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
Everything in this little sidewalk bistro is prepared fresh by chef Andre from Europe.
Archie's Wok
For more than 25 years, Archie´s Wok has been serving up Vallarta´s diners with a tasteful array of Asain cuisine, consistently acquiring winning reviews.
Añejo Limon
Anejo, Meaning aged, is their newest concept. They import and dry age their beef in house. They offer a selection of affordable wines and cocktails, they feature a spectacular outdoor garden, Patio bar, where you will find their menu to be one of the most varied in Puerto Vallarta
Barcelona Tapas
With panoramic views of the Bay of Banderas, Barcelona Tapas is a beautiful spot for modern and authentic Spanish tapas. Summer hours 5pm - 11:30pm.
Bistro Balsamar
Bistro Balsamar is a gay owned, gay friendly restaurant specializing in regional Mexican cuisine.
Boccon di Vino
Italian cuisine from native Italians lovingly prepared and presented in an intimate setting. Located in the heart of restaurant row. New hours of operations, 2-11pm.
Cafe Bohemio
Patio dining strung with tiny white lights, serving great home cooked food, Cafe Bohemio is widely regarded as one of Puerto Vallarta´s best International and Mexican casual dining experiences!
Casa Tradicional
History and tradition on one side of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Picturesque floral windows and a Mexican colonial atmosphere, its culinary history is trapped in Casa Tradicional Restaurant. You will know all the seasoning from its different regions.
Coco's Kitchen
Come and enjoy a relaxing and delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner in our outdoors garden.We serve Mexican and international food. We are famous for the best breakfast in town. Coco will be waiting for you!
Daiquiri Dick's
Whether it’s a celebration dinner, business lunch or casual snack on the beach, Puerto Vallarta locals and savvy travelers rate Daiquiri Dick’s as their favorite restaurant.
Di Vino Dante
Wine & Tapas, bar located in the heart of Emiliano Zapata, in the Zona Romantica.
El Andariego
Mexican cuisine·Seafood·Fine cuts. With 25 years of experience they are now a tradition in Puerto Vallarta. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live music in the evenings.
El Arrayan
This charming country-style Mexican restaurant has become a Vallarta favorite with those who know good Mexican food and value when they see it.
El Mole de Jovita
We specialize in artisan homemade mole dishes. Shrimp chiles rellenos bathed in mole, salmon, sopes, tamales, and mole enchiladas among others.
Summer hours, 3pm to 10pm. Closed Sundays.
El Oasis del Holi
Just a 15 - 20 min. cab ride north of Zona Romantica, enjoy the in & out door restaurant on the beach between the Grand Venetian & Plaza Peninsula.
El Rio BBQ Bar
Looking for a place located outside of all the hustle and bustle of the tourist zones? Just a few minutes taxi ride, located in Paso Ancho along the Rio Cuale, sits El Rio BBQ.
Fajita Republic
The speciality, of course, as their name states is fajitas, with many different varieties to choose from at this tropical grill.
Frida's Kitchen
Frida´s kitchen, located on the second level of Frida´s bar, has become a great known gay spot for evening drinks and dining.
Gaby's Restaurant
Located in the heart of Vallarta, Gaby's offers you an atmosphere where you can enjoy the exquisite and authentic Mexican food.
Hacienda Alemana
Hacienda Alemana´s Restaurant on Puerto Vallarta, is the Fusion of two Cultures.
Our Great Team is dedicated to offer the most Traditional German Taste through a viarity of Dishes served with the Warmth Attention and Love of México. ¡We appreciate your Visit and your Preference!
Hamburger Grill @ Café San Angel
Eating a Burger doesn’t have to be a simple and flat experience. In The Hamburger Grill at San Angel Café (pronounced: San An-Hell) and 17 years of flipping the best, they have added to the simple American sandwich, sophisticated elements that make eating one something special.
Heidelberg Cafe Bar
Slow and healthy, prepared with care...!
No over heated fats
No industrial sauces
Home made bread, pastries & pastas
Special preparing on demand
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
The home of seafood frescado! Serious cocktails and rooftop terrace.
La Piazzetta
Fifteen years ago la Piazzetta was founded, and at that time, only offered 7 varieties of pizza and 2 salads. Today they have grown into a 200 seating Italian eatery.
Le Bistro
Blending sophistication with a typically Vallarta atmosphere, Le Bistro Jazz Cafe offers exceptional food, impeccable service, stylish decor and a jazzy atmosphere. Situated amidst flowering trees alongside the rippling waters of the Cuale River at the Insurgentes bridge, the restaurant's tranquil setting and romantic ambiance are emphasized by flowering trees, fountains, statues and a grand piano. Open for lunch & dinner from 11am to 11pm.
Maia
Maia comes from and exists in multiple cultures, in which she is known as the mother God and protector of Earth, and provides for all without asking for anything in return. Maia's commitment is to share a little bit of the many things that Maia gives us through their poetic cuisine in which love is the main ingredient.
Mestiza
Mestiza is a small and energetic urban eatery built around fresh, local food and drinks.
Mikey's Deli
Located inside the los Mercados market place, this full service deli has many things you would see at home. Breads, condiments, deli items, sandwiches, specialty meets, and much more.
Nacho Daddy
Mex-Tex Restaurant & Bar in the heart of Zona Romantica. Enjoy great live music every night of the week in an intimate and lively venue.
No Way Jose!
No Way José!, named "Best Overall Restaurant" and “Best Moderate Restaurant” in Banderas Bay and runner-up for "Best Service," is Tu Casa en Puerto Vallarta. Quite an accomplishment for the winner of PV's “Best New Restaurant," just the year before.
Oscar´s
Located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta on the Rio Cuale Island in front of Banderas Bay, on the arms of the beautiful Cuale river.
Peking Restaurant
An authentic Chinese restaurant complete with an authentic Chinese owner-chef.
Red Cabbage
The Red Cabbage is a magical place, off the beaten track. The cuisine, classic Mexican. The decor, nostalgic, with the walls & tables covered with collages and photos of actors, artists, and musicians. When you step into the colorful collage of it's decor, you know that you are somewhere different.
Salud Super Food
Vegetarian and vegan friendly, international offerings, casual, sidewalk
patio seating and smoke-free. Summer Hours: Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturdays 9am-2pm.
Seasons PV
Now open for service, breakfast, lunch and dinner! Canadian/American style food with a Mexican touch.
Taste
Taste restaurant offers a dinner menu from four different cuisines: Mediterranean, Mexican and Asian with all dishes available in full or half ("Taste") portions. Also enjoy breakfast (with Sunday Brunch) and poolside lunch.
Teatro Limon
If you are looking for a truly unique and interactive dining experience, look no further than Teatro Limon, where you will feel like personally invited guest of Chef Bruce.
Utopia
Utopia is a unique restaurante serving authentic Indian cuisine ,Thai ,Arabic and Italian fusion.
Their soothing and relaxed Zen atmosphere located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta on the Rio Cuale island #3.
Their chef is pleased to prepare Tandoori grills , Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala and much more.
Utopias goal is to provide an enjoyable atmosphere whit the best tasting Indian and significant focus on nature.
They are proud to welcome you.
116 Pulpito Gastro Bar
A small bistro with outside sitting. Small place with a huge taste in flavor.
Barra Light
Design your own salad! Fresh vegetables and fruit juices right in the heart of Zona Romantica.
Blue Shrimp
The Blue Shrimp restaurant, situated right on the Los Muertos beach, and long established, is the best seafood restaurant in the area.
Derby City Burgers
The tastiest burgers in Mexico! Along with Hand cut French Fries and Sweet Potato Fries!
Johnny's Diner
Home-cooking traditional diner food is offered for breakfast and lunch in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.
Si Señor Beach
Second Location for the popular Si Señor restaurant. Now in the heart of Zona Romantica in the old Amapas Sunset location.
The Swedes
Open air restaurant on Olas Altas with a Swedish touch run by a pair of authentic gay Swedes!
Beach Clubs
These beach clubs on Playa Los Muertos are gay owned or cater to the gay audience.
Blue Chairs Beach Club
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.
Ritmos Beach Cafe
Also known as "Green Chairs" is a friendly beachfront restaurant on the famous "Los Muertos Beach" with palapas, food, music, and Dj.
Sapphire Ocean Club
Featuring the finest amenities including a swimming pool, comfortable lounge chairs and cabañas, towel service, national and international drinks, and fabulous breakfast and lunch menus from an internationally experienced chef.
Schools and Classes
CORE Dog Training & Boarding
C.O.R.E. Dog Training and Boarding offers positive reinforcement obedience training, behavior modification, and premiere dog boarding services within a spacious Puerto Vallarta home.
Cooking Class with El Arrayan
The entire team at El Arrayán is happy to share with you that starting this October 10th they will resume their popular Traditional Mexican Cooking Classes. Co-owner Carmen Porras and their team are making a point of teaching a wider range of Mexican classical dishes.
Coffee Shops
Aroma
Mon - Sat:
6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Offering delicious Mexican Organic Coffee along with Fruit & Veg Smoothies, delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, salad and pastry. Come taste the Aroma
Caffe del Mar Vallarta
They are the first and only coffe gallery in town, exhibiting art pieces of several well recognized Mexican artist in sculpture and oil paintings.
Coffee Cup
Delicious coffees, teas, smoothies, sodas, breakfast and sandwiches one block from the beach! Voted "Best Coffee" - 2009 Virtual Vallarta Reader's Choice y certificado de excelencia en trip adviser 2015 ! 100% Mexican Coffee.
Dee's Coffee Company
A very popular coffee shop completely reminiscent of a Starbuck's coffee shop. Internet and wi-fi access. Open from 7am-9pm.
