Puerto Vallarta is a true culinary paradise. Its simple yet vibrant cuisine blends tradition, freshness, and creativity, reflecting the rich coastal and cultural heritage of this gem on Mexico’s Pacific coast. If you’re planning a trip to our port and wondering where to eat in Puerto Vallarta, don’t worry! Here you’ll discover the must-try dishes of Puerto Vallarta, along with the best restaurants to savor them.
Must-Try Dishes in Puerto Vallarta
Grilled Fish (Pescado Zarandeado)
This iconic dish, originally from Nayarit, has been perfected in Puerto Vallarta. The fish is split from head to tail, marinated with achiote and chilies, and cooked over an open flame. It can also be made with shrimp or octopus, offering a truly unique sensory experience.
Birria & Birria Tacos
Birria is a traditional stew that combines goat or beef, slow-cooked in a rich adobo made from dried chilies and spices. Enjoy it with corn tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime. Birria tacos, soaked in their own broth, are a delicious variation, especially popular for breakfast.
Ceviche
A fresh delight: raw seafood “cooked” in citrus juice, mixed with red onion, chilies, fresh herbs, and served on crispy tostadas. Perfect for hot days by the sea.
Drowned Tortas (Torta Ahogada)
A Tapatío classic adopted by Puerto Vallarta. Crunchy bread filled with pork carnitas, drenched in a generous spicy sauce. Ideal for those seeking bold, authentic flavors.
Micheladas
The quintessential Mexican drink on the coast. Beer mixed with lime, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and other seasonings. In Vallarta, you can find versions with added seafood, cucumber, and fresh veggies. Refreshing and delicious.
We recommend Miche Chavas to try the michelada, especially if you are on your way to Los Arcos de Mismaloya or if you just happen to be in the zona romántica
Tacos al Pastor
Influenced by Lebanese cuisine, al pastor is marinated and cooked on a vertical spit (trompo). Served on corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and salsa, this street food is a must-try, available at many food stalls in Puerto Vallarta.
Chilaquiles
A Mexican breakfast classic. Crunchy tortilla chips covered in either red or green sauce, topped with shredded chicken, egg, avocado, cream, and cheese. Pure energy to start your day.
Grilled Shrimp (Camarones Embarazados)
A favorite at the beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Marinated and grilled shrimp served on a skewer with a wedge of lime. Simple but flavorful, these are the ultimate beach snack.
Authentic Flavors of Jalisco You Can’t Miss
Puerto Vallarta also honors Jalisco’s food traditions with these regional specialties:
- Carne en su Jugo: A beef stew created in 1967 by Chef Roberto de La Torre, featuring crispy pancetta, beef, onions, and beans, offering a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss.
- Pozole Tapatío: Taste the exquisite pozole, one of Mexico’s most recognized dishes worldwide, made with a nourishing broth of cacahuazintle corn, which can be either white or red depending on the ingredients.
- Frijoles Charros: A hearty bean broth with meat and herbs, with a touch of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary magic, keeping the authentic Jalisco flavor intact.
- Menudo Jalisciense: A flavorful and essential dish honoring the region, this red menudo from Jalisco is made with beef tripe and unites cultures and flavors.
- Sopes: Small, crispy corn tortillas topped with chorizo, fresh cheese, and beans, all drenched in irresistible spicy sauce.
- Caldo Michi: A traditional fish soup made with fresh, regional ingredients like catfish and tilapia, mixed with vegetables and chilies.
- Cuachala: A nourishing broth made with chicken or pork, pasilla chilies, and corn dough balls, offering a comforting and delicious experience in every spoonful.
- Pacholas: Ground beef patties, flavored with chilies and spices, perfect for grilling or frying, created in Mazamitla.
- Capirotada & Jericalla: The former is a sweet version of Spain’s traditional bread pudding, made with toasted bread and fruit. The latter is a famous flan, created by a nun in Guadalajara, that has become a symbol of Tapatío pastry and is a must-try in Puerto Vallarta.
Best Restaurants to Eat in Puerto Vallarta
Here are some recommended restaurants where you can enjoy the best of Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomy:
Varied & Gourmet Cuisine
- Sonora Grill Prime: Specializing in meats, this casual yet upscale spot offers excellent service.
- Madalena: A popular gastropub known for its wide selection of seafood and cocktails.
- Lamara: Famous for its fresh ceviche and generous portions of seafood dishes.
- La Leche: An innovative restaurant with a frequently changing menu, offering artisanal dishes in a unique atmosphere.
- Tintoque: Known for its gourmet offerings and vibrant ambiance, perfect for a high-end culinary experience.
- Café des Artistes: Led by the renowned Chef Thierry Blouet, this restaurant combines Mexican cuisine with French techniques in an elegant setting.
Seafood Specialists
- Oyster Grill La Docena: Enjoy stunning views of the Malecón and dreamy sunsets at this seafood hotspot offering oysters, wines, and cocktails.
- La Palapa Restaurant: A gourmet paradise by the sea in Puerto Vallarta, ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Campomar: A must-visit for Nayarit cuisine and other traditional Mexican dishes, crafted with passion and authenticity.
- Mar y Vino: Where gastronomy meets architecture, offering panoramic views and a unique dining experience with fresh ingredients and a curated selection of wines and cocktails.
- El Dorado Restaurant: A modern Mexican cuisine concept, perfect for enjoying an elegant atmosphere with breathtaking views.
- The Blue Shrimp Puerto Vallarta: Known for its extensive menu of must-try dishes and exclusive recipes, this is the place for fresh seafood, breakfast, lunch, or dinner by the ocean.
- Ánima Beach Club: Immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with local cuisine and fresh seafood to the beats of afro house rhythms – the perfect beach day hangout.
- Si Señor Beach – Puerto Vallarta: A unique culinary experience with a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, offering romantic views of the Los Muertos Pier.
- Las Casitas: Your go-to for authentic seafood with regional flavors, offering stunning views of the Banderas Bay.
From ceviche at sunset to a drowned torta after a day at the beach, every bite in Puerto Vallarta is a cultural experience. Plan your food journey and get ready to be amazed by the flavors that make this city a world-class culinary destination.
