallarta — find a Pacifico, a paloma or un trago de raicilla and enjoy one more sunset.

See you south of the border!

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