FUN and CASUAL

bANANaCANtiNA
Amapas 147, at Pulpito.
Romantic Zone.
222-2114
Closed Monday, Tuesday and June 1-October 15
Owners Debbi and Mike Egan's exotic contemporary gathering space with iron tables, leather furniture, lime and red walls, hanging metal globes and wall candles. Contemporary Mexican cuisine as bruschetta with mushroom or cheese, spring rolls with shrimp and teriyaki, Caesar salad with chicken or shrimp, romaine apple salad with goat cheese empanadas, arugula with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and roasted baby squash, avocado, mango and shrimp salad 90p, grilled tuna relleno, garlic soup, green pozole or poblano vichyssoise, hamburgers x 3 with carrot jicama slaw or fries, prawn clubhouse with bacon, roasted red peppers and chipotle mayo, brie papaya quesadilla with smoky peanuts and papaya salsa 80p, prawn tortilla empanadas with picadillo, chorizo potato relleno, almond crusted shrimp fritter with garlic jam and citrus guacamole, crab ravioli basil cream, slow roasted achiote pork with corn custard and fritter 150p, mango sea bass, garlic or coconut shrimp 180p, beef tenderloin borracha 190p and desserts as choco mint cheesecake, banana tacos or strawberry Napoleon. Virtual Vallarta's 2006 "Best New Restaurant", 2007 "Best Moderately Priced." Wines include selections from Chile, California, France, Australia and Mexico. 2x1 margaritas all day. No CC.

Café de Olla
Basilio Badillo 168 OT/SS.
223-1626/222-0087
9am-11pm, Closed Tuesday and September 15 to October 15 and some holidays.
Family run spot for years has seen their place expand, overhead fans added and prices rise. Features large inside trees and whimsical artwork many times for sale. A stopover for simple Mexican fare in addition to its name, clay pot cinnamon coffee, chilaquiles, bbq or Mexican combo platter 105p, huge seafood platter for 2 430p, garlic octopus, New York, carne asada, pork ribs, chiles rellenos, tostadas, good combo enchiladas, pork tamale in banana leaf, twice-baked potatoes from the outside grill, tortilla soup and guacamole. Includes chips, salsa fresca and nopales [cactus] salad. Loud and busy in high season with long lines which move quickly and are sociable! Partial A/C. Hi to Fermin and Rogerio. No reservations or CC.

Fajita Republic
Basilio Badillo 201 at Pino Suárez OT/SS.
222-3131
5pm-12am
Since 1997, owner Don Julio's open-air palm and mango tree garden with glowing 'beehive basket' lights is great to watch the people stroll by while dining. Very popular and reasonable for the generous portions. Specializes in, you guessed it, fajitas of all shapes, flavors, combinations and sizes 104-138p, handmade Mexican entrée served with many condiments. Also serve steak bravo 128p, cheeseburger, guacamole, mambo combo, Caesar salad, Maya cheese sticks, queso fundido, bbq ribs 114p, bbq chicken, fish Oaxaca, chimichangas, enchiladas and molcajetes 104-128p.

Gilmar
Francisco I. Madero #418
Emiliano Zapata
223-97077:15am-10:30pm, Sun. 8-1am Closed Monday.
Benjamín Martínez Núñez runs this reasonably priced down-home family place opened by his father Gilberto in 1979. Comida corrida 12:45-4:30pm 49p. Breakfast until 2pm includes eggs 8 styles and omelets 25-68p, chilaquiles, machaca and fruit plate with yogurt and granola 32p. Terrific pescado sautéed in butter, 5 soups served in bread bowls, burrito grande machaca, mahi mahi "Pastor" with skewers stuck in a flaming pineapple 119p, rib eye, New York 175p, arrachera Tampiqueña, pork loin stuffed with chorizo, molcajetes 89-115p, chicken breast stuffed with ham or spinach and fajitas 95-114p. No CC. Free delivery.

La Bodeguita del Medio
Paseo Díaz Ordáz 858 DT.
223-1585
12pm-2am
Founded in Havana, Cuba in 1942, this one since 2000 serves on 2 floors at north end of the Malecón with great bay view offering Cuban and Creole cuisine. Pork loin or shrimp tamarind, paella for 2, appetizer sampler, fried plantains, black beans, banana chips, beef hash, fried plantains and rum mojitos. Caribbean spirit! Offers Cuban rum and cigars. Write your message on the walls if room. Cuban music 9:30pm-1:30am Th.-Sun.

Mama Dolores
Olas Altas 534B near Púlpito OT/SS.
Colonia Emiliano Zapata
222-9497
8am-2pm, 4-11pm Closed Monday and September.
Part inside, part elevated sidewalk street café since 1996 now owned by Grant Hunermund and Kieran Justason from Toronto, Canada features homestyle Mexican and American comfort food as 1/3 lb. burger with French fries, chicken burger, Caesar salad, chef's salad, taco salad with chicken or beef, meatloaf, fried chicken 100p, lasagna, spaghetti and meat balls with Caesar salad, bbq pork ribs ½ rack 105p, full 125p, fajitas 105-155p, mahi mahi, whole fish with lime, garlic or Veracruzana. Oct.-Mar.: Sun. turkey dinner with all the trimmings 4pm-11pm 140p. French Canadian Luc and hostess wife Louise serve their French-influenced breakfast menu as poutine, crêpes [choco!] 35-70p, French toast, sandwiches, "build your own" omelet and smoked salmon on bagel. Virtual Vallarta 2007 "Best Inexpensive." Happy hour 4-7pm. Fri. night in high season meet Mama D! No CC.

FINE DINING Dining out in Vallarta is another important part of your experience here. There is stunning array of world class cuisine available; listed below are a few of our favorites.

La Palapa
Púlpito 103 on Playa Los Muertos OT/SS.
222-5225
Breakfast 8am-Noon, Lunch Noon-5pm, Dinner 5-11:30pm.
Since 1959, on the beach south of Río Cuale, owned by Alberto Pérez González [also a singer], 5* Diamond award winner is great for people-watching from this popular spot and features elegant dining with some tables on the torch lit sandy beachfront. Executive Chef José Guerrero and chef Juan Carlos Nachón prepare breakfast oatmeal pancakes with blueberry 67p, fresh fruit plate with cottage cheese, squash blossom omelet, scrambled eggs over smoked salmon puff pastry, crêpes with mushroom and eggs Benedict. Lunches include fine chicken burrito [on request], chicken or beef fajitas 145p, club sandwich, shrimp ceviche, seafood enchiladas 195p, lobster tacos, guacamole with panela, tortilla soup, spinach jicama salad, smoothies and dinners offer pepper-crusted tuna 240p, pan seared huachinango zucchini blossom tempura, pork tenderloin demi-glacé and mushroom stuffed chicken breast 195p. Live music nightly draws many patrons into the bar 8pm-11pm. Virtual Vallarta 2007 "Best Romantic", Sunset Dining" and "Outdoor Dining." This is the original restaurant south of Río Cuale before bridges were built. Check out their historic "before and after" photos in hallway.

Bruce's Back Alley Bistro
Francisco I. Madero 225 OT/SS.
223-3560
5-11pm Closed Sunday.
Jason Kilborne and Amanda's stylish steak and chop house provides top quality USDA choice steaks as grilled rib eye 285p or New York, pork chops or chicken with tangy citrus almond sauce. Seafood items include prawns with glass noodles and maple curry cream 260p, salmon with silky butter maple pepper and whitefish with smokey tomato sauce 190p. Starters include baked brie with warm strawberry purée, bistro salad with house dressing and skirted prawns wrapped with bacon with warm citrus pepper. Inside A/C.

De Santos
Morelos 771 DT.
223-3052/223-3053
6pm-1am
Since 1999, hip gorgeous spot has operated several dining areas with Mediterranean-inspired food as calamari aioli, roasted duck salad 135p, mushrooms with gorgonzola, mozzarella and gruyere, paella marinara or Valenciana 195p, thin-crust pizza as gamberi, lobster ravioli, cappellini 138-170p, calzone with salmon, brie, capers and fresh dill 220p, chicken en croûte, rosemary garlic lamb chop, applesauce pork chop, chocolate volcano cake and mocha vanilla mousse. Fine service and popular with locals. Drummer Alex González of rock group Maná is a principal owner. Catering and special events. A/C.

Kaiser Maximilian Café
Olas Altas 380 OT/SS.
223-0760
6-11pm Closed Sunday.
Since 1995, owner Andreas Rupprechter and chefs Carlos Palomera's and Claudio Hernández' German, Viennese and Swiss cuisine elegantly served 5* Diamond award food. Beef filet 198p, rosemary chicken 165p, rack of lamb, garlic bread soup, duck foie gras 158p, raviolis with fennel, escargot in puff pastry, sea bass and European fare 180-198p, all well prepared. Luscious desserts, of course, as warm choco cake, crème brulée and vanilla panna cotta. Sidewalk seating and inside A/C. His son operates European espresso café next door [8am-12am, 222-5058] with outdoor seating featuring sandwiches, fine desserts and 20 special coffees.

Le Bistro
Isla Río Cuale 16A OT/SS.
222-0283/223-1084
9-12am Closed Sunday and July to August.
Beautiful setting with glamorous bar, plants, frescos and tiny lights. Since 1979, Roberto Cuevas and Humberto Esparza offer a chic spot for drinks or a meal [reserve a river view table]. Service is professional and efficient. A special evening out, with soft jazz background music and a lovely spot for a quiet lunch. Chef Felipe de Jesús García Pelayo prepares crab potato cakes with caviar, hunter pâté, escargot, exotic quesadillas 104p, shrimp fig salad, smoked salmon and marlin pear salad, coconut tempura shrimp, huachinango tequila lime 210p, mahi mahi with pineapple and mango 245p, filet mignon Antigua, duck breast blackberry, double fudge crêpes, mango sour cream flan and special café with ice cream. Lunch features eggs Benedict 85p, fish chipotle torta, enchiladas, fruit plate, hot oatmeal, cinnamon French toast, pancakes [4 fillings], Oaxaca green chorizo with eggs, vegetarian plates, pastas and omelets 52-75p as smoked salmon with herb cream cheese. Live piano music daytime. A top choice on many lists.

Café des Artistes
Guadalupe Sánchez 740 DT.
222-3228/222-3229
6-11:30pm Closed Sunday and September.
Reputed by many as Vallarta's top spot with Star Diamond winner owner/chef Thierry Blouet and Hugo Ahumada presenting Mexican and French cuisine since 1990. World renowned, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine 2005 Hot Tables and named by the Nestle Food Group as one of the 80 best restaurants in the world, is formal, very expensive with attentive but unobtrusive service. Many exquisite choices as sea bass herb butter 245p, grilled tuna with tomatillo 199p, glazed tamarind roast duck, filet mignon Camembert 220p, baked osso buco with spinach gnocchi, cream of prawn and pumpkin soup, tuna sashimi salad, escargot with garic mushrooms, eggplant vegetable symphony, fine desserts as apple and pear pecan strudel with caramel ice cream, tropical baba au rhum and chocolate crème brulée. Three course bistro menu 375p or with wine 440p. Dine inside [A/C], in a 50+-year-old garden or outside on hillside [open Nov.-June]. Cocina de Autor dining room built in levels, backed by a flowing waterfall with a ficus tree centerpiece, [closed Sunday and September, manager Polo] with signature 3-5 course menus 590-750p. Number one for many worldwide travelers. City ‘landmark’ with world famous reputation. Splendid list of 400 wines by the glass 65-95p and bottle 200-4500p. Live music often 8-11pm, as piano or blues in relaxed but elegant Costantini Bar Lounge at entrance. Reservations advised/required. Valet parking. Virtual Vallarta 2007 "Best Gourmet" and "Wine List." Ask about the chef's open kitchen view cooking classes.

El Arrayán
Allende 344 near Miramar DT.
222-7195
6pm-10pm Closed Tuesday and August.
Delightful owner Carmen Porras E.'s and Chef Juan Manuel Cruz J.'s traditional menu choices of appetizers are plentiful to share for dinner. Named for the aromatic Jaliscan flowering tree found in the restaurant's courtyard, since 2003 this spot offers old Mexican family recipe specialties including impressive pozole de camarón 45/65/95p, black bean soup, celebrated 4 plantain empanadas with black bean and cheese, ceviche Colima with baby scallops, shrimp and mango aguachile, duck [pato] tostaditas, nopal cactus pad salad with panela, chapulines: tiny crickets sautéed in onion, avocado, cilantro and tomatillo, chicken breast pasilla and tomatillo 130p, chiles en nogada, beef tenderloin mole 160p, pork Pibil with habañero black bean escabeche 180p, duck carnitas, grilled fish fillet achiote and cajeta flan. Seafood enchiladas with hazelnut mole and chiles rellenos de jaiba [crab, seasonal] are among specials. Open kitchen and lovely romantic partially covered courtyard, featuring an array of art, including local Huichol work, with traditional Mexican influence. Attentive service with abundant portions. High season Sat. 7pm features Los Frijoleros [Danny and Camila]. Again voted by Virtual Vallarta readers 2007 “Best Mexican” and “Best Tacos.” Event catering available.

River Café
Isla Río Cuale local 4 OT/SS.
223-0788
9am-11:30pm
One of the most beautiful settings in Vallarta, owned by Margarito Larios and Eva Sánchez. Tiny white lights on trees overhanging Río Cuale, open air seating with ample room and friendly, fast service by handsome meseros. Chef Vicente Montes González' creative changing menus with impressive food presentation include tasty calamari, mussels chipotle cream, farmer's soup in puff pastry, Thai crab coconut cream soup, quesadilla with huitlacoche poblano, crêpes with shrimp and spinach, seafood fettuccine 179p and tuna carpaccio. Favorite entrées are grilled tuna with papaya, mahi mahi garlic herb, pecan coconut shrimp 225p, chicken breast with wild mushrooms, duck with pear and blueberry 225p, filet mignon with wild mushrooms and chile Colorado and rib eye Bordelaise 240p. Desserts are not to be missed as warm choco cake with ice cream, cinnamon apple pastry, superb rosemary crème brulée or the famous dessert coffees. Jazz by Beverly and WillowThur.-Sun. 8-11pm. Tropical elegance, a top treat and high choice on many lists! Virtual Vallarta 2006 "Best Live Music Venue." Reservations recommended.

INTERNATIONAL

Archie's Wok
Francisca Rodríguez 130 OT/SS.
221-0411
2-11pm Closed Sunday and September. 2-11pm Closed Sunday and September.
In 1986, the personal chef of John Huston founded this Asian cuisine place featuring a combination of Thai, Filipino and Chinese cuisines reflecting his heritage. Now his widow Cyndi Alpenia, trained chef son Sergio and lovely daughter Kiyoki run it and the food is wonderful. Fork-tender beef tongue in coconut milk and spices 209p, mahi mahi in banana leaves with lemongrass and chiles 155p, Chinese sesame cucumbers, lumpia [3], chicken saté [3], crab rolls, shrimp coconut soup, Thai hot and sour soup, red or green curry chicken, ginger stir-fried vegetables with chicken or beef, pad Thai 142p, pancit, lime pudding cake, triple chocolate fudge brownie and exotic drinks as Mint Cascade. Virtual Vallarta 2007 "Best Asian," "Best Live Music Venue," and "Best Vegetarian." Quiet soothing music of D'Rachael "Best Local Musician 2006" on vocals, harp and flute Thurs.-Sat. 7:30-10:30pm. Ceiling fans and lovely plants abound. No reservations.

ITALIAN

La Dolce Vita
Paseo Díaz Ordáz 674 [Malecón] DT.
222-3852
Noon-2am, 6pm-12am Sunday.
Since 1969, two story favorite on the Malecón serving well-priced Northern Italian pastas, 18 wood-burning oven pizzas, beef carpaccio, garlic shrimp, chicken cacciatore or Parmigiana, 10 spaghettis as pesto, vongole, Bolognese, penne, fusilli, cannelloni, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, osso buco, saltimbocca, 3 fish fillet, tiramisú and gelato. Loved by many locals and visitors. Sometimes live jazz music.

La Piazzetta
Rodolfo Gómez 143 near Olas Altas OT/SS.
222-0650
4pm-12am Closed Sunday.
Corner spot since 1995, Dommenico 'Mimmo' Lorusso serves small wood-fired oven pizzas [24 types including calzone 83-98p], pastas [pesto, Arrabiata or 4 cheeses], ravioli and lasagna, spaghetti 7 styles, cannelloni, penne, Bolognesa, shrimp pesto or Diavolo, chicken funghi and beef medallions 3 styles 140-151p, fried calamari, garlic mushrooms, insalatas, bruschetta and tiramisú or apple strudel. Mostly outdoors with indoor A/C. Virtual Vallarta 2007 "Best Italian" and "Pizza."

SPANISH

Barcelona Tapas
Corner of Matamoros and 31 de Octubre DT.
222-0510
5-11:30pm; F, S: 5:30pm-1:30am Closed August and September.
Take a party and share a dozen cold and hot tapas for about 200p per guest. Since 2000, owner/chef Bill Carballo, from Chicago and trained in Spain, and wife Yesenia offer sizzling spicy shrimp ajillo 89p, baked goat cheese, grilled calamari basil, aged Serano ham and La Mancha cheese, rosemary chicken, cumin marinated pork or aioli beef brochettes 75p, creamy garlic potato salad, marinated Mediterranean olives, mushrooms with chorizo saffron cream, cannelloni filled with tuna, layered vegetable timbal, duck, Valenciana or mariscos paella 139-225p, tortilla Española [omelet torta with potato, onion and garlic], gazpacho, shrimp bisque, housemade breads, ice cream as rich, soft creamy coconut 45p, crème brulée, caramel fried bananas and housemade red or white sangría. Lovely terrace up staircase on 4th floor with Bahía and cityscape or inside A/C 3rd floor dining room. Noon cooking classes in high season. No CC.

Excerpts from "Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide Beck's Best", reprinted by PVRPV with permission.

Available at:
www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide
www.lulu.com/content/132501
and PVRPV Office