Having a handy fail-proof list of fantastic restaurants is a must whether you are a first-time Puerto Vallarta vacationer, a savvy local, or an ex-pat living in paradise. As PV locals and world-travelers ourselves, we have experienced the finest delicacies from around the globe and have singled out the Top 12 best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta (in our humble, well-seasoned opinion). So save this list for those nights, mornings, or afternoons where you fancy something spontaneous yet safe, clean, and amazing on your plate!

Twelve of the Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Take that favorite necklace and dress out for a stroll or go completely casual sandy-toes style, this list of restaurants caters to all moods and tastes at dinner, lunch, brunch, and breakfast time!

1. Barrio Bistro: Mexican Gourmet & Gallery

Barrio Bistro is a posh, modern concept for gourmet food inspired by award-winning Chef, Guillermo Wulff. Tucked away in the Colonia Versalles (around Costco), you will be inspired and delighted every time you visit since the menu changes every week.

Barrio Bistro Address: España 305, Colonia Versalles, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48310
Phone: +52 1 322 151 7293
Make a reservation on their website: www.barriobistro.com or visit Barrio Bistro’s Facebook

2. Cafe des Artistes: Mexican/French Gourmet

Tha famous Cafe des Artistes gourmet restaurant has become an iconic figure of Puerto Vallarta. With a gorgeous courtyard garden, modern sculptures, and the contemporary layout and tranquil music add to the fine pleasure of dining here. Just take a look at Cafe des Artistes’ TripAdvisor reviews!

Cafe des Artistes Address: Calle Guadalupe Sanchez 740, Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta 48300, Mexico
Phone: +52 322 226 7200
Make a reservation on their website: http://www.cafedesartistes.com/

3. TRIO: Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant/Bar

The great cuisine and inspiring music and art expo on the second floor of TRIO make a delightful meal and pleasant conversation the main course of the evening. This is a casual-elegant multilevel restaurant in the heart of Puerto Vallarta with a beautiful garden and water fountain.

TRIO Address: Guerrero #264 Downtown, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Phone: +52 (322) 222-2196
Website: http://www.triopv.com/en/

4. Barcelona Tapas: Spanish Restaurant Downtown

Barcelona Tapas is a Spanish restaurant in Downtown, Puerto Vallarta founded by Chef William Carballo. Frequently reviewed as “the best Paella in town”, the menu is full of delicacies of Spanish origin. Enjoy a delicious meal with an incredible sunset ocean view from their rooftop terrace seating spaces. Sign up for their cooking courses or hire them to cater for your destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta.

Barcelona Tapas Address: Matamoros & 31 De Octubre, Colonia Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Phone: +52 (322) 222–0510
Website: http://www.barcelonatapas.net/

5. Porto Bello: Italian Cuisine in the Marina Area

Porto Bello is an Italian restaurant with 3 locations in the PVR area. The Marina Vallarta location is most popular among our vacation rental guests at the Grand Venetian because the restaurant has a great atmosphere and is right on the water, which means amazing views. The staff is very friendly, and the amazing flavors of the calamari and linguine with clams and baby shrimp always get great reviews!

Porto Bello Marina Address: Marina Sol Local 7, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Phone: +52 1 (322) 2-21-00-03 and +52 1 (322) 2-21-19-92
Website: http://portobellovallarta.com

6. Joe Jacks Fish Shack: Sea Food Restaurant & Pub

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is hands down, a top contender for the best restaurant for fish-n-chips, 2×1 mojitos at happy hour (every day 12pm-5pm… *wink), and the burgers are also AMAZING! From the fresh catch of the day to grandma’s mac-n-cheese with bacon bits, this is a restaurant in Old Town you have to visit more than once.

Joe Jack’s Fish Shack Address: Basilio Badillo 212, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Phone: +52 1 322-222-2099
Website: https://joejacks-fishshack.com/

7. La Vaca Argentina: Gourmet and Fine Steaks across The Grand Venetian

La Vaca Argentina offers a wide array of juicy steaks and other gourmet or traditional delicacies. Since this restaurant (also known as Argentina Steak House) is right in front of the Grand Venetian, it is a great option for dining when you’re renting one of our stylish beachfront vacation condos in Puerto Vallarta.

La Vaca Argentina Address: Blvrd Francisco Medina Ascencio 2468, Col. Fluvial Vallarta, Fluvial Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Phone: +52 1 322 224 0908
Website: http://www.lavaca-argentina.com/

8. La Dolce Pizzeria – Italian Pizzeria Across the Grand Venetian

The iconic and delicious Italian restaurant on the Malecon, La Dolce Vita has been a successful run family business for over 20 years. Their fantastic pizzas became so famous that the need to open up a new location that catered to the youthful and vegan-friendly pizza trends. This became a reality when they opened up La Dolce Pizzeria right across The Grand Venetian and La Isla Shopping Village. Get your fill of wood-oven pizzas, salads, homemade lasagna, and shrimp fettuccini!

La Dolce Pizzeria Address: Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio #2468, Interior 6, 48312
Phone: +52 322 224-0455 and Orders at 322 225-3829
Website: http://www.pizzerialadolce.com/

9. De Santos: Restaurant in La Isla Shopping Village

De Santos is located inside the beautiful mall in the Grand Venetian’s backyard, La Isla Shopping Village. The popcorn shrimp is super tasty, and the brick-oven pizzas are fantastically designed. This restaurant is an international infusion of flavors orchestrated by Chef Juan Carlos Amutio.

De Santos Address: Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 2477, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal. México
Phone: +52 1 322 688 1604
TripAdvisor Rating

10. The Pancake House: Family-style Breakfast and Brunch

As the name suggests, The Pancake House (also known as Memo’s Pancake House) has earned a reputation for some of the greatest and fluffiest pancakes in town. The menu has a plethora of options, so your eggs, pancakes, or Mexi-style breakfast will be exactly the way you want it. Go there for breakfast or brunch, but the earlier, the better because this place gets a lot of customers!

The Pancake House Address: Calle Basilio Badillo 289, Puerto Vallarta 48380, Mexico
Phone: +52 1 322 222 6272
TripAdvisor

Some Bonus Favorite Restaurants in Bucerias

11. Toscana Mia: Italian Pastas & Pizza in Bucerias, Nayarit

Toscana Mia is a family-run Italian restaurant in Bucerias, Nayarit; a wee-bit further than Puerto Vallarta, but it’s worth it! They offer homemade Italian food and are all about fresh pasta, flatbread pizzas, and of course, good Italian wine. Did we mention the bread and focaccia are baked and served fresh every day?

Toscana Mia Address: Calle Hidalgo 25 Centro, 63732 Bucerias, Nayarit
Phone: +52 1 329 298 1525
Website: http://trattoriatoscanamia.com/

12. La Lateral Cafe & Bistro: Great Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch in Bucerias

La Lateral Cafe & Bistro is a cozy and delicious place to get excellent breakfast, brunch, and lunch. From incredible deli sandwiches with roast beef and brie cheese to their fantastic hollandaise sauce on eggs benedict and great coffee selection, this is an excellent stop to try; especially if you are going to have a beach day out by Sayulita, Punta de Mita or Bucerias.

La Lateral Cafe & Bistro Address: Héroes de Nacozari #126, Bucerias, Nayarit
Phone: +52 1 (329) 298 6190 
Website: http://lateralcafebistro.com/

There you go, our top picks for the best restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta area. Save this list and have 12 memorable meals in our honor. If you loved the restaurant you visited, leave them a hearty review and don’t be shy to share your experience and suggestions with us, we’re always down for a great foodie adventure!

Did we miss one of your favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta? Tell us in the comments below!