Famous for its idyllic beaches, spectacular landscapes and buzzing nightlife, Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit destination for travellers eager to explore the beauty of Mexico. The city’s culinary scene is rich in traditional flavours and vibes, from authentic haciendas to fun beachside hotspots to dazzling dining destinations for celebrating special occasions. Embark on a culinary trip to remember, the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta await.
Tuck into fresh catch of the day and seafood towers by the beach, and feast of Spanish tapas and cocktails, Mediterranean staples, French fine dining cuisine, local meat cuts, and must-try gourmet burgers. Grab a seat directly in the pool at a spectacular beach club, enjoy live mariachi music for a romantic date night, explore an indoor garden with scenic jungle views, and don’t miss a local steakhouse serving the best steak in the region.
Keep reading to discover the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and book a table through OpenTable.
The best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta – read on for a guide
For a stunning meal by the beach – visit La Palapa Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta
La Palapa Restaurant is a must-visit destination for travellers looking for stellar food by the beach. This lively beach club welcome diners on sunbeds by the sea for a sunny breakfast, lunch, or cocktails at sunset. The atmosphere is warm and cheerful, with panoramic views ideal for an outdoor dinner, whether with friends, family, or a special someone. Grabd a seat directly on the sand and can enjoy an exceptional setting by the sea. Start the day with shrimp, eggs, and spinach crêpes with sautéed mushrooms and cheddar cheese sauce. For lunch, order the marinated shrimp with crab enchiladas with creamy rice and black bean sauce. For dinner, go for the braised beef ribs with tomato and guava sauce, poblano pepper strips, and baby potatoes. Wash it all down with creative cocktails for a special meal to remember.
For a dazzling seafood experience – don’t miss Ocean Grill Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta
Ocean Grill Vallarta is a seafood haven serving fresh, locally-caught organic produce for the sea. Nestled among the rocks of the seashore, this spectacular dining setting makes it one of the most beautiful in the country. There’s a cozy and lively atmosphere, ideal for dining outdoors with your friends and family amidst the tranquility of the Pacific waters. For starters, order the white fish sashimi with house soy sauce and wasabi, or the ceviche trilogy with passion fruit, and green shrimp aguachile. As a main course, highlights include the jumbo shrimp with roasted garlic, coconut cream and árbol chili, or the octopus al pastor with chipotle sauce and avocado mousse. Pair your meal with a house cocktail like the mezcal al pastor, with tomato, pineapple juice, cilantro, and jalapeño and enjoy the spectacular, picture-perfect panorama.
For gourmet burgers – look no further than Burger at Vidanta Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta
Burger lovers, rejoice. Burger at Vidanta Vallarta elevates the American classics into refined, high-end cuisine. Embark on a unique fine dining experience in an elegant and modern destination with stunning outdoor space that’s perfect for dates and special occasions. Loved by locals and visitors alike, the menu boasts fantastic gourmet burgers to feast on with the scenic ocean panorama in the background. Try the fancy signature twists of the famous buns such as the Kobe beef burger with foie gras, the angus beef and lobster bun, or the duck and gorgonzola. Other highlights from the menu include the crispy shrimp burger with homemade BBQ sauce, the tuna burger with mango and tamarind chutney, and the Mexican burger with beef, chorizo, pork rinds, and Oaxaca cheese au gratin served with guacamole. Pair it with the house parmesan truffle fries or the grilled cauliflower and some mixology cocktails such as the Paradise on the rum with Aperol, pineapple and lime juice, and Angostura bitter. Finish off on a sweet note with the must-order New York-style cheesecake tatin with roasted apple and vanilla purée.
For a romantic date night with mariachi music – book a table at The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar in Puerto Vallarta
Adorned with crystal chandeliers, white walls, and a charming outdoor dining space The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar is the place to go for a romantic date in Puerto Vallarta. Grab a stool by the tequila bar and start the experience with local mezcal and tequila for pre-dinner drinks. From November to May, the mariachi season is on to accompany you dinner with the sound of traditional music, and a touch of romance. The menu is extensive and diverse: with butternut squash cream soup with seared shrimp and the poblano chili cream with black beans for starters. For the main course, go for the grilled salmon with dried chilies, peach sauce, and vegetables, or order the crab tacos with chipotle sauce. Don’t miss the stuffed poblano chili with squash, goat cheese sauce and roasted peppers, for a contemporary approach of a traditional Mexican staple.
For French fine dining – visit Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta
Nestled in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, Café des Artistes boasts spectacular settings that leave diners speechless. With a stunning indoor garden with views over the lush greenery and a waterfall and a dazzling outdoor space with string lights and a lively atmosphere, this dining destination is one of the best restaurants in the city for French fine dining. There’s a stellar 6-course chef’s tasting menu, also available for vegetarians, and shareable dishes such as Iberian ham platters or the Tehuantepec-style mussel casserole. Seafood and meat are the highlight of the à la carte menu, featuring marinated octopus with chicatanas, beef marrow, organic beetroot and red wine sauce, or shrimp with ayocote puree, potatoes, and confit leek. Finish off with the three chocolate mousse or the signature pavlova with blueberry sauce and passion fruit.
For one of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta – don’t miss Quinto at Vidanta in Nuevo Vallarta
Perched on top of the 5th floor of a rooftop overseeing Banderas Bay is Quinto at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, a beautiful steakhouse that will wow diners with top-notch meat and dazzling views. The vibe is casual, lively and laid-back, ideal for a relaxed meal outdoors. Grab a seat by the infinity pool for lunch and tuck into roasted bone marrow with morita sauce, avocado salad and panela cheese, drizzled with chimichurri, or the crispy shrimp taco with blue corn tortilla and tomato sauce with árbol chili. For dinner, go for the wood-fired black shrimp in black chili paste made from northern chilies, seeds, and spices. Pair it with a house cocktail such as the alebrije with whisky, homemade ginger soda, orange juice, and pink peppercorn.
For one of the most beautiful restaurants in Mexico – try La Cappella in Puerto Vallarta
Puetro Vallarta is filled with breathtaking landscapes and architectural stunners, and La Cappella is definitely one of them. Housed in a former chapel and offering views over the iconic Iglesia de Guadalupe, this dazzling restaurant brings the best of Italian fine dining in an opulent setting. Among the chef’s specials, try the creamy tomato bisque with sautéed shrimp infused with grappa liqueur. The handmade pasta is also one of the highlight, with ricotta cheese-filled ravioli and hearty lasagna, while seafood staples include a half lobster tail with jumbo shrimp, scallops and mussels. Meat lovers, don’t miss the slow-cooked pork leg served with creamy polenta and marsala sauce, and pair it with a tequila-based signature martini or a glass of Italian or French wine.
For a sun-soaked lunch in the water – don’t miss Mar Y Vino in Puerto Vallarta
Nothing says idyllic holidays more than a lunch at Mar Y Vino, a beachside destination that calls for relaxing times and fun vibes. Get ready for an immersive – quiet literally – dining experience perched above the ocean as you grab a chair directly in the water. This fun hotspot is ideal for enjoying an outdoor meal with friends and the panoramic view over the bay makes for the most Instagrammable spots in Puerto Vallarta. Add cheerful background music and a menu curated by renowned chef Arturo González, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an outstanding trip. Coconut shrimp with mashed potatoes and vegetables, grilled red snapper with pickled red onion and Mexican sauce are some of the lunch menu highlights. For dinner, order the wine-marinated grilled prawns, served with stuffed potato and and sea salad, and the ricotta cheese-filled ravioli bathed in champagne sauce. Wash it all down with picture-perfect colourful cocktails.
For a culinary journey through the Mexican tradition – visit Tintoque in Puerto Vallarta
For an immersive culinary journey thought the tradition of Mexico, Tintoque is a must-visit destination that focuses on the essence and origin of regional recipes and produce, with the best ingredients sourced from the Mexican Pacific. Awarded as one of the best restaurants in Mexico in the Guide to Gastronomic Mexico by Culinaria Mexicana, this renowned gem serves a menu inspired by the trips of chef Joel Ornelas who brings a very personal gastronomic experience for visitors in seek of an authentic culinary journey. Highlights from the seafood-forward menu include grilled octopus and catch of the day. There’s a 9-course chef’s tasting menu that’s perfect for groups. Finish off with the signature cheesecake.
For a fun night out with tapas and cocktails – visit Barcelona Tapas in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a buzzing destination filled with vibrant hotspots and fun restaurants, and Barcelona Tapas is undoubtedly one of them. Gather friends and family for a shareable Spanish feast of tapas and sangria and toast with the most stunning views of Puerto Vallarta’s bay in the background. The vibe is casual and relaxed, ideal for a lunch break during a day of visits or for a lively yet relaxing dinner. Don’t miss the refreshing gazpacho Andaluz, the hearty potato salad with aioli and the Mediterranean-style grilled calamari with pesto sauce and move on to the signature paella featuring black rice and local seafood and fish, the perfect dish to share with a group.
