Nuevo Vallarta is a recently developed tourist area containing some of the region’s very best hotels and resorts, shopping complexes and attractions. Many of Nuevo Vallarta’s best restaurants are found in the resorts themselves, while others live alongside shopping plazas and other points of interest.
Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, do make a point of getting out to explore the local eateries – your taste buds will love you for it!
Santo Taco Taqueria
Address: Paseo de los Cocoteros Sur 85 Paradise Plaza Local A 3, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 63735
Everyone needs a local taco place, and you’re lucky if Santo Taco is yours. Within the Paradise Village Shopping Plaza, there’s a lot more than tacos going on here. Burritos, lettuce wraps and quesadillas are all on the menu, but the spit roasting pork and pineapple for the tacos al pastor steals the show.
Using Mexican wrestling masks as an overarching decorative theme, this simple and fun restaurant is one you’ll want to visit over and over again.
Diavola Pizza Italiana
Address: Boulevard Nuevo Vallarta # 200, Nuevo Vallarta 63735
Classic, wood-fired thin crust pizza in Nuevo Vallarta? You bet! Adjacent to the Sea Lion Encounter attraction, this local favourite offers both a dining room as well as a speedy delivery service.
Bruschetta appetizers, melt-in-your-mouth lasagna and a variety of pasta dishes are all on the menu, but most come for Diavola’s incredible pies. While they don’t sell alcohol, you can bring your own in and they’ll refrigerate it and serve it to you – nice touch.
Manao Cebicheria
Address: Avenida México, Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico 63732
Fresh juices, an incredible key lime pie and ceviches galore! If you’re into the fresh flavours of seaside fare, and who isn’t, don’t miss Nayarit’s premiere cebicheria.
Having recently moved to Bucerias, Manao’s loyal foodie following followed, and the new location doesn’t disappoint. Open for breakfast with great coffee, the lunch menu is limited, but the full ceviche menu is available after 4 pm. Grab a frosty beer at the store next door and enjoy it with your meal. Dinner reservations are a must (+52 322 297 0733).
Maizul
Address: 16 de septiembre #42 esquina paseo de la marina Nuevo Vallarta, Jalisco 63735
Fresh seafood should be on every vacationer’s radar on a visit to coastal Mexico and Maizul has perfected it. Relaxed and moderately priced, it isn’t uncommon for patrons to return to this quality eatery numerous times in a single holiday, and with the area’s high number of tasty restaurants, that’s saying a lot.
Their sea bass and mahi-mahi dishes reign supreme but fish isn’t all Maizul does well. Options include delicate stuffed zucchini flowers, a rich mole chicken and no matter your entree, a perfect flan to finish.
Piaf
Address: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Av. Cocoteros, 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit 63735
With its soft lighting, cool marble and sexy Swarovski crystal curtains, Piaf has been making date night memories since its opening in the stunning Grand Velas resort. The gorgeous menu featuring innovative takes on French classics helps, too, as does the expert wine list and tasteful live music.
Complete with gluten-free and veggie options, Piaf’s elevated standards make for a delicious and classy evening out. Make a reservation and dress it up! Piaf is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant.
From simple to sophisticated, Nuevo Vallarta’s rich restaurant scene offers something for every palate and budget. Make the most of your visit and give one or all of the above options a try on your next Nuevo Vallarta adventure.