El Arrayán

Starting out this review, I should declare I'm a bit taken aback at the negative reviews to date. I've just returned from Puerto Vallarta and our dinner at El Arrayán was a highlight. No it's not fine dining, but the staff were helpful and nice - even walking us over to have a chat about the arrayán fruit tree in the centre of the courtyard. Admittedly it was a Wednesday night, but I definitely would have gone back on Thursday. The empanadas with plantain and the hibiscus (jamaica) quesadillas were really special. I probably wouldn't recommend the arrayán margarita, but that was a tiny blip in a nice experience. We also enjoyed the Mexican chocolate ice cream, but the cafe de la olla wasn't the best I've had. From Nuevo Vallarta, it was about a 10-15 minute taxi and well worth the adventure.

WOW What can I say about this horror of a restaurant. First, the staff thinks they are the owners. The owners are in cloud 9. The food was horrible. Not worth the hike up that hill. I will say I was very surprise that they even screwed up a Bacardi and Coke. Lord how can one screw that up is beyond me. We were a PARTY OF NINE and the manager / owner whatever she was had the gull to come after us and asked why we did not leave a TIP. We informed her that the 4 orders that we sent back, and the other 3 that my guess did not want sent back because they were embarrass for the Chef was not a hint that the restaurant was not fit to even bring my dogs to. What really gets me is that I live here in PV and this place keeps on getting good ratings, and my guess all wanted to go there even after I warned them that no true native or would be native would got there. IT IS A TOURIST TRAP, but since, my guess wanted to go there we went there. TO their NOW regret. I think that this place gets tips off that a reviewer is going and it is on its best behavior or comps the meal. THIS IS NOT A PLACE TO GO and experience the wonder that PV gastronomy has to offer. I have eaten better at some tacos stands than this place. I have live here since Nov. 18 2006 and I still feel the same since my first dinner that I had there then.

We had the worst service! New Years Eve and they tried to rush us out of there. My husband was still chewing and they removed his plate. We ordered 'duck carnitas' and it's supposed to take 15 min. to prepare. We had this dish 3 min. after ordering it. When we complained to one of the owners she was also very rude and didn't care. That was the last straw!! I paid in cash and stiffed the waitress! P.S. Not only New Years Eve but also my husband"s birthday! AVOID THIS RESTAURANT IF U WANT A GOOD RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE!!! The value and ambience rate a #1 due to such lousy service and poor attitude from the owner!

Average restaurant, I saw it was rated #1 mexican restaurant in PV, I dont agree with that, but it was okay. The shrimp ceviche was very good, the pineapple was so sweet with the shrimp flavor, very flavorful!! Entrees were okay. Very nice Mexican setting and the service was good!

Not Mexican American foods. They were out of Chicken dishes the night we were there.

One couple walked out, just costly for what served

The evening we dined at El Arrayan (3/09/08) we had pazole, lettuce salad, fish entree, pork entree and flan along with a couple of margaritas. The food was fine, not exceptional, but both the food and margaritas were very expensive. Our dinners cost as much or more than we paid at some 5 star gourmet restaurants in PV, and by comparison El Arrayan does not have the creativity, prsentation, or ambiance that one would expect at those prices. Not a good value. For this type of fare, one can do much better in PV.

How do I love this place? Let me count the ways. First of all I love the lovely setting with seating around an open air courtyard of an old hacienda. Secondly, I love the warm and welcoming staff. Finally, I love the authentic Mexican cuisine. It's a world apart from "tourist" Mexican. The duck carnitas are my favorite meal in Vallarta. This place is a must. It is pricier than you might expect for Mexican food but worth every penny.

We had the Cochinita Pibil and it was excellent! Good pozole also. Lovely little courtyard in middle of restaurant. Will go again. Loved the sinks outside of bathrooms!

The atmosphere here is amazing; there is tons of beautiful Mexican artwork and the place is so lovely and intimate. The food is good, but there isn't a huge selection, so just be prepared. The plaintain fritters and black bean soup are out of this world.

This place was fun and funky. We had a good meal and the service was great. We had our 4 year old in tow and it wasn't a problem -in fact they were very accomodating. The owner is very charming.