We're going to be in Puerto Vallarta over Christmas, and just got a friendly message from our hotel asking if we want help making a dinner reservation -- but have no idea where to go (this is our first visit).<BR><BR>We are both food lovers, Mexico lovers, but we're also just friends (not lovers), so would especially enjoy a relaxed and intimate vs. formal or 'romantic' atmosphere.<BR><BR>Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

What part of PV are you staying in? The Hotel Zone will have plenty of options, but it sounds like you're going to be in a different part of the city.

Two of my favorites that would meet your criteria are Cafe des Artistes and Las Cazuelas. Chez |Elena is perched up on the cliff overlooking the bay and is great for drinks and good for dinner, too! Havr fun!

Oops. That is, have fun!

Geri -- thanks for your messages (hic! don't you love the way they show up sometimes <BR><BR>I've started some research, and came across Cafe des Artistes. Have you been to Trio or Maximilian's? Curious what you thought of them. Thanks for Las Cazuelas mention, I hadn't heard of it. -Charlie

Cafe de Artiste is wonderful, but VERY expensive. Daquiri Dicks is a favorite of mine, right on the ocean, great for a sunset dinner. Las Cazuelas is great, just made a big pot of Mole sauce last night from their family recipe they make there. Very nice atmosphere. Trio is also excellent. None of these places is &quot;cheap&quot; but all are excellent choices for a great meal. But Cafe de Artiste is a little &quot;formal&quot;, which you said you did not want (oh, but is it ever GOOD!)

Either Trio or The River Cafe, the former inside, the later outside and way cheaper than Cafe des Artistes with excellent food.

BTW at both, you better reserve!

Charlie,<BR>Trio is on my list for our next visit, 12/26-1/3. I have enjoyed the two meals I've eaten at Maximilian's. Yes, Cafe des Artistes is pricey, but all aspects of the meal (we got the fixed-price multi-course meal the two times we were there) were absolutely delicious! It is a little dressy, but we sat outside on New Year's Eve in 2000, and people were nicely, but comfortably attired (so were we). If you want to try another one that I think is terrific, Archie's Wok offers Thai and other Oriental cuisine in a more relaxed atmosphere. The food there is really worth checking out!

Oops, Forgot River Cafe! JR is right, also wonderful. He's also right about reservations! My first attempt to eat at Trio, I did not make a reservation and couldn't get in.

Once you arrive watch for &amp; pick up the several English language tourist newspaper/magazines in town. Lots of advertisements and write-ups for restaurant ideas. Depending on the type of hotel you are staying at I might (or might not) take the recommendation of the hotel management.

Charlie, If you don't know about it, there's a BB specific to PV over on www.puertovallarta.net (then under Puerto Vallart Bulletin Board). It's a very busy site with lots of PV restaurant recommendations and reviews.