9 Local Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta You Can’t Miss

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Puerto Vallarta is one of the most famous beach destinations in Mexico, and for good reason. Its beautiful beaches, impressive landscapes, and the friendliness of everyone around makes it an absolutely charming place to visit. But one of the best things that Puerto Vallarta has to offer is definitely the food!

The food scene in Puerto Vallarta (or “PV” for short) is sensational, whether you’re looking for a casual meal or an elegant dinner. Of the wide variety of dining options that you can find here, there’s quite a few places that earn a special stamp of approval from PV’s very own. So if you want to eat where the locals go, here’s 9 must-visit restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.

8 Tostadas

Located in the Marina area of PV, this restaurant is known for its great seafood. Their tostadas and other main dishes are irresistible, prepared with the freshest ingredients around. We especially recommend the marlin tostada that you can wash down with a delicious agua de piña (fresh pineapple-flavored water).

It’s important to note that they only accept cash here!

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Best local restaurants in Puerto Vallarta
Photo: 8 Tostadas 

cha’

Tucked away in the streets of Colonia Versalles is this little spot, which is undoubtedly a favorite among the locals (especially for breakfast). It’s important to know that it tends to get crowded, so you might have to wait a while to be seated, but it’s worth it! We recommend the French toast served with vanilla ice cream and the cold chai latte.

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Florios

Sitting one block away from cha' is Florios, an Italian-Argentinian restaurant with handmade pasta and empanadas. It’s one of the best options for dinner, and while it may be small it boasts big flavors! Not only do we recommend the wood-fired pizzas here, but we also recommend asking for a table on the patio, as it’s the most beautiful part of this place.

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Los Alcatraces

This restaurant has been a favorite for years and years for authentic, delicious Mexican breakfasts. It’s a simple place, with a diverse menu and homemade flavors. If you have children, there’s a play area upstairs for them to hang out while you enjoy your meal.

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Puerto Café

Located in downtown Puerto Vallarta is this small cafe that’s become a staple to many locals. People come in, enjoy their morning coffee, and go about their day.

The owner is a coffee connoisseur, so you know your drink will be delicious! Be sure to try their selection of pastries, which are also stellar.

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El Barracuda

“Seafood ‘mercadito’ style”, what better way to introduce yourself to El Barracuda, one of the best local restaurants to enjoy delicious seafood. It has two locations, one in Nuevo Vallarta and the other in downtown Puerto Vallarta right on the beach. We recommend the downtown location since it is the most traditional and you will have a wonderful meal while basking in the views of the ocean and your feet in the sand.

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Seafood restaurant by the beach - Puerto Vallarta
Photo: El Barracuda

Trio

Since the late 1990s, Trio has been serving delicious Mediterranean food in a colonial home located in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Although the partner chefs are European, this cozy restaurant has become a classic among locals seeking unique flavors from land and sea.

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La Cigale

A little piece of Paris right in Puerto Vallarta! This French restaurant will transport you to the "city of light" as soon as you set foot in its doors. It’s simple and sleek; its food is exquisite and a great go-to for dinner. Order the onion soup, it's spectacular.

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The Iguana

The Iguana is a tequila bar and restaurant located in the boutique hotel Casa Kimberly, where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton once lived. With an elegant yet casual open-air setting, this place serves contemporary Mexican cuisine while offering beautiful views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.

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Best dining in Puerto Vallarta
Photo: Casa Kimberly

We hope you enjoy these restaurant recommendations as much as we do!

Further than eating with the locals, if you’re looking to put down roots in PV with a home, whether it be to live in or as an investment, we can help!

At Tao Mexico, we are specialists in real estate in Puerto Vallarta. We’re currently selling exclusive 1- and 2- bedroom condos in our private development, Tao Blue Gardens, located in downtown Vallarta. We’ll also be offering similar deals at our new development in Marina Vallarta soon!

Contact us today, we would love to meet you and show you our properties available in beautiful Puerto Vallarta.

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