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There are many good Puerto Vallarta restaurants with more than three to four dozen on the South Side/Zona Romantica alone. "Restaurant Row" on Basilio Badillo street in the heart of the South Side has some twenty or more gay-friendly eateries in seven blocks, from Coco Tropical on Los Muertos beach to the La Tia Catrina and Heart Coffee, including those that serve German (Hacienda Alemana), Mexican (Cafe de Olla, Fajita Republic, La Tia Catrina and Asaderos), Italian, international cuisine, American (Johnny's Diner) and seafood fare (El Bacalao, Joe Jack's and Puerto Alonzo). The PV downtown malecon boardwalk area is not only the center of straight Puerto Vallarta nightlife but also has many restaurants, with a number of them serving food and providing some musical entertainment such as La Bodeguita del Medio (Cuban music, salsa), La Chata, La Destileria and El Andariego (with mariachi), La Dolce Vita (jazz), de Santos (lounge and mood) and rock 'n roll at Hard Rock Cafe, Paradise Burger and Wings/Viejo Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta has become a major attraction for people who enjoy fine cuisine dining, winning more gastronomic awards than any city other than Mexico City. So, since Puerto Vallarta has some of the best restaurants in Mexico, you can be pretty confident that you'll not only have lots of great food while you're here but good service as well. Most of the major hotels also have their own specialty restaurants serving international cuisine. 'Casual but elegant' or 'casually elegant dining' seems to be the phrase in common use these days to describe going out to dinner in many PV restaurants. For dessert or coffee after a good meal, check out Puerto Vallarta cafes and bakeries. Puerto Vallarta Restaurants Listed here are all the Puerto Vallarta gay-owned or gay-managed (**) restaurants that I know of, and a good number of other popular, gay-friendly, and fine ones as well. Some of these restaurants have live music during the winter months so you may wish to call for further details. Many will accept only cash. All Puerto Vallarta restaurants and cafes use purified ice and water. Please note that it is customary in Mexico for you to have to ask for the bill at the end of your meal. Tipping is the same as in the States, 15-20%, depending on the quality of service. A number of Puerto Vallarta dining spots and restaurants close for a few weeks or more during the slower summer months. Apaches Bistro - South Side - 443 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-4004  ** Steaks, seafood and continental prepared by chef Andre from Europe. Delicious fare served until midnight at reasonable prices. Next door to Apaches martini bar. Happy hour, 5pm-7pm.  Daily, 5pm-2am. Archie's Wok - South Side - 130 Francisca Rodríguez.  Tel: 222-0411 Archie Alpenia was film director John Huston's personal chef for years and now the restaurant is run by his wife Cindy and their daughter Kyoki. Combines Chinese, Thai and Filipino food and the place has its own oriental garden in the back. Tranquil atmosphere often with music on the harp by D'Rachel, Fri and Sat 7:30pm-10:30pm. Menu includes Filipino egg rolls, calamari, garlic shrimp and a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes. Usually voted best Asian restaurant in Pto. Vallarta year after year.  Mon-Sat, 2pm-11pm. Banana Cantina - South Side - 147 Amapas.  Tel: 222-2114 Serving breakfast downstairs at Choco Banana, lunch and dinner either street-side or in the Banana Cantina restaurant upstairs. Menu includes salads, sandwiches, avocado enchiladas, crab ravioli, sea bass and two shrimp dishes. Voted best moderate priced Puerto Vallarta restaurant in 2007 and 2009 by Virtual Vallarta readers. Always 2x1 margaritas. Tues-Sun, 8am-2am.

Barcelona Tapas - Central - Matamoros & 31 de Octubre.  Tel: 222-0510, 223-0831
Spanish restaurant and tapas bar with mixed seafood grill, charcoal grilled lamb, duck and vegetarian dishes, paella, gazpacho soup, as well a selection of cold and hot tapas galore. Restaurant with panoramic views of Banderas bay and Puerto Vallarta.  Daily, Noon-11:30pm

Blue Chairs Beach/Blue Sunset Rooftop Bar and Restaurant - Los Muertos Beach - Calle Malecon y Almendro #4.  Tel: 222-5040  **
There is the Blue Chairs restaurant on the gay beach, and another on the rooftop at the Blue Chairs Resort, the later having a small wading pool and lovely views of Banderas Bay. Menus include Mexican, steaks, chicken dishes, pasta and seafood. Please call for details on entertainment. The Blue Chairs on the beach is open daily, 8am-Sunset. Blue Sunset rooftop bar and restaurant, Daily 3pm-11pm.
 

Cafe de Olla - South Side - 168 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-1626
A good restaurant for Mexican food with reasonable prices and friendly service. The Mexican plate is probably the best in town and the ribs are delicious. Menu also includes chicken, beef, shrimp and traditional Mexican dishes. Be prepared to stand in line during the winter months. One of my favorite places to go out to eat for years.  Weds-Mon, 10am-11pm. Closed Tuesday.

Cafe des Artistes - Central - 740 Guadalupe Sanchez.  Tel: 222-3228
Cafe des Artistes blends provincial Mexican with classical French cuisine under chef-owner Theirry Blouet. Live piano music, original works of art and lush gardens enhance the tropical romantic effect. Restaurant menu includes stuffed crab, roasted sea bass, marinated salmon and roasted duck. Cafe des Artistes is one of most well-known Puerto Vallarta restaurants, winner of several awards for cooking and according to a local poll voted the overall favorite in town, as well as for best service, most romantic and best atmosphere. Expensive.  Daily, 6pm-11:30pm.

Cafe Roma - Downtown/Central - 287 Encino at Matamoros, upstairs.  Tel: 222-7378
Italian restaurant/pizzeria near the municipal flea market and across from the Cuale River so some nice views. Noted for its home style environment and friendly service since 2006. Karaoke on Mon, Weds and Fri, 6pm-9pm. Positive online traveler reviews.  Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm

Casa de Tandoor - South Side - 356 Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-3323
The only Indian restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. Menu include chicken and fish tikka, seekh kabab, butter chicken and several vegetarian dishes. Located next door to the Kaiser Maximilian. Good reviews.  Mon-Sat, 5pm-10pm

Coco's Kitchen - South Side - 122 Pulpito.  Tel: 223-0373
Coco has taken over the old Barrio Sur restaurant and is now serving three meals a day. Cocos is especially popular for a good breakfast on the South Side-Romantic Zone.  Daily for breakfast and lunch, 8am-4pm; Dinner, 5pm-11pm

de Santos - Downtown - 771 Morelos.  Tel: 223-3052
Mediterranean international cuisine from Spain and Italy in a chic environment. Main courses include lobster ravioli, rib eye, seafood stew and salmon covered in crispy potatoes. Open-air terrace dining in the back. After dinner the place becomes a straight disco nightclub, 10pm to 4am. House DJ spins a combo of flamenco, mood, lounge, and jazz music for meals and later. One of the owners is reportedly a member of Mexico's most famous rock group, Mana.  Dinner daily, 5pm-1am; music and dancing 11pm-4am.

Daiquiri Dick's - South Side - 314 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-0566
California cuisine blended with traditional Mexican flavors at this fine Puerto Vallarta restaurant on Los Muertos beach. Daiquiri Dick's menu includes filet of fish "Zarandeado" or "Portofino", BBQ spareribs, lobster tacos, butter fried prawns, chicken in Oaxacan mole. One of the overall favorites in town year after year according to local polls and noted for its service. Some of the best food in Puerta Vallarta. Owners Peter and Tari Bowman recently celebrated the 24th anniversary and have a cookbook of their recipes out, Sand in Your Shoes.  Weds-Mon, 9am-11pm.

El Arrayan - Downtown - 344 Allende.  Tel: 222-7195  **
Locally voted "Best Mexican" in Puerto Vallarta for five years in a row, El Arrayan restaurant offers old family traditional recipes from different parts of Mexico. The restaurant (photo at left) has a welcoming atmosphere with a courtyard and arrayan tree growing there and plenty of Huichol art. Menu includes shrimp pozole, fish filet, ceviche, empanadas, duck "camitas" and "Chiquis" chicken breast. Live music with "Los Frijoleros" on Sat, 7pm-10pm. Owned and operated by Carmen Porras.  Weds-Mon, 5:30pm-11pm

El Brujo - South Side - Venustiano Carranza 510 at  Naranjo.
Mexican and seafood. This place has become popular for its reasonable prices and ample servings of good food. Expect to wait in line during the winter high season. Tues-Sun, 1pm-10pm

El Dorado by Boca Bento - Los Muertos Beach South Side - 102 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-1511, 222-4124
Seafood and Mexican specialties in one of oldest restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, since 1961. During the '60s and '70s when this part of Old Town was mostly fields and woodlands, El Dorado was one of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's hangouts for meeting friends and drinking. Nowadays it's a favorite among locals and tourist gringos, especially for lunch. Under new management as of March 2010. Sculptor Ramiz Barquet's bronze sculpture "Sharks in Spiral" graces the little square at Pulpito street and Los Muertos beach between the El Dorado and La Palapa restaurants.  Daily, 8am-11pm.

Fajita Republic - South Side - 188 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-3131
Beef, chicken, shrimp, combo and vegetarian fajitas are the specialty of the house, with BBQ ribs and traditional Mexican plates as well. Ample delish portions and moderate prices make this place popular for dining. One of my favorites. Also with a new location in Nuevo Vallarta, Tel: 297-2277.  Daily, 5pm-11:30pm

Fredy's Tucan - South Side - 245 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-0778
This restaurant-bar is popular with locals and tourists alike mainly for its breakfast (no dinner) in the open interior patio and street-side seating area. Waffles, french toast, crepes, omelettes, pancakes and a few Mexican specialty dishes. Lunch available from noon. Fredy's Tucan restaurant often wins Virtual Vallarta on-line voting as the best breakfast in Puerto Vallarta. Since 1981 with the family Garcia Acevedo.  Daily, 8am-2:30pm.

Hacienda Alemana - South Side - 378 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-2071
Good German and international food prepared by chef-owner Mike Pohl from Bonn. Lunch and dinner, served in an open garden restaurant, with a menu that includes several varieties of schnitzel, fish filet, sauerbraten and veal bratwurst. November to May, typical German buffet with all you can eat including draft beer on Weds and Sat.  Daily, Noon-11pm.

Hank and Conrad's at Cafe Bohemio - South Side - 127 Rodolfo Gomez.  **
The old Chiles' guys are back under a new name and location, now at the Cafe Bohemio restaurant for lunch only, 11am-3pm, just about the same great menu as the old Chiles restaurant: hamburgers, salads, french dip sandwiches, veggie burgers and roasted chicken to go (no BBQ ribs this time). Friendly service with owners Hank and Conrad (photo left, 27 years+ together) and cook-waiter Valentino. Tasty food and reasonable prices. End of October to early May only.  Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm

Heart Coffee Deli & Bar - South Side - 419 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-0828  **
Restaurant deli bar cafe lounge. The pleasant place has a gay theme decor but all are welcome. Lunch cuisine is deli style with salads, baguettes and paninis, while in the evening it's chicken seafood beef and lamb. Then the coffee imported from France. Mon-Sat, 8am-Midnight

Joe Jack's Fish Shack - South Side - 212 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-2099, 223-9752
Fish and chips, fish tacos, burgers. Tasty dishes and a personal favorite. Home delivery.  Daily, Noon-11pm

Kit Kat - South Side - 120 Pulpito.
Now closed.
 

La Hacienda - South Side - 388 Cardenas.  Tel: 222-4931
One of traditional PV's oldest family restaurants, since 1978. Breakfast and lunch only.  Tues-Sun, 8am-2pm

La Palapa - Los Muertos Beach - 103 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-5225
One of Puerto Vallarta's loveliest beachfront restaurants. Mexican and international cuisine with candlelight beach-front dining. A great romantic setting and a tourist favorite since Dec 31, 1958. Casually elegant; expensive. Acoustic guitar accompaniment or light latin jazz music by Alberto Perez or Raul Simetal, 8pm-11pm. La Palapa restaurant Puerto Vallarta.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

La Piazzetta - South Side - 143 Rodolfo Gomez at Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-0650
Over 20 kinds of delicious Southern Italian style pizza as well as pastas and traditional Italian plates by owner Mimmo since 1995. Often voted the best pizza and best Italian restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. Excellent service and very popular year round. Another new locale at 219 Ave. Fluvial Vallarta, Daily 1pm-12am, Tel: 224-7288.  on South Side, Mon-Sat, 4pm-Midnight

La Tia Catrina - South Side - 418 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-5703, Cell: 044-322-117-3219
Menu includes shrimp brochette, BBQ ribs, chicken enchiladas in mole, pinche paella, fajitas and other delights. Good quality at reasonable prices. Popular with locals and tourists, nicely decorated. Friendly owners Erin and Hector. At its new location on Restaurant Row in the block past Hacienda Alemana and across from Heart Coffee bar-cafe. Fri and Sat with 3 course meal specials. Closed in summer mid-May until mid-October.  Mon-Sat, 5pm-11pm

Le Bistro Jazz Cafe - Cuale River Island, Local 16, East Bridge.  Tel: 222-0283  **
International cuisine and an ambiance that is unique to Vallarta with upscale decor and beautiful plants and statues, located along the Cuale River. Menu includes Mexican and vegetarian dishes, coconut tempura shrimp royale and crab sashimi. One of the oldest and most established restaurants in town also known for its extensive jazz collection and the romantic atmosphere. Owners Roberto Cuevas and Humberto Ezparza. A gay favorite since 1979.  Mon-Sat, 12pm-Midnight

Mama Dolores - South Side - 534 Olas Altas.  **
Recently closed and now up for sale.

Memo's Pancake House - South Side - 289 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-6272
Memo's breakfast place is popular, so you may have to wait in line. Pancakes, omelets, waffles, eggs and Mexican dishes. A pleasant open interior patio as well. In June 2003 the Pancake House was rated "the best place in the world to go for breakfast" by International Living.  Daily, 8am-2pm

Nacho Daddy - South Side - 180 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-0838
An original concept in "Mex-Tex" cuisine with a large dining area, a popular sports bar area with 42" TVs, billiards and all with a lively atmosphere at night. Newest addition to the growing number of restaurants on Puerto Vallarta's famed Restaurant Row. Live music, Thurs through Sat, featuring Joe King Carrasco or special guests.  Daily, Noon to Midnight

No Way Jose - South Side - 5 de Febrero #260 at I. Vallarta.  Tel: 223-2853
The newest Puerta Vallarta restaurant-bar in the Zona Romantica. Mexican and international cuisine with beef, seafood and chicken dishes. Very good reviews and word of mouth.  Tues-Sun, 3pm-11:30pm

Pipi's - Central - 807 Guadalupe Sanchez at Pipila.  Tel:  223-2767
Tex-Mex specialties include steak, chicken, shrimp and fish fajitas. Often crowded with tourists; serving traditional Mexican food since 1986. Pipi's is noted for its large drinks and plentiful servings.  Daily, 11am-11pm.

Planeta Vegetariano - Central - 270 Iturbide.  Tel: 222-3073
A wonderful little place with an all-you-can-eat vegetarian lunch buffet for only 65 pesos, including drink and dessert. A la carte menu for dinner, 7pm-10pm. Colorfully decorated with a tranquil atmosphere to compliment the good food. Most excellent reviews.  Mon-Sat, 8am-11:30am for breakfast and 11:30am-10pm for lunch and dinner.

Red Cabbage Cafe - Remance - 204-A Rivera del Rio.  Tel: 223-0411
This charming out of the way place along the Cuale River in a typical Puerto Vallarta neighborhood is filled with movie photos and posters. Regional Mexican food with specialties from all over the country including divine chiles en nogada, chicken mole from Puebla, and hearty carne en su jugo (steak in its juice). In addition, the vegetarian menu is diverse and tasty. Woman owned and operated. Frommer's rated the Red Cabbage restaurant as "exceptional traditional Mexican cuisine".  Mon-Sat, 5pm-11pm.

The River Cafe - River Cuale Island, local #4, West Bridge.  Tel: 223-0788  *
International cuisine such as diver scallops, rainbow shrimp, filet mignon, rack of lamb, soups and salads. Seating on the terraces along the banks of the Cuale River with a pleasant natural setting. "Casual but elegant dining." The River Cafe restaurant in Vallarta has live Cuban music with Mercedes on Mon, Weds and Thurs; jazz with Beverly and Willow, Fri and Sat, 8pm-10:30pm. Margaritas 2x1, 12pm-6pm.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

The Swedes Bar and Bistro/Colleen's Breakfast - South Side - 154 Pulpito at Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-2353  **
Colleen serves breakfast Tues-Sun, 8am-2pm. The Swedes bar and bistro from 6pm-11pm. Bistro menu includes Swedish meatballs, pasta tagliatelle, filet mignon, and traditional Swedish hash. Gay bar and bistro with Rikard and Morgam. Good reports. In the same location where Picnic lunch place was located for years.  Bar and bistro, Weds-Mon, 6pm-11pm

Trattoria Michel - South Side/Romantic Zone - 507 Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-2088, 223-2060  **
Italian cuisine with owner Michel Pascal Ferrari. Appetizers, pastas, risotto, meat and fish dishes, all prepared à la minute. Reportedly excellent; expensive.  Daily, 6pm-11:30pm

Trio - Central - 264 Guerrero.  Tel: 222-2196
"Casually elegant", featuring gourmet food that combines Mediterranean cuisine with the traditional flavors of Mexico. Stylish decor with art work by local artists and a patio in the back. Chef Bernhard Güth was once cook at the Kaiser Maximilian restaurant. All reports indicate that Trio Restaurant prepares one of the best meals in Puerto Vallarta.  Dinner, 6pm-11pm.

Uncommon Grounds Chill Out Lounge - South Side - 625 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 223-3834  **
Restaurant, lounge, cafe, aromatherapy bar, boutique. Unique in Puerto Vallarta, "a multi-sensory experience". Reservations recommended Fri and Sat evenings. Menu includes Shrimp nirvana salad, Bleeker street BLT, Casablanca and Mediterranean wrap and other savory dishes.  Oct-Jun: Weds-Sun, Noon until closing; food until 11:30pm.

Vista Grill - Alta Vista - 377 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-3570
Romantic mood, excellent cuisine and stunning views of the town and Banderas bay make Vista Grill restaurant a Puerto Vallarta fine dining experience. Main courses include grilled salmon, braised short rib, duck confit and five-spice shrimp. Expensive.  Daily, 5:30pm-11:30pm

Vitea - Downtown - Libertad #2 on the New Malecon.  Tel: 222-8703
Ocean-front bistro located on the stretch of the New Malecon between the Arches Amphitheater (Los Arcos) and the new pedestrian bridge over the Cuale River. The place has a modern eclectic decor and an excellent selection of wines. Sandwiches, quiche, salads, pasta, filet mignon and seafood. By the owners of Trio restaurant; popular.  Daily, 8am-Midnight
 

Briefly, here are a few other popular/well known Puerto Vallarta restaurants worth checking out:

100% Natural - North Side/Hotel Zone - 1630 Ave. Francisco Medina.  Tel: 223-2974
Veg-friendly restaurant with a buffet that features hot foods, salad bar, some raw food and soup; with fresh juices. Two levels with views of the avenue decorated in bright colors and with artwork. Across from the Sheraton hotel. Home delivery.  Mon-Sat, 8am-10pm

Andale - South Side/Zona Romantica - 425 Olas Altas.  Tel:  222-1054
Andale's bar is on the first floor, which can be quite crowded and loud during the winter months with its music and dancing. The sidewalk restaurant has seating as well up on the 2nd and 3rd floors overlooking Olas Altas street, 8am-11pm.  Daily until 2-3am

the Blue Shrimp - Central - 779 Morelos at Pipila.  Tel: 222-2280, 222-4246
Air-conditioned inside or an open patio outside in the back for those that enjoy dining under the stars. Shrimp prepared a dozen different ways, lobster, fish filet and rib-eye cuts.  Daily, Noon-12am

Brasil Steak House - South Side - 210 Venustiano Carranza.  Tel 222-2909
Serving twelve different kinds of meat barbecued on the grill, classic churrascaria style - all you can eat for around $17 US includes vegetables, soup, chicken wings and salads. Also in Nuevo Vallarta.  Daily, 2pm-11pm

Chez Elena - Central - 520 Matamoros at Galeana.  Tel: 222-0161
Romantic garden restaurant known for its diversity of Mexican dishes and international specialties (photo left). The rooftop Puerto Vallarta bar El Nido has panoramic views of the town and bay. Menu includes grilled catch of the day, chicken mole, several vegetarian choices and a savory Mayan pork dish. Opened in 1954 by the original "Elena" and operated since 1980 by Gloria Whiting.  Dinner, 6pm-11pm

Cuates y Cuetes - South Side - 101 Francisca Rodríguez at pier Los Muertos.  Tel: 223-2724
A restaurant-bar on Los Muertos beach that often has good live jazz-salsa-light rock-reggae music in the evenings from the happy hour sunset until around 11pm. Specialty of seafood. Cuates and Cuetes is quite popular for sunset/happy hour 6pm-8pm.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

El Bacalao - South Side - 200 Basilio Badillo at Pino Suarez.  Tel: 222-3131
Newest seafood eatery and bar on the Puerto Vallarta 'Restaurant Row'. Seafood tacos, ceviche, surf 'n turf burrito, fish filet and salads for lunch; steak 'n shrimp, ribs 'n shrimp and BBQ chicken for dinner. Shares owners and kitchen with the Fajita Republic next door.  Tues-Sun, 11am-11pm

El Colera - South Side - 542 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 223-0769
Popular with the Mexican locals for all kinds of fish and seafood coctels, tostadas and empanadas.  Daily, 11am-7pm

El Panorama - Central - Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez and Miramar.  Tel: 222-1818, 222-1824
The top three floors of the Hotel La Siesta make this restaurant famous for its panoramic views of Banderas Bay. Two open-air rooftop terraces. Seafood and international cuisine with violin, guitar and grand piano accompaniment.  Daily, 5pm-Midnight

Kaiser Maximilian - South Side - 380-B Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-0760
Combination of old and new world cuisine with a specialty of traditional Austrian and European dishes. Delicious fare such as braised baby lamb strips, mahi-mahi, sautéed squid and San Blas shrimp. Inside dining with a/c or outside on the Olas Altas sidewalk. Among the finer meals in town. The Maximilian Espresso cafe, open 8am-Midnight, serves 20 different coffees, Austrian pastries and ice cream.  Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm.

La Chata - Centro/Downtown - 710 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs.  Tel: 222-5530, 222-5529
Mexican restaurant on the malecon serving seafood, chicken and beef dishes. One of the most moderately priced restaurants in downtown Vallarta. Second level up, so there are a good views of the malecon and Banderas Bay from the balcony seating. Live music with Mariachi group Nuevo Imperial every night, 9pm-10:30pm. Family owned business with locations in Guadalajara since 1942.  Daily, 8am-Midnight

La Dolce Vita - Central - 674 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-3852
Serving great northern Italian food. Located on the malecon with ocean views upstairs (picture of staff at left). The most popular restaurant along the Puerto Vallarta malecon. Live light jazz music 11pm-2am, Weds and Fri only.  Mon-Sat, Noon-2am; Sun, 6pm-Midnight

Mariscos Tino's - Downtown - 920 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs.  Tel: 223-2803, 223-2808
Seafood and fish restaurant bar with a great location just past the north end the Malecon across from Cardenas Park; with seating inside and along the 2nd floor balcony. Mariscos Tino's menu includes marlin and crab tacos, seafood cocktails, many varieties of shrimp dishes, lobster and filet mignon. Locations also in Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita and El Tuito. Locally since 1990.  Daily, 10:30am-Midnight.

Oscar's - Central - Cuale River Island, Local #1, West Bridge.  Tel: 223-0789
Located at the west end of the island in the Cuale River, Oscar's restaurant offers dining under a large thatched palapa with views of the Cuale river and Banderas bay. Menu includes lobster bisque, grilled shrimp and traditional Mexican, American and international dishes.  Daily, 10am-11pm.

Paradise Burger - Downtown - 740 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-2328
All American fare with some Mexican specialties to spice things up, and a good location ocean-front in the middle of the downtown Malecon. They sometimes have live rock 'n roll in the evening.  Daily, 10:30am-Midnight.

Porto Bello - Marina - Marina Sol Local #7.  Tel: 221-0003
Canadian owners Mario Nunes and Maurizio Pelligrini have a fine Italian restaurant here with pleasant views of Marina Vallarta, the large outdoor patio overlooking the sailboats and mountains. Inside seating with a/c. Menu includes cannelloni, fusilli Porto Bello, veal scaloppine with white wine cream sauce, sautéed fish fillet and tasty deserts.  Daily, Noon-11pm.

Steve's Sports Bar - South Side - 286 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-0256
Proto-typical sports bar with American food and drink and with lots of televisions to watch your favorite game.  Daily, 11am-10pm.

Suzie Wong's - Marina - Royal Pacific, Local 124.  Tel: 221-2057
Chinese specialties include Mandarin beef, Buddha feast, Peking duck and General Cheng's chicken. Dining on the Marina Vallarta boardwalk, under the palm roof palapa or with a/c in the dining room. Landscaped with rocks gardens, tropical plants and waterfalls.  Daily, Noon-midnight.

Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviews
Reviews of Puerto Vallarta restaurants can be found online here at Trip Advisor: Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Reviews, where you'll find over 300 PV restaurants reviewed by travelers; or at Virtual Vallarta's PV Restaurant Guide (paid listings, one of the best sources); and the All Vallarta Message Board: Puerto Vallarta Bar and Restaurant Reviews.

Bakeries

Los Chatos, Pastelería - North Side - 359 Ave. Francisco Villa  Tel: 223-0485
Specialty is cakes. Most clients request the delicious blackberry cheesecake or the mouth-water "tres leches". Single slices at only 30 pesos.  Daily, 7am-10pm

Pie in the Sky - South Side - 247 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 223-8183
Famous in the Banderas Bay area for their fine pastries, cakes and chocolates. Also serving a full range of hot and cold coffees. Delish cheese, spinach and chicken empanadas, scones and muffins and chicken pies. They deliver. The main bakery and cafe has been in Bucerias for some 25 years now, on the coastal highway to Punta de Mita at 202 Hero de Narcozari.  Daily, 9am-10pm

Yarita, Panderia y Pasteleria - South Side - 244 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-2987
The South Side's main bakery and pastry shop, with fresh breads, pies, muffins, tarts, empanadas/turnovers, sweet rolls and other treats. Baked before your eyes and at reasonable prices.  Mon-Sat, 8am-6pm

Natural Foods Store

AgroGourmet - North Side - Avenida Francisco Medina 2820-A (across from the Marina Terminal).  Tel: 221-2656
Natural and organic fruits, cereals and grains, vegetables, herbs, fine cheeses, pastas, teas & spices and other fine products. Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm; Sun, 10am-4pm

Super Cereales y Semillas de Vallarta/Grains and Seeds - North Side - 1130 Avenida Mexico.  Tel: 145-9106, 145-9107
Grains and cereals, vanilla, spices, dried fruits, medicinal herbs and soy products.

Special Notes

Virtual Vallarta Readers' Choice Awards 2009 for the Best Puerto Vallarta Restaurants are here. Once again the winners are selected by Puerto Vallarta visitors and residents alike who filled out the on-line voting form between Feb 1 and June 15. Some 11,000+ votes were submitted in 44 categories. Everyone has their favorites, but this list will perhaps help you to decide some local favorites. I consider it somewhat difficult to find a bad meal in all of Puerto Vallarta, though going out to eat has gotten a bit pricey in many of the restaurants that cater to tourists.

Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet  -  November 11-21, 2010
The annual Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet or Restaurant Week in November features the culinary talents of local chefs of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit state, as well as some guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels. Highlights of the Festival include cooking classes, cheese seminars, Tequila Madness Night and the exceptional Gourmet Brunch at Cafe des Artistes. Participants include La Palapa, Le Kliff, Kaiser Maximilian, Los Xitomates, Porto Bello, the River Cafe, Vista Grill, and some fifteen other fine Puerto Vallarta restaurants. Tel: 222-2247

Travel note: The information on this and other pages of the Gay Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide were deemed accurate when posted, but things can and do change without notice. You may wish to confirm dining details directly with the restaurant in question before planning your day or night out.