Updated 2022: The cream always rises to the top. Several years after initially writing this blog post this list still holds up. Ten restaurants isn't really enough to represent everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer- but in 2022 this are still some excellent food options for you to try out on your next trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the best food in the world, so narrowing down our favorite restaurants to only ten is a tough task! On this list you will find a good mix of cheap, midrange, and expensive (by Vallarta standards).
The best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta all have a common theme; the food is great, the atmosphere is amazing, and the staff is extremely friendly. Simply having excellent food is not enough in Puerto Vallarta. Restaurants must have the full package! One of the best things about living in Puerto Vallarta is being able to get to know the owners of the restaurants.
We believe these restaurants represent what the best of Puerto Vallarta.
We know we left off a lot of restaurants that could have made this list. If you don’t see your favorite listed here, comment below and let us know what your favorite restaurant in Puerto Vallarta is!
Salud Super Food
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Salud Super Food is one of the best "health" food restaurants in the entire city. It is healthy, filling, and has a great location right off of Olas Altas. But don't be fooled! Just because Salud offers healthy options, there is no compromise in flavor!
Address: Calle Olas Altas 534, Emiliano Zapata
Derby City Burgers
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Looking for some comfort food? It's hard to beat a good burger and milk shake! Derby City has a great menu that ranges from chicken tender salads, to sweet potato fries and onion rings, to a delicious burger.
Address: Calle Rodolfo Gómez 131, Zona Romántica
Frankie's Spaghetti House
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Frankie's has the best service in town..seriously--we have had the absolute best service at Frankie's every time we visit. That combined with large portion sizes, delicious bread to start, and the best chicken parmesan with a side of fettuccine alfredo make this place one of our absolute favorites!
Address: Calle Venustiano Carranza 276
Mi Cafe
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
This place is breakfast magic. The restaurant is very comfortable (yes there's even AC!) The portion sizes are HUGE, and the prices are extremely fair. A bit off the beaten path but a nice walk back into the heart of Emiliano Zapata, Mi Cafe is one of our favorites in Puerto Vallarta.
Address: Calle Francisco I. Madero 505, Emiliano Zapata
Taqueria Las Güeras
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Las Gueras is our favorite taco stand in town (and let's be honest--probably across all of Mexico!) This place has friendly staff, a comfortable dining room to eat in (which is a huge bonus for a taco place!) and the best quesadillas and tacos al pastor in town!
Address: Venustiano Carranza 493, Emiliano Zapata
Coco’s Kitchen
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Coco's has quite possibly the best atmosphere in town, a very friendly staff, and the best biscuits I have ever eaten! If you are craving some delicious breakfast food in a cute outdoor patio space, Coco's is a perfect choice!
Address: Púlpito 122, Olas altas, Amapas
Cafe de Olla
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Cafe de Olla has authentic Mexican food at a great price. Also, hinted in the name, they serve delicious cafe de olla with breakfast. We like this place because it is open all day so you can choose to head there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Bonus: it has a nice cold air conditioner in the back.
Address: Basilio Badillo 168, Emiliano Zapata
Fredy’s Tucan
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Fredy's is the very first restaurant that we ever tried in Puerto Vallarta and it is still one of our favorites. Fredy’s has a good mix of both American and Mexican breakfast staples. The buttery pancakes melt in your mouth, the chorizo is cooked to perfection, and the Machaca con Huevos is equally as delicious. Fredy's has great breakfast food, excellent coffee, and very friendly staff. We highly recommend trying the pancakes (we think they are the best in town!), Chilaquiles in red sauce with chicken and eggs, or the Tucan’s Grand Slam Breakfast which comes with two fried or scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes or waffle, and ham or two strips of bacon or chorizo or two link sausage or one pork chop. You really can't go wrong with whatever you choose!
Address: Basilio Badillo 245, Emiliano Zapata
Hacienda Alemana
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Looking for something a little different? Hacienda Alemana boasts the most unique food in Puerto Vallarta. Grab a taste of Germany in Puerto Vallarta but also--their margaritas are delicious too!
Address: Calle Basilio Badillo 378, Emiliano Zapata
El Campanario
What makes it one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
This place really represents a typical style of "fonda" or small restaurant throughout a lot of Mexico. They mainly serve "antojitos" or snack-y type food by Mexican standards. Greg loves the pozole and I dream about the tacos dorados. This place is reasonably priced and is located just right outside the main church in Puerto Vallarta so it's in a great spot!
Address: Hidalgo 339, Centro
You really can't go wrong when choosing a place to eat in Puerto Vallarta. Whether you're looking for a juicy burger, German food, or a typical Mexican taco stand, the food in Puerto Vallarta is top notch and plentiful!
Have questions about other restaurant recommendations in PV? Shoot us an email at kinetickennons@gmail.com.
Until next time, Have Less. Do More. Be More.
