With its blue waters and sandy beaches, it’s not hard to see why Puerto Vallarta is a tourist hotspot. This Mexican coastal town is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. But with so many people flocking there, how can you make sure your experience stands out? It all comes down to finding authentic local spots to eat. The best restaurants in PV are ones that aren’t listed in every other travel guide—they’re hidden gems where locals go after a long day at work, not places that cater exclusively to tourists. To help you unearth these lesser-known eateries, we asked some locals for their recommendations. They gave us insider details on the top places to eat in Puerto Vallarta if you want something more authentic than what you find on TripAdvisor or Yelp.
Three Dishes/Tre Piatti
Mexican Pozole Soup: This hearty dish is made with pork and hominy, which is a type of corn with a chewy texture. Unlike other corn, hominy is not used as a starch but more like a vegetable. It is a common base for soups and stews in Mexican cuisine. Mexican Pozole is often served with fresh cilantro, avocado, chopped onion, radishes, and lime. Tacos de Barbacoa: Like the pozole, the tacos de barbacoa are another traditional dish that is served in many parts of Mexico. The tacos are made with a type of meat called carne asada that is usually marinated in a chile sauce. The tacos are topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa, along with a side of guacamole for a satisfying meal. Champurrado: This traditional Mexican drink is made with chocolate, masa, and caramel. It is a hot beverage that is sweet, thick, and creamy while also being a bit salty. It is a popular drink during the holiday season when it is often served along with pan de muerto, or Mexican sweet bread.
Oyster Grill of La Docena
If you love seafood, this is the place to visit. Oyster Grill of La Docena is a casual patio restaurant where you can enjoy freshly grilled oysters, fish, octopus, and scallops. You can also try their seafood cocktails, like the Michelada, which is a spicy beer cocktail. Another great feature of this restaurant is that they offer drinks made with fresh cucumbers, watermelon, and other seasonal fruits. La Docena is located near the Puerto Vallarta cruise port, so it is perfect for tourists who want to eat somewhere casual. They have a daily happy hour from 2-6pm where you can get two oysters for the price of one. La Docena also serves dinner and has reasonably priced entrées so it’s a great place to go for a casual meal.
Cafe des Artistes
Café des Artistes is a French bistro that serves authentic French cuisine. It is a charming restaurant that is located along the cobblestone streets of the Romantic Zone. This restaurant is a good place to try French food if you’re looking to experience authentic dishes that aren’t found in many other restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. The cuisine is high-end, but their prices are reasonable. A good option for a meal is to try their escargot. Café des Artistes is a great place to go with a group of friends after an afternoon of exploring the Romantic Zone. It is a casual dining experience, but there is a small cover charge and a dress code at night. The restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere and is an excellent place to try out some French dishes that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in Puerto Vallarta.
La Iguana Restaurant
If you are craving Mexican food and are looking to try something that is more authentic than what you would find in other restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, La Iguana Restaurant is the perfect place to go. This restaurant is located in the Centro neighborhood, which is the historic center of the city. La Iguana Restaurant serves simple Mexican dishes that are made with fresh ingredients. On their menu, you can find traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas. La Iguana Restaurant also offers a variety of meat dishes, seafood dishes, and vegetarian dishes. La Iguana Restaurant is a good place to try authentic Mexican food. It is a casual restaurant that is a reasonable price. The restaurant has an open-air courtyard and an indoor dining area that is decorated with Mexican decor.
Coco’s Kitchen
If you want to try something a little bit different and aren’t interested in Mexican or French food, Coco’s Kitchen is the place for you. This restaurant is a fusion restaurant where you can find traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and quesadillas served alongside burgers and fries. Coco’s Kitchen is located in the Romantic Zone, and it has outdoor seating that is perfect to enjoy an afternoon in Puerto Vallarta. On their menu, you can find burgers with a variety of toppings and Mexican dishes like quesadillas, tacos, and burritos. Coco’s Kitchen is the perfect place to go with a group of friends to share a few dishes and try something different. This restaurant is reasonably priced with menu items costing between 150 and 350 pesos.
Tino’s La Laguna
If you want to try something a little bit different, Tino’s La Laguna is a great restaurant to visit. This restaurant serves Mexican-style seafood dishes that are made with a combination of spices and vegetables. Tino’s La Laguna is a casual restaurant, and it has an open-air dining room that is located near the water. On their menu, you can find a variety of seafood dishes like shrimp, octopus, and fish. Tino’s La Laguna also serves a selection of vegetarian dishes and Mexican dishes like tacos and quesadillas. This restaurant is reasonably priced, and it serves dishes that are made from scratch with fresh ingredients. It is a casual dining experience that is a great place to go with a group of friends.
Alquimista Cocktail Room
If you are looking for a place to go for a relaxing drink after a long day of exploring Puerto Vallarta, Alquimista Cocktail Room is the perfect place to go. This cocktail bar is a modern, chic bar that has an elegant atmosphere and a well-priced cocktail menu. It is a small bar so it’s not the best place to go with a group of people. This bar is a great place to go alone or with one other person for an intimate experience. Unlike most cocktail bars, Alquimista Cocktail Room is open from 8am to 9pm. It is a great place to go for a drink in the morning or in the evening. This cocktail bar serves classic cocktails like mojitos and margaritas, but it also has a selection of Mexican cocktails. Alquimista Cocktail Room is the perfect place to go for a drink in Puerto Vallarta. It is a reasonably priced bar that has an elegant atmosphere. It is a great place to go for a drink alone or with a friend.
Loma 42 Bahia
If you are looking for a place to go for dinner in Puerto Vallarta, check out Loma 42 Bahia. This restaurant is located on the coast, and you can enjoy an ocean view while you eat. Loma 42 Bahia is a seafood restaurant, and they serve a variety of fresh fish dishes made with Mexican spices and other locally grown ingredients. On their menu, you can find dishes like ceviche, tacos, and fish in different preparations. Loma 42 Bahia is a reasonably priced restaurant that is open for dinner. It is a casual dining experience, and it has outdoor seating near the water. This restaurant is a great place to go for a meal in Puerto Vallarta.
Coyoacan Diner/Cenaduría Coyoacan
If you are looking for a casual place to eat, Coyoacan Diner is a great option. This diner has a casual atmosphere and a menu that is inspired by Mexican and American cuisine. You can find diner staples like burgers, sandwiches, and fries, but you can also try Mexican dishes like enchiladas and tacos. Coyoacan Diner is located near the water in the Romantic Zone. On their menu, you can find dishes that are reasonably priced and range from 80 to 150 pesos Very Local restuarant.
