Puerto Vallarta has one of the best food scenes in Mexico, and most of it fits in a few walkable blocks between El Centro, Isla Río Cuale and the Zona Romántica. We have been cooking here since 1997, so this is our local list of the best restaurants in downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Zona Romántica, by category, from street tacos to tasting menus.
Best Restaurant with River and Ocean Views: Oscar’s
On Isla Río Cuale #1, right where the Cuale River meets the bay, Oscar’s serves cosmopolitan and Mexican cuisine in an open-air garden and palapa: lobster, Pacific seafood, prime cuts and tacos, all day from 11 am to 10 pm. Come for a shady lunch by the river, Golden Hour 2×1 from 4 to 6 pm, and a candlelit sunset dinner. Vegetarian, gluten-free and kids options, vegan on request, and pet friendly. Next door, our distillery offers a free tequila tasting every day.
Best Fine Dining
- Café des Artistes (El Centro): a Vallarta classic for French-Mexican cuisine and a tasting menu in a romantic garden.
- Tintoque (Zona Romántica): upscale regional Mexican cooking with a multi-course tasting menu.
- La Fina Cocina de Barrio (Zona Romántica): modern Mexican dishes in a neighborhood setting; dinner only.
- Oscar’s (Isla Río Cuale): lobster, surf and turf and grilled octopus by candlelight, with sunset over the river. See our fine dining page.
Best Tacos
- Sonorita Olas Altas (Zona Romántica): a local favorite for tacos al pastor.
- Marisma Fish Tacos (Zona Romántica): fish and shrimp tacos from a small stand; bring cash.
- Tacos de Birria Chanfay (Zona Romántica): for birria tacos and a bowl of consomé.
- Oscar’s: our Rosarito style lobster taco and Baja style fish taco are made for a long lunch by the river.
Best Seafood
- Lamara (Zona Romántica, by Los Muertos): creative seafood with a Mexican-Asian touch, like the coconut ceviche tostada, with vegan versions of many dishes.
- Oyster Grill de la Docena (El Centro): oysters and drinks right on the Malecón.
- Oscar’s: lobster tail, Pacific shrimp, tuna tiradito and catch of the day by the river.
Best Restaurants with a View
- La Cappella (El Centro): hilltop Italian with ocean views and old-school charm.
- Oscar’s (Isla Río Cuale): the only spot on this list where the river meets the sea, with river and ocean views from the palapa.
Best for Families, Groups and Dietary Needs
Traveling with kids, a big group or different diets? Look for places with space and a varied menu. At Oscar’s we have long tables for groups, a kids menu, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, vegan options on request, and pets are welcome in our open-air garden.
Tips for Eating Out in Downtown Puerto Vallarta
- Book ahead for dinner in high season (November to April), especially for sunset tables.
- Carry some cash for taco stands and street food.
- Tipping: 10–15% is standard in restaurants.
- Walk it: El Centro, Isla Río Cuale and the Zona Romántica are all connected on foot by the river bridges.
- Check hours before you go; many places change schedules in low season.
Planning more of your trip? See our things to do in Puerto Vallarta and our Zona Romántica guide.
FAQ
What are the best restaurants in downtown Puerto Vallarta?
Local favorites include Café des Artistes for fine dining in El Centro, Oyster Grill de la Docena on the Malecón, and Oscar’s on Isla Río Cuale for lobster, seafood and sunset views by the river.
What are the best restaurants in the Zona Romántica?
Tintoque and La Fina Cocina de Barrio for modern Mexican, Sonorita Olas Altas and Marisma for tacos, and Lamara, by Los Muertos, for creative seafood.
Which restaurant in Puerto Vallarta has river and ocean views?
Oscar’s, on Isla Río Cuale #1, sits where the Cuale River meets the bay, with open-air tables under a palapa and by the river.
Do I need reservations for dinner in Puerto Vallarta?
For popular restaurants, yes, especially from November to April and for sunset tables. Taco stands and casual spots are usually walk-in.
