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%.
Archie's Wok
For 35 years, Archie´s Wok has been serving up Vallarta´s diners with a tasteful array of Asian cuisine, consistently acquiring winning reviews.
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 Cupula Bistro
Weather for breakfast, lunch, snack bar or a special event; discerning dinners will appreciate their creative take on authentic Mexican Cuisine.
Coco's Kitchen
Enjoy a relaxing and delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner in their outdoors garden. They serve Mexican and international food. Famous for the best breakfast in town. Coco will be delighted to welcome you!
Connie’s Empanadas House PV
Weather you want a small bite to eat or enough to cater your special event or family gatherings or friends. They are a perfect choice. Fast delivery service or you are more than welcome at their venue. 11am - 9pm.
Di Vino Dante
Wine & Tapas, bar located in the heart of Emiliano Zapata, in the Zona Romantica.
El Andariego
Restaurant with Traditional Mexican cuisine, seafood and fine cuts.
An iconic place of this destination and a favorite of the local people of Vallarta for over 30 years.
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 in 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 Restaurant will surprise with an atmosphere where you will enjoy from the authenticity and exquisiteness of the Mexican food. During this quarantine, we have delivery service available.
Hacienda Alemana
Hacienda Alemana´s Restaurant on Puerto Vallarta, is the Fusion of two Cultures. Their Great Team is dedicated to offer the most Traditional German Taste through a variety of Dishes served with the Warmth Attention and Love of México. ¡We appreciate your Visit and your Preference!
Hotel Mercurio
Hotel Mercurio’s poolside restaurant is open to the public, offering breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 AM; and extensive light-fare menu until 10:30PM daily.
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 and opened a 2nd location.
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.
Ok José!
Formally known as 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.
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.
River Cafe
"Our sophisticated cuisine delights the most demanding palates; furthermore, you can enjoy the best Mexican and international wines and a plenty of cocktails."
Salud Super Food
Vegetarian and vegan friendly, international offerings, casual, sidewalk patio seating and smoke-free. Summer Hours: Mon.-Frid. 9am-5pm Sat. 9am-2pm
Delivery fee 30-50 pesos.
Trattoria di Nuovo
Italian cuisine lovingly prepared and presented in an intimate setting. Located in the heart of restaurant row. New hours of operations, 3-11pm.
116 Pulpito Gastro Bar
A small bistro with outside sitting. Small place with a huge taste in flavor.
Barcelona Tapas
Tapas, seafood and Spanish cuisine in a fine restaurant with a large terrace and ocean view.
Bombon Puerto Vallarta
Live a great experience in Puerto Vallarta!
100% Mexican establishment that seeks to enhance Mexico through its dishes, drinks and wines.
Hamburger Mary's
Franchise Hamburger Mary's has a new home in Puerto Vallarta. Hamburgers, Drag Shows and a full bar.
QuePasa Bar & Grill
"Que?Pasa is a bar of our own. It is Vallarta's locals bar and restaurant. The friendliest people in Vallarta meet here for great "gringo" food, beverages, and local entertainment. It's a place where the tourists get to mingle with the locals - get some advice, make friends or simply hang out and have a great time. Something "special" is always happening at Que?Pasa."
The Swedes
Open air restaurant on Olas Altas with a Swedish touch run by a pair of authentic gay Swedes!
Verona Seafood & Bar
Seafood, ceviches, poke bowl, salads and desserts, mezcal, craft cocktails, craft beer and wines.
Beach Clubs
These beach clubs on Playa Los Muertos are gay owned or cater to the gay audience.
Blue Chairs Beach Club
"The Beach Club" is a very popular beach club, where people from all over the world meet to meet new friends and enjoy delicious meals at a reasonable cost, with excellent Mexican food, fresh seafood, meats and snacks. **Open to the public from 7am to 8pm following all protocol.**
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
Gaby's Rest. Mexican Cooking Classes
Live the experience of the cooking classes with chef Julio Cesar Castillon Perez.
Reservations require!
Cooking Class with Barcelona Tapas
Chef's William Carballo &/or Juan Pablo Valencia open the kitchen to Barcelona Tapas to teach you a few of their recipes.
Coffee Shops
Caffe del Mar Vallarta
Newly remodeled Coffee shop on Basilio Badillo 1/2 a block from Los Muertos Beach. Great place for people watching while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee, Frappuccino’s and /or a light breakfast like paninis and sandwiches.
Mystic Circle Café
Mystic Circle Cafe provides a unique experience for its visitors. It is the home of spiritual awareness in Puerto Vallarta where you can explore spiritual, self-help, and metaphysical interests while enjoying our coffees, teas, and danishes.
