Best Places to Eat in Puerto Vallarta: Culinary Gems

Mexico's Puerto Vallarta is an eclectic mix of old shops and new hotels, lazy days and heady nights, fiestas and romance. Set on the Pacific coast of Mexico overlooking beautiful Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta offers sun and beaches as well as adventure and cultural experiences. What many first-timers do not realize, however, is the wide array of culinary treats that await them in this city.

Many travelers enjoy the convenience and economy of all-inclusive packages in Mexico. They are especially popular for families and young people: all you can eat and drink plus entertainment and accommodation for one reasonable price. Exploring local restaurants may rank as an unnecessary expense but do plan for at least one or two meals away from the hotel buffet and experience a taste of the cuisine offered in Puerto Vallarta.

For breakfast or lunch you may find a dining spot within walking distance. Another option is to shop for your meal and enjoy it on your hotel balcony. Gigante, Ley, and Mega Comerical Mexicana are huge supermarkets that sell all the makings for a continental breakfast of the freshest local fruit and warm-from-the-oven pastries. Make sure you have some small bills to tip the people who bag your groceries-it is how they make their wages. Take a stroll downtown on the Malecon, a boardwalk that runs for a mile along the oceanfront. Choose a sidewalk café and people-watch while you enjoy a light lunch or purchase Mexican fare from street vendors then find a bench to sit and watch the surf or wander down the Malecon and check out the famous sculptures.

In the evening, you will find waiting cabs at your hotel ready to whisk you to your dinner destination. Often there will be a sign outside the hotel that provides the cost of a cab to various spots; if not, check with the concierge, doorman or even the front desk clerk to find out what you should pay. Establish the amount before getting into the cab! A ride through the narrow and crowded streets of Puerto Vallarta is an experience unto itself, so sit back, relax and let the driver do his job. He will expect a tip at the end of the drive, so be prepared with small bills; anywhere from 20-50 pesos will suffice.

There is an incredible range of restaurants available in Puerto Vallarta. If you are not feeling adventurous, there are the standard U.S. chains like Outback, Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, and of course, McDonalds. The food offered tastes just like it does in the U.S. but can be pricier. Fine dining establishments can be found everywhere. La Petite France offers delicious French cuisine and is located in the north hotel zone. For a continental menu and wonderful view of the city and bay, El Panorama is the place to go. Be prepared for a harrowing ride through narrow backstreets and up a dirt road-the meal and the view are well worth the ride. Fondue in Mexico? Try La Noche Azul in Marina Vallarta. They've wonderful cheese, bourguignonne and chocolate fondues. Of course you will want some traditional Mexican fare and La Fuente del Puente is one of the best places to dine. Sit under the big palapa (thatched-roof canopy), enjoy the mariachi band and sip the best margaritas in town while choosing from the extensive local menu. Order a Café Espagnol after your meal and you won't be disappointed.

Puerto Vallarta offers so much for the traveler in terms of culture, entertainment, and relaxation. It is a city very different from anything in the U.S. and the unique qualities make it memorable. Take advantage of the wealth of local fresh produce, meat and seafood served up by world-renowned chefs. While organized tours are one way to experience the city and surrounding sights, do strike out on your own and explore the hidden treasures of Puerto Vallarta's restaurants.