Andrew’s guidebook Puerto Vallarta
Food scene
This is my go to restaurant. Great food and drink overall. Awesome mojitos and margaritas, some of the best, if not the best, in town. You will not go wrong with any of the food.
319 persone del luogo consigliano
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
212 Basilio BadilloThis is my go to restaurant. Great food and drink overall. Awesome mojitos and margaritas, some of the best, if not the best, in town. You will not go wrong with any of the food.
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and only 2 blocks away. Fine dining Italian that is not a tourist trap. This is a perfect restaurant for a romantic night out, or small group of friends enjoying each others company. The menu is seasonal, and the chef hits it out of the park every time.
40 persone del luogo consigliano
Tre Piatti
292 Lázaro CárdenasHands down one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and only 2 blocks away. Fine dining Italian that is not a tourist trap. This is a perfect restaurant for a romantic night out, or small group of friends enjoying each others company. The menu is seasonal, and the chef hits it out of the park every time.
Great gateway into street food here in Vallarta. The papas relleno with arrachera is a must get. Very tasty margaritas as well. The al pastor is also quite delicious
6 persone del luogo consigliano
Don Chava Taqueria Cantina
288 Lázaro CárdenasGreat gateway into street food here in Vallarta. The papas relleno with arrachera is a must get. Very tasty margaritas as well. The al pastor is also quite delicious
Decent local seafood shop. Must try are the lobster tacos & smoked marlin tostadas. The raw tuna dish is also very tasty. Friendly service. This restaurant is located just above San Angel on the same street that leads into the pier.
17 persone del luogo consigliano
Tuna Azul
Decent local seafood shop. Must try are the lobster tacos & smoked marlin tostadas. The raw tuna dish is also very tasty. Friendly service. This restaurant is located just above San Angel on the same street that leads into the pier.
This restaurant has epic views that are not to be missed. You can get an inexpensive taxi ride or uber to take you to and from, as it is about a 30 minute drive from Rincon de Almas. The food is a bit overpriced, but the atmosphere is everything. You will be dining under one of the worlds largest palapas, with endless views of the ocean. There are little critters known as el tejon that might also come and visit during your meal. This is a great place to go for a romantic dinner, or with a group of friends or family.
82 persone del luogo consigliano
Le Kliff
This restaurant has epic views that are not to be missed. You can get an inexpensive taxi ride or uber to take you to and from, as it is about a 30 minute drive from Rincon de Almas. The food is a bit overpriced, but the atmosphere is everything. You will be dining under one of the worlds largest palapas, with endless views of the ocean. There are little critters known as el tejon that might also come and visit during your meal. This is a great place to go for a romantic dinner, or with a group of friends or family.
Decent local seafood restaurant on the beach. Fun atmosphere with occasion fire dancers in the evening. Great place to end up after strolling the malecon for a trendy local atmosphere.
167 persone del luogo consigliano
El Barracuda
1290 ParaguayDecent local seafood restaurant on the beach. Fun atmosphere with occasion fire dancers in the evening. Great place to end up after strolling the malecon for a trendy local atmosphere.
Great local seafood restaurant. The fish ceviche tostadas are quite good, and everything seafood I had were tasty. Some other winners are the fried shrimp tacos, the smoked marlin quesadilla, and the octopus empanadas.
Mariscos el Colera
542 Lázaro CárdenasGreat local seafood restaurant. The fish ceviche tostadas are quite good, and everything seafood I had were tasty. Some other winners are the fried shrimp tacos, the smoked marlin quesadilla, and the octopus empanadas.
Small cafe that makes homemade churros. Try the liquor 43 milkshake, which comes with a churro. You will be in sugar heaven.
10 persone del luogo consigliano
La Romántica churros & café bar
106 C. Rodolfo GómezSmall cafe that makes homemade churros. Try the liquor 43 milkshake, which comes with a churro. You will be in sugar heaven.
This is a churros street cart in front of the church. Its a local favorite for fresh, delicious churros made right in front of you.
The Churros Guy
216 AguacateThis is a churros street cart in front of the church. Its a local favorite for fresh, delicious churros made right in front of you.
Another very tasty seafood place. The tacos are huge, hence a slightly higher price. The tortillas are handmade, and I have not had a bad thing here yet.
55 persone del luogo consigliano
Marisma Fish Taco
320 NaranjoAnother very tasty seafood place. The tacos are huge, hence a slightly higher price. The tortillas are handmade, and I have not had a bad thing here yet.
Great views of the beach and bay, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset over the water.
It seems they are trying a little too hard to make this a mixology bar (do not try any of the smoked drinks), but the service was overall very friendly. The food is decent, and expect to pay a higher than normal price for the atmosphere.
11 persone del luogo consigliano
iK Mixology Bar & Cuisine
380 Olas AltasGreat views of the beach and bay, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset over the water.
It seems they are trying a little too hard to make this a mixology bar (do not try any of the smoked drinks), but the service was overall very friendly. The food is decent, and expect to pay a higher than normal price for the atmosphere.
This is considered the best Al Pastor in all of Vallarta. It is worth the hype and the wait in line. Pro Tip: If you are out a little late, this establishment is open until 2 am. The line is usually a lot shorter later in the evening, and every bit as delicious.
158 persone del luogo consigliano
Pancho's Takos
162 Basilio BadilloThis is considered the best Al Pastor in all of Vallarta. It is worth the hype and the wait in line. Pro Tip: If you are out a little late, this establishment is open until 2 am. The line is usually a lot shorter later in the evening, and every bit as delicious.
I have yet to eat here, but locals and tourists seem to really enjoy this dining establishment. Give it a go and let me know what you think.
127 persone del luogo consigliano
La Leche
Boulevard Francisco Medina AscencioI have yet to eat here, but locals and tourists seem to really enjoy this dining establishment. Give it a go and let me know what you think.
This is considered one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. It is very, very good. You can enjoy a fun tasting menu with cocktails and a solid wine selection with excellent service. They just moved into the neighborhood, so it’s only a 5 minute walk from the condo.
17 persone del luogo consigliano
icu
210 Av. Francisco Medina AscencioThis is considered one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. It is very, very good. You can enjoy a fun tasting menu with cocktails and a solid wine selection with excellent service. They just moved into the neighborhood, so it’s only a 5 minute walk from the condo.
Probably the best breakfast in Zona Romantica. Take a nice stroll through the streets to find this very quaint and charming cafe that was just recently renovated where you will find delicious offerings of breakfast and brunch food. The chicken enfrijoladas and the chiliquiles will satisfy the soul along with other options that feel super fresh. Definitely a must try.
23 persone del luogo consigliano
Mi Cafe Restaurant & Coffee Shop
505 C. Fco. I. MaderoProbably the best breakfast in Zona Romantica. Take a nice stroll through the streets to find this very quaint and charming cafe that was just recently renovated where you will find delicious offerings of breakfast and brunch food. The chicken enfrijoladas and the chiliquiles will satisfy the soul along with other options that feel super fresh. Definitely a must try.
This fairly new Italian Seafood restaurant only a block from Rincon de Almas. The chef is Italian and knows what he’s doing. The menu is fairly limited, but you won’t be disappointed in the offerings. Must try are the gambini in saor and the pachetti with pulpo ragu. Very friendly service in a casual environment. It’s incredible the two best Italian restaurants in Vallarta are across the street from each other, and both worth checking out.
Il pesce
285B Calle ConstituciónThis fairly new Italian Seafood restaurant only a block from Rincon de Almas. The chef is Italian and knows what he’s doing. The menu is fairly limited, but you won’t be disappointed in the offerings. Must try are the gambini in saor and the pachetti with pulpo ragu. Very friendly service in a casual environment. It’s incredible the two best Italian restaurants in Vallarta are across the street from each other, and both worth checking out.
Chef Rafa and his family are dishing out some of the best fish and shrimp tacos in town. The ceviches are fresh and delicious. Don't forget to ask if he has any specials.
Literally across the street from the condo, so this is an easy no brainer to get your fish taco game going!
Mariscos Rafa
309 Aquiles SerdánChef Rafa and his family are dishing out some of the best fish and shrimp tacos in town. The ceviches are fresh and delicious. Don't forget to ask if he has any specials.
Literally across the street from the condo, so this is an easy no brainer to get your fish taco game going!
So this is easily one of the best new restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. This hidden gem in tucked away deep in the back of the neighborhood, about a 10-15 minute walk from the condo. Enjoy the nice stroll across the river and get ready for some great atmosphere along with some of the best modern take on Mexican food right now. Don't forget to make a reservation via Facebook , as there are only about 7 tables. Put this restaurant high on your list!
8 persone del luogo consigliano
La fina
151 AtmósferaSo this is easily one of the best new restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. This hidden gem in tucked away deep in the back of the neighborhood, about a 10-15 minute walk from the condo. Enjoy the nice stroll across the river and get ready for some great atmosphere along with some of the best modern take on Mexican food right now. Don't forget to make a reservation via Facebook , as there are only about 7 tables. Put this restaurant high on your list!
If you are dipping your toe into street tacos, or an experience taco connoisseur, this place is not to be missed. Start out with queso fundido, order a hibiscus margarita, and let the enjoyment begin. Everything I've tried has been delicious. It has become a must visit location for me.
17 persone del luogo consigliano
Sonorita Olas Altas
232 Pino SuárezIf you are dipping your toe into street tacos, or an experience taco connoisseur, this place is not to be missed. Start out with queso fundido, order a hibiscus margarita, and let the enjoyment begin. Everything I've tried has been delicious. It has become a must visit location for me.
This is a satisfying grilled chicken fast casual restaurant, where you can get a delicious meal for a family for about $200 pesos. This hits the spot every time.
16 persone del luogo consigliano
Pollo Feliz
206 InsurgentesThis is a satisfying grilled chicken fast casual restaurant, where you can get a delicious meal for a family for about $200 pesos. This hits the spot every time.
This charming taco stand and restaurant has one of the nicest staffs working here in all of Vallarta. The fish and shrimp tacos are on par, and the margarita goes down easy. If you want to see some friendly faces while enjoying the catch of the day, check this place out.
9 persone del luogo consigliano
Mariscos Cisneros
271 AguacateThis charming taco stand and restaurant has one of the nicest staffs working here in all of Vallarta. The fish and shrimp tacos are on par, and the margarita goes down easy. If you want to see some friendly faces while enjoying the catch of the day, check this place out.
This is a trendy tapas restaurant with incredible views. Food is solid, but the atmosphere is really what you are coming for.
171 persone del luogo consigliano
Barcelona Tapas
906 C. MatamorosThis is a trendy tapas restaurant with incredible views. Food is solid, but the atmosphere is really what you are coming for.
This omakase sushi restaurant is very charming. If you would like an alternative to great Mexican food, and love fresh fish, give this place a go. It's a bit pricy, but was a really enjoyable atmosphere with wonderful staff and solid food. Can I compare this to omakase sushi in San Francisco or Japan, no. But I still had a great time.
Sendo
This omakase sushi restaurant is very charming. If you would like an alternative to great Mexican food, and love fresh fish, give this place a go. It's a bit pricy, but was a really enjoyable atmosphere with wonderful staff and solid food. Can I compare this to omakase sushi in San Francisco or Japan, no. But I still had a great time.
Great seafood restaurant on Playa Palmares.
Go for a swim, stick around for the food. Watch the sunset. Magical.
6 persone del luogo consigliano
Canto Palmares
Great seafood restaurant on Playa Palmares.
Go for a swim, stick around for the food. Watch the sunset. Magical.
Ok so I have a lot of favorite fish taco places, and this one take the crown as the best.
Both grilled and fried shrimp and fish tacos are hands down my favorite ones I have had the pleasure to enjoy in all of Puerto Vallarta. The plants and garden surrounding the table are very charming. This is a must visit every time I am down there. You must try it as well.
Other items like the shrimp empanadas are delicious. The seafood is very, very fresh. Ceviche is also incredible. Strangely, also like the Sangria, which is a mixture of wine and soda here. Quite refreshing.
I dream about their tacos. Enough said.
11 persone del luogo consigliano
Marisqueria Los Lirios
395 AguacateOk so I have a lot of favorite fish taco places, and this one take the crown as the best.
Both grilled and fried shrimp and fish tacos are hands down my favorite ones I have had the pleasure to enjoy in all of Puerto Vallarta. The plants and garden surrounding the table are very charming. This is a must visit every time I am down there. You must try it as well.
Other items like the shrimp empanadas are delicious. The seafood is very, very fresh. Ceviche is also incredible. Strangely, also like the Sangria, which is a mixture of wine and soda here. Quite refreshing.
I dream about their tacos. Enough said.
The go to place for healthy and vegetarian fare. It's pretty good.
81 persone del luogo consigliano
Salud Super Food
534-A Olas AltasThe go to place for healthy and vegetarian fare. It's pretty good.
This healthy vegan restaurant in 5 de December is a quite tasty. Its just far enough to get a good little hike in, enjoy the food, and have an enjoyable stroll back along the malecon. If Vegan is your thing, try this place.
34 persone del luogo consigliano
The Green Place Mx
309 C. HondurasThis healthy vegan restaurant in 5 de December is a quite tasty. Its just far enough to get a good little hike in, enjoy the food, and have an enjoyable stroll back along the malecon. If Vegan is your thing, try this place.
This gem of a cafe is a fresh modern Mexican take on brunch/lunch fare. You will find things like avocado toast, chilaquiles in mole with shredded duck, excellent french toast, refreshing augafrescas, and delicious coffee. It really is worth a long walk or a short taxi/Uber ride to the increasingly trendy Versalles neighborhood.
22 persone del luogo consigliano
Cha'
148a HamburgoThis gem of a cafe is a fresh modern Mexican take on brunch/lunch fare. You will find things like avocado toast, chilaquiles in mole with shredded duck, excellent french toast, refreshing augafrescas, and delicious coffee. It really is worth a long walk or a short taxi/Uber ride to the increasingly trendy Versalles neighborhood.
This is a tried and true place where locals and tourists like to enjoy some great sights on the beach. It definitely falls into the tourist category (not quite tourist trap) but the atmosphere is wonderful with great service. The food is decent.
474 persone del luogo consigliano
La Palapa Restaurant
105-3 PúlpitoThis is a tried and true place where locals and tourists like to enjoy some great sights on the beach. It definitely falls into the tourist category (not quite tourist trap) but the atmosphere is wonderful with great service. The food is decent.
A very solid breakfast/brunch restaurant in the Amapas neighborhood. The food is really tasty, and the churros pancakes are what dreams are made of. The restaurant is mostly outdoors, nestles under giant trees with vines climbing up the trunks. Great place for a big group to start the day off before heading to the beach.
157 persone del luogo consigliano
Coco's Kitchen
A very solid breakfast/brunch restaurant in the Amapas neighborhood. The food is really tasty, and the churros pancakes are what dreams are made of. The restaurant is mostly outdoors, nestles under giant trees with vines climbing up the trunks. Great place for a big group to start the day off before heading to the beach.
So this little restaurant just over the bridge my condo is a hidden gem. The family running the restaurant are Italian and utilizing a wood fired pizza oven to make delicious Napoli style pizzas. The dough is perfection, and the service is great, and the atmosphere is charming. Solid pasta as well. Great place for takeout or dine in. I Highly recommend you check out this place.
23 persone del luogo consigliano
L´Angolo di Napoli
128 MorelosSo this little restaurant just over the bridge my condo is a hidden gem. The family running the restaurant are Italian and utilizing a wood fired pizza oven to make delicious Napoli style pizzas. The dough is perfection, and the service is great, and the atmosphere is charming. Solid pasta as well. Great place for takeout or dine in. I Highly recommend you check out this place.
City/town information
This is a great day trip to visit a quaint town that is a surfer mecca
79 persone del luogo consigliano
Sayulita
This is a great day trip to visit a quaint town that is a surfer mecca
Sightseeing
Awesome village only accessible via water taxi. This is also a wonderful day trip. Not only do you get to visit a beautiful little village, you get to enjoy the water and sights of the coastline during your journey to and from Yelapa.
173 persone del luogo consigliano
Yelapa
Awesome village only accessible via water taxi. This is also a wonderful day trip. Not only do you get to visit a beautiful little village, you get to enjoy the water and sights of the coastline during your journey to and from Yelapa.
This is a great walk to enjoy. Many unique sculptors along the waterfront.
770 persone del luogo consigliano
Malecon Puerto Vallarta
S/N Paseo Díaz OrdazThis is a great walk to enjoy. Many unique sculptors along the waterfront.
Also known as green chairs, this is a great place to enjoy the beach. Nestled between Blue Chairs and Mantamar, this is a good balance for good vibes, decent cocktails & food, and great views along the beach.
31 persone del luogo consigliano
Ritmos Beach Café
177 MalecónAlso known as green chairs, this is a great place to enjoy the beach. Nestled between Blue Chairs and Mantamar, this is a good balance for good vibes, decent cocktails & food, and great views along the beach.
This island in the river is just steps away from Rincon de Almas. Take the suspension bridge across the river to enjoy the atmosphere. Lots of little shops/stalls. I do not recommend any of the restaurants here, however. They are all overpriced tourist traps.
76 persone del luogo consigliano
Isla Cuale
This island in the river is just steps away from Rincon de Almas. Take the suspension bridge across the river to enjoy the atmosphere. Lots of little shops/stalls. I do not recommend any of the restaurants here, however. They are all overpriced tourist traps.
This hike is well worth the small trek and stairs to climb. Insanely great views to take in of all Vallarta and the bay. It’s only a 20-30 minute hike through a beautiful Mexican neighborhood. Just be aware the last thousand feet will do it’s best to compete with a stair master. It’s steep but oh so worth it. When you have taken in the sights, take a leisurely stroll down to the malecon and back. This is a great little hike/workout to justify all the cerveza and margarita consumption.
140 persone del luogo consigliano
Mirador La Cruz Del Cerro Stairs And Trolly
LB AbasoloThis hike is well worth the small trek and stairs to climb. Insanely great views to take in of all Vallarta and the bay. It’s only a 20-30 minute hike through a beautiful Mexican neighborhood. Just be aware the last thousand feet will do it’s best to compete with a stair master. It’s steep but oh so worth it. When you have taken in the sights, take a leisurely stroll down to the malecon and back. This is a great little hike/workout to justify all the cerveza and margarita consumption.
Coming just to check out the orchids alone are worth the trip!
The botanical gardens are about a 35-40 minute drive from town. You can easily get an Uber there, and a taxi back. The gardens focus on endemic species of flora in the country of Mexico. They also have months where the butterflies and hummingbirds are flourishing.
The place is big, and you can actually treat the gardens like a good hiking place to get a moderate workout in. One of the trails takes you to the river, so bring a bathing suit if you want to hop in.
Don't forget to stop and enjoy some food and drinks at the restaurant. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the views and wildlife around you.
187 persone del luogo consigliano
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Km 24 Carr. Costera a Barra de NavidadComing just to check out the orchids alone are worth the trip!
The botanical gardens are about a 35-40 minute drive from town. You can easily get an Uber there, and a taxi back. The gardens focus on endemic species of flora in the country of Mexico. They also have months where the butterflies and hummingbirds are flourishing.
The place is big, and you can actually treat the gardens like a good hiking place to get a moderate workout in. One of the trails takes you to the river, so bring a bathing suit if you want to hop in.
Don't forget to stop and enjoy some food and drinks at the restaurant. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the views and wildlife around you.
my favorite beach resort
This is a really cool beach resort hotel. You can make a reservation to enjoy the beach. Access to this beach is either via water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan, or a hike in. I love this place, and would recommend anyone traveling here for the first time to make an effort to go here for the day.
*Unfortunately they have stopped taking reservations, and only service those that are staying at the resort. It's still a beautiful beach to enjoy, however.
47 persone del luogo consigliano
Casitas Maraika
1 Las AnimasThis is a really cool beach resort hotel. You can make a reservation to enjoy the beach. Access to this beach is either via water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan, or a hike in. I love this place, and would recommend anyone traveling here for the first time to make an effort to go here for the day.
*Unfortunately they have stopped taking reservations, and only service those that are staying at the resort. It's still a beautiful beach to enjoy, however.
Great locals beach and just a 10 minute drive south of old town.
There is an incredible restaurant on the beach, which will serve you up a variety of fresh seafood.
24 persone del luogo consigliano
Playa Palmares
Carretera Federal 200Great locals beach and just a 10 minute drive south of old town.
There is an incredible restaurant on the beach, which will serve you up a variety of fresh seafood.
Supermarket
Specialty grocery store where you might be able to find a few creature comforts from the US & Canada
Puerto Vallarta Gourmet House
208 C. ConstituciónSpecialty grocery store where you might be able to find a few creature comforts from the US & Canada
Supermarket that is geared towards foreign travelers. They have items from the US, UK, Europe, and Canada. They also carry most staples that you might be missing.
28 persone del luogo consigliano
Mercado Ollin
205 Lázaro CárdenasSupermarket that is geared towards foreign travelers. They have items from the US, UK, Europe, and Canada. They also carry most staples that you might be missing.
A newish Supermarket very close by to Rincon de Almas. This has all of your basic necessities, from toilet paper to chips and beer.
Old Town Market
315 Lázaro CárdenasA newish Supermarket very close by to Rincon de Almas. This has all of your basic necessities, from toilet paper to chips and beer.
I think this is the largest liquor store in Zona Romantica/Emiliano Zapata. Prices are decent and the selection of alcohol is large.
17 persone del luogo consigliano
Vinos América Basilio Badillo (Puerto Vallarta)
284 Basilio BadilloI think this is the largest liquor store in Zona Romantica/Emiliano Zapata. Prices are decent and the selection of alcohol is large.
Art gallery
A lot of the artwork in my place was acquired here, along with the handmade furniture by the very talented Louise Mann. Her small but efficient gallery is incredible. She finds the best modern and contemporary artists snd brings them to you.
Louise Mann is an incredible artist and curator. Many pieces of my furniture were made by her, and her taste is impeccable with the art she curates. Lots of great sightseeing on your walk over to her gallery.
Mannmade Mexico
672 Calle Gpe. SánchezLouise Mann is an incredible artist and curator. Many pieces of my furniture were made by her, and her taste is impeccable with the art she curates. Lots of great sightseeing on your walk over to her gallery.
This is a larger version of the fabric store around the corner. Incredible finds from Oaxaca are to be found here.
Casa Oaxaca Art & Home Decor
377 Aquiles SerdánThis is a larger version of the fabric store around the corner. Incredible finds from Oaxaca are to be found here.
Incredible Mexican art can be found here. Just check it out! It's literally a block away.
Galeria Olinala
274 Lázaro CárdenasIncredible Mexican art can be found here. Just check it out! It's literally a block away.
Bar Scene
This is loosely a speakeasy bar. It has a storefront, but a hidden door leads you into a very romantic small garden bar. They are very good mixologists, and great atmosphere for enjoying good company in a secret garden.
10 persone del luogo consigliano
El Colibri Cocktail Bar
582 MorelosThis is loosely a speakeasy bar. It has a storefront, but a hidden door leads you into a very romantic small garden bar. They are very good mixologists, and great atmosphere for enjoying good company in a secret garden.
Hands down the best craft cocktails in Puerto Vallarta.
The staff is very experienced in creating perfectly crafted cocktails, whether they are old standbys or new creations. This is a must visit if you like a great cocktail. Everyone working there is very friendly and accommodating.
6 persone del luogo consigliano
Elixir Mixology Bar
419 Basilio BadilloHands down the best craft cocktails in Puerto Vallarta.
The staff is very experienced in creating perfectly crafted cocktails, whether they are old standbys or new creations. This is a must visit if you like a great cocktail. Everyone working there is very friendly and accommodating.
This is my favorite gay bar in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
The rooftop is a great place to people watch, and the go-go dancers are truly works of art to watch when you are downstairs.
Overall a laid back and welcoming environment for all.
67 persone del luogo consigliano
Bar La Noche
267D Lázaro CárdenasThis is my favorite gay bar in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
The rooftop is a great place to people watch, and the go-go dancers are truly works of art to watch when you are downstairs.
Overall a laid back and welcoming environment for all.
This bar is for everyone with a fun rooftop atmosphere. I never have a bad time here.
11 persone del luogo consigliano
El Sonador
229 Ignacio L. VallartaThis bar is for everyone with a fun rooftop atmosphere. I never have a bad time here.