Some of the most frequently asked questions we get by guests on our Puerto Vallarta Tequila Tour are:
- Where do the locals like to eat?
- Do you have any food recommendations in Puerto Vallarta?
- What are the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta?
Today, I am here to give you my top ten dining experiences in Puerto Vallarta.
As an expat living three years in Puerto Vallarta, a Master of Agave Spirits Sommelier, and a lover of food and hospitality I'm giving away my list of favorite places to go. Hoping that it makes your vacation just a little bit better because that what we are all about at Finca 18.
This list has been compiled based on; value, hospitality, service, food quality, bar program, and what I think a tourist visiting Puerto Vallarta with limited time would enjoy the most. The absolute "must-dos."
If you want to eat like a local, this list is for you.
The list is ordered by cost to value.
Tacos Mario - $
If I only had one place to go for street tacos, this would be it. It’s located next to Chedraui by the cruise ship port. I like it because it’s easy to get to and there is usually good parking. What makes this place special is its long history in Puerto Vallarta. My favorite part is the selection of meats they offer: cabeza, carnitas, carne asada, and more. Usually, taco stands specialize in one type of meat, but here, all of the tacos are good, including the salsas. You will typically only see locals here.
Mil Caguamas - $
Save turtules while you drink beer. Another hidden gem for locals. Nowhere else in Vallarta can you get an amazing sunset view on a rooftop terrace. Here, they only serve caguamas (the Mexican version of a 40 oz beer) and aguachile, a Puerto Vallarta staple. Aguachile is a must-try when you are in Puerto Vallarta. It’s basically a style of shrimp ceviche, and the selection of marinades at Mil Caguamas is super delicious. For a few hundred pesos, you can have an incredible time at the downtown location. I'd show up an hour to 1.5 hours before sunset. For every caguamas you drink, 5 pesos are donated to helping save local turtles.
La Ola de Vallarta- $
Puerto Vallarta has an incredible secret, and that secret is scallops, or callo de hacha. La Ola, "The Wave," is in Nuevo Vallarta within the hotel zone. It’s geared more toward locals, which is great for you because you can get amazing seafood at an equally amazing price. The beers are super cold, and the callo de hacha tostadas are my favorite. Bonus points for the habanero salsa.
Monzon Brewing - $$
If you’re craving craft brews and great bar food, you have to try Monzon in Zona Romantica. The staff is super friendly and attentive, the burrito bowls are amazing, and of course, the beer is awesome. One of my favorite beers is the watermelon beer. It’s super refreshing on a hot day in Puerto Vallarta.
Are you looking for more things to do in Puerto Vallarta? Check out these 5 star experiences.
El Barracuda - $$
Located right on the beach in the heart of downtown, Barracuda is a great environment to watch the sunset with good vibes. They have an amazingly fresh raicilla cocktail called the “Barracuda,” and the seafood dynamite is out of this world. Many tourists get frustrated with the ample number of beach vendors. However, I would go here with the mission to support as many as you can. I call it “beach vendor day.” Get a scalp massage, have your hair braided, let Zoro play a song for you on the guitar, buy some jewelry, and support as many beach vendors as you can. It’s a fun way to treat yourself on the cheap. If you don’t want to be bombarded by beach vendors, you can eat inside the restaurant and still have a great view and a good time. Get there early before sunset.
Casa Cocos -$$
If having a taxi drop you off in a random location and “figuring it out” is your idea of a good time, I have the perfect place for you. They have put an awesome team together that delivers outstanding hospitality and service. I go there for the fresh oysters and clams but everything else is equally great especially the shrimp pate. The restaurant is located right behing the national Puerto Vallarta bus station and is turning into one of my favorite places. I go alone and with groups.
Canto Chinese Bistro - $$
Looking for something other tha Mexican food? Look no further. Canto Chinese Bistro is led by two husbands that wanted to bring quality Chinese staples to Zona Romantica. What I really like is there attention to always getting better. When you sit down, I would instantly order the Siu Mai, Crab Rangoon, and Cold Cucumber Salad. Followed by the Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef. While you are there, make sure you sip on a couple of 30 Topes mules made by yours truly.
Mezcal y Sal - $$
If an elevated Mexican gastronomic experience with stellar ambiance interests you, Mezcal y Sal in Zona Romantica is a great hot spot. This place is all about fun vibes mixed with elevated traditional Mexican cuisine influenced by regions that produce heritage agave spirits. What more could you want? The cocktail presentation here is the best I have seen in Puerto Vallarta, and the food captures the essence of all the places in Mexico that produce agave spirits. Extra points for the decor. I recommend coming here for dinner after 8 p.m.
Casitas Maraika - $$
Are you in the mood for adventure and good food? Once known for its crazy parties, Maraika has pivoted into a relaxing and fun destination. To get to Maraika, you need to go about 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan. From there, you have two options: hike or take the water taxi. If you follow the trail to the left of town, you can hike all the way to Maraika, which will be incredibly rewarding. Once you get there, jump in the ocean, plop down on a beach chair, take a shot of 30 TOPES, and relax. The chefs at Maraika did an amazing job curating a truly gastronomic menu that is close to being my favorite in Puerto Vallarta. My favorite dishes being the carrot pate and the flatbread. This is a daytime experience that cannot be beaten. The staff is friendly, and the hospitality is way above most places in Puerto Vallarta. Plan on arriving between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Enjoy the ocean and beach vibes. Then take a water taxi back to Boca de Tomatlan around 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will probably be the most incredible day of your life. It was for me.
Campomar - $$
If you’re a person who is risk averse and always wants the “sure thing,” Campomar is THE most consistent place I have been to. It has amazing seafood prepared in local styles, top-notch service, great cocktails, and they give you an incredible amount of food for free right when you sit down. All in all, this place offers amazing value and consistency that I have not seen anywhere else in Vallarta. It’s a place that’s not touristy, but rather a little more commercial. They make up for it in every way imaginable. This place is great for larger groups, celebrations, business meetings, or right before a night out at the clubs. You’ll find that most people dress a little nicer here, so keep that in mind before coming straight from the beach.
P.S.
If you’re looking for a bit of relaxed nightlife with great eats where locals hang out, check out Las Viudas de Zapata and Aquí No Más.
P.P.S.
If you liked these reccomendations you'll also like our Puerto Vallarta Tequila Tour at Finca 18. Here you will see the agave fields, learn about how tequila is made, and do a guided tasting with one of our knowledgable sommeliers. An amazing expereience for any foodie coming to Vallarta. Click the button below to learn more.
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