The Best Of Puerto Vallarta
The Best Of
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
My first visit to Mexico was only just recently, on a 30th birthday trip to Puerto Vallarta. I spent the entirety of that stay with a few girlfriends, searching for and sampling everything that the beachfront town’s had to offer. Want to experience the Best of Puerto Vallarta? Find my favorite picks below, including a few hidden spots:
best of puerto vallarta
Breakfast – Calmate Cafe
If you’re searching for a healthier breakfast spot to kickstart your weekend and the vacation, look no further than Calmate Cafe.
Unfortunately, our group discovered toward the end of our vacation, but had we found it sooner, this would have been our go-to breakfast spot for the entire stay.
I ordered the avocado toast and LOVED it! My meal came with a small side salad, berries and sunflower seeds.
best of puerto vallarta
Tacos – Sonarita Olas Altas
No trip to Mexico would be complete without amazing tacos. And I ordered tacos at least once a day throughout our trip. My absolute favorite spot was Sonarita Olas Altas, a restaurant that was both in the middle of the hustle and also still tucked away from the beach.
Sonarita personalizes each guest’s experience by letting them first choose the base of their tacos and then providing all the toppings their guests might ask for.
As someone with a few dietary restrictions, I loved the flexibility of not having to explain my food preferences and just being able to dig in and enjoy.
best of puerto vallarta
Churros – La Romántica
After the amazing tacos, our group headed to La Romántica, which was easily my favorite snack stop along the trip.
La Romántica specializes in dietary-friendly churros, coffee, tea and other small sweet plates.
Even though my dairy allergy is pretty limiting when it comes to desserts, I was able to enjoy the best churros and vegan-friendly dips here!
I loved the jam/jelly dips. And I wasn’t the only one! My friends also enjoyed them so much that we all came back for more every single day we were in Puerto Vallarta!
best of puerto vallarta
Margaritas & Guacamole – Pipi’s
Originally recommended by our Airbnb host, Pipi’s was an easy and delicious stop. We had some good fajitas and seafood here, but the highlights were definitely the guacamole cart and margaritas.
Shortly after our arrival, a waiter swung by our table with the restaurant’s guacamole cart. We ordered two helpings which were then made fresh in front of us – spiced and topped according to our taste preferences.
The margaritas were HUGE and balanced the sour and sweet flavors well. And combined with the restaurant’s live mariachi band, it’s safe to say we had a fun time!
If you’re in town for a bachelorette weekend or another celebration, definitely plan a stop at Pipi’s.
best of puerto vallarta
Beachfront Dining – La Palapa
Did you really visit Puerto Maldonado without dining on the beach at least once?
My favorite beachfront restaurant in the area is undoubtedly La Palapa. It’s located directly on the popular Playa los Muertos, but still doesn’t feel too touristy for Puerto Vallarta standards.
Enjoy chips and guac while dipping your toes into the warm sand or head further inside the restaurant if you need a break from the street vendors and the heavy flow of the beach’s foot traffic.
best of puerto vallarta
Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly – Vegitalia
Like the name suggests, Vegitalia serves up plant-based fare with an Italian spin.
With some of the most delicious pizzas and pastas in Puerto Vallarta, even the biggest meat eaters will find something to love here.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Tabla de Quesos. With dairy-free Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Feta and Brie, this dish had the best vegan cheese that I’ve ever had. My only regret was not trying to buy a larger amount to take home with me.
best of puerto vallarta
Drinks with a View – Mar y Vino
Although Mar Y Vino is located on the tourist strip of beach in Puerto Vallarta, it’s not necessarily one to look over.
This is a great spot to grab lunch in the hot sun as the main rooftop deck has tables with “pool access“. Dip your feet into the cool water while you enjoy local bites and wine.
I’ll be honest, this is a spot you’ll mostly want to visit for photo views, but the vegan carrot tacos were our group’s favorite!
best of puerto vallarta
Craft Cocktails – El Colibri
Secret Tip:
Come early and score a table before things get too packed! You can even enjoy dinner with vegan friendly bites from Vegitalia!
Looking for a fun night out? El Colibri is my favorite night spot in Puerto Vallarta!
As a speakeasy style cocktail bar in the middle of the city, El Colibri definitely packs a punch – expertly blending the local atmosphere with modern day bar culture.
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