More than just a beach town for surfing and sunning, Puerto Vallarta’s cobblestone center and oceanfront promenade is an important culinary destination in itself. The local food traditions, some centuries old, mixed with fresh ingredients from land and sea, create an ever-expanding list of delicious options, many of which are very affordable.
Chow down like a local at food stalls
El Chulo
Chop, chop, chop in nonstop succession, surrounded by locals, a plump man with a miniature mustache swiftly pulls meat from his street cart grill and pulverizes the cabeza (cow’s head) on a wooden block with his cleaver.
At El Chulo, beef cheek tacos are a must. No part of the cow’s head goes to waste, including the eyeball and tongue. This 40-year-old taco stand at Aguacate 216 specializes in meat that is slow-cooked for 4-5 hours, earning a loyal following.
Marisima’s
For something a little less adventurous, try Marisima’s, the streetside taco stand located towards Los Muertos Beach, where dollar fish tacos soothe the soul. Sit on a stool, add your own condiments, and don’t mind that the plates are wrapped in plastic – it’s just for quick and easy cleanup.
Tacos Memo Grill
More tacos, por favor. Head to the roadside stand – Tacos Memo Grill – at Calle Basilio Badillo 381 for crunchy grilled steak tostadas (toasted flat crisp tortilla) doused in beans, spices, and cilantro. Select from marinated pork, sausage, chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian tacos, or ask for these options on a soft torta.
Neighborhood restaurants
Mariscos Cisneros
Devour crab enchiladas, shrimp tacos, and seafood burritos at Mariscos Cisneros at Calle Aguacate 271. Sample four different kinds of ceviche and try their signature seafood mashup dish – a chile relleno taco.
Shrimp brochette (shrimp skewers) often sold on the beach can be found here too, along with a local favorite – pescado embarazado (pregnant fish) – where marlin or school shark (cazon) is roasted on a stick, grilled, and marinated in lime over coals before being served with Huichol salsa.
Chefs and brothers Ricardo and Marco are natives of Puerto Vallarta and began a street stand together over two decades ago before opening the successful eatery a few years later.
Mariscos El Guero
It may be nearly impossible to resist taking pictures of your Michelada (a popular Mexican beer cocktail) at Mariscos El Guero, where your cerveza comes topped with shrimp, cucumber, pineapple, and sprinkled with tangy spicy tajin powder.
Local bars
Bar Zapata
Move over margaritas; the traditional Mexican cocktail is a Paloma made with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit-flavored soda – preferably Fresca, Squirt, Jarritos, or grape soda – served on the rocks with a lime wedge.
Enjoy this wondrous concoction at Bar Zapata’s out of a Mexican clay mug or try a cantaritos, another refreshing Paloma-like cocktail from the Jalisco region served in a clay cup with a mix of orange, grapefruit, and lime juices with sparkling grapefruit soda.
La Pulqueria
For the adventurous, ask for a shot of raicilla at La Pulqueria. This potent drink is tequila and Mezcal’s rebellious cousin made from blue agave moonshine, offering a smoky flavor.
Los Muertos Brewing
Sample a tasty beer flight featuring heavenly lagers, IPAs, stouts, and fruit-infused ales with hints of grapefruit or chili at Los Muertos Brewing.
Bar La Playa
For expertly handcrafted cocktails, head towards the waterfront to Bar La Playa where Mezcal, tequila flights, watermelon-shaped Jello shots, coffee cocktails, and jalapeño margaritas await in this hip space.
Sweet treats
Churro stand on Calle Jacarandas
The local churro stand at Calle Jacarandas 244 has been in business for nearly 50 years and three generations. For twenty pesos, you can get a full bag of piping hot crunchy churros freshly made in a unique caulking gun style.
In just a few moments, these churros are dusted with sugar or powder, crunchy on the outside, and moist and chewy on the inside. Hours fluctuate from 5 – 8 pm.
Paleteria Y Neveria La Michoacana
Cool down with a popular icy treat at Paleteria Y Neveria La Michoacana. This family-run spot, located on the corner of Calle Constitution and Calle Lazaro Cardenas, serves a wide array of paleta (ice pops) flavors like kiwi, tamarind, pineapple cucumber, mango with chili, coconut, passion fruit, and guanabana. Natural fruit waters and ice cream dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts are also available.
Choco Museo
To satiate your sweet tooth, stroll along a mile-long esplanade called the malecón to the Choco Museo, a free chocolate factory museum located in El Centro at Juárez 449.
Plan ahead for a chocolate workshop or buy snacks and candy souvenirs at Azteca, one of the largest dulcerias (candy shops) in El Centro where you can watch the creation process and sample traditional Aztec confections including mueganos (fried flour puffs), caramelized nuts, seed and amaranth creations, and an extensive selection of dried fruits.
Fine dining
Cafe des Artistes
Surrounded by art galleries, the sophisticated Cafe des Artistes offers fine dining in an intimate garden setting complete with live music. Expect to savor pumpkin soup served from a gourd, shrimp flambéed tableside, and delectable coffee served with a pair of cookie legs.
El Dorado
Watch the sunset at El Dorado, a romantic beachfront restaurant near Los Muertos Pier. Established in the 1960s, its classic beach decor blends seamlessly with views of crashing waves and the aromatic sea salt breeze. Conclude your evening with a Carajillo 43, an espresso coffee infused with Licor 43, a sweet Spanish liquor made from 43 secret ingredients.
El Panorama Restaurant
Atop Hotel Suites La Siesta, longstanding El Panorama Restaurant is perched on a hillside in the heart of El Centro, offering commanding views of the Bay of Banderas. Dine on the rooftop terrace, enjoying flambé cooking right at your table.
The most popular dish at El Panorama is their famous Caesar salad, prepared and served tableside with dramatic flair. This dish was invented in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico.
