Among the hills and mountainsides that cascade towards the Banderas Bay is the sprawling town of Puerto Vallarta. This beachfront village is alive with pleasures, both great and simple. Abundant adventures from zip-lining, scuba diving, parasailing, snorkeling, and the discovery of beaches accessible only by boat, including beautiful Las Caletas, are among the many great and captivating Vallarta Adventures that attract thrill-seekers.
Nestled in the Sierra Madra Mountains, Vallarta Adventures' Los Caletas is one of the top private beaches in the world. Photo: Vallarta Adventures
Los Muertos Beach and Pier are also places for enjoying the most simple and precious pleasure Puerto Vallarta has to offer, the sunset. To the sounds of the carefree children at play, tourist from Mexico and beyond, mingle with the local residents who all gather at the beach for sunset. Soon the glow of the lights from restaurants, hotels, and residences along the coastline will illuminate the beach against the moonlit sky. Sunset seating with cocktails and fine dining at La Palapa, located just steps away from Los Muertos Pier, is magical. Since 1959 La Palapa has been a memorable oasis of elegance and exceptional cuisine.
Founded in 1959 La Palapa Restaurant, on Los Muertos Beach, was the first restaurant on the beach in Puerto Vallarta.
Nightly there is smooth jazz to enjoy with cocktails, before being seated in the main room, or directly on the beach under the beach palapas. Dining with your toes in the sand may offer a romantic appeal, and it truly is, but at La Palapa location is far from everything. An army of waiters is afoot and their warm attentiveness is luxuriant. Equally indulgent is the exceptionally fine and fresh cuisine. At La Palapa the high standards for service, cuisine, and experience are palatable, add in the location and you have a recipe for unforgettable and delightfully relaxing dining.
Al fresco dining at La Palapa, an institution built on excellent service, fine food and unmatched ambience, is delightful for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
At award winning Cafe Des Artistes, often cited as one of the best restaurants in Mexico, the finery of French Cuisine and the flavors of Mexico are blended to create masterpieces of culinary art.
Puerto Vallarta, while offering a wealth of appeals, is a world-class dining destination. Internationally renowned and award-winning chef Thierry Blouet has infused his provincial Mexican and classic French haute cuisine with innovation and finery for nearly 30 years at his Café Des Artistes. Regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Mexico, Café Des Artistes is a master-class for gourmands and restaurateurs alike. The multi-courses arrive with visual zest, fine wine is recommended and diners are welcomed into the intimate and exclusive world of exceptional dining. The restaurant is beautiful, with each dining room offering a unique intimacy, be it cosmopolitan, fantasy, or formal. Café Des Artistes garden terrace is the pinnacle for romantic dining and throughout this institution the high standards for food, service, and experience, never wain.
The intimate secret garden at Cafe Des Artistes is the most romantic spot for starlit dining. Photo: Cafe des Artistes.
Other notable and unforgettable gourmet dining options in Puerto Vallarta include Trio and Restaurante Icu. At La Leche innovation and excitement is served each night in a highly stylized, yet monochromatic club-like atmosphere. Chef Casiano Reyes ‘spontaneous cuisine’ blends classic Mexican dishes with international influences at Casianos Restaurant. Located in the hillside Grand Miramar Hotel’s, Casianos Restaurant and Eugene Restaurant offer an expansive panoramic view of the Banderas Bay below. There are many great restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta Marina, including chef Joel Ornelas’ Tintoque. Tintoque offers an exceptional gourmet experience and the service is top-notch. Artisan Beer, Mexican Wines, and cocktails that feature regional liquors are also showcased at Tintoque.
From the Chefs Table to the intimate and elegantly appointed dining rooms diners enjoy opulence in both their surrounds and on their plates at Cafe des Artistes.
The artistry and ambience of Tintoque Restaurant. Chef Joel Ornelas, bottom right, bring a vibrancy to the fresh flavors on each masterpiece plate. Our tasting menu was divine, full of rich wine pairings and the service was warmly attentive. Photos courtesy of Tintoque.
Casual in ambience and confident in cocktails and cuisine Medregal's innovation is notable for its freshness and flavors.
For in-town dining, Medregal Restaurant is casually elegant and very hip. Traditional Jalisco cuisine with other regional preparations is infused to create highly flavorful and interesting dishes. The captivating menu, designed by chef Fernando Sanchez emphasis locally sourced ingredients and the freshest meats and seafood. To note, the innovative cocktail menu is stellar and Medregal features an interesting array of Mexican wines. You can dine Haute, high, low, and on the waters-edge in Puerto Vallarta and find continued fascination with the rich and varied flavors of Mexican Cuisine. Your culinary experience should include “The Street – An Evening Taco Adventure Tour” by Vallarta Food Tours. The vibrant night street food scene is energetic and festive. The food, flavors, and ambiance are lively and you might even enjoy the serenade of a passing Mariachi band. The Adventure Tour is great fun and each stand has its own magical energy. No matter where you dine, from Taco Stand to five-star restaurants, there is a commitment to great food in all of Puerto Vallarta’s where the legendary and warm hospitality will welcome you with Tacos, Tequila and so much more. Puerto Vallarta. Story and photography by David Lewis Taylor.
The modern mixing the flavors of the mountains and the sea, and regional cuisines throughout Mexico at Medregal is stellar.
Be a part of the town and hit the streets to sample and enjoy regional, fresh and delicious street food with a 'not to be missed' Vallarta Food Tour. Photos: Vallarta Food Tours.
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