Puerto Vallarta is more than just a paradise with emerald green beaches and golden sand. Here, cooking becomes a ritual that begins with the selection of fresh ingredients, continues through artisanal techniques for preparing dishes, and culminates at a table by the sea.
As one of the most important tourist destinations in Banderas Bay, its diverse cuisine allows you to explore it through your palate. That’s why today we recommend what to eat and drink on your next visit.
- Mar y Vino
Sunsets, a romantic atmosphere, and Instagram-worthy decor. Mar y Vino, located on the Malecón (boardwalk), offers a sensory gastronomic concept where food is even enjoyed with the eyes.
And indeed, its dishes are designed to “awaken the senses,” combining fresh ingredients with modern cooking and cocktail techniques.
Both the lower level, where you can enjoy your food with your feet in the water, and the upper level, which features a rooftop terrace perfect for celebrating special occasions, boast privileged views of this paradisiacal destination.
Executive chef Adrián Sánchez and mixologist Mario Mendoza have designed the menu with a focus on seafood and a selection of perfectly harmonizing cocktails.
Must-try dishes include the Boston lobster roll, aguachile, grilled fish, shrimp tostadas al pastor, grilled octopus, and much more.
Address: Manuel M. Dieguez 106, Romantic Zone, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact: +52 322 121 8852 and +52 322 182 4768
- Café Des Artistes
Café Des Artistes is a fine dining restaurant distinguished by its artistic and culinary experience. Nestled among trees and illuminated by candlelight, each dish, both in the kitchen and at the table, is treated as a work of art.
From the moment you enter, a collection of paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts greets you, while the ambiance is enhanced by live piano music. It’s an irresistible invitation to take countless photographs.
Under the direction of Chef Thierry Blouet, this restaurant offers a select menu of Italian dishes with a local touch, as well as exclusive national and international wine labels. Wine pairing is undoubtedly an essential part of the dining experience.
For first-time visitors, the chefs recommend trying the grilled red snapper, oysters with chorizo, pork belly (with peas, pineapple, and chorizo), and for dessert, the mandarin soufflé. They also offer a six-course tasting menu and vegan options.
Address: C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Contact: +52 322 226 7200 or via WhatsApp at +52 322 159 5675
- Raíces Resto Bar
Raíces Resto Bar is the ideal place to enjoy signature wood-fired cuisine. Located in a restored historic house, every corner feels warm and inviting, from the facade to the ovens that give the establishment its heart.
And yes, its name comes from a tree with enormous roots located at the entrance, considered one of the largest and most emblematic species in Puerto Vallarta’s oldest town.
Inside the kitchen, dishes are prepared primarily using charcoal grilling techniques, the result of Executive Chef Gonzalo Nogueira’s creativity and seasoning.
If you visit this restaurant, be sure to try their rack of lamb, grilled lasagna, grilled totoaba with esquites (Mexican street corn), and pumpkin-filled sorrentinos; pair them with a signature cocktail, of course, with smoky notes.
Address: Venustiano Carranza 518, Romantic Zone, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Contact: via WhatsApp at +52 322 204 9283
- Dinner at Ritmos de la Noche
Ritmos de la Noche is a unique experience in Puerto Vallarta, combining a sunset boat ride, dinner by the sea, and the ALMA show, all in the heart of the jungle.
Upon arrival, Aztec warriors and creatures of nature guide you to a signature dinner at Las Caletas, a private beach illuminated by torches.
Specifically, the dishes on this menu are designed by Chef Paco Ruano, considered one of the 50 best in the world, using ingredients from the Pacific, unlimited champagne, wines, and premium beverages… the perfect prelude to the live musical show.
This experience is organized by Vallarta Adventures and has a regular price of $4,122, but is currently discounted to $2,880.
Address: N Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Schedule: Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m.
Contact: 322 226 8413 or via WhatsApp at 322 245 0347
- Local Dishes and Drinks
Finally, experiencing the typical dishes and drinks of Puerto Vallarta is another way to connect with its identity, history, and lifestyle.
If you’re craving street food, at the stalls and markets you can find “pescado embarazado” (a type of fish), marlin, or corvina skewered on a stick and marinated with dried chilies. Or, savor a shrimp pozole, served with guajillo chile broth and shellfish shells at the bottom.
And during your stroll along the Malecón or through the Romantic Zone, refresh yourself with a tuba, a drink made from coconut palm sap and mixed with chopped apple and walnuts. Another option is raicilla, an agave spirit that can be enjoyed in cocktails with sweet, fruity, and spicy notes.
Puerto Vallarta is a culinary destination surrounded by natural landscapes that, with the help of this route, you can explore from beginning to end.
Source: eluniversal
