Puerto Vallarta Mexico is known for beautiful beaches, amazing culture, and incredible food.
It also wins my personal award for “Favorite Location in All of Mexico”
I’ve been traveling to this awesome vacation-spot for over 20 years and it’s been really fun to see how it’s changed over the years, but remained charming and NOT touristy like many Mexico locations.
One of the best parts of travel is tasting unbelievable food and there are 5 places that I’m sure to hit up on every single trip to the Puerto Vallarta area.
Pipis
This place is a party! It’s located in downtown Puerto Vallarta within walking distance of the malecon. Literally their slogan is “Don’t drink the water, drink the margaritas.” And this is more than a slogan, it’s simply true! The margaritas are both huge and hella good! Over the years, I’ve tried nearly every flavor but my favorites remain strawberry and classic lime, both with sugar. These margs are TOTALLY an item you could share with another adult. They also have tableside guacamole that is incredible! So fresh and so fun! Be sure to have some pesos ready for a tip! I always ask for extra lime because the lime in Mexico is so much better than the states. While you are eating I nearly guarantee a full mariachi band will enter the restaurant and start playing songs. They take requests, but be prepared that if you request a song, they will likely whisper in your ear (requests are 100 pesos). But, in my opinion it is so worth it for the experience and the energy! In terms of food, they are “known” for fajitas and those are good, but in my opinion, not special. If you have never been I recommend doing their commination platter and trying a little bit of everything, which I have pictured below. My personal favorite item on the menu is their shrimp quesadilla. This is NOT like a quesadilla that you would get in the states. I can’t put my pallet on it, but something about their cheese makes it SO much better and is my best bite of the trip sometimes. This is totally a family friendly place (you cant get the fun margs in any flavor without alcohol) and the prices are reasonable. I HIGHLY recommend this place gets added to your “must eat list” when you visit the area. Check is out here
Copan Sky Bar
If you are looking for a place with a view, this sky bar totally has you covered! It is actually located within a resort, Paradise Village, in Nuevo Vallarta. There is a mall located within this complex so it’s totally worth coming if you aren’t staying in this area. The Sky Bar has 10/10 vibes because it is an open air concept that gives you views of the marina and the ocean at the same time. My favorite time to go is right before sunset and once you do that you will see why! This isn’t just a bar though, they have amazing food! The fish tacos are out of this world! Trust me, this is not just an ordinary fish taco because they do a combination of special sauces, one kind of spicy and one kind of sweet, with fresh fruit. The combo is unbeatable. The steak nachos are also crazy good. Again, not like traditional bar food nachos like you would find in the states. These are topped with fresh guac. Pro tip: ask for extra guac! The drinks are also incredible! I highly recommend a paloma. If you have never had one, it’s a mix of tequilla and fresh grapefruit. It’s an underrated cocktail that we need to make happen more often on menus! Depending on how long you stay, the sky bar starts to get club vibes with a LIVE DJ and dance video protectors on some nights and that brings the awesome up to whole new levels. This place has only been open for a few years, but I’m fairly confident it is here to stay! Check it out here
Karen’s Place
This beach front spot is absolutely a hidden gem! It is located about 10 miles from Puerto Vallarta in a little town called Bucerias. If you are looking for a village with amazing Mexican culture and something far less “resort-like” then you have found your next dinner location. Karen is the owner of this small restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love that she not only owns the spot, but you can find her working and connecting with guests. She is not from Mexico or the states so her accent will surprise and charm you! My favorite thing on the lunch menu is actually more of a secret menu item. There is a really nice chicken Cesar salad, but I turn it into a chicken Cesar wrap and it is so delicious! For dinner if you are a meat eater, then Karen’s ribs are outstanding! If vegetarian or is your thing I highly recommend the quinoa salad! And if you like seafood her fish tacos are insane! In fact, they won my unofficial “best bite of the trip” on my most recent vacation. This spot is not just about the food though. The culture that happens before your eyes is what will make you smile. While eating you will see locals enjoying the waves, men riding horses down the beach, and kids selling chiclets out of small boxes. And all of this is happening while you can hear the ocean and you have sand between your toes. Going to Bucerias at least once while you visit is a must! Check it out here
Mezzogiorno
If I didn’t convince you that venturing out to Bucercias is worth your while yet, then allow me to give a second recommendation that is totally different on so many levels. Warning: what I am about to say is going to sound crazy but…. this spot in Mexico has the BEST Italian food I have ever had in my life! Seriously. I know that many people come to Mexico expecting amazing fajitas, guacamole, tacos, and other authentic dishes to the area, but if you like Italian food and are needing something besides pico and chips, reserve your table at Mezzogiorno. It is located right on the ocean so the views are amazing! Pro tip: make a reservation in the “Crow’s Nest” and just trust me on that. This place is probably the most “upscale” spot on my list. Certainly not a spot where you would where a swimsuit and cover-up, but you don’t need formal. I have never had a dish I didn’t like her, but my personal favorite starters are the calamari and mista salad. The calamari is remarkably tender and the goat cheese with balsamic combo on the salad is divine. For pasta dishes my go-tos are the bucatini alla carbonara, penne al funghi, tortellini di prosciutto e rucola. If you want protein, petto di pollo alla parmigiana. So let me translate in order- pasta with peas, mushrooms, bacon, OR penne with mushrooms in a cream sauce OR tortellini with sun dried tomato and prosciutto, OR chicken parm. All of those are going to be total winners. And trust me, I’m Italian!
Check it out here
Anything You Can Eat By the Beach
Sometimes the best place to eat is the place that is easy, delicious, and convenient. If you are on vacation there are times when you don’t want to worry about dinner reservations, changing out of swimwear, and just going with the flow. That’s the point of vacation right? And that is why sometimes the best recommendation I can give is to find a snack, treat, or meal, and just enjoy the scenery. There is nothing better than having a classic American cheeseburger delivered to your palapa. Fun Fact: in most places in Mexico they toast up the buns with mayonnaise instead of butter. And this is a game changer because a lot of mayo in Mexico contains lime. Another fun option to enjoy on the beach is street food. I know that not everybody out there is adventurous or comfortable buying from food carts in Mexico, but if you are willing to give it a try I highly recommend tamales. They will be the best tamales you have ever had in your life because they are generally made by abuelas (grandmas) who have been making them with love for generations! Pork, beef, potato, and chicken are all popular fillings and flavors and I recommend trying all of them! Also, some of the most exciting foods you can have in Mexico are by going to a grocery store and finding things that you can’t get in the US. Chips, candies, sodas, nuts, and fruits are all available at most gas stations or marts and they can be really fun to try to experience new flavor profiles. Then, when you fall in love with these new items, you can bring a bunch back home with you so you have a taste of vacation in your pantry. Important reminder that fresh fruits, veggies, and meats cannot be brought back with you and that includes beef jerky.
And there you have it, the top 5 best places to eat in the Puerto Vallarta area!
Are these spots what you will find on other food or travel blogs? Probably not!
But what I have found is that if food spots stay open in Mexico for longer than a few years, they are winners!
And eat of these spots (except the Copan Sky Bar which is new) has been open and thriving for at least 15 years.
Trust me, these are soooo much better than “touristy” or “gimmicking” spots you will see on fliers or ads.
Plus, from my experiences, they are safe, trusted, and fairly priced!
Can’t wait to hear what you think of them!
Happy Travels!
PS– If you need a new suitcase for your trip, here is my highly recommend
PS Again– Southwest Airlines flies to Puerto Vallarta! Don’t forget to check out these Awesome Southwest Bonuses
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