Restaurants, Cafés and Taco Stands
Vallarta has come a long way in the quality of the restaurants and cafés. At one time the best you could hope for was lots of atmosphere. Now you can find places with excellent food too. There are hundreds of restaurants in this town, many very good, but we limit our list to those of general interest to the gay visitor. Many of these places are gay owned, especially gay friendly or just in the gay part of town.
A quick note about service: In Mexico a restaurant meal is an event, so the waiters would never think of rushing you on by delivering the check before you ask for it. Sometimes this isn't so obvious to our tourist friends who sit at their table wondering why they don't bring the bill! Please be sure to tip generously if the service is good, as all restaurant help gets paid only 4 dollars per day, and they all really depend on your gratuities. Typical gratuities are 15%.
Agave Grill
Morelos #589, Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322)222-2000
Cocina Mexicana-creative award winning chef, try their romantic patio
Apaches Bistro
Olas Altas 433, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 222-4004
Next to the Apaches Martini Bar, this great bistro brings a European flair to food on Olas Altas.
Archie's Wok
130 Francisca Rodriguez
Tel. 222-0411
Archie was John Huston's personal chef and he opened this famous place several years ago. Now run by his widow, Archie's features oriental food from various cuisines (Thai, Chinese and Filipino). Nice specials along with an excellent regular menu. The sauces are subtle, a rarity in Mexico, and the Thai dishes are not overpoweringly hot. Try the Thai ice-tea! Archie's desserts are really nice, too. Warm atmosphere, excellent service and rather reasonable prices.
Back Alley Steakhouse
Francisco Madero 225, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-3560
more info calendar
Back Alley Steakhouse serves the real thing if you enjoy great meats and seafood.
Banana Cantina
Amapas 147, (corner of Pulpito), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
more info calendar
The BananaCantina lower level is on the street corner. Long known as Choco Banana, they serve fruit smoothies, coffee, sandwiches, full breakfast, beer, wine, alcohol and the ever famous choco bananas. Upstairs the dining room, closed in summer, is a popular award winning restaurant.
Barcelona Tapas
31 de Octobre & Matamoros, Puerto Vallarta, (near north end of the malecon)
more info
Wonderful view and food at this excellect Tapas restaurant located north of the usual neighborhood. Well worth the short cab ride.
Barrio Sur
Pulpito 122, next to Hotel Abbey, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322) 223-0373
more info
New concept featuring International Latin Cuisine. Has take-out, catering, and fabulous garden space available for private parties and special events. Closed Sunday.
Bistro Balsamar
Francisca Rodriguez 155, Upstairs/Corner of Olas Altas
more info
Wonderful food, service and presentation from successful catering chef and coffee roaster Alejandro Cordero Garcia in this conveniently located restaurant upstairs on the corner near Apaches.
Cafe Bohemio
R. Gomez 127, 3 doors from Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-4676
more info calendar
Open Air cafe with good food and reasonable prices in Olas Altas area. Small bar busy during late evening happy hour at 11pm.
Café des Artistes
Guadalupe Sanchez 740
Tel. 222-3228
more info
A very famous and popular restaurant in Vallarta, Cafe des Artistes combines Mexican and French cuisines in an elegant and romantic setting. Very expensive and somewhat formal.
Café San Angel
Olas Altas 449
Crepes and sandwiches in this popular sidewalk café on Olas Altas Street. Breakfast specials.
Cafe Tizoc
Olas Altas #474, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322)223-2554
Real Mexican Food
Casa Naranjo
Naranjo #236, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322)222-3518
more info
The distinct flavor of home-style gourmet...Flavors and aromas of the Mexican Pacific!
Chez Elena
Matamoros 520
more info
With a fabulous view atop the Hotel Quatros Vientos, this longstanding restaurant offers international cuisine with Mexican and seafood specialities. During the heyday of Hollywood's infatuation with Vallarta, this charming small hotel and restaurant became a meeting place for such well known personages as Peter O'Toole, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Anthony Quinn and Robert Shaw. Los Cuatro Vientos has continued to attract people from all walks of life & different parts of the world..... people with a taste for adventure & the unique. Open for dinner. Women owned and operated.
Chill Out Lounge
Lazaro Cardenas 625, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-3834
more info
True to its name, Uncommon Grounds travels into delightfully new cafe territory. Come soothe your soul in this wonderfully unusual place that delights the senses and sets your soul at ease.
Coco Tropical
Manuel M. Dieguez, on the beach, steps from Olas Altas
Tel. 222-5485
more info
Right on the beach just off Olas Altas, this excellent restaurant is a favorite of some of the gay winter birds that visit every year for months at a time. European and Mexican dishes, Excellent service.
Daiquiri Dick's
Olas Altas 314, On the beach, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222 0566
more info
Though the name is casual, this restaurant on Playa de los Muertos appeals to sophisticated tastes. Known for their good service and consistent cuisine, both Mexican and international.
El Arrayan
Allende #344, El Centro District, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-7195
more info calendar
In just one year, this charming country-style Mexican restaurant has become a Vallarta favorite with those who know good food and value when they see it.
El Bife Grill
Morelos #484, Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-8569
more info calendar
Excellent Argentine steak house on the malecon, where the food, service and view are more important than the decorating or the waiters' costumes.
Epoca Restaurant
Aquiles Serdan & Malecon, on the beach south of the Rio Cuale, Condominiums Vista del Sol
Tel. (322)222-2510
more info
NUEVO LATINO CUISINE...serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Daily Specials and Beach Service!
Esquina de los Caprichos
Miramar 402, corner of Iturbide, Centro
Tel. 222-0911
more info
Spanish food, particularily tapas, served in a location on the hill above the center of town. A special treat.
Gilmar Restaurant
Francisco Madero #418, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 322.223.9707
more info
Enjoy the art of cooking with them...They invite you to try their delicious dishes, enjoying a wide variety of options and flavors, with the warmth of genuine Vallarta service...since 1979.
Hacienda Alemana
Basilio Badillo 378
Tel. 222-3403
more info calendar
One of our favorites, this German Biergarten has excellent food in a wonderful garden courtyard setting. Two kinds of bratwurst, schnitzel, spätzel, sauerbraten and much more - all authentically prepared. Their breads are wonderful. Friendly Mike Pohl, the owner, hasn't let the success of this restaurant translate into outrageous prices. You'll find a little bit of Germany here in the tropics. Affordable German food, beers and wines.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
Basilio Badillo #212, (Restaurant Row), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322)2239752
The home of seafood frescado! Serious cocktails and rooftop terrace.
Johnny's Diner
Basilio Badillo #336, Restaurant Row, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322)222-5679
Breakfast and lunch featuring South Dakota Style Biscuits-n-gravy.
La Piazzetta
Olas Altas & Rodulfo Gomez 143, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-0650
more info
Before dinner try the calamari fritti with the homemade foccacia and your preferred wine.
Le Bistro
River Cuale Island
Tel. 222-0283
more info
Located almost under the Insurgentes bridge, this elegant restaurant is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Jazz music and an excellent menu of International and Mexican cuisine. Excellent service in a superb setting. Lovely atmosphere. Expensive.
Mama Dolores
Olas Altas 534-B, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 228-4061
more info
Since 1996, Mama Dolores' restaurant has been serving up quality home-style American and Mexican food at very affordable prices, to enthusiastic locals and tourists alike, from unpretentious digs at the corner of Olas Altas and Pulpito.
Mama Rosa
Leona Vicario 297, Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-4010
more info
The best mexican breakfast buffet in town with delicious dishes made with the original and traditional Mexican recipes. They also have a great menu for lunch, and for dinner, enjoy their fabulous Mexican gourmet cuisine a la carte with original and outstanding dishes using Mexican ingredients. Dinner and lunch are served on the terrace with town and ocean views.
Marantina Lounge
Pulpito 120, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-4543
more info
A swanky retro-inspired lounge with a creative selection of fresh fruit MARgaritas, and state of the art MARtinis. The menu is fusion-inspired with old time classics and exotic asian-inspired dishes.
No Way, José!
5 de Febrero #260, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-2853
more info
This hidden place features wonderful and diverse fare including many seafood dishes. Stemware setup
on the tables and an excellent chef and wait staff.
Peking Restaurant
Francisca Rodriguez 136, Zona Olas Altas
Tel. 222-8609
more info
An authentic Chinese restaurant complete with an authentic Chinese owner-chef. And right in our part of town, too!
Pomodoro & Basilico
in Plaza Romy, I. L. Vallarta 228-9, Zona Romantica
Tel. 222-6188
more info
Savory Italian in a hidden place. Tobia and Arianna have recently come to Vallarta from Rome (Italy) with a delightful intimate place hidden in our midst. Wood fire oven makes authentic pizza, in a true Italian style!
Red Cabbage
Rivera del Rio 204A
Tel. 223-0411
more info
A eclectic place a bit off the beaten path, this woman owned restaurant has excellent gourmet Mexican fare served with style. A must if you're interested in excellent, authentic Mexican food that goes way beyond the taco, enchilada and burrito stuff most people think of when you say Mexican cuisine. Highly recommended!
The River Cafe
Isla Rio Cuale #4, Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 322.223.0788
more info calendar
In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, along the famous Rio Cuale, The River Café, a sophisticated restaurant in which every space is a source of ambience and pure enjoyment. In its unique tropical setting full of sounds of live music, wildlife and the soft running waters of the Rio Cuale.
The Swedes
154 Pulpito at Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-2353
more info calendar
New open air restaurant on Olas Altas with a Swedish touch run by a pair of authentic gay Swedes!
Trattoria Michel
Olas Altas #507, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322)223-2060
more info
Take part in an experience of traditional Italian recipes. The excellent quality of the raw products used, the careful handling in the kitchen and the understanding of the dishes will guarantee that you will have a great dinner experience.
Uncle Bubba's Back Porch
Basilio Badillo 429, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-5754
more info calendar
Uncle Bubba features authentic Louisiana-style southern fried chicken, popcorn shrimp and more in their beautiful private courtyard.
FREE delivery!
Beach Clubs
These beach clubs on Playa Los Muertos are gay owned or cater to the gay audience.
Blue Chairs Beach Club
Playa Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-5040
more info calendar
This is the original gay beach club of PV. Standard beach fare is served up. Located immediate in front of the Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea.
Ritmos Beach Cafe
Playa Los Muertos, the Green Chairs, next to Blue Chairs
more info
Live Musical Events
The Beach House
Playa Los Muertos, Amapas 182, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-3198
more info
Upscale beach club by Marco, a former member of the team at the Four Seasons. Excellent food and service.
Coffee Shops
Coffee Cup
Rodolfo Gomez, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
more info calendar
This small, gay owned and operated coffee shop has all those lattes, capiccinos, etc. Sandwiches and bakery too. Wonderful display of art from Galeria Flores on display and available for sale.
Dee's Coffee Company
Rodolfo Gómez 120, (between Olas Altas Street and the Sea), Puerto Vallarta Jalisco
A coffee shop completely reminiscent of a Starbuck's coffee shop. Dee has a wonderful place, conveniently located, with comfortable seating and excellent lattes, expresso, and so forth. Lovely desserts, snacks and sandwiches too.
Internet Cafes
Colores Internet Cafe
Basilio Badillo 329A, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
More internet than cafe at this excellent internet services location.
Cybersmoothie
Rodolfo Gomez 111, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 223-4784
more info
Fat free smoothie in a cyber cafe. High speed internet, fax services in this very convenient place. Owner Leo has created a wonderful place built-around a health conscious theme.
