Puerto Vallarta stretches along Mexico’s sun-drenched Bahía de Banderas. From the cliff-side coves of Mismaloya, through the cobblestone streets of Centro and Zona Romántica, up to the polished marinas of Nuevo Vallarta, the bay offers meals for every traveler. Whether you crave cliff-side fine dining, fresh-caught seafood at a family-run palapa, or legendary street tacos, this guide highlights the region’s best, with insights, review snippets, price points (1 USD ≈ 17 MXN), and direct Google Maps links so you can find them with ease.
🌅 Mismaloya: Dining With a View
Le Kliff – Dramatic Views & Gourmet Cuisine
Perched high on a cliff just south of Mismaloya, Le Kliff feels more like a cinematic stage than a restaurant. Its multi-level decks cascade toward the Pacific, so no matter where you sit, you’ll catch an unobstructed sunset. The open-air thatched design creates a romantic, tropical elegance perfect for anniversaries or proposals.
- Cuisine & Price: Upscale seafood and steak; mains typically 500–800 MXN.
- Must-try: Mahi-mahi with tropical sauce, surf-and-turf, or steak served sizzling on a volcanic rock slab.
- Review snippet: “Perfect for special occasions—generous portions and breathtaking sunsets.” (wanderlog.com)
- Tip: Reserve a lower-deck table for the most dramatic sunset angle.
– Relaxed Dining With Ocean Views
Hidden within a quiet condominium complex, this casual yet scenic spot is a local secret. Guests sit on breezy terraces overlooking Mismaloya Beach, watching fishing boats bob on turquoise waters. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, and service is warm without being rushed.
- Cuisine & Price: Comfort food and seafood; mains ~250–350 MXN.
- Must-try: Steaks, fajitas, mahi-mahi, or shrimp ceviche. Don’t skip dessert—their carrot cake and flaming Mexican coffee are fan favorites.
- Review snippet: “All delicious—fajitas, chicken supreme, mahi-mahi, and margaritas with a view.”
- Note: Closed during summer, reopens in December.
Local Favorites in Mismaloya
- El Jacalito: A lively family-owned pub with a rustic, beachy vibe. Expect generous seafood platters piled high with lobster, shrimp, and fish, often paired with cold micheladas. Reviewers highlight the coconut shrimp with mango sauce as “worth the uphill walk.” Portions are hearty and prices fair.
- La Choza (My Tony’s): Known locally as Tony’s Hideaway, this long-running palapa restaurant serves guests on sandy floors under a palm-thatched roof. Lobster, jumbo shrimp, and grilled fish dominate the menu, alongside giant margaritas. Owners Tony and his son personally greet guests, giving the restaurant a home-like feel. Cash only.
- Restaurant María Cuquita: Just off the highway, this family restaurant delivers authentic Mexican comfort food in a laid-back ocean-view setting. Locals return for shrimp tacos, ceviche, pozole, and their freshly baked conchas (sweet bread). With friendly service and affordable pricing, it’s a gem for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
🏙 Puerto Vallarta: Centro & Zona Romántica
Fine Dining & Romantic Spots
- La Iguana – Casa Kimberly: Once Elizabeth Taylor’s home, this elegant hillside restaurant exudes Hollywood romance. Overlooking the city and bay, the menu features contemporary Mexican cuisine like duck confit tamales and short rib in molcajete salsa. Expect mains > 500 MXN.
- Café des Artistes: A PV institution for 30+ years, this candlelit restaurant blends French techniques with Mexican flavors. Choose between a five-course tasting menu (~1 390 MXN) or à la carte dishes. The lush courtyard makes dinner here a sensory event.
- La Cappella: On a rooftop terrace overlooking the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, diners enjoy Italian classics—fettuccine Alfredo, rib-eye steak, shrimp scampi—while violinists serenade. Ideal for anniversaries and romantic nights.
- Martini en Fuego: A small downtown restaurant known for creative seafood and grills at affordable prices (~250 MXN). Guests rave about the chef-owner’s personal service, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and grilled tuna steak.
- Tuna Azul: Casual and fun, this Romantic Zone eatery serves lobster tacos, tuna montaditos, and ceviches right on the sidewalk—perfect for people-watching with a cold beer.
Street Tacos & Local Stands
- Pancho’s Takos: The most famous al pastor in PV. Tacos cost ~28 MXN, pricier than most, but worth it for the flavor. Go early or late to avoid 1-hour lines.
- Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas: Combines street food with a sit-down atmosphere. Known for large al pastor portions, vegetarian options, and creative margaritas (hibiscus, tamarind). By day, they serve hearty birria chilaquiles as “La Chilaquería.”
- Pepe’s Tacos: Near the cruise port, Pepe’s serves crispy yet juicy al pastor tacos in a laid-back, pet-friendly space. Margaritas ~100 MXN.
- Marisma Fish Taco: A legendary taco stand with giant shrimp and fish tacos for ~50 MXN. Served on paper plates, these are messy, delicious, and essential for first-time visitors.
Versalles Hot Spots
- El Puerco de Oro: Open mornings, this small eatery specializes in slow-cooked pork belly tacos on handmade blue-corn tortillas.
- Budaixi: A creative Taiwanese-inspired spot where bao buns stuffed with pork belly meet sweet potato fries—a fun break from Mexican fare.
Versalles is now a culinary neighborhood, dotted with wine bars, craft breweries, and inventive eateries, making it one of PV’s trendiest dining districts.
🌴 Nuevo Vallarta: Upscale Resort Dining
- La Casona – Villa La Estancia: Refined international steakhouse in a resort setting. Famous for indulgent breakfasts and flavorful steaks by night.
- Loma 42: Trendy and chic, this modern eatery draws foodies for its creative presentations and elevated ambiance. Diners often say it feels like a VIP experience.
- El Barracuda: Sister to the popular PV location, this beachfront seafood gem serves ceviches, tuna tostadas, and grilled fish. Guests love the laid-back vibe and flawless seasoning.
- El Patrón – Villa del Palmar Flamingos: Known for attentive service and stunning ocean views, El Patrón specializes in classic Mexican dishes and seafood served all day.
- Nicksan: A fusion pioneer, blending Mexican spices with Japanese sushi and sashimi. Diners describe it as “an adventure for the palate.”
- La Dolce Vita: A relaxed Italian restaurant serving pastas, risottos, fish, and meat. Its multiple locations make it a reliable favorite for visitors craving Italian flavors.
🍴 Final Tips for Food Lovers
- Bring cash: Many taco stands accept pesos only.
- Ask locals: Taxi drivers and boat captains often know hidden gems.
- Check hours: Some restaurants close in low season (like Mismaloya Grill).
- Beat the crowds: Famous taco stands are best right at opening or late evening.
🌮 Conclusion
From the cliff-side elegance of Le Kliff to the street-food buzz of Pancho’s Takos and the refined resort dining of Nuevo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta offers flavors for every taste and budget. Use this guide to savor the bay from Mismaloya to Nuevo Vallarta—and let each meal tell a story of this sun-kissed coastline.