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%.
Agrodolce
Italian cuisine with the intensity and flavors that you will only find at Agrodolce. They have created a new experience for all your senses.
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.
Azafrán Restaurant Bar
Timeless magical memories. A European culinary experience featuring fusion elements providing both traditional and new flavors.
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.
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, 3-11pm.
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!
Coco's Kitchen
Enjoy a relaxing and delicious breakfast or lunch in their outdoors garden. they serve Mexican and international food. They are famous for the best breakfast in town. Coco will be waiting for you!
Monday-Sat. 8am-4pm.
Sundays 8am-3pm.
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.
De Cantaro
Contemporary Mexican food with an international touch cooked to the perfection with firewood and ingredients
of the best quality.
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 Erizo de Mau
Hungry? Try El Erizo de Mau for a fine selection of skewers and other tasty and stingy delights.
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.
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. ˇWe appreciate your Visit and your Preference!
Note: The 30% Promotion in the Spring 2018 Print Edition is no longer available.
Joe Jack's Fish Shack
The home of seafood frescado! Serious cocktails and rooftop terrace.
Katana Vallarta
A modern & authentic Japanese inspired cuisine & sushi, downtown Vallarta in the heart of the Romantic Zone
Extensive sake, wine & a SUPERB cocktail list. Home delivery available. The Chef and mixologist are known for their style, taste, imagination and craftsmanship.
Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night bar. Daily from 3-11pm closed Sundays.
La Cigale French Bistro
Vive la France in Downtown Puerto Vallarta! Whether you have memories of Paris or not, La Cigale will get you "In the Mood."
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.
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.
Que?Pasa 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."
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. Delivery fee 30-50 pesos.
Season Hours: (Effective oct.4th)
Seasons PV
Breakfast, lunch and dinner! Canadian/American style food with a Mexican touch.
Sumaq Restaurant
"It has always been my dream to have a small neighborhood restaurant where I knew almost everyone who walked in my door each day. And those that I didn't know, I knew before they left."
Taste
Weather for breakfast, lunch, snack bar or a special event; discerning dinners will appreciate their creative take on authentic Mexican Cuisine.
Tuna Azul
Tuna Azul Restaurant is a new fresh concept specializing in seafood with a fusion from Baja Sinalóa and Jalisco. Where all their meals are prepared fresh and at order, service provided by the owners the Lopez brothers.
Vallarta Factory
A Restaurant, Chocolate Factory, Cigar Factory and coffe Factory. Your local one stop shop. Business hours from 8am to 11pm, Sundays open from 9am to 5pm.
Verona Bistro Bar
Verona Bistro Bar is located on one of the hip corners of Olas Altas, and the heart of Zona Romántica. Enjoy any of their delicious dishes on their menu, acompanied by one of their artisan drinks with their exceptional flavors. And cannot leave out being welcomed by their friendly staff.
116 Pulpito Gastro Bar
A small bistro with outside sitting. Small place with a huge taste in flavor.
Blue Shrimp
The Blue Shrimp restaurant, situated right on the Los Muertos beach, and long established, is the best seafood restaurant in the area.
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.
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.
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.
Monzón Brewing Co.
Experience Puerto Vallarta's newest craft brewery. Located in the heart of Zona Romántica, just half a block from Parque Lazaro Cardenas.
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.
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.
Beach Clubs
These beach clubs on Playa Los Muertos are gay owned or cater to the gay audience.
Babel Bar
A hidden gem alongside the river Cuale, Babel Bar is a relaxing Rest. & Bar where you can enjoy a relaxing time on their hammocks.
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.
Sapphire Ocean Club
Featuring the finest amenities including a swimming pool, comfortable lounge chairs and cabańas, towel service, national and international drinks, and fabulous breakfast and lunch menus from an internationally experienced chef.
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.
Schools and Classes
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.
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.
Mexican Cooking Classes
Live the experience of the cooking classes with chef Julio Cesar Castillon Perez.
Reservations require!
Coffee Shops
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.
Coffee Factory
"Is proud to present the new selection of high altitude gourmet mixes, grown in the shade with organic certification, of Arabica beans and selected by hand from the highlands of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas."
An antity of Vallarta Factory.
Dee's Coffee Company
A very popular coffee shop completely reminiscent of a Starbuck's coffee shop. Internet and wi-fi access. Open 7am.
