Budget
Cafe de Olla
Basilio badillo, 168 near olas altas, zona romantica. 322 223-1626. has good, cheap food. try the pork ribs or chicken.
Coffee Cup
Rudolfo gomez 146 near olas atlas street. 222-8584. an american-style coffee house that serves espresso, latte and cappucino with local baked goods. it is still rare to find this type of coffee in puerto vallarta. local art is displayed on the walls.
Red Cabbage
Rivera del rio 204a. 223-0411. a funky restaurant up the hill from the main streets in the zona romantica. it is themed on frida kahlo and features pre-hispanic recipes. dinners from $15 - $25 usd.
Esquina de los Caprichos
Miramar 402. 222-0911. open 1 -10pm. closed sundays. spanish and basque tapas. a few dishes and a glass of sangria is around $17 usd.
La Joya de Mismaloya
Eat with your toes in the sand and a cold corona in your hand. any of these quaint beach side restaurants will delight you with some fantastic and authentic local seafood dishes. some recommendations: shrimp empanadas, pescado sarandeado, tostadas de ceviche de camaron.
Tia Katrina
A hip take on traditional food. appetizers from $5, mains from $9 usd. the tortilla soup is recommended.
Buenos Aires
This is a steak house that is simply put amazing. Their menu features a 2 LB. tenderloin that is marvelously prepared. They also offer a decent wine list. The setting is beautiful and the food even better.
Coexist Cafe
(http://hotelrio.com.mx) in hotel riolocals and tourists coexist creating a unique atmosphere, where music is definitely an ingredient you will enjoy. weâre recommended for having an eclectic taste, reflected in our mexican and international dishes. live music daily!
Hard Rock Café
This is a Hard Rock Café just like any other one in the United States but with a touch of Mexico. Just what you can expect good hamburgers and a funky atmosphere. If you are looking for a taste of home this is the place.
Señor Frogâs
This restaurant is mostly known for its club-like environment. At night it is one of the most popular and exciting clubs. During the day though it offers good food that might remind you of Hooters. Owned by the same folks as Carlos O'Brian and similar atmosphere.
The Blue Shrimp
As the name implies you must like shrimp to eat at this restaurant. That said it offers some spectacular entrées that will take your hunger away that is for sure. Set partially outside the décor is fun but also very intimate.
Cafe des Artistes
A beautiful restaurant in the heart of downtown. The restaurant is divided into 3 areas: Inside, outside with a view of the ocean, and the garden. The garden is the most beautiful of the three, with an artificial creek running through it. The food here is very tasty
La Piazzetta
Locals come for the delicious Naples-style pizza the crust not too thick, not too thin, and cooked in a brick oven, but there's also great pasta and a good variety of entrées, like the cream-based salmon with caviar and lemon. For appetizers try the top-heavy con molto tomate bruschetta or steamed mussels with lemon, parsley, and butter. Most folks choose to sit on the open patio, but La Piazzeta also has an intimate dining room. The personal attention of the owner, Mimmo, guarantees repeat business. It's open 4 to midnight.
Pipiâs
Fajitas and enchiladas to die for and also delicious margaritas of all flavors. Be prepared for a long wait, however it is worth it you will not regret waiting for this delectable treat. The only downside is that this restaurant is very touristy.
Ay Caramba
This restaurant is located atop a roof in the more residential part of Puerto Vallarta. They serve seafood that is freshly caught that day. Also they feature live music and a view that is unmatched. A very intimate setting. One of Puerto Vallartaâs VERY best kept secrets. The restaurant offers an exciting, ascending taxi-ride to the restaurant entrance, high in the hills of Puerto Vallarta. The entrance to the restaurant is non-descript and belies what is to follow after walking a few shot stairwells. Upon entering the panoramic veranda, the view from table-side is phenomenal - panoramic east-to-west). The prices are very reasonable when taking into consideration the presentation of entree and service/accommodation.
Planeta Vegetariano
just around the corner from the church. planeta vegetariano serves a buffet-style vegan meal with a varied and changing menu. all-you-can-eat fresh juices, vegetables, salads, fruit, and many traditional dishes served "sin carne" are to be found. reasonable prices. they serve a breakfast and lunch buffet, each with different dishes.
Black Forest Restaurant
Situated in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta - Restaurant Black Forest is the creation of Chef Winfried Küffner and his family. It's thoroughly German, from the half-timbered exterior to the gracious service and authentic Black Forest cuisine which is truly a blending of many European flavors. Each of Chef Winfried's dishes contains traces of his professional background and his classical European training. His emphasis is always on freshness, quality and consistency in preparation and presentation which has earned them a loyal and growing clientele over the years.
Epoca
Just south of the foot bridge over rio cuale. easy to overlook, hard to forget. excellent food at very reasonable prices.
Alaska's Diner
Air-conditioned Alaska's Diner serves only locally caught fresh fish and beef from Sonora. The owner and chef Roger Wark was an instructor of Food Service Health, Hygiene and Safety in the U.S. Rock and Roll DVDs each Saturday night!
Chez Elena
Famous hotel and restaurant located in puerto vallarta. it has been cited by playboy magazine and well known actors such as peter o'toole and elizabeth taylor.
Las Palomas Beyali
This restaurants sits in the beautiful marina of Puerto Vallarta. Surrounded by massive yachts and a peaceful ambience. The food here is very authentic and quite tasteful.
The rich cultural diversity of Puerto Vallarta is reflected in the cuisine that its many restaurants have to offer. From the most casual taco stands, to tropical beachfront palapas, to upscale rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, there are literally hundreds of restaurants serving exactly what you are hungry for.
However, care should be taken to avoid travellers' diarrhea. There are many beachside restaurants to tempt you with tropical drinks, but bottled beer is a much safer option. When water taxis or other guides seamlessly hand you off to their "amigos" at a beachside restaurant, do not be bashful about seeking other options, or just order a bottled beer to be opened in front of you. Do not trust that your guide has made a good decision, he will be gone with your tip long before you show any symptoms. Restaurants listed in reputable tour guides are a fairly safe bet.
Mr. Taco
Cheap local street food cooked fresh. Excellent torta's. Although named to draw tourists, it's authentically cooked & priced. Host does speak English.
Tinos
Up on a hill overlooking vallarta, most tourists don't know about this place, frequented by local businessmen, and others looking to spend a buck for some fantastic seafood dishes. some recommendations: tacos de marlin are excellent, and the "mariscada" or "parrillada" which is a huge sampler platter filled with house specialties.
El Arrayan
Allende 344, el centro. 322 222 7195. a very good menu of specialties from many regions. the food is not "typical" to tourist-oriented mexican restaurants, but rich banquet and festival foods with upscale service. you will have an opportunity to try many familiar dishes like lamb and pork, as well as cactus salad and seasoned roast crickets, for the adventurous.