Puerto Vallarta Dining

Puerto Vallarta is the 'New York City' of Mexico meaning there are literally restaurants on every corner all of them good. Basilio Badillo street, also known as Puerto Vallarta's "Restaurant Row,' is a good place to take your pick of eateries. Chefs from around the world have flocked to this gastronomic paradise where each November, a two-week-long gourmet dining festival is held. There are also a host of taco and hot dog stands, family-run cafs and world-class food chains. With more than 200 restaurants to choose from, this is just a sampling. You should also check in with your hotel's concierge for suggestions.

Inexpensive

Moderate

Expensive

• A Place in the Sun

  Olas Altas 399, 322-222-3608;

  The name alone makes you smile: the homey atmosphere, delicious sandwiches and strong coffee is another. It also doubles as a used book shop which only ups the atmosphere ante.

  Benitto's

  in Marina Vallarta area inside Plaza Neptuno, 322-209-02878

  A personable caf serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with fondue and wine in the evenings. A great place for gringo sandwich fare.

  Fajita Republic

  Pino Suarez 321, 322-222-3131

  Fajitas reign supreme at this casual eatery set amidst a garden of mango and palm trees. The restaurant is also known for its ample portions and low prices.

  Joe Jack's Fish Shack

  Basilio Badillo 212, 322-222-2099; www.joejacksfishshack.com

  Famous for its fish and chips and gorgeous rooftop dining room.

  Las Tres Huastecas

  Olas Atlas 444

  No frills eatery specializing in classic Mexican fare.

  Pie in the Sky

  Lazar Cardenas 247, 322-223-8183

  You're on vacation so desert counts. Try the Beso Supreme, ice cream between two layers of chocolate brownie. They also serve muffins, pastries and empanadas.

  Pipa's

  Guadalupe Snchez #807, 322- 223-2767; www.go2vallarta.com/pipis

  Cozy, family-style restaurant serving fresh fajitas, served with a large bowl of guacamole, freshly prepared table-side.

• Barcelona Tapas

  Matamoros & de Octubre, 322-222 0510; www.barcelonatapas.net

  Sharing is encouraged at Barcelona Tapas, an authentic Spanish restaurant specializing in tapas, paella and more.

  Archie's Wok

  Rodriguez 130, 322-222-0411

  Asian cooking served in a stylish setting. Live music on weekends.

  Caf de Ola

  Basilio Badillo, 168 at Olas Atla

  Traditional Mexican food in a colorful dining room decorated with local artwork.

  Chico's Paradise

  Boca de Tomatlan at Highway 200, 322-223-6005

  The jungle setting is spectacular at this Mexican restaurant, high above the mountains where gorgeous rocks and area fauna surround the restaurant.

  Daiquiri Dick's

  Olas Atlas 314; 322-222-0566; www.ddpv.com

  One of the oldest and best restaurants in PV known for its signature daiquiris amidst a serene setting an open patio dining room with a view of Playa Los Muertos. The menu features a fusion of Tuscan, Thai and Mexican food. Leave room for the chocolate banana bread pudding.

  de Santos

  Morelos 771, Centro, 322-223-3052; www.desantos.com.mx

  A Mediterranean-inspired menu amidst a cool, refined interior. Also serves as a hot nightspot after dark.

  poca

  Aquiles Serdan 174, 322-222 2510, www.epoca-pv.com

  Serene sunsets, handcrafted margaritas, delicious tortilla soup and a gorgeous palapa on the beach define this restaurant which specializes in 'Nuevo Latino' cuisine.

  El Nogalito

  Calzada del Credo

  This ecologically sensitive jungle restaurant, located beside a jungle stream and about five miles from downtown PV is basically a ranch that also offers advice and guides on area hikes.

  Langostinos

  Playa Los Muertos at Dieguez, 322-222-0894

  The please-everyone menu (think burgers, fresh fish, draught beer) is one reason to make this a 'must' on your agenda: the amazing sunsets are another. Make a reservation.

  La Dolce Vita

  Malecon 674, 322-222-3852; www.dolcevita.com.mx

  Homey Italian trattoria with pizza, pasta and views of the beach.

  Le Kliff

  Carr. Barra de Navidad Km. 17.5 Boca de Tomatlan, 322-228-0666; lekliff.com

  One of PV's most unique restaurants located on the edge of a cliff a short drive south of downtown. Not only do you get amazingly fresh seafood, you get one a ringside seat to one of the bay's most spectacular sunsets where, if you're lucky, you'll also see whales and giant manta rays during the months of December through April.

  Le Bistro

  Rio Cuale 16-, 322-222-0283; www.lebistro.com.mx

  If you like crepes, you'll love it here, where the lunch and dinner menu also features a selection of Mexican cuisine and a wide range of vegetarian options. Plus, the view is incredible: an open-air setting amidst the Rio Cuale.

  Porto Bello

  in Marina Vallarta malecon, 322-331-0003

  Amazing Italian food (reservations strongly suggested) with an elegant indoor dining room and marina-front seating.

  Red Cabbage Caf

  Caf Rivera del Rio 204A, 322-223-0411

  Folks rave about this out-of-the-way, whimsical caf which specializes in hearty Mexican cuisine and is decorated with news clippings featuring Mexican artists and writers.

  Trio

  Guerrero 264, www.triopv.com

  A mixture of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors with a rooftop bar and an ever-changing, evolving artistic menu.

  Vitea

  Malecon no 2 at Libertad, 322-333-8703

  A beachfront bistro by the chefs/owners of Trio where every seat has a view of the ocean.

• Caf des Artistes

  Guadalupe Sancez 740, 322-222-3228; www.cafedesartistes.com

  A romantic 'must' for a special evening. Located in an old, castle-like home, with an authentic French menu, this gorgeous venue is worth every penny. Reservations a must.

  El Arrayn Puerto Vallarta

  Allende 344, Centro, 322- 222-7195; www.elarrayan.com.mx

  An open-air dining room, a cozy dining room, authentic regional dishes, and the famous arrayn flavors a small bittersweet fruit native to the region make this a can't miss dining experience.

  Las Palomas

  Paseo Diaz Ordaz 610; www.laspalomaspvr.com

  One of PV's first restaurants and still one of it's most popular thanks to its laid back atmosphere, spacious bar, breakfast deals and location on the malecon.

  Mestizo

  Abasola 233, Colonia Centro, 322-222-1333; www.mestizovallarta.com

  A romantic garden plus a menu overflowing with creative flavors like squash blossom cream soup, corn dusted scallops and goat cheese pie make this oasis a gourmet haven.

  Xitomates

  Morelos 570, 322-222-1695

  An excellent wine list, a fusion of Mexican, Caribbean, Asian and Mediterranean and creative presentations make this a hit among gourmands.