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 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.
Birrieria Isordia
A very loyal tradition, we receive you as the family is received. Birria tacos prepared with our family recipe, crispy, soft or medium, with a variety of garnish, without missing its hot broth to accompany your tacos, served only by family members and therefor offering you a pleasant atmosphere. So that you feel with that touch that you only find in your family.
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.
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. Open during quarantine following protocol or order to go. Delivery services available.
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 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 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.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
The home of seafood frescado! Serious cocktails and rooftop terrace. Now offering Valet service Thursday - Sunday from 5 - 10pm
Johnny's Diner
Home-cooking traditional diner food is offered for breakfast and lunch in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.
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.
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 José!
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.
Starlight Cabaret Café
"ACT2pV has thought out of the box to create fun entertainment while perfectly following red button protocols. We must open as a restaurant and we’ve got plenty of options.
You can order full Yamada Sushi Menu, all you can eat mexican appetizers menu or have your favorite “Los Muertos Brewing” pizza delivered in your table.
Now watch our live streams Movies on a large screen in our outdoor theater the Starlight Cabaret Cafe.
10 USD per person to go towards bar and concession."
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.
Blue Shrimp
The Blue Shrimp restaurant, situated right on the Los Muertos beach, and long established, is the best seafood restaurant in the area.
Bombon Puerto Vallarta
Live a great experience in Puerto Vallarta!
100% Mexican establishment that seeks to enhance Mexico through its dishes, drinks and wines.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm-12p.
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.
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.
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 2016 / 2017! 100% Mexican Coffee.
