Puerto Vallarta is one amazing destination with sun, sand, and plenty of restaurants. And don't worry, although there are some major taco restaurants included on this list, Mexico isn't only about tacos. Puerto Vallarta is emerging as a foodie city to be reckoned with. With more tourists flocking to Puerto Vallarta every year, the city is keeping up with new, innovative restaurants for every kind of palate. Plus, you get that ocean view, which makes everything taste better.


Taste The Best Of Puerto Vallarta At These 7 Restaurants


1. Le Kliff

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Le Kliff is a popular wedding venue, and it's pretty obvious why. Walking into this magical restaurant will literally take your breath away. After you're greeted by a friendly hostess, who speaks perfect English, you'll follow her through a rustic wooden archway and down a winding set of stairs into the open air palapa restaurant set precariously on a cliff. The sweeping views allow you to see the entire Banderas Bay and because of the depth of the waters below, you'll often spot whales. Of course, they have a full bar, but they're known for their specialty martinis with flavors ranging from coffee to lychee. They're all good so don't worry about making the wrong choice. And don't even bother drinking on an empty stomach because everything on the menu is a feast for the eyes and your stomach. Make sure at least one person at the table gets the lobster (and is willing to share). You won't regret it.


2. Pepe's Tacos

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You can't go to Mexico without eating plenty of tacos. Tacos all day, every day. The best tacos in Puerto Vallarta? Tourists and locals alike rave about Pepe's. Of course, all the flavors are scrumptious, but the tacos el pastor are the most popular. The best thing is that Pepe's will add cheese to anything where a lot of places won't. You'll learn pretty quickly that a traditional Mexican taco doesn't include cheese, but you can't miss out on the warm, gooey, goodness! The best part? You'll walk out of the restaurant spending only $10 per person. Including drinks. The beer is ice cold and if you're really bold, try a Michelada, one of the most popular drinks in Mexico. It's a beer-based cocktail made with lime, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and often Clamato juice.


3. Cafe des Artistes

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This restaurant is the poshest of posh, and it's worth every penny. Keep in mind that an equivalent meal in the United States would be twice the price! The service is amazing and the food is to die for. People love coming here not just for the great food, but for the great atmosphere. The upstairs garden is beautiful and downstairs you'll be treated to live music from a pianist and violinist. It's no wonder that Cafe des Artistes has been considered an iconic restaurant in Puerto Vallarta for the last 25 years. If you're looking for something other worldly, take a seat in the P'yote Lounge named after the traditional shamanic ritual of the medicinal peyote drink thought to heal your soul and body. You won't be getting any peyote, but chef Theirry Boulet has created a special menu of Mezcalinis to help you relax and enjoy life which sounds just as good.


4. Salud Super Food

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When you think of Mexican food, you're probably envisioning, tacos, enchiladas, and burritos loaded with cheese and smothered with sauce. Delicious? Definitely. Healthy? Probably not. If you're looking for something a little lighter, Salud Super Food has you covered. It's extremely affordable, and they even have vegan and vegetarian options. Try not to get overwhelmed by the menu. You'll have your choice of quinoa bowls, veggie burgers, salads, smoothies, the list goes on and on. But everything is healthy, fresh and delicious, and the staff will even take extra care to make sure your meal is gluten free. Now you don't have to feel guilty about eating that extra quesadilla.


5. Ocean Grill Restaurant and Beach Club

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The food is great, the margaritas are even better, and the view is out of this world. Even the bathrooms have an amazing view! Ocean Grill will never disappoint and you'll definitely want to go back again and again. Located right on the edge of Playa Colomitos, getting there is a little bit of a trek, but it's well worth it. You'll escape the hordes of tourists and gigantic resorts on a quick water taxi ride, and find yourself in an untouched paradise. In fact, you should make a day of it. Spend some time at the beach and cool off in the small waterfall. Then take a little break with a refreshing ginger, lime and mint margarita and a ceviche with a splash of coconut milk. Grab a seat in the lounge area before they're all gone so you can take in the view.


6. Tacos Revolucion

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Tacos Revolucion definitely has the best fish tacos in Puerto Vallarta, and you can't beat the price and quick service! It's always crowded, so you know it has to be good. Don't be fooled by its nice appearance. If you're looking for a real taqueria, you won't be disappointed. Plus, they still use plastic utensils if that makes you feel a little closer to home. Be sure to try all the salsas. The pineapple habanero salsa is unique and definitely the best.


7. Sonora al Sur

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This restaurant is technically located in nearby Nuevo Vallarta, but you'll have such a memorable experience it's worthy of this list. Walk through the giant restaurant to the butcher shop in the back where you choose your meat. If you can't make up your mind, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. Choose your type of steak, size, and style of cooking and watch them cut and weigh it right in front of your eyes. They also have burgers and non-beef options available. They'll hand it to you in a Styrofoam container where you head to the next counter to order your sides and pay for your meal. Get the Mac and cheese. Actually, get a bunch of sides to share. This restaurant is perfect for big groups. The staff will push tables together to accommodate you and then you get to try everything!



This article was written by Lauren Gaw.