Puerto Vallarta Dining Guide
March 19, 2025
Puerto Vallarta, a jewel on Mexico's Pacific coast, is celebrated for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and exceptional culinary scene. Whether you're seeking gourmet fine dining, authentic Mexican flavors, or a memorable dining experience with breathtaking views, Puerto Vallarta has something to satisfy every palate. In this guide, we've curated a selection of the city's finest restaurants, complete with their websites, Google Maps links, and booking options where available.
When it comes to exceptional dining in Puerto Vallarta, only a handful of restaurants consistently earn top praise across multiple platforms. One standout is A Mar y Sierra, a contemporary Mexican gem that has captured the hearts of diners with its impressive 4.9 rating on OpenTable and a prestigious "Diners' Choice" award for overall excellence. Guests rave about its delicious cuisine and impeccable service, often describing their visit as a true "gastronomic journey." The menu beautifully showcases Mexico’s rich culinary heritage, blending flavors from both the mountains and the sea into every dish. With its well-earned reputation for quality and value, A Mar y Sierra delivers an unforgettable dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
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Located in a charming historic house in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, RAICES offers international cuisine with a distinctive touch. The restaurant is particularly known for its dishes cooked almost entirely over coals, imparting unique smoky, roasted, and intense flavors . The ambiance, set within one of the oldest houses in Puerto Vallarta, adds to its charm. A top review highlights not only the "delightful" atmosphere but also the "very reasonable price for such fine dining," indicating a noteworthy balance of quality and value . The thoughtful preparation of dishes, focusing on traditional cooking methods, clearly contributes to the restaurant's high regard.
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Nestled in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Trio offers a refined dining experience where Mediterranean flavors seamlessly blend with fresh Mexican ingredients. Led by renowned chefs, this culinary gem has earned a nomination for the prestigious "Best Consolidated Restaurant" award, a testament to its innovation and excellence.
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Bonito Kitchen expertly fuses Japanese and Vietnamese flavors, serving up favorites like ramen, pho, and bao in a charming garden setting. With locations in Zona Romántica and Tules, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and artfully crafted Asian cuisine.
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Barcelona Tapas, located in the heart of El Centro, deserves recognition as a top overall restaurant. Celebrated for its delicious Spanish tapas with a creative Mexican twist, it also boasts an awesome rooftop view that has captivated diners for decades . Recently renovated, this local favorite offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to enjoy both exceptional food and stunning views of the city and sea . The restaurant's sustained popularity over many years speaks to its consistent quality and the enjoyable combination of its cuisine and scenic setting.
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La Cappella stands out as a premier choice for dinner with a view . This open-air restaurant, perched high above the city, provides stunning panoramic vistas of Puerto Vallarta and the shimmering Banderas Bay . The elegant ambiance is often enhanced by the soothing melodies of live violin music, creating a truly magical setting, especially as the sun dips below the horizon
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No discussion of Puerto Vallarta’s best restaurants is complete without Café des Artistes. Led by Chef Thierry Blouet, this award-winning institution masterfully blends French techniques with vibrant Mexican flavors. Recognized as the "Best Consolidated Restaurant in Mexico," its romantic garden setting, critical acclaim, and enduring popularity make it a cornerstone of the city’s fine dining scene.
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For those looking to celebrate in style, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet offers an elegant rooftop dining experience perfect for romantic evenings and special occasions. With a refined menu of upscale Mexican and international cuisine, this charming spot pairs exquisite flavors with the enchanting sounds of live mariachi bands. Recognized on multiple “best of” lists, including OpenTable and Lez Travel for Life, it has earned a reputation for its exceptional quality and sophisticated ambiance. Whether you're savoring a gourmet meal under the stars or soaking in the breathtaking views, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet promises a truly unforgettable dining experience.
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A true gem in Puerto Vallarta’s fine dining scene, Gaviotas Restaurant at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center has earned the prestigious "Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant in Latin America" award at the 2024 World Culinary Awards, a testament to its exceptional culinary standards. With a 4-diamond rating from AAA, Gaviotas specializes in signature Mexican gourmet cuisine, crafted by Chef Patron Antonio Johanam Rojas, known for his innovative approach to traditional Mexican flavors and premium ingredients. This international recognition further solidifies Gaviotas as one of the region’s most elite dining destinations, where excellence and tradition come together to create an unforgettable experience.
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Nestled within the iconic Casa Kimberly, the former home of Elizabeth Taylor, this restaurant offers a truly unique and elegant fine dining experience. Featuring contemporary Mexican cuisine served in an open-air setting with breathtaking views of Banderas Bay, it promises a sophisticated and memorable dining occasion. The historical significance of the location adds an extra layer of charm to an already exceptional dining destination, making it a must-visit for those seeking both culinary excellence and rich history.
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For an unforgettable and romantic fine dining experience, Le Kliff is truly unparalleled. Perched on dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, it offers breathtaking sunset vistas that perfectly complement its menu of seafood and international dishes. The stunning natural setting combined with refined cuisine creates a luxurious experience that lingers long after the meal.
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Puerto Vallarta's culinary landscape is rich and diverse, offering everything from gourmet fine dining to authentic, casual eats with a local flavor. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delicious meal by the beach, these restaurants ensure you'll have a memorable experience.
