Restaurants

Many first time visitors to Puerto Vallarta are surprised to discover that this small seaside village has become an epicenter for international cuisine. We frequently dine at the restaurants noted below. Each is unique and we'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite, so we're listing them in alphabetical order.  The vast majority of these restaurants are within a five to ten minute walk. 

Note: Please check individual websites for hours and days of operation.  Of course, these are our favorites. For other ideas, you may want to check Trip Advisor. There are literally hundreds of restaurants to chose from!

Adobes - Dinner
Francisco Madero 263
$ -- Air Conditioned/Reservations Upon Request

Our go-to hole-in-the wall spot for the most authentic Mexican food around. Absolutely delicious and fantastic service. About a five-minute walk from Vista del Sol.

Archie’s Wok– Dinner
Francisca Rodríguez 130
$$ -- Air Conditioned/No Reservations

Archie was Hollywood director John Huston's private chef during the years he spent in the area. Today, his family upholds his legacy at this tranquil (if extremely popular) retreat. The food is incredibly fresh and tasty with something to offer for every taste, including vegans and those seeking gluten-free meals.

Barcelona Tapas – Lunch, Dinner
Matamoros & de Octubre, Downtown
$$ -- -- Online Reservations Accepted

Barcelona Tapas combines outstanding tapas with unbelievable city views. This restaurant is fairly easy to find -- simply walk toward the end of the Malecón and then take a right up the hill. Most people in town can point you in the right direction, or you can take a $5 cab ride.

Bravos Restaurant Bar– Dinner
Calle Francisco I. Madero 263
$$$ -- Air Conditioned/Online Reservations Accepted

Bravos is a relatively new entry to Puerto Vallarta. It’s located just a couple of blocks from Casa McMullen and is one of our favorites. The food is quite simply exquisite, and you would easily pay twice the price to have a similar meal in the United States. The wine selection is outstanding and affordable. Bravos is a relatively small restaurant and very popular, so reservations are strongly advised.

Daiquiri Dick's – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Olas Altas 314
$$$ -- Online Reservations Accepted

A Vallarta dining institution, Daiquiri Dick's has been around for more than 25 years, evolving its winning combination of decor, service, and scrumptious cuisine. The menu is one of Vallarta's most sophisticated, and the genuinely warm staff and open-air location fronting Los Muertos Beach add to the feeling of casual comfort. It is equally enjoyable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Fajita Republic– Dinner
Basilio Badillo 188
$-$$ -- Air Conditioned/No Reservations

We’ve been going to Fajita Republic for years. They offer delicious food, ample portions (large enough that we share our entrees but tip as if we didn’t), a welcoming atmosphere and low prices. Their specialty, of course, is fajitas grilled to perfection in every variety: steak, chicken, shrimp, veggie and others too numerous to mention.

Fredy’s Tucan – Breakfast, Lunch
Basilio Badillo 245
$ -- Cash Only/No Reservations

Whether you are looking for a traditional Mexican or an American breakfast, Fredy’s Tucan has something for you. Fredy’s is popular with locals and visitors alike, so come early if you want to be seated quickly. The lines can be long, but it’s worth it! Cash only (US or pesos are fine.)

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack – Lunch, Dinner
Basilio Badillo 212
$$ -- No Reservations

My British husband says this is the single best Fish and Chips joint outside the UK. Check their website for promotions which often include an all-you-can-eat Friday night Fish and Chips special. Warning: Because of that special, they tend to be jammed on Friday nights, but the average person probably can’t finish an average order on an average night!

Kaiser Maximilian – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
380 B Olas Altas
$$-$$$$ -- Air Conditioned/Online Reservations Accepted

This Austrian bistro has thrived in Puerto Vallarta for many years. They offer a wide-ranging breakfast menu (American, Mexican and European dishes) at the Kaiser Maximilian Café.. The lunch and dinner menu introduces guests to the finest in European and Austrian cuisine. It comes at a price and the meals are quite rich, but the food, service and atmosphere are exquisite.

Martini en Fuego – Lunch, Dinner
Francisco Madero 260
$$-$$$ - Cash Only, No Online Reservations

A relatively new addition to the restaurant scene, Martini en Fuego has quickly become a favorite among many. They offer a full range of specialities including fabulous steaks and seafood, yet they also cater to vegeterian and vegan tastes, and the service is outstanding.  

River Cafe– Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Isla Rio Cuale #4
$$ - $$$ -- Online Reservations Accepted

The River Cafe is located at the Rio Cuale Island, just minutes away from Casa McMullen. They offer delicious, sophisticated cuisine, a best Mexican and international wines and a creative cocktail list in a truly romantic atmosphere along the river. (If you’re lucky, you may even see a large – but harmless -- iguana up in a nearby tree.) Although known for dinner, we also recommend visiting for breakfast, weekend brunch or lunch a beautiful and natural setting. Check their website for specials and jazz sessions that happen during happy hours.

Siam Cocina Thai -- Dinner
Francisco I. Madero 271
$$ -- No Online Reservations

Every once in awhile, it's nice to sample outstanding international cuisine, even when visiting another country. If you're looking for Thai food in Mexico, Siam Cocina is your spot. It's no surprise that this restaurant is located ajacent to another of our favorite spots, Bravos. Michael, the owner of Bravos, owns this Siam Cocina as well and has brought his widely-known standards of service, quality and flair to create a whole new level of Thai food in Puerto Vallarta.

Tre Piatti– Dinner
Lazaro Cardenas, 202
$$ - $$$ -- Reservations Accepted by Phone

Tre Piatti is a fabulous new find in the heart of the Romantic Zone. Chef Kamen and his wife, pastry chef Natalie, offer spectacular Italian cuisine at affordable prices. All pasta is made on site, the entrees are delicious and the service is superb.