I stayed at an AirBnB just north of Versalles, a residential neighborhood about 5.5 km (3.4 miles) north of the Romantic Zone. Also known as Emiliano Zapata or the Old Town, its an LGBTQ-friendly area with plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Little did he know that I had already eaten here twice! According to my guide, they do run out of this so its best to arrive early over the weekend if you want to try it. I wanted to learn more about Mexican drinks and cocktails so I went on this tacos and tequila tour with Vallarta Food Tours, the number one tour provider in Puerto Vallarta on Tripadvisor.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Like the Romantic Zone, its one of the busiest parts of downtown Puerto Vallarta. I was walking by one day and couldnt help but notice the large crowd of Mexican locals gathered around this stand. Address: C. Honduras 127, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 7PM-3:30AM, Tue-Thurs / 7PM-5AM, Fri-Sat / 7PM-12MN, Sun (closed Mondays)What to Order: Al pastor tacosExpect to Spend: MXN 15 per pastor taco. You can refer to our terms of use for more information. According to many online reviewers, their pastor tacos are the best in Puerto Vallarta.
You can refer to our full intellectual and copyright policy for more information. Not only are they delicious, but theyre also huge. Were both extroverts and love meeting new people everywhere we travel. Tables are illuminated by candles, the menu includes unique cocktail options, fresh seafood, and incredibly friendly staff. Address: Hamburgo 148a, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 9AM-4PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)What to Order: Chilaquiles con mole almendradoExpect to Spend: MXN 140 for the chilaquiles con mole almendrado. We really appreciate your support as this helps us make more of these free travel guides. I was under the impression it was a Club Med type of destination with all-inclusive resorts and little to nothing in the way of interesting food (like Cancun and much of the Riviera Maya). Located in Zona Romantica and features a super romantic open-air concept. A tlacoyo is a pre-Hispanic Mexican dish made with masa. Im addicted to travel as well as feeding and advocating for street animals in every country I travel to. This is a great option if you are wanting to enjoy breakfast with an ocean view. This is definitely not a traditional Mexican meal but it was refreshing to have healthy options available when I didnt want to shove more tacos and chilaquiles in my mouth. This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. I asked my food tour guide what pastor stand locals liked best and he named two places Pepes Taco and El Carboncito. Based on that crab enchilada alone, Id definitely put this seafood restaurant on your itinerary. Isnt it beautiful? Your email address will not be published. They offer five different types of burritos on their menu with seven meat options. The environment is intimate and chill. My food tour guide described it as a sexy sandwich thats reminiscent of Guadalajaras famed dish tortas ahogadas. At first glance, it doesnt look like it would rank as one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta but it absolutely is. Its traditionally made with goat but it can be made with beef, lamb, or mutton as well. Pictured below is the shrimp burrita. I was told I had to try the shrimp burger, and honestly, I gave a big side-eye but when that plate hit the table I fell in love. They have an extensive lunch menu as well, my go-to was the chicken caesar wrap with veggie straws on the side. I enjoy doing all the research and finding the best places to eat on my own but sometimes, its nice to have a local show you around. This was our go-to restaurant for brunch or if we were desperately trying to cure a hangover. Clearly, this place is popular with the locals. Spend enough time in the city and one thing becomes clear, Panchos Takos is one the most popular restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Address: Venustiano Carranza 382, Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 12:30-3:30PM, 7:30PM-1AM, Mon-Thurs / 12:30-4PM, 7:30PM-1:30AM, Fri-Sat / 12:30-4PM, 7:30PM-1AM, SunWhat to Order: Sherry, tapasExpect to Spend: About EUR 2 per glass of Sherry, EUR 2 per small plate of tapas. Out of all the amazing places we highlight well show you the two best-hidden gem restaurants in Puerto Vallarta that you must try. Like my guide said, theyre delicious. Address: C. Honduras 145-Int. Unless Im mistaken, Pulquera Chinga Quedito offers four different types of pulque, all of which you can try for MXN 150 (about USD 7.35). Considering how popular it is with locals, Lamara has to be one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for ceviche and aguachile. Im Sam and I may only be 53 but Im feisty and enjoy a lot of sarcastic humor. NOTE: This is what these dishes looked like when served in the Eat & Go section of the restaurant. Like many of the restaurants on this list, Pepes Taco is a Travelers Choice awardee with a near-perfect 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Prices are reasonable and they have healthy options as well as nonhealthy options like their hashbrowns can I get a yazzz queen. I arrived a few minutes before they opened at 9AM and there was already a small group of people waiting to be seated. One of the people on the tour said hed eaten here several times and everything on their menu was fantastic. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage in connection with the use of this website. Meaning, you can find the best street tacos youve ever had by simply following the locals to the vendors on the street that have lines 30 people deep. El Puerco de Oro is a humble restaurant in a tiny space with just four tables. The staff is kind and attentive and you will be mesmerized by their techniques. El Carboncitos pastor tacos were among the best tacos I had in Puerto Vallarta. May 23, 2022 May 27, 2022by Samantha Fulmer. Dont be intimidated by the line or how packed it may be, the staff knows how to hustle so you wont be waiting for long. Its similar in feel though with lots of souvenir shops and better, more local restaurants.
La Fina is a small family-run restaurant located on the far end of the Romantic Zone, just across the river in an area rarely visited by tourists. If you travel for food like we do and are looking for the best Puerto Vallarta restaurants to have seriously delicious Mexican food, then youve come to the right place. This sandwich was perfect, it was full of perfectly cooked shrimp, on a soft bun with cheese that cooked on the grill so it was crispy. In any case, theyre very similar to burritos and are just as delicious. Of course, we have to talk about a beachfront restaurant for dinner! It includes information on other popular food tours they offer in Puerto Vallarta as well like their original downtown food tour and a taco evening tour. We invite you to come along with us on our journey! We are in love with Latin American culture but cant wait to explore more of the world! I got in line a little past 3:30 and by the time they opened, the line went down the block. Check out some of the most popular food-related tours and activities in Puerto Vallarta. They have a variety of vegan, vegetarian options as well. Craft beer in Mexico? They offer sushi, tacos, more incredible cocktails and if you rent a chair or umbrella for the day they will even serve you on the beach! Like tejuino, tuba is sweet and a bit tart. I love offal and what many westerners dismiss as the less desirable parts of the animal so I love tacos made with this type of meat. New restaurants, bars, and clubs open frequently which means there is always something new to try. Thats burritos with an a. It was hard to choose where to put Salud because they are open for breakfast and lunch! In any case, you can buy a glass of tuba from any vendor along the malecn. You can enjoy them in two ways dorado (crunchy) or blando (soft). It was pointed out to me by our food tour guide. They also offer margaritas, mezcal, beer, and wine so this is a good place to consider for dinner if youre looking to knock down a few drinks with your food. We met a lot of travelers that would eat here every single day! So why has Fredys made it to the top of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta list? Don Chava Taqueria Cantina is a Mexican restaurant that serves traditional dishes like tacos, volcanes, and quesadillas. You can enjoy their tejuino in three sizes. Some of the links in this Puerto Vallarta restaurant guide are affiliate links, meaning well earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no added cost to you. If you like going to where the locals eat, then you need to explore Versalles. Travel back to ancient Mexico and enjoy traditional dishes that date back to the original people of the Yucatan. My god was this good! Cities like Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City, and Guadalajara werent surprising but one city popped up on almost every list that I wasnt expecting Puerto Vallarta. If youre interested in trying pulque and traditional Mexican cuisine, then you need to make a stop here. The menu offers vegetarian and vegan options as well as traditional Mexican cuisine including seafood. The staff are so friendly and remember your face and name! If youre looking for a truly special and romantic dinner in Puerto Vallarta, then you may want to book a table at Makal. I went on a food tour in Puerto Vallarta and this humble restaurant was one of our stops. El Puerco de Oro may be small and unassuming but it has to be one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Address: Lzaro Crdenas 288, Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 5PM-12MN, Wed-Mon (closed Tuesdays)What to Order: TacosExpect to Spend: MXN 25 per taco. Address: Corner of Camichn and Lzaro Crdenas StreetsWhat to Order: TejuinoExpect to Spend: MXN 20 per glass of tejuino (medium). They offer a ton of options on their menu, including chilaquiles and mimosas on Sundays! If you love Asian food you will be right at home. This Mex-ology tour is a 4-hour eating and drinking binge that treated me to tasty Mexican dishes and drinks like tlacoyos, raicilla, pulque, mezcal, paloma, and of course, tacos. This place is a staple in the community and locals and tourists alike come here. Not only is Salud at the top of our best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta list, but for Tripadvisor as well! Even if you dont like craft beer they have cocktail options as well.
It has a unique texture thats unlike any other type of meat. Like Tacos de Cabeza Matute, they serve tacos made from different parts of the cows head. I enjoyed it so much that I wound up eating here three times because I wanted to taste everything on their menu. They serve tacos made from different parts of the cows head like cheeks, eyes, brain, tongue, and lips. Tostadas are pretty much the same thing as tacos except theyre served on crunchy, deep-fried tortillas. No matter the reason, the staff is extremely friendly and youre only a street away from the beach! Pastor tacos arrived in Mexico by way of Lebanese immigrants who moved to the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A short walk from the beach is an incredible brewery that has been around for a few years. Address: Aguacate 271, Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 11AM-8PM, Wed-Mon (closed Tuesdays)What to Order: Soft shell crab tacosExpect to Spend: About MXN 140 per soft shell crab taco. Located in Marina Vallarta is La Ribera Restaurant. A refreshing margarita to wash down that tasty fish taco. Hop in an Uber and drive 10 minutes to another beach named Playa Palmares. If youre visiting Puerto Vallarta, chances are you have seen the line down the street all coming from Panchos Tacos. Also, you should try out a glass or four of their housemade Clericot while you are there! If youre looking for a place that serves delicious breakfast in Puerto Vallarta, then make your way to Cha, a lovely brunch spot in Versalles. El Carboncito opens at 7PM and fills up quickly so be sure to arrive early. but he sets up shop on the corner of Aguacate and Lzaro Crdenas at 4PM everyday. Im married to Courtney and were super gay or whatevaaaa. The tacos here bring me back to living in Mexico City where there are also unlimited options for tacos. These amazing tacos were some of the best tacos I had in Puerto Vallarta. It offers a beach view with traditional Mexican options, vegetarian options, and more! What youre looking at below is an incredibly delicious soft shell crab enchilada. On my next visit, I had the pork belly quesadilla. Whatever the exact definition, the most noticeable difference is that burritas are considerably smaller than burritos. This humble taco stall is basically just a cart that sets up shop in front of the owners home. Served with ice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt, the resulting drink is sweet, tart, and very refreshing. As always, we only recommend products and services that we use ourselves and firmly believe in. These were seriously delicious. Thicker than corn tortillas, its shaped like an oval and traditionally stuffed with cheese, beans, chicharron, and other ingredients before being fried or toasted. They stay open till the wee hours of the morning so their tacos make for some pretty amazing drunk food. According to my research, the Marisma Fish Taco stand serves some of the very best seafood tacos in Puerto Vallarta. It was delicious and made for an exceptional dining experience. Its in a much quieter part of town that isnt frequented by many tourists. Our food tour guide pointed it out to me as well and referred to it as one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. He was right on both counts but especially with this one. Pepes Taco has an extensive menu of food and drinks but what theyre really known for are their pastor tacos. I find traditional Mexican cuisine to be interesting and it doesnt get any more traditional than these tlacoyos. Its crazy how popular this place is. Address: Pino Surez 232, Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 3-11PM, dailyWhat to Order: Tacos al pastorExpect to Spend: MXN 75 for three pastor tacos. They were great to nibble on while sipping on our pulques. COPYRIGHT POLICYUnless otherwise stated, all photos, text, graphics, and videos used on this website are the intellectual property of Will Fly for Food and its contributors and protected by copyright laws. This was taken mid-afternoon but visit Tacos de Birria Chanfay around noon and youll find it swarmed with hungry locals. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Stay safe! Lamara offers many different types of ceviche and aguachile. Try anything on the menu and you will love it. My favorite here is the al pastor tacos and the chicken tacos. Found this article useful? Street tacos are some of the best things you can eat in Mexico.
There are many food tours to choose from in Puerto Vallarta. Sit at the bar and chat with the staff, they are very welcoming and will be glad to answer any questions you have about the area. I asked my server for his recommendation and he suggested I get the mixed burrita which is made with a combination of smoked marlin, shrimp, and octopus. Required fields are marked *. We came here time and time again and kept falling in love with everything we tried.
I got the battered fish tacos of course, and doused it in salsa BUT beware when I say that some of these salsa options are hot, and when I say hot I mean if a Mexican tells you its hot you might just die when you consume it (jk but you will be in pain). Address: Lzaro Crdenas 494, Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 1:30-10PM, Sun, Tue-Thurs / 1:30PM-12MN, Fri-Sat (closed Mondays)What to Order: PulqueExpect to Spend: MXN 150 for four tastings. Oh, did I mention there is a massive tree growing through this restaurant? First-time visitors will probably be spending most of their time in the Zona Romntica area so you can start there. From cocktails with cotton candy or popcorn, or hell even lit on fire this place is amazing. Luckily for me, they had this side section used mainly for takeaways. We have a few favorites, and luckily we were able to discover LGBTQ-owned and women ran businesses that have AMAZING menus. Did you imagine that you would find amazing Asian food in Puerto Vallarta a block away from the beach? I had pastor tacos many times in Puerto Vallarta and these were definitely one of my favorites. Marisma Fish Taco is also a Travelers Choice awardee with a stellar 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Mariscos Cisneros serves a bevy of fresh seafood dishes like cocteles, burritas, tacos, and quesadillas. M-S from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M and 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. CASH ONLY (no ATM nearby so be sure to have enough). Im sure theyre comparable. These tacos were absolutely overflowing with smokey grilled meat. Seriously, their margaritas are amazing and I am still dreaming about them as I write this. Pictured below are tacos made with beef cheeks, lips, eyes, and surtido, which is a mixture of different cabeza meats. All I can say about Nosh Turkish bites is that it is one of two hidden gem restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and should not be missed for lunch. This place is clearly popular with the locals so I suggest arriving early before they run out. We are a LGBTQ couple who took a leap and quit our jobs to travel for a year! It was so good! Theyre a Travelers Choice awardee and as of this writing, have a perfect 5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Its sweeter than tejuino and complemented nicely by the crunchiness of the fresh apples and walnuts. Panchos Takos serves traditional Mexican cuisine but their standout dish is clearly their tacos al pastor. Pictured below is a trio of tasty tacos pastor, shrimp, and fish. Im a big fan of tacos de cabeza so I was happy to find this street taco stall in the Versalles neighborhood. This is the Lamara aguachile made with shrimp, onion, cucumber, cilantro, and house salsa. Anyone whos eaten there will tell you that it truly is one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Spend the day here and of course, enjoy the one and only restaurant here. I didnt know it at the time but according to my food tour guide, Versalles is an up-and-coming foodie neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. Courtney and I were hot, hungover, and desperate for a delicious breakfast. Another awesome option for breakfast if you are looking for open-air seating right on the beach. 5 de Diciembre refers to the neighborhood just north of Centro. I always have a long list of restaurants I plan on visiting before a trip but sometimes, a restaurant catches my eye that I cant resist. Whether you visit on a food tour or decide to get curious and check it out for yourself you will have plenty of options to choose from. Open only from 8:30 till 11PM, Tacos de Cabeza Matute is definitely a testament to that. Courtney and I decided to take on the challenge of eating and drinking at as many places as possible in the 4 months we lived in Puerto Vallarta so we could report back to you ALL the goods. From the looks of it, it seems to be located in a former house that was converted into a restaurant. From the road, it doesnt look like anything impressive, but you will enjoy my top choice for fish tacos in PV (outside of Maria Baja). If you see a place overflowing with locals, then you know the food will be good. Address: Aguacate 216, Zona Romntica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 4-9PM, dailyWhat to Order: ChurrosExpect to Spend: MXN 2.50 per churro. You can also visit Mantamar bar (which is beachfront) for another lunch destination. Ahhhh dinner time. It is a quick and easy option if you are hot from the beach and just want to have something simple and fresh. If youre looking for a truly lovely fine dining experience, one thats far removed from the chaos of downtown Puerto Vallarta, then you need to seek out this hidden gem. Of course, we cant leave out the gay scene in Puerto Vallarta thats why we have an entire article dedicated to everything you need to know about gay Puerto Vallarta. Help us help other travelers by sharing it! Address: Viena 131, Valentn Gmez Farias, 48320 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.Operating Hours: 12NN-9:30PM, dailyWhat to Order: SeafoodExpect to Spend: Varies. Not only is it fun to eat in Puerto Vallarta but there are tons of other exciting things to do in this beach paradise, read more here in our Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide. I will be honest and say that Courtney ordered a couple of tacos and wasnt impressed, she was definitely jealous of my shrimp burger. When planning our trip to Mexico, I googled best food cities in mexico. To help organize this list of Puerto Vallarta restaurants, Ive organized them by location. Personally, I cant get enough of them! In the words of one reviewer: I love this place, I come all the way from Zona Romantica to have lunch here. If he makes the trip all the way from downtown Puerto Vallarta then it must be good! Length of Tour: 4 hrsCost: USD 85 per person.
Sweet! I made the trek to this restaurant after reading their excellent reviews. Tacn de Marlin is a small shop that specializes in seafood burritas. My favorite is the seared tuna taco and then I slap on one of the 7 different fresh-made salsa they offer. If you live on the west coast and are craving for those huge California-style burritos, then you need to enjoy a meal at Figueroas. Reminder: Make sure to check the countrys covid guidelines before travel. The tortillas used for Mexican tacos are typically palm-sized but the tacos at Marisma were as long as my whole hand. Being a resort town on Mexicos Pacific coast, I knew about Puerto Vallartas beaches but I had no idea it was such a beloved foodie paradise. Their specialty dish is deep-fried pork belly served in tacos, quesadillas, or in tortas (weekends only). Id say that definitely makes them worth a visit! Also, add a glass of clericot to your meal. Couple your tapas with some wine and you have yourself a romantic dinner. As described, Cha is popular so its best to arrive early. It feels like youre eating in your own home and the ingredients are fresh and the flavor is powerful. Zona Romntica (Romantic Zone) is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta. Because of its casual feel, it isnt one of the most romantic restaurants in Puerto Vallarta but they do serve some pretty amazing Mexican food. This is a women-run business by ladies who are from Mexico and have some of the most creative menu options I have ever seen. Little did we know we were going to hit the jackpot. Chilaquiles is a popular Mexican breakfast dish made with fried corn tortillas cooked in salsa and topped with cheese and other ingredients.
All of it is gorgeous, delicious but has a twist that reminds you that you are still in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Not to mention they have the best passionfruit margarita Ive ever had all while sitting by the beach and enjoying the view. I arrived at Tacos de Cabeza Matute a few minutes before 8:30PM but there was already a small crowd of people waiting to have their tacos. With its colorful facade, Pulquera Chinga Quedito is hard to miss. Going on food tours is one of our favorite things to do on trips. The space isnt that big so you may have to wait for a table if you arrive later in the day. FOOD. So, lets dive into our list of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Aside from the fish and shrimp tacos, I also had the spicy squid tostada. Like Tacos de Birria Chanfay, I found this taco stand by chance. Its located close to the Malecon which makes it an easy choice if you are wanting to eat breakfast, take a walk, and head to Playa de Los Muertos for sun and margaritas. Muchas gracias! Youll find a few more restaurants on the map that werent included in this Puerto Vallarta food guide. I had the chilaquiles con mole almendrado. Heres our food tour group entering Mariscos Cisneros. Overflowing with meat, onions, and cilantro, they were absolutely delicious. Look for this tejuino vendor on the corner of Camichn and Lzaro Crdenas Streets. If youve never had them, tacos al pastor is a popular type of taco made from pork grilled on a vertical spit. Because of its MASSIVE menu options! Its mostly a residential neighborhood that doesnt offer much in the way of tourist attractions but it is home to what some locals have described as the best tacos de cabeza in Puerto Vallarta. La Fina opens at 7PM and only offers dinner service. It was every bit as delicious as the tacos. It receives high praise from locals and it looks like many food tours stop here. In Mexico, people often say that the best tacos come out only at night. How lucky was I?? Maria Baja is the other hidden gem restaurant in Puerto Vallarta that you must check out! A few blocks back from the beach in Zona Romantica is a queer run cocktail bar that makes handcrafted cocktails that will blow your mind. If you come during May-June youll be able to experience Puerto Vallarta restaurant week! Puerto Vallarta is an LGBTQ vacation paradise while also holding true to its Mexican culture, and what is the best way to get to the heart of a countrys culture? As described, Lamara is hugely popular with the locals so you can expect a line at almost any time of the day. Hes known for being the youngest chef in Scotland to receive a Michelin Star. Their tacos are delicious and on par with some of the best I had in the city, but the one thing that stood out most for me was how much meat they put on their tacos. I ate at Sonorita Olas Altas twice and on my first visit, they served their tacos on black corn tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, and pineapple. You can get a healthy green smoothie or start off the day with any type of cocktail you can think of and turn up first thing in the morning. They have a few counter seats here so if you dont mind the dropoff in ambiance, then you can order and enjoy your meal here. Lets dive into my top picks for the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for dinner. Both tacos below are pork belly tacos but one was served with salsa verde. Puerto Vallarta is a small town with a big city feel, it has the best of both worlds. Pro tip, if youre unsure where to find good food in Mexico, then look for a church. My wife Courtney and I decided to buy a ticket to Puerto Vallarta after leaving Mexico City and we had no idea what to expect. They have performances almost every night with an incredible atmosphere which is why it has risen to the top of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta list. As of this writing, they maintain a perfect 5-star rating on Tripadvisor. Perhaps hes retired? If you want traditional Mexican food, then some of the best seafood dishes you can order are shrimp and fish tacos.