Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Puerto Vallarta? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Azafran

4.9

4.9 (450)

MXN310 to MXN500

Modern European

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

Azafrán es más que un restaurante, es una travesía culinaria extraordinaria que destaca por un servicio amable al estilo europeo. Haciendo honor a la especia que le da su nombre, Azafrán es sutil pero sofisticado, una experiencia única que, sin duda, debes comprobar con tus cinco sentidos. El chef ejecutivo Andreas Fischer pone sobre la mesa una propuesta gastronómica fresca, sustentable y refinada, utilizando solamente los mejores ingredientes locales para elaborar una mezcla vanguardista que combina platillos clásicos de la cocina de su mamá, la cocina innovadora del Mediterráneo y las refinadas técnicas culinarias europeas. Para que tu experiencia al paladar sea inolvidable, encontrarás el maridaje perfecto en una colección de vinos cuidadosamente seleccionada, incluyendo viñedos mexicanos emergentes, vinos orgánicos de Chile y selectas etiquetas de Francia e Italia. Te esperamos en Azafrán, un restaurante elegante, casual y acogedor ubicado en el corazón.

Top review

DouglasVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent all around. Great food with friendly staff.

Zicatela, Cocina de México

4.9

4.9 (141)

MXN500 and over

Mexican

Punta de Mita

About the restaurant

Zicatela is a celebration of our love of cooking, sharing authentic food and cocktails, and the enjoyment of the Mexican gastronomy. Whether you are enjoying quiet time alone or surrounded by friends or family, your seaside table with an exquisite glass of wine or cold beer, is waiting.

The feeling of living is Zicatela, Welcome to paradise!

Top review

KimVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Terrific food options. Covered dining area with great view of the water. Superior service/ambiance. Going back.

A Mar y Sierra

4.9

4.9 (114)

MXN310 to MXN500

Contemporary Mexican

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

A Mar y Sierra., Un viaje gastronómico que va desde la Sierra Madre Oriental, hasta la Sierra Madre Occidental y que termina en el mar de Puerto Vallarta.
Creamos sabores y experiencias únicas, que te llenaran de emociones, dentro de una atmósfera cálida, relajada y con un servicio atento y cordial, la cocina única que encontraras en A Mar y Sierra no la encuentras en ningún otro lugar del Puerto.

A Mar y Sierra., A gastronomic journey that goes from the Sierra Madre Oriental to the Sierra Madre Occidental and ends in the sea of Puerto Vallarta.
We create unique flavors and experiences that will fill you with emotions, within a warm, relaxed atmosphere and with attentive and cordial service, the unique cuisine that you will find in A Mar y Sierra cannot be found anywhere else in the Port.

Top review

Sarah

Dined on May 7, 2025

Wonderful, very creative food in low key, causal space. Service great, big wine pour. Good music but speaker level a bit too loud. Had a lovely evening. Highly recommend

RAICES RESTO BAR

4.9

4.9 (141)

MXN500 and over

International

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

Raíces Resto Bar se encuentra ubicado en una Casona de época de la colonia más antigua de Puerto Vallarta: Emiliano Zapata. La historia de nuestra casona y el árbol más grande de la ciudad son sólo el inicio de una experiencia culinaria única en la región. Nuestro chef Gonzalo Nogueira creó platillos exclusivos cocinados casi en su totalidad a las brasas. Sabores ahumados, tatemados e intensos son algunas de nuestras principales características. Nuestro bar dará paso a tragos artesanales que están directamente relacionados con nuestro nombre. Contamos con 3 espacios diferentes para que el comensal pueda contar con nosotros para todo tipo de ocasión. Un comedor semi cerrado principal, una sala con aire acondicionado más cerrada e íntima y un gran patio exterior son escenarios irresistibles a la hora de compartir un evento en pareja o con amigos.
La búsqueda continua para una atención de excelencia cierra nuestra propuesta dándole forma a una experiencia nueva y sofisticada.

Top review

LisaVIP

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

I booked this for a special dinner for my adult niece. She and her husband said it was the best food they ever had! Also, the dessert cake was absolutely wonderful. This is a very good choice for a special occasion restaurant!

Restaurante Icu

4.8

4.8 (332)

MXN310 to MXN500

Contemporary Mexican

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

Intimate atmosphere. Specializes on Mexican recipes with sophisticated product and presentations. Every little detail is a tribute to Mexican culture. Tasting and a la carte menu. Voted Best New Restaurant in Mexico by Food and Travel Magazine in November 2019.

Top review

Ann

Dined 1 day ago

This place was amazing! The food was incredible, they were so accommodating for the vegetarians with us and the service was beyond great. The house cocktails were perfectly balanced, the wine selection offered tons of regional Mexican wines and some imports, and I cannot describe how wonderful and thoughtful the dishes were. Best dining experience I’ve had in years! Highly recommended!!

Karuma The Art of Grill

4.8

4.8 (110)

MXN500 and over

Grill

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

Karuma is present in the innovative menu as well as the playful, creative design and atmosphere of the restaurant.
Visit Karuma and be seduced by our sophisticated take on classic steakhouse and grill favorites with an international flare. Be amazed by a wide offering of hand-crafted specialty cocktails made by our highly trained mixologists surrounded by nature that will give you a unique experience.

Top review

Christine

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

So much fun, beautiful restaurant and great service! Food was excellent will definitely be back !

La Postal Bucerias

4.6

4.6 (50)

MXN310 to MXN500

Italian

Bucerías

About the restaurant

Casual restaurant, surrounded by a chill and outdoorsy ambiance, ideal to enjoy lunch or dinner while being hosted by nice people

Our open setting will make you feel in touch with nature, trying out our dishes, cocktails & gelato!

We're waiting for you in a good mood, with good food and good music

Top review

Craig

Dined on Apr 14, 2025

Always a great time at La Postal. Food is always decent and a great atmosphere.

ZUMO RESTAURANTE VALLARTA

4.6

4.6 (47)

MXN310 to MXN500

Mexican

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

Reviving the soul of traditional Mexican cuisine while embracing the dynamism of modern culinary trends, Zumo Restaurant is a gastronomic adventure. Our Chef Gustavo Cabrera Tello takes us on an exhilarating journey of flavors, textures, and aromas that tell a story of both heritage and innovation, exploring modern Mexican cuisine with innovative twists. From traditional Spanish croquettes infused with al pastor pork to reinvented classics like carne en su jugo featuring succulent short ribs, the menu boasts a tantalizing array of options curated to delight discerning palates.
Nestled in the heart of Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, ZUMO emerges as a vibrant addition to the city’s culinary landscape, with an explosion of flavors and a warm, inviting ambiance at Púlpito #142, next door from the well known Piano Bar "Garbos". ZUMO beckons diners to embark on a gastronomic journey, exploring modern Mexican cuisine with innovative twists.

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Always an amazing dining experience! Food and staff are outstanding. Menu is varied. Something for everyone.

The Swedes Bar & Bistro

4.6

4.6 (65)

MXN310 to MXN500

European

Puerto Vallarta

About the restaurant

Celebrating its 15th year, The Swedes Bar and Bistro opened its doors in 2009. Since then, it's become a go-to spot for people from all over the world. We are a 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers choice award winner, given to the top 10% of restaurants based on guest experience. Great food, friendly service, and a fun vibe at the corner of Olas Altas and Calle Pulpito just one block from the famous Los Muertos beach make The Swedes a must-visit on any trip to Puerto Vallarta. Many people head straight to The Swedes after a long day of travel; or as the farewell meal before heading home. In addition to our delicious food and drinks, we also offer a curated selection of Mexican wines. Discover the rich and diverse flavors of Mexican viticulture while enjoying our vibrant atmosphere. We can't wait to serve you and become your favorite spot in Puerto Vallarta! Proprietor: Christopher Maluck Manager & Sommelier: Daniel Mendez Chef: Edel Alvarado English spoken - Great for groups!

Top review

Charles

Dined 5 days ago

Absolutely love the food, service and ambience. Will definitely go back again.

The Blue Shrimp Nuevo Vallarta

4.3

4.3 (230)

MXN310 to MXN500

Seafood

Nuevo Vallarta

About the restaurant

For a taste of the sea, set your sights on the al fresco eatery in front of a beautiful lagoon with crocodiles, herons, turtles, iguanas and more. Here you can find the best of the coast, including zarandeado fish, seafood creations, and a wide selection of blue shrimp recipes made with the biggest shrimp of the bay. *This website is exclusive to our location in NUEVO VALLARTA, Nayarit.

Top review

EricVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Always a good time!!! Food was amazing!! Waiters were great.

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Caesar Salad with Shrimp

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