Five-Star Dining in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is rapidly becoming a gourmand's destination and with good reason: The city is home to numerous five-star restaurants serving up exquisite dining experiences for both visitors and locals alike. Some of these, such as La Palapa and Los Xitomates, have been awarded the coveted International Star Diamond Award bestowed annually by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, while many like the Vista Grill and Los Xitomates regularly participate in the International Festival Gourmet de Mexico held every November. Come along as we explore some of the numerous five-star restaurants that Puerto Vallarta has to offer…

PORTO BELLO

Torontonians Mario Nunes and Maurizio Pellegrini have owned this elegant Italian Restaurant in Marina Vallarta Since 1989. Enjoy Fine Dining in an Air-conditioned slon decorated in soft pastels, privilegiado with a spectacular view of Marina , this Italian Restaurant combines refined elegance with the ideal setting for a romantic lunch of dinner. Real connoisseurs of good Italian food face a touch choice due to the variety of dishes here, but they are always highly rewarded in the end. The Fusilli Porto Bello with artichokes, black olives and basil is their signature pasta dish, and for lovers of veal, the Vitello Porto Bello in a white wine cream sauce is a must. The Marina is a perfect place to spend the evening strolling along the malecon, in the back-ground as you gaze over the Marina, wondering what exotic ports of call the yachts have seen.

LOS XITOMATES

Using organic products and other quality ingredients from small local growers, Los Xitomates chef and owner Luis Jesús Fitch Gómez prepares Mexican dishes based on ancient recipes with a modern twist that's sure to please the palate of even the most demanding epicurean.

Located downtown, Los Xitomates —whose name comes from an ancient Aztec word for "tomatoes"— has a casual yet elegant atmosphere that provides the perfect setting for the tasty and inventive food, and for the large selection of wines available.

The extremely creative menu includes seafood, poultry and meat dishes prepared with traditional ingredients such as chipotle chilies, huitlacoche (corn mushroom), garambullo (the fruit of the Blue Myrtle cactus) and epazote (an aromatic Mexican herb).

Because of Chef Fitch Gomez's commitment not only to providing the finest cuisine, but also offering healthy menu options, the food here is free of preservatives, MSG and synthetic meat tenderizers.

Appetizers
- Pan seared tuna medallions with chayote-seaweed salad and lemon basil-chipotle vinaigrette
- Duck confit tackos with oriental style soy-habanero sauce
- Stuffed mushrooms with huitlacoche (corn mushroom)

Entrées
- Wild grilled salmon fillet in poblano sauce, squash blossom and tender corn
- Red snapper filet Sarandeado style with roasted pineapple
- Torreón style cabrería with cactus plant and grilled onion
- Monterrey-style flank steak with poblano strips a la crème and mole enchilada

LA PALAPA

Haute cuisine and friendly service blend in this beautiful setting at Los Muertos Beach, offering the perfect balance of fine dining and exceptional service in a casually elegant atmosphere, with the characteristic warmth and charm of Puerto Vallarta.

La Palapa Restaurant and Beach Club is one of Vallarta's favorite places for locals and visitors to enjoy excellent food. The innovative creations have earned it international recognition.

The menu features a wide variety of savory dishes made using only the freshest ingredients and spices, complemented by an impressive selection of wines and spirits. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, La Palapa is the perfect setting for a sunny afternoon or a balmy evening enjoying the ocean view and spectacular sunsets. At night, the tropical sophistication is enhanced by live Latin Jazz and the incredible view of the moonlit bay and the candlelit tables on the beach that create an intimate, romantic atmosphere and unforgettable experience.

Appetizers
- Portobello and shrimp salad, fresh mango, baby mix, arúgula, mint and tamarind vinaigrette
- La Palapa tortilla soup with shrimp
- Salmon cake, cilantro, jicama, cucumber, fresh mango, spinach, citrus and balsamic vinegar
- Thai chicken coconut soup with mushrooms, bamboo, ginger and lemongrass
- Fresh steamed mussels in a chardonnay cream sauce with bell pepper confetti and a touch of chipotle

Entrées
- Grilled shrimps, salad of frisee and diced avocado, yam-plaintain mash and white corn purée
- Sesame crusted lamb chops, mashed potato and chives with tropical chutney
- Pork Tenderloin stuffed with goat cheese, and chorizo, onion demiglace sauce, potato and yam purée
- Stuffed chicken breast with mushrooms and panela cheese, sautéed wild rice with herbs, red wine and sun dried tomato sauce
- Local lobster tail roasted with ponzu pepper oil, served with a cauliflower purée and asian pear salad

VISTA GRILL

Vista Grill is one of Vallarta's most exciting new fine dining restaurants, offering creative contemporary cuisine in the exquisite setting of the original Sr. Chicos Restaurant. With spectacular views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, gracious service and attention to detail, along with the finest international cuisine, Vista Grill offers a fine dining experience that is as memorable as it is pleasing to the palate.

The luxuriously appointed interior incorporates classic Art-Deco features in a refined dining room. Alfresco dining is available on the restaurant's elegant multi-level terrace, which offers a panoramic view of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. While our setting will take your breath away, our cuisine will take you to another world!

If you rate gourmet dining as one of the necessary ingredients for magical vacation memories, then come to Vista Grill and prepare to believe in magic! Intimate dining in elegant surroundings, soft music, stunning sunsets, and dining under the stars in a wonderful setting offer all of the ingredients for a perfect dining experience. The result is fine dining that is as memorable as it is unique.

Appetizers
- Espresso & chocolate braised boneless short rib, glazed carrots, vanilla bean potato pureé
- Cucumer canelón stuffed with goleen crac, herb tabouleh, gazpacho, shrimp brochette
- Shrimp and cod cakes, jícama, mango. Orange, avocado, papaya.
- Artichoke soup, epazote pesto, páprika oil, smoked salmon, zucchini blossom tempura
- Glazed foie gras, sauteed arugula, caramelized apple in a five spice crepe

Entrées
- Chilean seabass, candied baby carrots, tomatoes, sliced lemon and citrus foam
- Rack of lamb "Three ways" ancho rubbed, salpicón, wonton of birria
- Herb marinated tuna, artichoke, eggplant and prosciutto, potato leek rillet and rosemary, thyme sauce
- Beef tenderloin, hoja santa, shallot confit, grilled vegetables, ten pepper sauce
- Chevre stuffed pork tenderloin, mint and apple ravioli, smoked tomato veal reduction, fresh watercress

Get a complete list of restaurants here.

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