Restaurants

Archie's Wok

Description: Founder Archie fell in love with Mexico on a trip to nearby Quimixto with his lovely wife, Cynthia, but it wasn't until after John Huston discovered his talents as a chef that Archie opened up Archie's Wok, close to the Los Muertos Pier. Filipino-born Archie focused on his favorite recipes: Asian dishes, made with the freshest of ingredients, and his fare is as tried and true as it comes. Chef Sergio, Archie's son, carries on family tradition and is a truly an artist in the kitchen.
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Barcelona Tapas

Description: DOWNTOWN. Perched hillside high above downtown, this snazzy tapas spot serves up spectacular views alongside tasty hot and cold Spanish tapas. From the traditional Spanish tortilla to jamón Serrano to baked goat cheese to spicy garlic shrimp, this as a great place to dine at any time of the day (check out their daily lunch specials). However, Barcelona is especially popular at dusk, as vista of the entire bay is the perfect backdrop for a jar of sunset sangria.
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Blanca Blue

Description: SOUTH OF THE RÍO CUALE. The magnificent Blanca Blue is located alongside the romantic beach of the south shore, within the Garza Blanca Resort. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers an intriguing menu with playful items such as guacamole served with crispy huachinango chips or a luxurious ceviche with ginger, orange and dill - perfect complements to an icy margarita. The international menu lists pairings from their substantial vino selection. A terrific place to watch the sunset.
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Coco's Kitchen

Description: SOUTH OF THE RÍO CUALE. Owner/chef Coco has a local following from years spent working the restaurant scene in Puerto Vallarta. Rumor has it all she has to do is set up a sign and people flock to her new place. This time she has it all in a gorgeous park-like setting shaded by trees with indoor and outdoor seating on a quiet street with adequate parking. Breakfast features sweet favorites like waffles, pancakes and specialties like chilaquiles with piquant salsa. When night falls, the garden lights up for you.
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El Arrayan

Description: DOWNTOWN. Owner Carmen Porras designed her restaurant with an arrayan tree in an open courtyard embraced by a rectangular covered area for diners. When you walk in, you feel as if you were entering a private home because the space seems so personal. If it's your first time here, definitely ask for a tangy arrayan margarita, accompanied by plantain empanadas or roasted chapulin (cricket) tacos.
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El Patio de mi Casa

Description: DOWNTOWN. Owner Heidi opened her first El Patio de Mi Casa (the patio of my house) in the (hello!) patio of her house. Her present location allowed her to expand the delicious menu, and the space also allows for live music and movie nights. This is truly a local hangout where you can come just to sip a beer or glass of wine or have espresso and a luscious dessert. Trees offer shade overhead, and there are rustic wooden tables to sit alone or with friends.
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La Esquina de los Caprichos

Description: DOWNTOWN. When La Esquina de los Caprichos opened up on the hill overlooking downtown Vallarta, what were the chances of it surviving even the first year? The climb is arduous, and parking can be iffy. That's if you know how to get there in the first place! And yet the crowds continue to file in, eager to sample the tantalizing Spanish tapas, proving Chef/owner Chapis and his wife, Miren, knew exactly what they were doing along! You may have to wait for a table, but it's well worth the effort.
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La Leche Restaurant

Description: HOTEL ZONE-NORTH. This totally white (White: Milk: Leche) restaurant has surprises in store for you beginning with the very moment the menu is wheeled out to you. The inventive fare is presented in surprising ways - maybe on a rock, in a shoe or even burgeoning out of a crystal tumbler. Most impressive is that the taste is the real zinger: it will trigger sensations you hadn't considered possible. Locals rave about this place operated by Chef Alfonso Cadena, who has certainly upped the ante on gourmet dining in PV.
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Mezzogiorno

Description: BUCERÍAS. Mezzogiorno is one of the truly romantic restaurants in Banderas Bay, and offers prompt, friendly service to match. Located above a quiet beach where the surf sweeps the soft sand, the restaurant serves up scrumptious Italian fare, from penne al funghi to raviolis to fettuccini to gnocchi. All of it handmade and served at your table. Accompany with wines from the glass or by the bottle. NB They are closed Mondays, April-November.
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Red Cabbage Cafe

Description: Proprietor Lola Bravo was inspired by artist Frida Kahlo, as evidenced by the colors and decor of this cozy, out-of-the-way eatery. What is brilliant is that she brings Frida's personal favorites to your table. Try the chiles en nogada when in season (their specialty of stuffed chiles with raisins, walnuts, ground beef and a white sauce sprinkled with pomegranate seeds) or mole poblano made with chicken. Closed Sundays, April-October.
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The River Cafe

Description: Located on the lush banks of Isla Rio Cuale, this romantic spot is pleasant day and night. Most evenings you can count on live music that adds immeasurably to your dining experience. The menu varies from typical Mexican offerings for breakfast such as quesadillas with huitlacoche sauce or chilaquiles while lunch and dinner leave open the door for more internationally-inspired dishes. Owing to its stunning decor and delightful ambience, The River Cafe is a frequent location for birthdays and other reunions
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Trio

Description: DOWNTOWN. This three-story townhouse was converted into one of the most gorgeous, cozy spots in the city (despite having no parking and no view). That doesn't stop the ever-busy Trio, created by owners/chefs Bernhard Guth and Ulf Henrikkson. Their buzz-worthy Mediterranean offerings (with a Mexican twist) are prepared with loving attention and a heavy emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Savor soft-shell crab with asparagus and a piquant peanut sauce, or a scallop/shrimp salad with arugula in citrus vinaigrette.
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