Dining in Puerto Vallarta

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When traveling to Mexico there are important considerations to keep in mind. In order to make your trip as relaxing and stress-free as possible it is wise to acquaint yourself with local requirements, rules, and customs to avoid any unnecessary delays or problems while on vacation.

The following is a list of things to help you plan a trip to Mexico.

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Things to do

Our villas have some of the best chefs in Puerto Vallarta, but when you choose to venture out to eat, you will enjoy an incredible assortment of fabulous restaurants, from world class French cuisine to taco stands. Puerto Vallarta has become known as one of the top gastronomical centers in the country outside Mexico City.

One of the best times to experience the unique dining atmosphere in Puerto Vallarta is during the annual International Gourmet Festival, held every November. In May, most of the top restaurants in town participate in Restaurant Week, offering special prix fixe menus at reduced prices.

Whether you are looking for fine dining, hip hot spots, casual and fun, or specialized (vegetarian, ethnic, and breakfast only), be sure to check out the excellent restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.

Fine Dining

AGAVE GRILL Morelos #589, just a block off the Malecon Tel: 222-2000 A romantic Hacienda setting including a Tequila tasting bar and store with Premium 100% agave tequilas. A superlative dining experience plus attentive service make this one of the best choices for Tequila aficionados.

EL ARRAYAN: Allende #344 at Miramar street above the Malecon Tel: 222-2963 carmyp@prodigy.net.mx The décor is old Mexico, the mood is fresh and contemporary and the menu is a brilliant interpretation of traditional family recipes. In less then a year this charming restaurant has become a favorite with locals and every visitor who is lucky enough to find it.

LE BISTRO: Located on the Cuale River Island near inland bridge Tel: 222-0283 lebistro@prodigy.net.mx A tranquil oasis with live piano music during the day and a hot jazz club at night. A semi open air garden setting with an infusion of Neo classic design, great food and excellent service, the perfect spot to take a break during a hard day of shopping. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, closed Sundays.

CAFÉ DES ARTISTES: Calle Guadalupe Sanchez #740 Tel 222-3228 / 29/30 artistes@pvnet.com.mx www.cafedesartistes.com Chef/owner Thierry Blouet is a member of the culinary Academy of France and has received numerous awards for culinary excellence. The recent changes offer 3 separate options under one roof: Café des Artistes, Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor and the Constantini Bar Lounge. Exceptional service with live piano and flute.

CAFÉ MAXIMILIAN´S: Olas Altas #380 B, Romantic zone Tel 223-0760 A favorite of the locals and visitors this European style sidewalk café (or choose the inside salon with air conditioning) merges old and new world cuisines combined with attentive service. Closed Sundays.

DAQUIRI DICKS´S: Olas Altas 314, South Side Tel: 222-0566 Located right on Los Muertos Beach for over 21 years owners Peter & Tari Bowman have offered great food, a sophisticated yet beachy atmosphere, and gracious service. The food is created by their chef Ignacio Uribe and Manager Rafael Nazario. An eclectic menu where classic American preparations and Indonesian influenced daily specials appear side by side. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner.

LA PALAPA: Pulpito #103 Los Muertos Beach Tel 222-5225 info@lapalapapv.com One of the original hang outs for locals open for breakfast lunch and dinner, have breakfast and spend the day on the beach. Or enjoy a romantic evening and dine on the beach amidst the flickering torches with live guitar and the waves lapping at your feet.

THE RIVER CAFÉ: located on the Cuale River Island near the bridge Tel 223-0788 rivercafe@rivercafe.com.mx The natural garden setting of the River Café is casual yet elegant, the food and service are excellent and the menu inspired. A tranquil spot to regroup while shopping and a sophisticated dinner location. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner with live music

TRIO: Guerrero #264 Downtown Tel: 222-2196 triopv@pvnet.com.mx Trio has been called a culinary gem of Puerto Vallarta, serving "food cooked with love". Its two chef-owners personally see that every dish meets their exacting standards and that every guest is satisfied. The atmosphere at Trio can be described as sophisticated, yet casual.

VISTA GRILL: Pulpito 377 Alta Vista Tel: 222-3570 info@vistagrill.com Vista Grill has an elegant contemporary setting with the best views of the town and bay. A sophisticated menu and excellent service.

VITEA BISTRO: Libertad # 2 y Malecón in the center of town. TEL: 222-8703 or 222-8695 The sister restaurant of TRIO, open 12 noon to midnight. With emphasis on top quality seasonal produce offering a menu of casual dishes including fine pastries, coffees, ice cream and sandwiches. Design and décor are European with extensive wine list

LOS XITOMATES: Morelos #570, Col. Centro Tel: (322) 222-1695 losxitomates@prodigy.net.mx Chef/Owner Luis Fitch recreates the taste and colors of the Mexican cuisine, rescuing the ancient recipes that distinguish the culinary heritage of Mexico – ´alta cocina Mexicana´. Enjoy these in an elegant and tranquil setting located in the heart of town.

Hip Hang Out

LA BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO: located on the Malecon 1 block north of Carlos O’Brians. Tel: 223-1585 Traditional Cuban restaurant and bar. Designed to copy the original La Bodeguita del Medio in Cuba where Hemingway use to hang out. Ask for a felt pen to autograph the wall.

DE SANTOS: Morelos #771, just a block off the Malecon Tel: 223-3052 223-3053 Mediterranean style cuisine in a dynamic architectural environment, serving great food with great music. If you prefer to a tranquil environment for dining, plan to arrive before 9PM. After 10:30pm the atmosphere changes and as their mission says “because food tastes better with music” the volume goes up and the atmosphere is more social then food oriented.

KIT KAT CLUB: #120 Pulpito, near Olas Altas. Tel: 223-0093 Very small and sophisticated dining atmosphere and food style known for their great martinis. Popular night spot, live floor show on Saturday nights, caters to gay crowd.

NIKKI BEACH PVR: beachfront at the Westin Hotel in Marina Vallarta Tel: 226-1150 Swanky beach club based in Miami with other locations in the French Riviera and Caribbean. Huge bed sized lounges and waiters dressed in pareo’s with a sophistathed infusion menu of Asian and Mediterranean. Definitely a spot to people watch.

Casual/Fun

BARCELONA TAPAS: Matamoros & 31 de Octubre (hillside) Tel: 222-0510 Located on the hillside with spectacular views of the town and bay. The perfect place to share a pitcher of their famous Sangria and some tapas with friends, if you miss the sunset you can always watch the fireworks.

BRAZIL: #210 Venustiano Carranza #210 near Olas Altas Tel: 222-2909 This Brazilian "All You Can Eat" grill is a "carnivores´ Delight" 12 different meats grilled on swords and carved at your table. Also includes appetizers, soup and a variety of salads. Great food, but we recommend you go with a big appetite.

CAFÉ DE OLLA: Basilio Badillo # and the corner of Olas Altas Tel 223-1626 Look for the 6 foot cactus in front and a line of people waiting. Well worth the wait, very casual with great giant margaritas and a menu including some of the best local Mexican food, seafood, BBQ ribs etc. Friendly waiters and great prices

LA DOLCE VITA: Paseo Diaz Ordaz 674 midway along the Malecon Tel: 222-3852 Popular with locals, owned by Italians. Brick oven pizza, carpacchio, seafood. Friendly service and good music – great for people watching; the pirate ship fireworks show can be seen from the upper balcony most nights.

MAXIMILIAN´S EXPRESSO BAR: Olas Altas in front of the Hotel Los Arcos. Tel: 222-5058 Sidewalk cafe specializing in coffee and desserts.

LAS PALOMAS: Malecon and the corner of Aldama street. Tel 222-3675 A long time local institution and hang out, great mexican ambience, best people watching on the Malecon.

LINDO MAR: beach level restaurant at Lindo Mar hotel, Conchas Chinas Tel: 221-5511 One of the most spectacular beachfront settings, with casual food and gourmet options as well. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a popular Sunday brunch. Afterwards you are steps from one of the best beaches on the bay.

OUTBACK STEAK HOUSE: hotel zone across from Hotel Krystal Tel: 225-4908 Great food and service, the best beef in town as well as seafood, pasta and much more. If you are missing an American sports bar atmosphere and want a really great steak this is the place to go.

PEPE’S TACO’S: about 9 blocks North of the Malecon. When the view is of a gas station and it still gets written up, you know the food is great. Serving fresh grilled tacos al pastor and al carbon with the best in fresh salsas and home made tortillas. Basic bar, no desserts, just great tacos. Open 4pm to 4am

TAKON MARLIN: PERU 1229 about 9 blocks North of the Malecon, another location in front of the Airport. The best seafood burritos in this part of Mexico with a special green salsa that is the secret recipe of the owner. Open 2-9PM daily except Mondays.

MARISMA: Basilio Badillo & Naranjo in Old Town and in Marina Vallarta. Outdoor street stand making the best fresh ceviche in Vallarta, also known for their shrimp tacos. Serving a variety of seafood including calamari and crab served in a fresh hand made tortilla. Exceptional salsa, be sure to try to the green salsa. Open for lunch only, closed Mondays.

Specialized

ARCHIE´S WOK: Francisco Rodrigues #130, next to the Los Muertos Beach Pier Tel: 222-0411, awok@pvnet.com.mx A feast of tropical Asian flavors. Archie, chef for movie director John Huston, created a menu based on his native Filipino cuisine with Thai and Chinese accents. His wife and children carry on his legacy. Lunch and dinner, closed Sunday.

LA PIAZZETTA: Olas Altas & Rodolfo Gomez, Romantic Zone Tel 222-0650, lapiazzetta@lapiazzetta-pv.com Memo, the owner-chef, serves great pizza and other Italian dishes in a chic side walk cafe atmosphere. Nice wine list - excellent tiramisu. Delivery available. Closed Sundays

MEMO´S PANCAKE HOUSE: Basilio Badillio #289 Tel 222-6272 Best breakfast place in Vallarta - everything is good, including the prices Check out his coffee store selling fresh roasted coffees from the best coffee regions of Mexico. Open daily 8:00 AM to 2:00. PM