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Puerto Vallarta has some of the best restaurants in Mexico. There are so many local fine dining venues, with more than four dozen in the South Side/Romantic Zone alone, that it's hard to find a bad meal in the whole town. Restaurant Row on Basilio Badillo street in the heart of Old Town has some twenty or more gay-friendly eateries in seven blocks, from Coco Tropical on Los Muertos beach to the La Fonda and beyond, including those that serve German (Hacienda Alemana), Mexican (Cafe de Olla, El Mole de Jovita, Fajita Republic, Mama Rosa, Margarita Grill and Paco's Tacos), Italian (Boccon di Vino), international cuisine (Di Vino Dante and La Fonda), American (The Pitt and Wing's Army), seafood fare (Joe Jack's, Mr. Pulpo), Mex-Tex (Nacho Daddy), and some of the best breakfasts in town (Fredy's Tucan, Johnny's Diner and Memo's Pancake House). Most of these have extensive menus with a wide and rich variety of delicious dishes to choose from.  The downtown malecon boardwalk area is not only the center of straight nightlife but also has many restaurants, with a number of them serving food and providing some musical entertainment such as La Bodeguita del Medio (Cuban music, salsa), La Chata and El Andariego (both with mariachi), La Dolce Vita (jazz), and rock 'n roll at Paradise Burger. PV as a great gay travel destination has become a major attraction for people who enjoy cuisine and fine dining, winning more gastronomic awards and praise than any place in the country other than Mexico City. Since Puerto Vallarta has some of the best gourmet restaurants in the country, you can be pretty confident that you'll not only have lots of great food while you're here but good service as well. Most of the major hotels also have their own specialty eating places serving their own tasty cuisines. 'Casual but elegant' or 'casually elegant dining' seems to be the phrase in common use these days to describe going out to dinner. For dessert or coffee after a good meal, check out the cafes & bakeries page. Puerto Vallarta Restaurants Listed here are all of the gay-owned or managed (**) restaurants that I know of, and a good number of other popular, friendly and fine ones as well. Some of these have live music during the winter months so you may wish to call for further details. Many will accept only cash. All Puerto Vallarta restaurants and cafes use purified ice and water. Please note that it is customary in Mexico for you to have to ask for the bill at the end of your meal. Tipping is the same as in the States, 15-20%, depending on the quality of service. A number of dining spots close for a few weeks or more during the low season summer months, usually in September or early October. 116 Pulpito Gastro Bar - Olas Altas - 116 Pulpito street.  Tel: 113-0004  ** Tapas-style menu. Innovative cuisine with very good papas bravas, salads, coconut shrimp, calamari, thin crust pizza, cheese table. Sit at the bar, in the dining area or on the small sidewalk terrace. As of February 2015, #8 of 720 restaurants in town at TripAdvisor. Friendly service; Monday is tapas night. Gastro pub bar since Jan 2014.  Daily, 6pm-11pm Apaches Bistro - Old Town - 443 Olas Altas.  Telephone: 222-4004  ** Steaks, seafood and continental prepared by chef Andre from Europe. Delicious fare served until midnight at reasonable prices. A favored Puerto Vallarta gay restaurant. Next door to Apaches martini bar. Happy hour, 5pm-7pm.  Daily, 5pm-2am. Archie's Wok - South Side/Zona Romantica - 130 Francisca Rodríguez.  Tel: 222-0411 Archie Alpenia was film director John Huston's personal chef for years and now the restaurant is run by his wife Cindy and their daughter Kyoki. Combines Chinese, Thai and Filipino food and the place has its own oriental garden in the back. Tranquil atmosphere often with music on the harp by D'Rachel, Fri and Sat evenings. Menu includes Filipino egg rolls, calamari, garlic shrimp and a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes. Archie's Wok is always voted best Asian restaurant in Pto. Vallarta year after year. An old fave since 1986.  Mon-Sat, 2pm-11pm.

Barcelona Tapas - Downtown - Matamoros & 31 de Octubre.  Tel: 222-0510
Spanish restaurant and tapas bar with mixed seafood grill, charcoal grilled lamb, duck and vegetarian dishes, paella, gazpacho soup, as well a selection of cold and hot tapas galore. With owner Bill Carballo. Panoramic views of Banderas Bay and the town.  Mon-Sat, Noon-11:30pm; Sun,  9am-11:30pm

Bistro Balsamar - South Side - 372 Ignacio Vallarta.  Tel: 222-0926, Cell: 044-322-138-0978  **
Regional Mexican cuisine with chef Alejandro Cordero (photo left), who also does catering for visitors at condos and villas, see website. The gay-owned restaurant Bistro Balsamar recently moved over from Basilio Badillo street, and is a small place around the corner from the Galeria Contempo art gallery and across the street from the new V399 condominiums. Sidewalk seating as well as inside with a/c. Very good to excellent ratings, "Absolutely delicious....Amazing find". Recommended.  Daily, 7am-10:30pm

Bistro Teresa - Downtown - Vallarta Plaza, 160 calle Zaragoza, 4th floor.  Tel: 113-0281  **
International fusion and Mexican cuisine typify this quaint restaurant with open air seating, run by Laura and Mirasol from Mexico City. Was ranked as #1 in all of Vallarta for over a year, now at #7 out of some 762 dining spots in town. Travelers' Choice 2014 winner at TripAdvisor. Best to make reservations as it is quite popular. Moved in August 2015 from their old place on the Highway to Mismaloya into the new rooftop dining spot in El Centro at the main Vallarta Plaza in the central zocalo, overlooking downtown with beautiful views of the city, Bay and with gorgeous sunsets. Noted for its food, atmosphere and service. Meat, fish, vegetarian. Lesbian owned and operated since 2012.  Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm

Blue Chairs Beach & Hotel Rooftop Bar and Restaurant - Los Muertos Beach - Calle Malecon y Almendro #4.  Telefono: 222-5040   **
There is the Blue Chairs restaurant on the gay beach itself, and another on the rooftop at the Blue Chairs Resort, the later having a wading pool and lovely views of Banderas Bay from the two open top levels. Menus include Mexican, steaks, chicken dishes, pasta and seafood. Please call for details on entertainment. The Blue Chairs on the beach is open daily, 8am-Sunset. Blue Sunset rooftop bar and restaurant, Daily 3pm-11pm

Boccon di Vino Italian Trattoria - South Side - 317-A Basilio Badillo.  Cell: 044-322-102-8557
New Italian restaurant that comes well recommended from several friends. With a newer larger outdoor dining area in the back and a new wood burning pizza oven. Home-made pasta, seafood, lasagna. Good to excellent reviews. Chef Gaetano Fernandez from Naples.  Mon-Sat, 1pm-11pm

Bravos - Old Town/Romantic Zone - 263 Francisco Madero.  Tel: 222-0339  **
Recently opened in October 2013, with international food and an extensive wine list, the new menu includes shared starters like crispy calamari and grilled Thai chicken skewers, soups and salads, steaks, seafood & chops. The Bravos classic entrees range from braised lamb shank and Italian sausage ravioli to baked cheese cappelletti. Owner Michael Boufford managed the River Cafe, one of Vallarta's most well-known restaurants, for five years and was general manager of a famed Toronto dining spot for 8 years as well, so he knows his stuff. Reasonably priced; gay-owned and friendly with all welcome; events and catering. Visit the website.  Tues-Sun, 5pm-11pm
 

Cafe de Olla - South Side/Romantic Zone - 168 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-1626
Very good restaurant for Mexican food with reasonable prices and friendly service. The Mexican plate is probably the best in town and the ribs are delicious. Cafe de Olla menu also includes chicken, beef, shrimp and traditional national dishes. Quite popular, so be prepared to stand in line during the winter months. One of my favorite places to go out to eat for years. Closed Sept 15-Oct 15 every year.  Weds-Mon, 10am-11pm.

Cafe des Artistes - el Centro/Downtown - 740 Guadalupe Sanchez.  Tel: 222-3228
Cafe des Artistes blends provincial Mexican with classical French cuisine under chef-owner Theirry Blouet. Live piano music, original works of art and lush gardens enhance the tropical romantic effect. Restaurant menu includes stuffed crab, roasted sea bass, marinated salmon and roasted duck. des Artistes is one of most well-known and first-rate Puerto Vallarta restaurants, winner of several awards for cooking and according to a local poll voted the overall favorite in town, as well as for best service, most romantic, and best atmosphere. The Gourmand Magazine 2011 Guide to restaurants and fine dining named Chef Thierry Blouet as one of the ten most influential chefs in the world and the Cafe des Artistes as the best restaurant in all of Mexico. A connoisseur friend of mine says, "Best restaurant in Vallarta. We ate on the high level terrace in Cocina de Autor Thierry Blouet. Very expensive but great and memorable." Full info at cafedesartistes.com  Daily, 6pm-11:30pm.

Casa Naranjo - Emiliano Zapata - 263 Naranjo at Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 222-3518
International cuisine with an accent on flavors of oranges. Ranked on TripAdvisor as #23 of 683 Puerto Vallarta restaurants so it gets many pretty good reviews, including by gay food-writer Gary Beck; though some gourmet friends of mine did not enjoy the meal that night.  Daily, 5pm-11pm

Coco's Kitchen - South Side/Zona Romantica - 122 Pulpito.  Tel: 223-0373
Coco took over the old Barrio Sur restaurant and serves three meals a day. Cocos is especially noted for a good breakfast in Old Town, and for its romantic garden setting. Some friends report "the best chile rellenos in Vallarta". Early bird daily dinner special Tues-Sat, 5pm-7pm.  Daily for breakfast and lunch, 8am-4pm; Dinner, 5pm-11pm

Daiquiri Dick's - South Side/Old Town - 314 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-0566
California cuisine blended with traditional Mexican flavors at this fine Puerto Vallarta gourmet restaurant on Los Muertos beach. The Daiquiri Dick menu includes filet of fish "Zarandeado", BBQ spareribs, butter fried prawns and chicken in Oaxacan mole. Highly rated and one of the overall favorite restaurants in town year after year according to local polls, and noted for its fine service. Some of the best food in Puerto Vallarta. Owners Peter and Tari Bowman of Puerto Vallarta's Daiquiri Dick's (photo left) recently celebrated 40 years in November 2011 and have a cookbook of their recipes out, Sand in Your Shoes.  Weds-Mon, 9am-11pm.

de Santos - Hotel Zone/Plaza Peninsula - 2485 Blvd. Fco Medina Ascencio, Local 35-36.  Tel: 221-3090
Mediterranean international cuisine from Italy and Spain in a chic environment. After dinner this Puerto Vallarta restaurant-bar becomes a discoteca/disco nightclub scene. House DJ spins a combo of flamenco, lounge, mood and jazz music for meals and later. De Santos also has locations in Guadalajara and NYC. One of the owners of De Santos is a member of Mexico's most famous rock group, Mana.  Food daily, 12:30pm-2am; Music begins around 10pm until 3-4am.

Derby City Burgers - South Side - 356 Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-3323  **
Hamburgers, salads and hand cut french fries....Reportedly some of the best in town. Sidewalk seating; carry out is available. Gay owned and quite popular, now ranked #33 of 776 restaurants in the city on Trip Advisor.  Daily, Noon-10pm

Di Vino Dante - Old Town - 269-A Basilio Badillo, 2nd floor upstairs.  Tel: 223-3734
Wine tapas bar and restaurant. Very good reviews from friends. Located above and overlooking famed Galeria Dante art gallery. Find info at divinodante.com   Mon-Sat, 2pm-11pm

D'Z Route 66 Rock N Roll Diner - Marina Vallarta - Paseo de la Marina 3,  Locale #6.  Tel: 209-0760
Diner in the Marina which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with milkshakes, burgers, pizza, ribs, fries, etc. Based on '60s rock music, style, memories and colors. D'z Route 66 Diner open at their new location on Basilio Badillo street where Roberto's Puerto Nuevo used to be, but closed within a few months - said to be looking for another spot in this area of town. Owners Michelle and Armando Jimenez.  Daily, 8am-10pm

El Arrayan - Downtown/Centro - 344 Allende.  Tel: 222-7195  **
Locally voted "Best Mexican" in Puerto Vallarta for 5 years in a row, El Arrayan restaurant offers old family traditional recipes from different parts of Mexico. The restaurant (photo at left) has a welcoming atmosphere with a courtyard and arrayan tree growing there and plenty of Huichol art. Menu includes shrimp pozole, fish filet, ceviche, empanadas, duck "camitas" and "Chiquis" chicken breast. Frommer's Mexico 2007 included El Arrayan in the chapter on the best of Mexico. Live music with "Los Frijoleros" on Sat, 7pm-10pm. Gay-owned and operated by Carmen Porras, with head chef Mariano Valdez. Casual ambiance.  Weds-Mon, 5:30pm-11pm

El Mole de Jovita - South Side - 220 Basilio Badillo.  Telefono: 223-3065  **
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at this relatively new Puerto Vallarta gay-owned and operated restaurant. Mexican dishes and the house specialty of chicken mole. Good quality food at reasonable prices, and I'm hearing good reviews and word of mouth. Inside or street-side seating. Friendly service at El Mole de Jovita with owners Sergio Mucino and Roberto Gomez.  Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm

Fajita Republic - South Side - 188 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-3131  **
Beef, chicken, shrimp, combo and vegetarian fajitas are the specialty of the house, with BBQ ribs and traditional Mexican plates as well. Ample delish portions and moderate prices make Fajita Republic popular for dining. One of my favorites. Recently totally remodeled in the city, and also with a new location in Nuevo Vallarta, Tel: 297-2277.  Daily, 5pm-11:30pm

Figueroa's Burritos - Romantic Zone - 300 Carranza at Constitucion street.  Cell: 044-322-148-5450  **
A recently established gay-owned breakfast and brunch spot, Figueroa's (photo left) is "just a fun little local hang out with fresh California style Mexican food, good service and great prices." With burritos, chicken mole, tacos dorados and many others. Vegetarian, take out and delivery available, does a good business. Ranked #38 of 601 restaurants in Vallarta.  Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm

Fredy's Tucan - South Side - 245 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-0778
This restaurant & bar is popular with locals and tourists alike mainly for its breakfast (no dinner) in the open interior patio and street-side seating area. Waffles, french toast, crepes, omelettes, pancakes and some Mexican specialty dishes. Lunch/brunch available from noon. Fredy's Tucan often wins Virtual Vallarta on-line voting as the best breakfast in Puerto Vallarta. Since 1981 with the family Garcia Acevedo.  Daily, 8am-3pm

Fusion Gourmet - Romantic Zone/Zona Romantic - 156 Pilitas.  Tel: 223-1177
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the outdoor garden seating area, inside, or on the rooftop with some city and mountain views. With chef Andres Garcia, and live music. Happy hour, 3pm-7pm; closed Tuesday.  Weds-Mon, 8am-11:30pm

Gaby's - el Centro - 252 Mina at Hidalgo street.  Tel: 222-0480
Breakfast, lunch and dinner of traditional Mexican food. Located two blocks from the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, this long-time family-owned restaurant has been a favorite since Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton lived nearby in Gringo Gulch. Known for decades in Vallarta for the delicious food, affordable lunches and friendly service; very good to excellent ratings. Sometimes showing traditional folklore movies, video-clips and songs at dinner time on the theater size screen.  Daily, 8am-11pm

Hacienda Alemana - South Side - 378 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-2071
Good German and international food prepared by chef-owner Mike Pohl from Bonn. Lunch and dinner, served in an open garden restaurant, with a menu that includes several varieties of schnitzel and sausage, fish filet, sauerbraten and veal bratwurst. On Weds and Sat, 6pm-11pm, Hacienda Alemana offers a German buffet with all you can eat including draft beer; Friday it's all you can eat BBQ ribs.  Daily, 11:30am-11:30pm

Hamburger Grill at the Cafe San Angel - South Side - 449 Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-1273
This open sidewalk cafe and dining spot serves coffee, crepes, fruit smoothies, sandwiches, salads, pastries and desserts. Breakfast and Mexican specialties such as nachos, burritos, enchiladas and many varieties of hamburgers are also available. The huevos rancheros are perhaps the best in town. Cafe San Angel is another good choice in Old Town for people watching, with tables outside and couches/chairs inside.  Daily, 8:30am-2am

India Gate - Downtown/el Centro - 124 Allende.  Tel: 223-2424
New downtown eatery just a short walk up from the Malecon boardwalk and La Bodeguita del Medio, India Gate Puerto Vallarta serves such dishes as butter, mango and curry chicken, lamb tikka and curry, plus vegetarian fare as well.  Tues-Sat, 3pm-11pm; Sun, 2pm-8pm
 

Kaiser Maximilian - South Side - 380-B Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-0760
Combination of old and new world cuisine with a specialty of traditional Austrian and European dishes. Kaiser Maximilian serves delicious fare such as braised baby lamb strips, mahi-mahi, sautéed squid and San Blas shrimp. Inside dining with a/c or outside on Olas Altas street. The Maximilian Espresso cafe, open 8am-Midnight, serves 20 different coffees as well as Austrian pastries and ice cream.  Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm

La Bodeguita del Medio - Downtown - 858 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-1585
Cuban cuisine in the upstairs and downstairs dining areas with pleasant views of the malecon and Banderas Bay. La Bodeguita del Medio showcases live traditional Cuban music, salsa, boleros and rumbas with the band Candela from 9:30pm to midnight or later (see picture right). Popular for its unique ambience. Cuban cigar store too. Also in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey and Playa del Carmen.  Daily, Noon-2am.

La Palapa - Los Muertos Beach - 103 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-5225
One of loveliest and best beachfront restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Mexican and international cuisine with candlelight beachfront fine dining. La Palapa (picture left) has had a great romantic setting and been a tourist favorite since Dec 31, 1958. A gourmet connoisseur friend of mine notes: "Hands down the best restaurant South Side and one of the best city wide. The setting may be the best....Great breakfast and good lunch and dinner". Casually elegant and expensive. Acoustic guitar accompaniment or light Latin jazz music by Alberto Perez or Raul Simetal, 8pm-11pm. Visit their website for the La Palapa restaurant.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

La Piazzetta - South Side - 143 Rodolfo Gomez at Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-0650
Over 20 kinds of delicious Southern Italian style pizza as well as pastas and traditional Italian plates by owner Mimmo. La Piazzetta is often voted the best pizza and best Italian restaurant in the city. Excellent service and very popular year round, since October 1995. Visit lapiazzettapv.com  Another locale at 219 Ave. Fluvial Vallarta, Daily 1pm-12am, Tel: 224-7288. In Old Town, Mon-Sat, 4pm-Midnight

Langostinos - Playa Los Muertos Beach - 109 Manuel Dieguez.  Tel: 222-0894
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same block as the new Los Muertos pier. Service, food, atmosphere and the views of oftentimes spectacular sunsets are generally above average quality. Inside seating or on the beach with salads, soups, seafood and Mexican specialties. Reasonable prices and location make this dining spot popular with locals and tourists alike; ex-pats have regular get-togethers here. With owner Collet and a friendly staff. Langostinos frequently has live music. Next door to Cuates y Cuetes.  Daily, 8am-11pm

Le Bistro Jazz Cafe - Cuale River Island - Local 16-A, East Bridge.  Tel: 222-0283  **
International cuisine and an ambiance which is unique to Vallarta with upscale stylish decor, beautiful plants and statues, and a lovely location along the scenic Cuale River. One of the oldest and most established restaurants in town known for its extensive jazz collection, tranquil setting and the romantic atmosphere. Owners Roberto Cuevas and Humberto Ezparza. Le Bistro has been a perennial gay dining favorite since 1979.  Daily, 11am-11pm

Mama Rosa - Romantic Zone - 223 Basilio Badillo and Downtown - 297 Leona Vicario.  Tel: 222-2000, 222-4010  **
Traditional and contemporary Mexican cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A special breakfast buffet is served only Fri-Sun, 8:30am-1:30pm. Dinner served Tues-Sun, 6pm-11pm. Also offers three course meal specials.  Daily, 8:30am-11pm

Mariscos El Coleguita - Marina Vallarta - Popa street at Condominiums Marina del Rey, Local 17. Tel: 108-9726
One of the most popular restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta Marina. Reasonably priced seafood, shrimp, scallop, lobster, fish and Mexican dishes. Some two dozen tables on the covered patio. Locations also in Ixtapa, Jalisco and La Cruz de Huanaclaxte in Nayarit.  Weds-Mon, 1pm-8pm

Mediterranean Cafe and Bakery - South Side - 466 V. Carranza.  Tel: 222-2138, Cell: 044-322-429-1030  **
Serves classic Italian and Greek specialties which they create from scratch and which are made with seasonal and local ingredients such as chicken, beef and lamb souvlaki, salads, hummus, soups and several pasta dishes. For dessert at Mediterranean you can have specialty cakes or pastry which has been baked on the premises. Gay staff, as several friends work there as waiters. Owner Patty Saxonis does catering and events as well. Dinner, drinks, take out.  Bakery opens 8am; Dining daily, 4pm-10pm

Memo's Pancake House - South Side - 289 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-6272
Memo's breakfast place is popular, so you may have to wait in line. Pancakes, omelets, waffles, eggs and Mexican dishes. Pleasant open interior patio. In June 2003 the Pancake House was rated "the best place in the world to go for breakfast" by International Living.  Daily, 8am-2pm

Michel - South Side/Romantic Zone - 507 Olas Altas.  Tel: 223-2060, 223-2088  **
Italian cuisine at this trattoria (photo left) with owner Michel Pascal Ferrari, who also operates the new remodeled Sapphire Beach Club & Lounge on Los Muertos beach. Appetizers, pastas, risotto, meat and fish dishes, all prepared à la minute. Rather on the expensive side, but good reports of fine cuisine. Gay-owned Michel's has been over seven years at this location, and with inside or outside sidewalk seating.  Daily, 6pm-11:30pm

Nacho Daddy - South Side - 180 Basilio Badillo street.  Tel: 223-0838
An original concept in "Mex-Tex" cuisine with a large dining area, a popular sports bar area with 42" TVs, billiards and all with a lively atmosphere at night. Newest addition to the growing number of restaurants on Puerto Vallarta's famed Restaurant Row. Live music, Thurs through Sat, featuring Joe King Carrasco or special guests. Also hosts Charity Bingo through the season every other Tues at 6:30pm.  Daily, Noon to Midnight
 

Peking Restaurant - South Side - 136 Francisca Rodriguez.  Tel: 222-8609
Outdoor dining with good flavors from Chinese chef Xu Ji Feng. Deserves more business than it gets. On Francisca Rodriguez street before one gets to the Los Muertos pier, and next door to Archie's Wok.  Weds-Mon, 1pm-11pm

Planeta Vegetariano - Central - 270 Iturbide.  Tel: 222-3073
A wonderful little place with an all-you-can-eat vegetarian lunch buffet for only 85 pesos, including drink and dessert. A la carte menu for dinner, 7pm-10pm. Colorfully decorated with a tranquil atmosphere to compliment the good food. Planeta Vegetariano receives most excellent reviews.  Mon-Sat, 8am-11:30am for breakfast, and 11:30am-10pm for lunch and dinner.

Porto Bello - Marina Vallarta - Marina Sol Local #7.  Tel: 221-0003
Canadian owners Mario Nunes and Maurizio Pelligrini have a fine Italian restaurant here with pleasant views of marina Vallarta and the harbor where the large outdoor patio overlooks the sailboats and Sierra Madre mountains. Inside seating with a/c. Restaurant menu includes cannelloni, fusilli Porto Bello, veal scaloppine with white wine cream sauce, sautéed fish fillet and tasty deserts. Popular since 1989.  Daily, Noon-11pm.

Red Cabbage Cafe - Remance - 204-A Rivera del Rio.  Tel: 223-0411 **
This charming out of the way place along the Cuale River in a typical Vallarta neighborhood is filled with movie photos and posters. Regional Mexican food with specialties from all over the country including divine chiles en nogada, chicken mole from Puebla, and hearty carne en su jugo (steak in its juice). In addition, the vegetarian menu is diverse and tasty. Lola Bravo's place has been reviewed and recommended by Bon Appetit, Lonely Planet, NY Times and the Toronto Star. Frommer's rated the Red Cabbage restaurant as "exceptional traditional Mexican cuisine". Woman owned and operated.  Mon-Sat, 5pm-11pm.

Salud Super Food - Old Town - 534-A Olas Altas.  Cell: 044-322-139-9398
Offering delicious healthy cuisine focused on great tasting food using "superfoods" such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts or low-fat yogurt as their core ingredients. A healthier choice for a deliciously balanced diet. Options for vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike. Nite bites after 5pm include humus plate, lettuce chicken wraps, tacos Mumbai. Take out is available, with more info at saludpv.com  Mon-Sat, 9am-9pm

Sapphire Ocean Club - Los Muertos beach - #1 Calle Malecon.  Tel: 223-3264  **
Michel Ferrari, the gay owner of the fine Olas Altas restaurant-trattoria Michel, has just totally rebuilt what was formerly the El Lido Beach Club, located in front of the One Beach Street Vallarta condo resort on Los Muertos beach, renamed it the Sapphire Ocean Club & Lounge (facebook) and opened as of November 2014. This restaurant-bar opens for breakfast starting at 9am through dinner ending at 12am, with a menu that includes soup, sandwiches, homemade pasta, salads, ceviche, and a variety of meat, fish and seafood dishes. The beachfront Sapphire Bistro offers chaise lounges and recliners with sun shades, plus an open-air dining area for its gay-friendly clientele. Brand new & quite stylish. A friend writes, "Great waiters. 80/20 gay/straight. Older, wealthier crowd....No tortilla chips, no papas fritas. But the lounge chairs, cute and super-friendly beach guys, and real wine glasses makes it all worthwhile." Sapphire boasts its own new pool as well, and is practically adjacent to the traditional Blue & Green chairs of the Puerto Vallarta gay beach.  Daily, 9am-Midnight

Seasons PV - South Side - 130 Ignacio Vallarta in Rivera Molino plaza.  Tel: 178-2148  **
Canadian/American style with a a touch of Mexican, lead by Chef Laurie who has over 30 years of experience. Casual friendly dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, burritos and wraps, and for dinner fish, chicken, seafood and sirloin dishes. Gluten free options. Seasons PV motto is a quote from the writer Virginia Woolf, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." Gay staff, mixed clientele. Popular with locals.  Sun-Thurs, 9am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-10pm

Taste - Amapas - 129 Callejon de la Igualidad.  Phone: 223-2484 ext. 151  **
Taste (photo left) is the gay-owned restaurant at the luxurious Casa Cupula gay guesthouse. Menu featuring a taste of three different cuisines: Mediterranean, Mexican and Asian flavors, with all dishes available in half and full portions. In only months Taste restaurant rose to the top 10 of all Vallarta restaurants on TripAdvisor. Full bar and with a romantic secluded tropical atmosphere. Voted best new Puerto Vallarta restaurant in 2011. Under the direction of Erick Martinez and Chef Jose Luis Ponce. Check their website for updated details.  Sunday with mimosa brunch, 10am-1pm. Daily for breakfast, 9am-Noon; and lunch with fresh salads, sandwiches and light affaires; Dinner, Mon-Sat, 6pm-11pm

The River Cafe - River Cuale Island, local #4, West Bridge.  Tel: 223-0788
International cuisine such as diver scallops, rainbow shrimp, rack of lamb, soups and salads. Seating on the terraces along the banks of the Cuale River with a pleasant natural setting. "Casual but elegant dining". The River Cafe has live music with Cheko Ruiz, Mon and Tues from 7:30-10:30pm   and with Invitro, Weds and Thurs, also from 7:30-10:30pm. Head chefs Benjamin Sanchez and Karla Morales. Reservations recommended. Margaritas 2x1, 12pm-6pm. See rivercafe.com.mx  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

The Swedes Bistro & Bar - South Side - 154 Pulpito at Olas Altas street.  Tel: 223-2353  **
The Swedes gay bar and bistro serving food from Weds-Mon, 6pm-11pm. Bistro menu includes Swedish meatballs, pasta tagliatelle, filet mignon, traditional Swedish hash and other North America & European cuisine. The Crow's Nest Bar is on the 2nd floor of the bistro, with nice views and serving drinks until late. Gay bar and bistro with Rikard and Morgan. Good reports-reviews on The Swedes Bistro & Bar with an eclectic food selection that is well-presented and prepared.  Weds-Mon, 6pm-2am

Tony's Please - Emiliano Zapata - 440 Lazaro Cardenas near Jacarandas.
Tony has had a restaurant at various spots on the South Side since the 1970s and has faithful local and tourist customers, a testament to the good cooking and decent prices. Mexican, steaks, seafood. Mentioned by friends and always rated very good to excellent.  Mon-Sat, 5:30pm-11pm

Trio - Centro/Downtown - 264 Guerrero.  Tel: 222-2196
"Casually elegant", featuring international gourmet food that combines Mediterranean cuisine with the traditional flavors of Mexico. Stylish decor with art work by local artists and a patio in the back open during the winter season. Many reports indicate that Trio restaurant prepares one of the better meals in Puerto Vallarta though some have demurred and clearly prefer the sister-restaurant Vitea hands down. Upscale. Further information triopv.com   Dinner, 6pm-11:30pm.

Verona Bar - Old Town - 499 Olas Altas at Rodolfo Gomez street.  Cell: 044-322-113-0019  **
New gay-owned pizza place and tapas bar. Reasonably priced and delicious food, with sidewalk seating and a gay staff. Verona has become rather popular in a short period of time. Happy hour, 4pm-7pm.  Daily, 12pm-1am

Vista Grill - Alta Vista - 377 Pulpito.  Tel: 222-3570
Romantic mood, excellent cuisine and stunning views of the town and Banderas Bay make Vista Grill restaurant a Puerto Vallarta fine dining experience. Main courses include grilled salmon, braised short rib, duck confit and five-spice shrimp. Combining a modern jazz club feel with an innovative Mexican cuisine and lovely views, Vista Grill quickly became a standard of quality earning such reputable awards as the AAA Four Diamonds Award, the only non-hotel restaurant in town to achieve this distinction. Expensive.  Daily, 5:30pm-11:30pm

Vitea - Downtown/el Centro - 2 Libertad on the New Malecon.  Tel: 222-8703
Ocean-front bistro located along the stretch of the New Malecon extension between Los Arcos Amphitheater and the pedestrian bridge over the Cuale River. Vitea has a pleasing casual sidewalk atmosphere, modern eclectic decor and an excellent selection of wines. Menu includes quiche, salads, sandwiches, filet mignon and seafood. Voted best moderate priced Puerto Vallarta restaurant in 2010. Operated by the owners/chefs of Trio restaurant Bernhard Güth and Ulf Henriksson. Popular. See their website viteapv.com   Daily, 8am-Midnight
 

Briefly, here are a few other popular/well known Puerto Vallarta restaurants that may well be worth checking out:

100% Natural - North Side/Hotel Zone - 1630 Ave. Francisco Medina Ascencio.  Tel: 223-2974
Veg-friendly restaurant with a buffet that features hot foods, salad bar, some raw food and soup; with fresh juices. Two levels with views of the avenue decorated in bright colors and with artwork. Across from the Sheraton Hotel and with home delivery.  Mon-Sat, 8am-10pm

Andale - South Side/Zona Romantica - 425 Olas Altas.  Tel:  222-1054
Andale's bar is on the first floor, which can be quite crowded and loud during the winter months with music and dancing. The sidewalk restaurant has seating as well up on the 2nd and 3rd floors overlooking Olas Altas street, 8am-11pm.  Daily, 8am until 2-3am

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company - Downtown - 674 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-9380, 222-9447
American chain and one of more popular Puerto Vallarta downtown restaurants. Plenty of shrimp & seafood dishes; rather pricey. Daily, 10am-12am

Cafe Roma - Downtown/Central - 287 Encino at Matamoros, upstairs.  Tel: 222-7378
Italian restaurant/pizzeria and bar near the municipal flea market and across from the Cuale River so some nice views. Noted for its home-style environment and friendly service since 2006. Karaoke on Mon, Weds and Fri, 6pm-9pm. Rated as #47 out of some 683 restaurants in town at TripAdvisor. Website at romamexico.com  Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm

Chez Elena - Central - 520 Matamoros at Galeana.  Tel: 222-0161
Romantic garden restaurant known for its diversity of Mexican dishes and international specialties (photo left). The rooftop terrace bar El Nido has panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. The Chez Elena menu includes grilled catch of the day, chicken mole, several vegetarian choices and a savory Mayan pork dish. Opened in 1955 by the original "Elena" and operated since 1980 by Gloria Whiting. Caters to small and large groups and private dinner parties.  Dinner, 6pm-11pm

Cuates y Cuetes - South Side - 101 Francisca Rodríguez at pier Los Muertos.  Tel: 223-2724
A restaurant-bar on Los Muertos beach that often has good live jazz-salsa-light rock-reggae music in the evenings from around happy hour sunset time until approximately 11pm. Specialty of seafood; food is reportedly so-so. Cuates and Cuetes is popular for happy hour 6pm-8pm.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

El Brujo - South Side - 510 Venustiano Carranza at Naranjo.  Tel: 223-2036
Mexican, seafood and beef dishes. El Brujo has become popular for its reasonable prices and ample servings of good food. Ranked #80 of 776 restaurants in PV on TripAdvisor. Location also in Bucerias, Nayarit on the Avenida Pacifico with Tel: 329-298-0406.  Tues-Sun, 1pm-10:30pm

El Coleguita - Marina Vallarta - Popa s/n Local 27 at Condominio Marina del Rey.  Tel: 044-333-111-5040, 044-322-108-9726
Popular seafood restaurant in Marina Vallarta for over 6 years, and over 19 years in its Ixtapa location on the La Palmas highway. Generous portions of fish and shellfish selections.  Weds-Mon, 11am-8pm

El Colera - South Side - 542 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 223-0769
Popular with the Mexican locals for all kinds of fish and seafood coctels, tostadas and empanadas.  Daily, 11am-7pm

El Panorama - Central - Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez and Miramar.  Tel: 222-1818, 222-1824
The top 4 floors of the Hotel La Siesta make this restaurant famous for its incredible panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta downtown and Banderas Bay. Two open-air rooftop terraces. Seafood and international cuisine with violin, guitar and grand piano accompaniment. Puerto Vallarta sunset restaurant El Panorama has dressy attire; handicap accessible. Serving since 1973.  Daily, 5:30pm-Midnight

Johnny's Diner - Old Town - 336 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-5679
Breakfast at Johnny's diner, South Dakota style, starting at 59 pesos. Variety of plates, wifi, seating out back too.  Weds-Mon, 8am-6pm

La Chata - Centro/Downtown - 710 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs.  Tel: 222-5530, 222-5529
Mexican restaurant on the malecon serving seafood, chicken and beef dishes. One of the more moderately priced Puerto Vallarta downtown restaurants. Second level up, so good views of the boardwalk and Banderas Bay from the balcony seating. Live music with Mariachi group Nuevo Imperial every night, 9pm-10:30pm. Family owned business with locations in Guadalajara since 1942.  Daily, 8am-Midnight

La Dolce Vita - Central - 674 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-3852
Serving great northern Italian food. Located on the malecon with ocean views upstairs (picture of staff at left). I'd call La Dulce Vita the most popular restaurant in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Also in Nuevo Vallarta, #2 Ave Paseo de Las Palmas, Tel: 297-0403. Downtown with live light jazz music 11pm-2am, Weds and Fri only. For info dolcevita.com.mx  Mon-Sat, Noon-2am; Sun, 6pm-Midnight

La Terraza di Roma - Marina Vallarta - Condominium Puesta del Sol, Local 2.  Tel: 221-0560
The pier of the Italian restaurant La Terraza along the Marina walkway or boardwalk has a pleasant relaxed atmosphere for dining or drinks, day or night.  Daily, 8am-11pm

Mariscos Tino's - Downtown - 920 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs.  Tel: 223-2803, 223-2808
Seafood and fish restaurant bar with a great location just past the north end the Malecon across from Hidalgo Park; with seating inside and along the 2nd floor balcony. Mariscos Tino's menu includes marlin and crab tacos, seafood cocktails, many varieties of shrimp dishes, lobster and filet mignon. Locations also in Nuevo Vallarta and Punta de Mita, Nayarit. Locally since 1990.  Daily, 10:30am-Midnight.

Marisma Fish Taco - South Side - 320 Naranjo at V. Carranza.
Reportedly the best fish tacos in Puerto Vallarta, with hand made tortillas. Marisma has locations also in the Marina at Popa and Quilla just behind Plaza Neptune at the Condos Marina del Rey, and also in Fluvial Vallarta at Carlos Barrios and Lake Michigan street. Menu includes tacos, guisados, shrimp, smoked marlin or fish burritos, quesadillas and hamburgers. Since 1990.  Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm.

Oscar's - Cuale River Island - Local #1, West Bridge.  Tel: 223-0789
Located at the west end of the Cuale River island, Oscar's restaurant offers dining under a large thatched palapa with views of the Cuale river as it enters Banderas Bay. Menu includes lobster bisque and traditional Mexican, American and international dishes.  Daily, 10am-11pm.

Paradise Burger - Downtown - 740 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs.  Tel: 223-2328
All American fare with some Mexican specialties to spice things up, and a good location ocean-front in the middle of the downtown Malecon boardwalk. They sometimes have live rock and roll music in the evening; call for details.  Daily, 10:30am-Midnight

Pipi's - Central - 807 Guadalupe Sanchez at Pipila.  Tel:  223-2767
Tex-Mex specialties include steak, chicken, shrimp and fish fajitas. Often crowded with tourists; serving traditional Mexican food since 1986. Pipi's is noted for its large drinks and plentiful servings.  Daily, 11am-11pm

The Blue Shrimp - Los Muertos Beach - 366 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-4246, 223-1840
Now located on Los Muertos beach next door to Daiquiri Dick's under the giant palapa. Shrimp prepared a dozen different ways, lobster, fish filet and rib-eye cuts. A good meal, great views and popular. Often with live music by Graham Cook.  Daily, 9am-12am
 

Puerto Vallarta restaurant reviews and ratings
The Puerto Vallarta Restaurants & Dining Guide has a fairly comprehensive lists of restaurants, cafes and bars in the city, ranging from budget selections and hamburger stands to exquisitely delicious gourmet French food and popular Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Much more can be found online here at TripAdvisor where there currently 610 restaurants and over 27,000 reviews by travelers; or at Virtual Vallarta with paid listings, another one of the best sources, by location, type and price; or at the All Vallarta Message Board. Gay guys might also be interested in Gary Beck's Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide as his book has updated reviews of over 375 eateries, and covers just about everything from taco stands to upscale dining throughout Banderas Bay. And of course there's JR's usual reliable round up and ratings of anything local, go here for his Restaurant list by type of food, and for something authentically unique and useful for those on a modest budget or who like to eat out and around at the various tacos stands, there's his Street Food - Taco Stands webpage. Gary Beck, JR and their friends certainly do get around.

Natural Foods Store

Don Fresco at Los Mercados - South Side - 265 Aquiles Serdan.  Tel: 222-0383
Los Mercados is a newly remodeled market located in Zona Romantica which offers a variety of shops including Don Fresco which offers fresh produce including locally grown heirloom tomatoes, sweet white corn, a selection of lettuces and every sort of fruit and vegetable. Located 1/2 block from the Gutierrez Rizo supermarket.

Special Notes

Virtual Vallarta Readers' Choice Awards 2012 for the best in local dining are here. Once again the winners are selected by visitors and residents alike who filled out the on-line voting form between Feb 1 and June 15. Some 11,000+ votes were submitted in 44 categories. Everyone has their favorites but this list will perhaps help you to decide where to find something special for eating out. I consider it somewhat difficult to find a bad meal in all of Puerto Vallarta, though going out has gotten a bit pricey in many of the restaurants that cater to tourists.

Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet International - November 11-20, 2016
The annual Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet or Restaurant Week in November features the culinary talents of local chefs of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit state, as well as some guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels. Highlights of the Festival include cooking classes, cheese seminars, Tequila Madness Night and the exceptional Gourmet Brunch at Cafe des Artistes. Participants have included Blanca Blue, Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical, de Santos, El Arrayan, Kaiser Maximilian, La Palapa, Porto Bello Bistro, the River Cafe, Thierry's Prime Steak House, Trio, Vista Grill and some 15-18 or so other restaurants and Puerto Vallarta hotels including Andrea at Hotel Velas Vallarta, El Patio at Dreams Villamagna, Gaviotas at Sheraton Buganvilias, Insu Sky Lounge at Marival Residences and World Spa Nayarit, La Casona at Villa Las Estancia, Las Casitas at CasaMagna Marriott, L'isola at Fiesta Americana Hotel, Luxury Resort in Riviera Nayarit.  Tel: 222-2247

Travel note: The information on this and other pages of the Puerto Vallarta Gay Travel Guide were deemed accurate when posted, but things can change without notice. You may wish to confirm dining details directly with the restaurants in question before planning your day or night out.