Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta: Our Favourite Places to Eat

Puerto Vallarta has become one of Mexico's premier culinary destinations. From award-winning fine dining and authentic Mexican cuisine to beachfront seafood restaurants and spectacular rooftop cocktail bars, the city offers an incredible variety of dining experiences.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, looking for an unforgettable sunset dinner or simply searching for the perfect taco, Puerto Vallarta delivers exceptional food alongside breathtaking views of Banderas Bay.

These are some of our favourite restaurants and dining experiences that we recommend to guests staying at Cove Vallarta.

Café des Artistes – Puerto Vallarta's Iconic Fine Dining Experience

No restaurant is more closely associated with Puerto Vallarta's culinary reputation than Café des Artistes.

For more than three decades, Chef Thierry Blouet has created one of Mexico's most celebrated dining destinations. The restaurant is renowned for its elegant garden courtyard, artistic presentation and imaginative tasting menus inspired by both French techniques and Mexican ingredients.

Dining here is about far more than the food. Beautiful lighting, tropical gardens and impeccable service make it one of Puerto Vallarta's most romantic restaurants.

Perfect for:

• Anniversaries

• Honeymoons

• Special celebrations

• Wine lovers

• Fine dining enthusiasts

Reservations are highly recommended.

The Iguana at Casa Kimberly

One of Puerto Vallarta's most memorable dining experiences is The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar, located within Casa Kimberly Vallarta.

Once the famous home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Casa Kimberly remains one of the city's most elegant landmarks. The open-air restaurant overlooks the rooftops of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. Live mariachi performances on selected evenings add to the atmosphere.

This is one of our favourite recommendations for visitors wanting both outstanding views and a touch of Hollywood history.

Perfect for:

• Romantic dinners

• Sunset dining

• Celebrations

• First-time visitors

Tintoque

Tintoque has earned a reputation as one of Puerto Vallarta's most innovative restaurants.

Chef Joel Ornelas combines traditional Mexican flavours with contemporary techniques to create beautifully presented tasting menus using seasonal local ingredients.

Food lovers looking for modern Mexican cuisine should place Tintoque high on their list. It is also frequently recommended by local diners and returning visitors.

Bravos Restaurant

Bravos Restaurant Bar is a hidden favourite among locals and returning visitors.

Offering creative international cuisine in a relaxed yet elegant setting, Bravos is known for its consistently high-quality food and warm hospitality.

It's an excellent choice if you're looking for outstanding cuisine away from the busiest tourist areas.

Tuna Azul

Seafood lovers should not miss Tuna Azul Zona Romántica.

Known for exceptionally fresh seafood and generous portions, it has become one of the highest-rated casual restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.

Fresh tuna, ceviche and local fish dishes are particular highlights.

Barcelona Tapas

For dinner with panoramic views, Restaurante Barcelona Tapas Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful option.

Located on the hillside above the city, the restaurant offers sweeping views across Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay while serving classic Spanish tapas alongside an extensive wine list.

Arrive before sunset for the most spectacular experience.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine

One of the joys of Puerto Vallarta is discovering traditional Mexican flavours beyond the luxury restaurants.

Throughout Centro and the Romantic Zone you'll find family-owned restaurants serving:

• Fresh fish tacos

• Ceviche

• Birria

• Enchiladas

• Pozole

• Handmade tortillas

Sometimes the simplest meals become the most memorable.

Best Places for Sunset Cocktails

Puerto Vallarta's sunsets are legendary, and there is no better way to end the day than with a cocktail overlooking Banderas Bay.

Our favourite places include:

The Iguana at Casa Kimberly

Enjoy a margarita while watching the sun set over the bay from one of the city's most elegant terraces.

iK Mixology

iK Mixology Bar & Cuisine sits near the southern end of the Malecón and is known for creative cocktails, stylish design and sweeping ocean views.

El Solar

El Solar offers a relaxed beachfront atmosphere where you can enjoy cocktails with your feet in the sand while watching the sunset.

Along the Malecón

One of our favourite Puerto Vallarta traditions is simply strolling the Malecón in the late afternoon before choosing an oceanfront terrace for sunset drinks.

Many restaurants and bars along the promenade offer front-row seats as the sun disappears into the Pacific Ocean, creating one of the city's most memorable daily spectacles.

Sweet Treats and Coffee

After dinner, wander through the Romantic Zone or Centro and enjoy:

• Artisan ice cream

• Mexican coffee

• Fresh churros

• Traditional desserts

• Rooftop cafés

Puerto Vallarta has a wonderfully relaxed evening atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy every moment.

Our Favourite Dining Experiences

If we were planning the perfect culinary holiday in Puerto Vallarta, our itinerary would include:

Best Fine Dining: Café des Artistes

Most Romantic Setting: The Iguana at Casa Kimberly

Best Contemporary Mexican Cuisine: Tintoque

Best Casual Seafood: Tuna Azul

Best Sunset Tapas: Barcelona Tapas

Best Creative Cocktails: iK Mixology

Each offers a different perspective on Puerto Vallarta's vibrant food scene.

Discover Puerto Vallarta Through Its Cuisine

Food is one of the best ways to experience Puerto Vallarta's culture and hospitality.

From elegant tasting menus and historic restaurants to relaxed beach bars and oceanfront cocktails, every meal becomes part of your holiday.

When staying at Cove Vallarta, you'll be perfectly positioned to enjoy the city's outstanding culinary scene before returning to the comfort and privacy of your luxury villa at the end of the evening.