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%.
Apaches Bistro
Olas Altas 433, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 222-4004
more info
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
more info
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.
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.
Bistro Balsamar
Basilio Badillo #223, Colonia E. Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
more info
Wonderful food, service and presentation from successful catering chef and coffee roaster Alejandro Cordero Garcia in this conveniently located restaurant on restaurant row.
Bruce's Teatro Limon
Callejon del Limon 1, esq. (corner of) Maria Monte, Colonia Palmar de Aramara, Puerto Vallarta, JAL
Tel. (322) 225 2606
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You'll be treated to a dining experience that feels like being a dinner guest of a master chef in his home. RESERVATIONS APSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
Cafe Bohemio
R. Gomez 127, 3 doors from Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-4676
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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
more info
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
more info
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!
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.
Coco's Kitchen
Pulpito #122, next to Abbey Hotel, Zona Romantica
Tel. 223-0373
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Long known for her floating breakfast business that operated in other peoples' (closed in the morning) restaurants, Coco's finally has her own full-time place in the heart of the neighborhood. Outstanding service and food in an open-air terrace setting that is the perfect place for a meal in the tropics.
Daiquiri Dick's
Olas Altas 314, On the beach, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222 0566
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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.
Don Guacamole
Olas Altas & Rodolfo Gomez, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-7911
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Along with traditional Mexican fare, such as Enchiladas, a Mexican plate with all of your favorites, several different varieties of guacamole and fresh tortillas made-to-order, Don Guacamole's menu features shrimp prepared as you like, along with salmon, steaks and ribs.
Eat At David's
Aquiles Serdan 380, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 044-322-110-0696
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Great american-style comfort food. Burgers, hot wings, nightly specials. Informal place. David did the food service at Frida previously. 5pm-11pm. Closed Mon. Air Conditioned
El Arrayan
Allende #344, Centro, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-7195
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This charming country-style Mexican restaurant has become a Vallarta favorite with those who know good Mexican food and value when they see it. Open Wed.-Mon. 5:30pm to 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Live music on Saturdays
El Bacalao
Basilio Badillo #200, next to Fajita Republic, Zona Romantica
Tel. 222-3131
more info
Seafood Stand, Bar & Grill for lunch & dinner
El Dorado Restaurant
Playa Los Muertos, Pulpito #102, Zona Romantica
Tel. 222-4124
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Embrace your senses while you experience El Dorado Restaurant, Bar, and Beach Club.
El Rio BBQ Bar
Rio Cuale, Paso Ancho
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Barbecue, Pacific Coast Mexican Style, along the scenic Rio Cuale awaits just 15 minutes upriver from Olas Altas
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.
Fajita Republic
Basilio Badillo #188, next to El Bacalao, Zona Romantica
Tel. 222-3131
more info
Tropical grill serving excellent Tex-Mex and Mexican food
Frida's Kitchen
Insurgentes #301 - A, 2nd floor Frida's Bar, Col. Emiliano Zapata
Tel. 222-3668
more info
Chef Beto serves up great burgers, burritos, and a daily special everyday at Bar Frida.
Gilmar Restaurant
Francisco Madero #418, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 322.223.9707
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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
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German Biergarten that has excellent food in a wonderful garden courtyard setting. Two kinds of bratwurst, schnitzel, spätzel, sauerbraten and much more - all authentically prepared. Affordable German food, beers and wines.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
Basilio Badillo #212, (Restaurant Row), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 223-9752
more info
The home of seafood frescado! Serious cocktails and rooftop terrace.
la kuh Steakhouse
Francisco Madero 225, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-3560
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la kuh Steakhouse serves the real thing if you enjoy great meats and seafood. Strong Swiss influence in this hidden restaurant in our midst. Closed during the summer June 1 to October.
La Piazzetta
Olas Altas & Rodulfo Gomez 143, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-0650
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Before dinner try the calamari fritti with the homemade foccacia and your preferred wine.
Le Bistro
River Cuale Island, left side of northbound bridge, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 222-0283
more info
Jazz music and an excellent menu of International and Mexican cuisine. Excellent service in a superb setting. Lovely atmosphere.
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.
Marantina Lounge
Pulpito 120, formerly Kit Kat, Zona Romantica
Tel. 223-4543
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A swanky retro-inspired lounge with a creative selection of fresh fruit margaritas, and state of the art martinis. Great spot for dinner and cocktails.
Mediterranean Cafe and Bakery
Basilio Badillo #419, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322) 172-2221
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Featuring Greek and Italian Food, Bakery and Catering services. Restaurant is available for private parties.
Miel
Madero & Constitucion, Col. Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
more info
Fusion cuisine in this new restaurant / bar.
No Way Jos�!
5 de Febrero #260, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-2853
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This hidden place features wonderful and diverse fare including many seafood dishes. Stemware setup
on the tables and an excellent chef and wait staff.
No Way Jose! begins full breakfast (8am-12noon) and lunch (12noon-4pm), in addition to their award-winning dinner menu, starting Wednesday, February 1st, 2012!
Peking Restaurant
Francisca Rodriguez 136, Zona Olas Altas
Tel. 222-8609
more info
Owner-chef Xu Huang Ji Feng's authenic Chinese cuisine in this taste of China. half a block before Pier Los Muertos.
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, across the street from Rio Cuale, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-0411
more info
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Authentic Mexican cuisine from the wedding feast of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in a colorful cafe setting.
Si Señor
Guadalupe Sanchez #274, Esq. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, Col. Centro
Tel. (322) 113-0064
more info
This is an amazingly beautiful restaurant that praises the spirit of Mexican food. The restaurant has a terrace with a wonderful ocean view, a garden that simulates a shrine, and an air-conditioned lounge.
Taste
@ Casa Cupula, Callejon de la Igualdad 129, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 223-2484
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Bringing fine dining directly to Casa Cupula including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open to the public, experience some of the 5 star environment of Casa Cupula, one of the best gay luxury hotels of the world.
The Blue Shrimp
Olas Altas 366, Playa Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. (322) 222-4246
more info
Situated off Los Muertos Beach, on the ocean with spectacular daily view of the sunset. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Dog House
Ignacio L. Vallarta #237, Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 044 322 136-0400
more info
The best tasting, MEATIEST dogs and sausages you’ll ever have in your mouth. Located in front of Paco's Ranch
The River Cafe
Isla Rio Cuale #4, Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel. 322.223.0788
more info
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
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Open air restaurant on Olas Altas with a Swedish touch run by a pair of authentic gay Swedes! Now open for breakfast and lunch 8am-2:30pm.
Trattoria Michel
Olas Altas #507, at Rodolfo Gomez, Zona Romantica
Tel. (322)223-2060
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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.
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
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This is the original gay beach club of PV. Standard beach fare is served up. Located immediately in front of the Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea.
Lido Beach Club
Calle Malecon 167, Los Muertos Beach, South Side,, Puerto Vallarta
Tel. 044.322.170.4984
more info
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Located in the space that previously was known as BITE ME! Beach Club, the Lido Club includes menu selections from Southern France, Italy, Greece and Northern Africa with cold items featuring soups, sandwiches, salads, pastas as well as hot items from grilled sausages, fresh fish and kebabs, and many signature desserts including homemade ice creams.
Coffee Shops
Coffee Cup
Rodolfo Gomez 146, Zona Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
more info
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This gay owned and operated coffee shop has all those lattes, capiccinos, etc. Sandwiches and bakery too.
Dee's Coffee Company
Rodolfo Gómez 120, (between Olas Altas and the sea), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
more info
A very popular coffee shop completely reminiscent of a Starbuck's coffee shop. Internet and wi-fi access.






















































