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.

Puerto Vallarta (continued)

Red Cabbage Cafe (The) Calle Rivera del Rio 204A Puerto Vallarta 48350 Mexico +52 322 3 0411 Open Hours: 1p-10p M-Sa	The walls here are covered with movie star photos, posters and more movie memorabilia, along with selections from famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's cookbook. Also known as the "El Repollo Rojo," this restaurant offers a menu of seafood specialties and unusual Mexican or Yucatan favorites. The woman-owned restaurant also has a woman-dominated kitchen turning out Chiles en Nogada, lobster, vegetarian dishes, and whatever else the bountiful local market has inspired for that day. Looking for something unusual to do? The restaurant also organizes food tours and offers cooking classes.
Trio Restaurante Guerrero 264 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta 48330 Mexico +52 322 222 2196 Open Hours: Lunch: noon-4p (high season only); Dinner: 6p-11:30p	This warm, inexpensive gourmet restaurant offers international cuisine served by friendly waiters. A rooftop bar provides appetizers, drinks and stargazing. French and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes are created with fresh ingredients from the Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas; the result provides a very memorable dining experience. The Chile-roasted Red Snapper is one of the most-touted favorites at this increasingly popular restaurant. Casual dress is preferred, so leave the beachwear on the beach.
Fajita Republic Pino Suarez 321 Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico Open Hours: Noon-11p	This well-received restaurant focuses on fajitas, which are brilliantly prepared. Big portions and relatively low prices are gathering a legion of well-fed fans for this new dining spot. Enjoy a choice of steak, chicken, seafood, or vegetarian fajitas. The Fajitas Neptuno combines lobster, shrimp, and fish. The unusual Fajita Fondue adds cheese and a green tomato sauce to the standard fajita experience. Tropical margaritas made with fresh fruits are available to wash it all down. No reservations are accepted, and there is usually a wait at dinner.
De Santos Morelos 771 Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 223 3052 Open Hours: 5p-1a, bar open until 4a on weekends	The minimalist, fashionable and very popular De Santos restaurant, offers some of the most innovative cuisine in the city, featuring culinary creations with Mediterranean influences. After dinner, the place is transformed, and the bar area takes over, as the place is transformed into a hip nightclub. The place is set up so the acoustics fill the place, and the music is ever present. The DJ takes requests, so the musical landscape changes with the whims of the crowd. The afterhours clientele ranges from the mid-20's to early 30's crowd.
Chez Elena Matamoros 520 Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico +52 322 2 0161 Open Hours: 6p-11p	Dancing lights and glowing candles dot this romantic and friendly restaurant. Couples are drawn to the eatery's atmosphere, but large groups are also enthusiastically accommodated. Many patrons try the Sate Mixto, a big platter of Indonesian-style pork, beef and shrimp kabobs grilled with a creamy peanut-based sauce. The restaurant also offers many vegetarian entrees and fresh seafood dishes. The house drink is the "Green Flash," a potent blend named for an atmospheric phenomenon that sometimes occurs at sunset. The dress code and atmosphere itself is fun and casual.
Pipis Guadalupe Sanchez 807 Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 223 2767 Open Hours: 11a-10p M-Sa, 10a-5p Su	This busy, family-friendly restaurant was founded in 1986, and has not stopped serving fajitas since. The aroma from the sizzling meats cooked on a metal plate emanates from the restaurant. The daily catch offers succulent fish fajitas; but the usual shrimp, chicken and steak fajitas are always available. The deep-fried Chimichanga burritos are favorites, and for the truly big appetite, the Macho Combo will definitely drive away hunger with everything from a grilled steak to a Tamale piled on the plate. The dress code is resort-casual.
Mezza Luna Hildalgo 550 Puerto Vallarta 48330 Mexico +52 322 2 0393 Open Hours: 6p-midnight	With a history of success with restaurants of the same name in Hermosa Beach, California, and Park City, Utah, it is no surprise that this Italian restaurant has quickly risen to the top of Puerto Vallarta's dining list. Most of the food is traditional, but some items reveal a California multi-cultural flair. The Fettucini with Smoked Salmon is popular, and the classic Tiramisu is excellent. The service is attentive and friendly, and the dress code is resort-casual.
Bombo's Corona 327 at Matamoros Puerto Vallarta 48380 Mexico +52 322 2 5164 Open Hours: 3p-10p	Hard to find and difficult to resist, this restaurant provides a lovely bay view and excellent international cuisine. Combining the flavors of the tropics with classic techniques, the menu offers Shrimp in Mango Sauce and Chilled Avocado Soup (an interesting alternative to Vichyssoise). Where many Puerto Vallarta restaurants offer Crepes Suzette, here the drama belongs to the Banana Flambe, prepared and ignited tableside. Unless diners know their way around the bayside, a cab is recommended to avoid getting lost. The dress style is resort-casual.
Brasil Venustiano Carranza 210 Puerto Vallarta 48350 Mexico +52 322 2 2909 Open Hours: 2p-11p daily	Combine a rain forest adventure with the rich flavors of Brazilian cuisine, and the result is this restaurant's tropical atmosphere. Inspired by the plentiful meats of the Brazilian ranchland, the restaurant offers a dozen types of succulent steaks, all prepared with unusual and spicy flavorings. Diners also find Brazilian versions of Barbecue Ribs and Portuguese sausage. Ask about the "all you can eat" option. As with most restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, daiquiris and margaritas are the main attraction on the drink menu.
Archie's Wok Francisco Rodriguez 130 Puerto Vallarta 48330 Mexico +52 322 222 0411 Open Hours: 2p-11p M-Sa, Closed Sep	This long-established restaurant offers Indonesian, Thai, Chinese and Filipino dishes, all brilliantly prepared. Opened by Archie Alpenia, who initially gained fame as chef to film director John Huston, the restaurant is presently operated by Archie's wife, Cindy, who maintains the tradition of delicious cuisine. The Spicy Thai Noodles are a great contrast to the tasty Hon Soi Ribs. Vegetarians will delight in the many meat-free offerings. The dress code is casual, and a traditionally designed oriental garden offers a cool respite from the Puerto Vallarta sun.

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