Food and Dining

The beachside restaurants of Punta Mita offer the freshest selection of seafood and exotic drinks, all in an atmosphere that cannot be beat. The beach of El Ancolote is lined with a variety of restaurants, known as "Restaurant Row," and is a popular destination for surfers who are seeking a break from the sun and the waves. Whether you are looking for a casual beach dining experience, or a romantic night under the stars, Punta Mita offers some of the world's finest restaurants guaranteed to please every palate.

El Anclote

Punta Negra Beach

Puerto Vallarta

Cafe de Olla Basilio Badillo 168 Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 223 1626 Open Hours: 10a-9p M-Sa	Long lines at this sidewalk cafe tell even the most jaded diner that something special is going on in the kitchen. Revered by expatriates, locals, and the lucky tourist who discovers it, this eatery is one of the few places that just keeps cooking good food without worrying about who is coming to eat. Grilled foods, including chicken and steak, are simply and tastily prepared. The grilled onions are fantastic, with a legion of adoring fans who come back just for them.
Bodeguita del Medio (La) Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858 at Allende Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 223 1585 Open Hours: Noon-3a	Living up to its Havana namesake, this Cuban restaurant provides an authentic atmosphere, live music and dozens of Cuban dining favorites. There is a succulent pork roll, flavorful black beans, fried bananas, and a shredded beef hash just like Mama used to make back in Cuba. There's also a special room for cigar smoking and a giant humidor. The rum rich mojitos drink will help keep patrons happy; it supposedly was "Papa" Hemingway's favorite drink when he used to tipple at the original Havana location
Cafe des Artistes Guadalupe Sanchez 740 Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico +52 322 222 3228 Open Hours: 6p-11:30p	This renowned cafe claims to be "one of the best restaurants in the world" and has the reviews to support that notion. Chef Thierry Blouet was recently named a Maitre Cuisenaire de France. The menu changes seasonally; a recent offering included grilled lamb chops cooked with local spices and balsamic vinegar, served with a garlic creme brulee. The desserts are also extraordinary. The self-described dress code is "dressy to casual," but you may wish to dress up a bit. Located across the street from the Galerie des Artistes.
Palomas (Las) Paseo Diaz Ordaz 610 Puerto Vallarta 48300 +52 322 222 3675 Open Hours: 8a-1a	Go for the breakfast and you are likely to want to come back for lunch or dinner at this serene, authentic Mexican restaurant. Designed to please sophisticated local customers, tourists count their blessings when they are lucky enough to discover it. Some of the dishes are challenging at first glance; the Omelet Loco, with fried pork skins and green sauce may not be for everyone. But try it, you may like it. At sunset, it's a popular location for a Margarita and a dinner of Chicken Breasts in Mole Sauce.
Los Arbolitos Camino de la Rivera 184 Puerto vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 3 1050 Open Hours: 8a-11p	Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this three-story restaurant gives patrons plenty of opportunities to try fresh, flavorful cuisine from lovely river views. Diners can relax on the rooftop garden and sample the daily, reasonably priced chef's specials. Lobster is a popular specialty and is part of the delicious Seafood Sampler Plate, which includes oysters, red snapper, grilled shrimp and octopus. It also specializes in Chicken Fajitas, Stuffed Chiles, Tamales, Chiles Rellenos and a Five-Taco Sampler.
Dolce Vita (La) Paseo Diaz Ordaz 674 Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 222 3852 Open Hours: Noon-2a M-Sa, 6p-1a Su	The foods of Northern Italy are presented here in a pleasant, lively atmosphere. Both floors of this restaurant provide an ocean view. The menu ranges from flavorful, inexpensive pizzas, handmade and cooked in the brick oven, to the traditional Chicken Cacciatore and a deluxe Osso Bucco. Desserts include Italian Gelato and Tiramisu (among others), and the bar provides both wines and Italian liqueurs. Live jazz serenades customers on Thursdays and Fridays.
Palapa (La) Pulpito 103 Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 222 5225 Open Hours: 8a-11p	This beachfront restaurant was the first one to be built along Playa de los Muertos, long before the Cuale River could be easily crossed. This restaurant is an international favorite and the big palapa (thatched) roof is a landmark. Jumbo shrimp in a tequila sauce is a favorite, as is the red snapper in a sauce flavored with pibil chiles. Live music competes with the sound of the nearby waves crashing on the beach. The dress code is resort-casual; change out of the bathing suits and flip-flops before dining.
El Palomar de los Gonzalez Aguacuate 425 Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 2 2795 Open Hours: 6p-11p	Perched above Banderas Bay, the outdoor patio at this restaurant is adorned with vivid pink tablecloths, which often match the colors in the vivid sunsets. A cascading waterfall and lush flowers make this a popular retreat. The menu includes Mexican combination plates and seafood specialties, along with steaks. Live musicians play softer Mexican selections, and the romantic ambiance is hard to beat, even in Puerto Vallarta. It also provides an extensive wine list.

1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5