Open Monday through Saturday from 8am until 4pm Artisan Bakery has made a name for itself by producing some of Puerto Vallarta’s best Sourdough, an item offered at several local Restaurants as well as Hotels and Cafes.
A full-service shop with loyal customers, though prices track higher than more traditional Panaderia, options span Cookies to Viennoiseries with the latter unfortunately flaccid in the setting of coastal humidity plus hot temperatures.
Faring better with jumbo Cookies served thin, each bite chewy with bright Baking Spices, Mexican Wedding Cookies are another highlight while Apple Strudel and Sticky Buns are good but not great by comparison to artisans elsewhere.
Pan Frances, Agave Syrup, Red Berry Jam, Bananas, Strawberries, Blueberries
Carrot Cake
Liked by locals and tourists alike Miscelánea Vallarta offers well-composed Breakfast plates in a pleasant atmosphere with seating both outside on the patio and indoors with air conditioning.
Founded by sisters, a minimalist setting of white brick and wood tables outside a semi-open kitchen, guests are invited to begin with Aguas Frescas or Coffee plus Pastries such as moist Carrot Cake decorated in Cream Cheese Frosting.
Savory and sweet with global inspiration, Shakshuka adjacent Tacos and Hamburgers, fans of Chilaquiles will find Miscelánea’s Mole version compelling thanks to fresh Chips and fragrant Cheese while traditional Molletes are benefited by housemade Bread.
Offering excellent service, plates arriving timely with a smile, French Toast falls a bit short thanks to an inadequate soak which leaves more room for toothsome Pancakes made with Masa beneath Fruit, Granola and Agave Syrup.
Considered an Jalisco signature no visit to Puerto Vallarta should miss an opportunity to sample Birria, Goat Stew slow-simmered in a complex Sauce bolstered by Chili Paste offered either by the bowl or loaded onto freshly made Tortillas as they do at Tacos Don Chuy Y Tacos de Birria Dona Silvia.
A breakfast Food for natives, though Dona Silvia operates from 8am until 1am daily except for Thursday, guests are asked to take a number and wait to be called while watching skilled women dip Corn rounds into Fat and fry each bite golden brown.
Provided with cup of Consome plus bagged Condiments, each Taco 25 pesos, first bite sees crispy shell give way to supple flesh with a bit of Fat and although some may elect to add Salsa or Citrus the best bites are undeniably those dipped in Broth.
Precisely what one might expect from the name Eloteca Versalles is a small Restaurant and garden focused on products made from Corn, hours from 6pm until 10pm daily seeing a mostly local crowd line up for Esquites topped to order plus Tamals and Desserts.
Locally owned and easily identified by music, the whole setup including staff joyful, it is after a brief wait that Food arrives piping hot and whether one chooses traditional Tamals or those topped in Guava Jam the hidden star is toothsome Masa boats topped funky Cheese.
Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Pollo Taco, Chorizo Taco
Since 1987 Pepe’s Taco has been one of the most popular eateries in Puerto Vallarta, proximity to the beaches in Zona Romantica assuring a steady stream of tourist traffic while hours from 1pm until 6am daily creates an ideal environment for post-party eats.
Opened by CDMX native Don Jose “Pepe” Curiel, in part as a reaction to the lack of quality Taqueria back in the 80’s, Pepe focuses on traditional proteins at prices only a few pesos more than traditional carts and stands.
Cooled by overhead fans, small consolation amidst sweltering heat and humidity, Tortillas come freshly pressed with plenty of Protein and whether one chooses Beef, Chicken or Pork the flavors are bold beneath a generous amount of Cilantro, Onions plus additional condiments on the side.
Now with three locations in Puerto Vallarta it is safe to say Marisma Fish Taco has earned its accolades, the small stand in Zona Romantica still consistently turning out a wide range of Seafood on freshly made Tortillas from 10am until 6pm daily.
Cash-only from the beginning, a laminated menu introducing guests to Tacos, Tostadas and Quesadillas, one must only take a seat and choose their protein before workers proceed to press Masa and sear it before to service.
Offering Salsas, Onions and Sauces on the side, all chopped or made fresh daily, suffice it to say both Marlin and Crab Stews deliver bold balance while Shrimp and Fish smoked or seared taste best with a squeeze of citrus.
Located one block from the beach in Zona Romantica guests visiting Puerto Cafe can expect locally sourced Beans carefully roasted and used to make a variety of Coffee beverages ranging from artistic Lattes to pure pour-over and bottled Coldbrew with excellent balance.
Offering seats, air conditioning and WiFi, all rarities in Puerto Vallarta, those arriving early may also be fortunate enough to encounter a woman named Lu arrives walking her dog to deliver chewy Cookies ranging from Chocolate Chip to Cranberry.
Located centrally on Basilio Badillo in Zona Romantica a large part of the popularity of Eulo’s Bakery is proximity, but between the wide selection and fair prices one is unlikely to find a better Panadaria within walking distance of old town Puerto Vallarta.
Sporting an open kitchen and hours from 7am to 11pm guests are asked to self-select from racks in addition to items behind glass, Pan Dulce such as Concha nicely proofed while Empanadas with Guava or Caramel see a golden exterior yield smooth insides.
Less impressed by Donuts, really no better than Dunkin, look to Oreja for sweet and crunchy while Carrot Cake and Tres Leches are each offered as a substantial slice, moist with good Frosting.
Arguably Puerto Vallarta’s best Restaurant Café des Artistes features the food of Chef Thierry Blouet, and although the gardens and art are lovely service deteriorates as soon as the space begins to fill with lengthy waits between courses plus untenable volumes amplified by live music.
Migrated from an old stone path in Nayarit to Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta a visit to Tacos On The Street sees the Restaurant still focused on one thing, making the best Ribeye Tacos in Jalisco and doing so with fair prices plus friendly service.
Tucked into a collection of eateries, all fairly quiet midday, decisions come easily thanks to a concise menu and whether one chooses Taco, Tostada or Quesadilla the Meat itself is thin-sliced and supple with fat fully rendered and edges just shy of crispy.
Offered with an array of condiments with or without Cheese, prices a bit higher than nearby stands but not excessive, Tortillas are fresh-pressed and faultless while Flan is a dense variety soaked in bitter-sweet Caramel like that served in France.
Serving Puerto Vallarta since 1970 a visit to Espiga de Oro would suggest little has changed since opening, its sales area shabby with an abundance of bees and the offerings fairly limited even as early as 8:30am.
Cash only with no seating, a group of locals lounging on steps outside, it was for less than $5USD that eight items were purchased for sharing – none on par to local Panaderia and the Concha drier than those found at grocery stores stateside.
By day a Coffee shop and at night pouring unique Cocktails Café INA is the brainchild of Biorel Villaseñor, his spot in El Pitillal taking an artisan approach to beverages without the elevated prices of spots serving less curated versions along the tourist corridor.
Operating with minimal signage, just an open door with a long bar and lounging cats, guests stopping by will find Biorel happy to talk beans from San Sebastián del Oeste to Nayarit and whether one chooses a scalding Pour Over or Cold Brew the complexity and attention to detail shows with every sip.
FROM DUBAI WITH LOVE – Lamb in Merlot reduction, Chickpea hummus, Sautéed chickpeas
BOLILLO BREAD ICE CREAM
Built out of one of the first grocery stores in Ixtapa La Tienda Grande sees Chef Salvador Carrillo creating elegant Mexican Cuisine utilizing Mediterranean influences, a Tasting Menu seeing guests invited to choose their own main course plus innovative Cocktails or Wines focused on local purveyors.
Far from the tourist corridor, the sort of Restaurant that has earned the effort needed to visit since it opened, diners will notice streets filled with local vendors on their way into a space decorated with plaster and tile around the kitchen on full-display.
A frequent award recipient, though friendly and professional service assures a lack of pretense, Dinner begins with a crackling Croquette filled with molten Cheese before proceeding to a dish called “Child’s Play” featuring seared local Tuna on a color-shifting plate.
No doubt a Mexican Restaurant, but proudly incorporating global influences into dishes such as a Plantain Empanada or Lamb in Red Wine Demi, Chef Carrillo’s Braised Pork Belly Taco is a work of art balanced by Cream and Greens preceding Pork Ribs with Sweet Potato Puree.
Rethinking Enfrijoladas as an exceptional dish based on Beef Short Ribs, pickled Vegetables cutting through the richness with ease, “Pink Octopus” sees Cephalopod tender with a bit of snap adjacent non-traditional accouterments before finishing the night with an Ice Cream Cone indistinguishable in flavor from Bolillo Bread.
In a city bolstered by tourism it would be easy for guests to overlook places almost entirely supported by locals, and although Puerto Vallarta has plenty of Panaderia the best spot for freshly made Pan Dulce is Panaderia La Chiquita Tradicional on Calle Rafael Osuna.
Hidden amidst surrounding streets with minimal signage, early arrivals finding a team of ten or more mixing and forming various items, it is around 12h00 that racks are filled with myriad choices ranging from textbook Concha and Cornbread to Turtle-shaped Bread with subtle sweetness.
Friendly and cash-only, an Oreja crackling to the tooth with plenty of Butter inside, fans of Besos will find this version filled with Cajeta instead of Guava while Cake and an item akin to a Scone are each also quite good.
With several locations in Puerto Vallarta Mariscos 8 Tostadas is considered by many to be a “must visit,” the space in La Marina proving especially popular thanks to a large seating area plus friendly service and fair prices.
In direct view of the Ocean, a full bar pouring Micheladas and Palomas for guests en route to their boats, nearly every choice can be counted on for freshness whether Aguachile bright with Citrus, chopped Fish Tostadas or Tacos piled high in smoked Marlin Meat.
Located away from the beach on Calle Pavo Real a visit to Pasteleria Pavlova will find mostly locals, the Bakery’s wide range of options rooted in local Ingredients but not afraid to explore ideas such as Macarons and unique ideas such as moist Apple Cake baked in a Canele mold.
Spacious compared to other local Panaderia, a covered outdoor patio welcoming diners to stay and enjoy their Pastries, fans of Tres Leches will find Pavlova’s a single layer with good Frosting and medium-saturation while Carrot Cake is two-tiered around Cream Cheese with Nuts but no Raisins.
Also executing Cookies well, a crisp rim and soft center found on both Chocolate and Chocolate Chip, those in the know won’t sleep on buttery Cinnamon Rolls with or without Fruit that are big enough to share.
Located on Los Muertos Beach La Palapa Restaurant was founded by Rodelinda Pérez and Guy Dickey in 1959, their decision to open a place so far from the current downtown originally questioned but now celebrated as the first beach restaurant in Puerto Vallarta.
Spanish for “thatched roof,” a redesign in 1987 retaining much of the original and the business still family-owned, guests visiting now will still find friendly service and Mexican-influenced intercontinental cuisine ranging from Pot Stickers to Risotto.
An expansive floor plan with several tables on the sand, sunset seating predictably in demand, it is while musicians serenade guests that servers circulate Bread with Butter followed by Appetizers, Pear Salad brightened by Hibiscus while Duck Enchiladas trend sweeter than they need to be.
A tourist spot with prices to match, entrees up to 745 pesos, flavors for Pork Belly as well as Risotto are as expected and Desserts find Corn Flan with Mascarpone far outpacing Lychee Mousse compromised by Mint or greasy Churros atop Rice Pudding.
Located just over the pedestrian bridge to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is Tacon de Marlin, a second location of the Puerto Vallarta favorite for Burritos loaded with fresh Seafood and a lack of Rice.
Frequently full at lunch time, an outdoor patio and air conditioned inside seating both available, guests are invited to choose from a concise menu averaging approximately 150 Pesos for a sizable portion easily able satiate most appetites.
Made to order with casual pacing, the twenty-five minutes between ordering and receiving two Burritos bridged by a cup of Salad and Pickles, everything arrives nicely presented and from the griddled tortilla to Octopus, Marlin, Shrimp, Lettuce and Tomato each bite is dynamic in terms of both taste and texture.
Located adjacent the main plaza in zona romantica Paleteria La Michoacana is a simple operation offering Ice Cream and Popsicles, low prices and Puerto Vallarta’s humidity creating the sort of market that frequently sees queues during peak hours.
Cash-only with friendly service, bilingual employees happy to explain dozens of choices, Oreo may not seem like the most “Mexican” choice, but it is still tasty while an Ice Cream Sandwich with Vanilla Wafers surrounding creamy Caramel is exceptional.
With locations in Zona Romantica and near the Airport Mariscos La Tía Ñaña has been serving Puerto Vallarta since 1975, recent renovations creating a more friendly space at the original where locals as well as tourists sit down for quality Seafood served at a fair price.
Known for using only locally-caught Seafood, think juicy Mexican White Shrimp fried in light Tempura for their Battered Shrimp Tacos, most folks visiting La Tía Ñaña do so for raw preparations in big portions such as signature Ceviche or a version with Pickled Pork Skin.
Not forgetting vibrant Aguachiles in dark Sauce, a good balance of Salt and Acid, suffice it to say the eponymous “La Tia” Taco earns its accolades with Butter and Garlic cooked Seafood plus a Cheese crisp for contrast and a bit of heat.
