Food Lovers' Paradise in Puerto Vallarta
By Barbara Bode

Welcome to the culinary capital of Mexico. The high quality of restaurants here is due in part to the influence of the annual Festival Gourmet. Every year, for 14 years, chefs have been flying in from around the world to spend 10 days cooking with resident chefs in 26 restaurant kitchens. It's a great event where everybody learns.

Some 240 notable restaurants comprise the culinary community around the bay and beyond. About three dozen of these are of five-star quality; double that number are four-star establishments; and the rest are gathering stars and making progress.

Most restaurants are clustered in the three-part area called Viejo Vallarta, Old Town. It's composed of the Romantic Zone, the Zona Romántica, on the south end; the Isla Río Cuale in the middle; and El Centro, the center of town, on the north. They're all well worth exploring and packed with restaurants and bars, and the types of cuisine range widely.

Consider breakfast under Mexican influence. A walk along the Malecón or boardwalk makes it seem to be Breakfast Row. At the north end is a traditional Mexican restaurant serving huevos rancheros and chilaquiles-two fried eggs on a mound of tortilla strips.

Farther south is Vallarta's central plaza with a top floor restaurant whose specialty is chilaquiles. This restaurant offers well-prepared Mexican dishes with amazing views of the bay, the city and the mountains. A fusion restaurant directly on the Malecón, a bit farther south, serves Mexican-Mediterranean breakfasts with jugo verde, green juice, and is a favorite. Nearby there are several restaurants on the Isla Río Cuale where the best one serves breakfast.

The Malecón leads to Playa los Muertos, the Beach of the Dead, in the Zona Romántica. Several beachside restaurants serve various types of breakfast, including eggs Benedict. These breakfast spots all serve lunch and dinner. For other options, a number of fine restaurants are behind the beach. Look for seafood and try the typical red snapper dish, el guachinango zarandeado, or ceviche, or some tacos de pescado (fish tacos).

If there are children, lead them to the loud and lively restaurants directly across from the Malecón. They are unbreakable and understand kid appeal. Introduce the kids to agua de Jamaica, a sort of hibiscus water, or tamarind water. Nearby, there's ice cream for dessert. For something sweet and surprising, stop by a chocolate shop for truffles with smoked chiles.

In Vallarta cuisine, chiles dominate the menu with such dishes as poblano vichyssoise, jalapeño pork chops, lobster-stuffed chile relleno, chile en nogada and crème brûlée with chile. Chiles are part of most fusion meals as well. Vegetarian and vegan restaurants always cook with them.

For dinner, choose a romantic spot on the beach, a restaurant under the palm fronds, one on the Isla del Río Cuale, or one near the top of Gringo Gulch. For other sumptuous eateries, return to El Centro and they're everywhere. Follow the streets behind the church to find numerous elegant, enticing places to dine.

Thanks to Vallarta's incredible chefs and their gastronomic celebrations, from street food to haute cuisine, fixed Puerto Vallarta-style, everything tastes wonderful!

Dining Options

Carlos O'Brian's
Paseo Díaz Ordaz # 786, Col. Centro
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48300
Tel: 322-226-8850; Fax: 322-222-4065
E-mail: davidsosa@andermail.com
Days/Hours of operation: Mon-Sun, 11-3 a.m.
Located in Puerto Vallarta's Malecón, Carlos O'Brian's is regarded as one of those places you can't miss. With 37 years of history, we offer you delicious Mexican food, excellent drinks and a fun atmosphere that make your visit an unforgettable experience.

Daiquiri Dicks
Olas Altas # 314, Col. Emiliano Zapata
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48380
Tel: 322-222-0566; Fax: 322-222-0566
E-mail: daiquiridicks@gmail.com
Website: www.ddpv.com
Days/Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (closed Tuesdays from May-August; closed the month of September)
This world-class beachfront restaurant fuses fine dining, a relaxed atmosphere and attentive service to create an exceptional experience-whether it's a quiet breakfast, al fresco lunch or dinner under the stars. Voted Vallarta Lifestyles' Choice 2007 Best Overall Restaurant, Daiquiri Dicks is an icon of Vallarta gourmet dining.

El Arrayán Restaurante
Allende # 344, El Centro
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48351
Tel: 322-222-7195; Fax: 322-222-7195
E-mail: info@elarrayan.com.mx
Website: www.elarrayan.com.mx
Days/Hours of operation: Open for dinner 6-11p.m., Wed-Mon; closed Tuesday
One of the hottest restaurants in town, everything about it is inspired by authentic Mexican traditions. Explore this country's amazing dishes with confidence, because they're all wonderful here. And we can't say enough about the duck carnitas! Even the cocktails are unforgettable.

Hard Rock Café Puerto Vallarta
Av. President Diaz Ordaz #625, Downtown
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48300
Tel: 322-222-2230
E-mail: ijimenez@grupoece.com
Website: www.hardrock.com
Days/Hours of operation: Restaurant 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Boutique 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
You know where to go. You know who you are. We are located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, right down the Malecón, the famous cobblestone street that borders the Pacific Ocean.

Kaiser Maximilian
Olas Altas 380-B, Hotel Playa Los Arcos
Col. Emiliano Zapata
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48380
Tel: 322-223-0760; Fax: 322-222-7981
E-mail: kaisermaximilian@prodigy.net.mx
Website: www.kaisermaximilian.com
Days/Hours of operation: Mon-Sat, 8 am-11 pm
Kaiser Maximilian has become a Vallarta tradition for fine European and Austrian dining. The décor transports you to a Viennese café at the end of the 19th century. In the Espresso Bar you can taste great Austrian pastries, ice cream combinations and coffee selections.

La Dolce Vita
Paseo Díaz Ordaz # 674
Malecón Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 48300
Tel: 322-222-3852; Fax: 322-222-2204
E-mail: dolcevita@dolcevita.com.mx
Website: www.dolcevita.com.mx
Days/Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, noon-2 a.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m.-midnight
The gold standard for Northern Italian cuisine with a staff that makes patrons feel right at home, this bustling two-floor eatery on the malecón enjoys an ocean view and music that's just right. Plates appear quickly and are wiped clean almost as fast, because everything, from antipasti to pasta, pizza, salad, chicken, meat and fish plates, is so delicious! The calzone are crispy and we can't rave enough about the beef carpaccio with shaved Parmesan. Check out the bank-the wine cellar that offers prized vintages from around the world.

La Palapa
Pulpito 103, Col. Emiliano Zapata
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48380
Tel: 322-222-5225; Fax: 322-222-5225
E-mail: info@lapalapapv.com
Website: www.lapalapapv.com
Days/Hours of operation: Daily 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beachfront setting, the soft sound of waves mingled with the rhythms of a Latin acoustic trio and the flavors of upscale cuisine-as you experience the intimate service that got La Palapa voted "Most Romantic." Featuring creative and eclectic dishes with an infusion of fresh local ingredients, resulting in a cutting-edge Asian/Mexican fusion. Fresh-baked pastries, gourmet and traditional breakfasts make La Palapa a great way to start the day. Or go to the Beach Club at lunchtime for a cold beer and an awesome meal. Watching the sun set as you enjoy an incredible dinner will be a night of fine dining to be remembered!

La Terraza Di Roma, SA de CV
Cond. Club de Tenis Puesta del Sol Local 2
Col. Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48354
Tel: 322-221-0871; Fax: 322-221-0871
E-mail: laterrazadiroma@hotmail
Days/Hours of operation: Mon-Sun, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
La Terraza Di Roma, a tradition of Italian flavor accompanied by an excellent ambience in Marina Vallarta.

Pipis Restaurant
Guadalupe Sánchez # 804 Downtown
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48300
Tel: 322-223-2767
E-mail: pipis07@prodigy.net.mx
Website: www.pipis.com
Days/Hours of operation: All year around
Great atmosphere, clean place, good drinks, huge portions, great service, good prices; Pipis is a MUST.

Porto Bello
Marina Sol, Local 7, Col. Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48354
Tel: 322-221-0003
E-mail: porto@prodigy.net.mx
Website: www.portobellovallarta.com
Days/Hours of operation: Mon-Sun, noon-11 p.m.
Since 1989, Torontonians Mario Nunes and Maurizio Pellegrini have owned this beautiful Italian restaurant with a spectacular view of the marina. It has a refined, elegant atmosphere ideal for enjoying romantic lunches and dinners.

Restaurant-Bar Señor Frog's
Morelos # 518, Esquina Galeana, Col. Centro
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48300
Tel: 322-226-9262; Fax: 322-226-9260
E-mail: carla_sf@andermail.com
Website: www.senorfrogs.com
Days/Hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.
Señor Frog's is the Restaurant-Bar with the most fun and lively ambience in Puerto Vallarta. With a delicious Tex-Mex menu, the best drinks and great entertainment by the staff, your visit will be truly unforgettable.

The River Café
Isla Río Cuale, Local 4
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48300
Tel: 322-223-0788; Fax: 322-223-0788
E-mail: rivercafe@rivercafe.com.mx
Website: www.rivercafe.com.mx
Days/Hours of operation: 7 days, 8 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Opened 12 years ago in the heart of Old Town Vallarta along the famous Río Cuale, The River Café offers a unique twist on fine dining in a casual atmosphere with the light tones of Live Music nightly. Enjoy the spacious bar with a full wine list and fruit-infused cocktails while admiring the paintings of Vallarta's elite artists.

Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascensio 999
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48333
Tel: 322-226-0404
E-mail: omarcorral@sheratonvallarta.com.mx
Website: www.sheratonvallarta.com.mx
Days/Hours of operation: 7 days a week, 24 hours
The cuisine at the Sheraton Buganvilias is "A Unique Experience." The Sheraton Buganvilias hotel owes its success to the commitment of Executive Chef Rafael Peña to quality, flavor and presentation-offering visitors "Unique Experiences."

Tikul Pacific Cuisine
Paseo de la Marina # 245, Local 113
Marina Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48335
Tel: 322-209-2010; Fax: 322-209-1155
E-mail: info@tikul.com
Website: www.tikul.com
In the tradition of great taste and superb dining, Tikul offers elegance and class with soft tropical tones and a motif that reflects its culinary version of Pacific cuisine. The spectacular bar is made of "tikul" stone, an indigenous marble found in Mexico. Creative combinations such as the creamy risotto with butter-braised lobster or the pecan-encrusted fresh fish fillet with cilantro potato puree are examples of the high level of expertise and imagination that Tikul exemplifies. A well-stocked wine cellar, live acoustic music, a marina view and especially the dining experience give you all the reasons you need to try Tikul Pacific Cuisine Restaurant.

Vista Grill Restaurant & Lounge
Pulpito 37, 7 Col. Emiliano Zapata,
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico 48380
Tel: 322-222-3535; Fax: 322-222-3570
E-mail: info@vistagrill.com
Website: www.vistagrill.com
Days/Hours of operation: Daily from 5:30-11:30 p.m.
Overlooking Puerto Vallarta, Vista Grill is a sophisticated, elegant establishment with the feel of a jazz club. Combining creative New American cuisine and an impressive wine list with gracious service, soft live music daily and a chic atmosphere, this romantic restaurant blends all the essential ingredients for a "night on the town" that is as memorable as it is unique. Start with the artichoke soup with epazote pesto, paprika oil, smoked salmon and zucchini blossom tempura, and continue with espresso and chocolate-braised boneless short ribs with glazed carrots, Mexican vanilla bean and potato puree. The big finish dazzles with artistic dessert designs that will amaze the eye and palate.

Get a complete list of restaurants here.

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