54 Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The original Mariscos 8 Tostadas (there are a few others in the bay) is located behind Blockbuster Video in the Hotel Zone. It features full seafood plates alongside its ceviches, tacos, and appetizers. The odd menu translations at these restaurants are a clear indication that the clientele is local. For instance, the tuna sashimi appears as atún fresco con salsa rasurada, or "tuna cut thick with shaved sauce." The tuna is thicker than that in U.S. sushi houses and is served in a shallow dish with soy sauce, micro-thin cucumber slices, sesame seeds, green onions, chili powder, and lime. The ceviche couldn't be fresher, and portions are more than generous.

The original Mariscos 8 Tostadas establishment (nowadays there are a few others in the bay) is widely considered the best seafood restaurant in PV. It's not a flashy place, but it’s clean, offers good service, and serves up simply delicious dishes.

The best fish and shrimp tacos in town are served at Marisma. It started in a little stall away from the big restaurants of the Marina seawalk but has now overtaken most of them, at least in reputation among the locals.

Located in La Manzanilla, Martin's is one of the best restaurants by the beach in all the Tenacatita area. You can tell that the chef goes the extra mile to serve more sophisticated seafood dishes than the other restaurants in town.

For a fancy lunch with panoramic views of the bay and beach, visit Mismaloya Grill inside the La Jolla de Mismaloya condo complex. Formerly known as María Bonita Restaurant, this place has a long history in the area and arguably is the best restaurant in town. As a starter, calamari fritti is one of the best options, and among the main dishes try the orange-glazed salmon, which is simply delicious. 

Chilaquiles, pancakes, waffles, baked goods, omelets … whatever you want for breakfast, they have it. This Nuevo Vallarta newcomer has been a total success and a great excuse to leave your nearby hotel to eat good food any given morning. It tends to be full on Sunday, so reservations are a good idea.

The cavernous space, lined in red brick, makes the restaurant look rather generic, but it's actually family-owned and run and oh-so-personable. Try the regional dishes like goat stew and enchiladas, pizza, or a daily special such as beef tongue or jocoque (strained yogurt). It's named for the small town 14 km (9 miles) from Mascota, not the Christmas holiday, which is the only day this restaurant closes. 

In El Centro at Paris Café, a gruff and eccentric Frenchman who bakes bare-chested is PV's version of Seinfeld's "soup Nazi."

Come for the excellent coffee as well as the most scrumptious pies, cookies, and cakes.

Come hungry to Piña Loca; all portions in this simple restaurant are huge but without the huge bill to match. Try the fajitas in lava bowls, the burrito norteño, or the shrimp salad. Tip: most plates are large enough for two people!

Those who stumble upon this hogless heaven can pig out on tasty, meatless carne asada and a selection of main dishes that changes daily. Choose from at least three healthful main dishes, plus beans, several types of rice, and a soup at this casual buffet-only place. A fruit drink, coffee, or tea and dessert are included in the reasonable price.

For coffee and desserts there is nothing more vallartense than Repostería Los Chatos.

Open to the ocean air, the wood-and-palm exterior of this restaurant looks right at home on Conchas Chinas Beach. The menu is a mixed bag of Mexican specialties such as chile relleno, international cuisine add-ons like chicken masala, and seafood dishes like the delicious crab enchiladas with chipotle sauce. There are wonderful views of waves crashing on or lapping at the shore at its bar El Set. If you're driving, look for the sign for Hotel Lindo Mar on the coast highway.

Set right on Boca de Iguanas Beach, this restaurant serves the typical seafood dishes of the region. Breakfast and burgers are also available. The restaurant is part of a camping compound with cabins and swimming pool included, so many come for the food and stay for the pool.

This quaint restaurant is small but cozy, and serves traditional homemade dishes and wood-oven pizzas. Sit at the outside tables and get a good view of the quiet life in the main square.

Patrons come to Restaurante Pineda for the generous portions of delicious seafood, though the beautiful ocean view is also a draw. Locals rave about the grilled octopus, oysters, and scallops, but the coconut-breaded shrimp aren't too shabby either. You'll leave the place with a full stomach and a somewhat emptier than expected wallet, but it's well worth the experience.

Healthy and nutritious food with lots of flavor is what has crowds coming here every morning for breakast. There is no guarantee that there will be space for you to sit at any time in particular, but there's always takeaway to be eaten at the boardwalk. Don't miss the smoothies!

It's very pleasant to dine at night on the back patio of this local favorite amid dozens of candles and tiny lights. The menu includes pizza, salads, pasta dishes, and Mediterranean fare like chicken souvlaki and Greek chicken. Order a liqueur-laced coffee or dessert from the bakery counter. The café at the front has great espresso but is open in high season only, usually December through Easter.

If you need a break from seafood, this small, sophisticated café serves outstanding coffee, Mexican breakfasts, and classic burgers for lunch. They have live music during the week.

With 12 kinds of pancakes—including the "Oh Henry," with chocolate bits and peanut butter—and eight kinds of waffles, your child (or inner child) will certainly find something to like. The large dining room is filled with local families on weekends and homesick travelers. The draped back patio is pretty, but it's like a greenhouse when the day heats up. 

In downtown Vallarta, locals love the quesadillas, shredded beef burritos, and tacos at Tutifruti, where you can also get a sandwich, burger, or fruit smoothie.

The Yacht Club is a restaurant and bar on the town beach—it's not a yacht club at all. Their breaded fish fillet is famous among the villagers and tourists, as are their chicken dishes. The place is always full. At 10 pm the disco starts and it lasts until 2 am.