Planning your next vacation in Puerto Vallarta? We have gathered inside information for exclusive travel advice to Vallarta. Discover everything from where to eat, where to dance, and the essentials of this paradise on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican seaside paradise for boating enthusiasts who enjoy the vast coasts, beautiful landscapes, chic restaurants, well-maintained golf courses and plenty of sun-drenched activities. With plenty of choices, we’ve narrowed down some favorites from Puerto Vallarta residents and seasoned veterans who can’t help but return to the Pacific beaches year after year.
The Kliff: In arguably one of the most romantic spots in Puerto Vallarta, this cliff-side restaurant under a palapa offers some of the most spectacular views in the city. The Kliff is the romantic restaurant perfect for a quiet dinner or cocktails at sunset. Specializing in seafood, Le Kliff serves local dishes with an international twist. Enjoy your meal by the sea with a view of Banderas Bay for an absolutely unforgettable dining experience. Do not miss: The Kliff is the perfect place for a sunset dinner on the bay. A favorite for destination weddings and local celebrations, it is the restaurant of choice for a romantic evening.
Café des Artistes: No trip to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without enjoying a delicious dinner at Café des Artistes, one of the cornerstones of catering in Vallarta. The renowned restaurant managed by the chef Thierry Blouet offers an international menu that changes with the seasons and will no doubt surprise your palate. With a romantic terrace and laid-back elegance, Café des Artistes has become not only one of the hallmarks of restaurants in Puerto Vallarta but one of the most famous restaurants in Mexico. Do not miss: the Cocina de Autor on the second floor of Chef Thierry Blouet is an exclusive dining experience that adds a new dimension to the appeal of the Café des Artistes. Cocina de Autor is a more formal response to the bistro downstairs.
El Arrayán: Offering traditional Mexican recipes in the center of the old town of Vallarta, El Arrayán captures the heart of Mexico in its authentic cuisine and its relaxed environment. El Arryán offers classic dishes such as plantain empanadas, cochinita pibil, and duck confit, all created and garnished with local ingredients and flavors. Don’t miss Pastel Dionix based on a family recipe for a truly authentic dining experience in Vallarta.
Los Xítomates: For Mexican gourmets in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, right next to the Malecon, Los Xítomates is an exceptional restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Owner and chef Luis Fitch, in collaboration with Javier Fernandez Somellera, has created a whimsical Mexican fusion menu that has won prestigious awards since the restaurant opened in 2002. Not to be missed: a conversation with the owner and chef, Luis Fitch, who is almost always available to welcome customers to his restaurant.
The best nightlife in Puerto Vallarta:
De Santos: a constant favorite among the fashionable crowd, De Santos is an elegant lounge that warms up at sunset. Designed in a distinct Mediterranean setting, De Santos is perfect for a fun evening among knowledgeable locals dancing to lively music. Decorated in white, this stylish lounge is a favorite Puerto Vallarta bar for night owls sipping cocktails.
La Bodeguita del Medio: Perhaps not as famous as its namesake in Havana, this Cuban restaurant/lounge would have the best mojitos in town. Located on Puerto Vallarta’s famous Malecon Boulevard, La Bodeguita is perfect for people-watching and dancing to live salsa music. You may be in Mexico, but the tantalizing spirit of this cocktail bar will take you straight to the sultry streets of Havana.
Mandala: Replacing the former favorites of Malecon Kahlua and Mogambo, Mandala arrived in 2007 with fanfare and was a quick success among locals and tourists. The flashy and modern nightclub spins Spanish pop and electronic music until sunrise.
Christine: a seasoned veteran of Puerto Vallarta nightlife, Christine is a dazzling nightclub that tops every list of clubmen in Vallarta. It draws a trendy, upscale crowd to its sparkling dance floors, offering a wide range of music and a midnight light show every night.
