Most of the restaurants on my map are in the Centro Colonia which is the historic old town. Here’s another map from the tourist board. You’ll know when you’re there because all the streets are cobbled.
La Chata (Intermediate), 708 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, www.lachatacomidamexicana.com
Service: A
Atmosphere: B
Food: B
Value for money: A
This is the Vallarta branch of a famous Guadalajara restaurant that usually has long queues outside. This location is easier to get into and has more ambience as it overlooks the Malecón. They have a rep for serving good food in a very clean environment, which is important in a hot country like Mexico.
I came here twice. The first time I had Pozole Blanco con Pollo. Pozole is a local soup stew made with hominy (treated maize) and shredded chicken (or pork, but not this time) and served with a cabbage and radish salad which you can add to the bowl. It was unusual and interesting, but not mind-blowing (B).
It’s much improved when fired up with some chilli sauces and oregano.
The second time I had the Chicken Enchiladas which were pretty decent too (B). With a couple of Modellos the bill came to €250.
La Palapa (High Intermediate B*), www.lapalapa.com
Service: A
Atmosphere: A
Food: A-
Value for money: C
This is a very nice location, right on the beach (only two blocks from my hotel) with a great view of the sea. Definitely a good spot for a date with the sunset.
The food is pretty good; I had the Pulpo Asado (A-) and the Risotto con Mariscos (A). The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey, for instance a Margarita or a Herradura Reposado costs around €100 which is a bit much. Still, it is a lovely spot…
El Patio de Mi Casa (Intermediate), 111 Calle Guerrero
Service: A
Atmosphere: A
Food: C
Value for money: B
A restaurant and music bar that I stumbled across when walking the backstreets after walking out of Café des Artistes below. I was drawn in by the sounds of live jazz and stayed for drinks which were great, and a pizza, which wasn’t. Lovely service though, and the band played all my requests.
Unfortunately I didn’t find many other good places to eat and drink; although there are a few I didn’t have time to try (check my map). The following are more places to avoid, or take a chance on…
Cafe Des Artistes (Advanced), Calle Guadalupe Sánchez 740, www.cafedesartistes.com
Service: A
Atmosphere: A
Food: C
Value for money: C
According to Lonely Planet this is considered by many to be Vallarta’s best restaurant. I absolutely hated it, primarily because they kept we waiting indefinitely for a table in the bar area despite me having a reservation. I was told I had to wait until there was a table free but in the UK table hoggers would be asked to vacate for the next customers. A culture clash perhaps but I walked out after an hour. The kind waiter did run out after me to apologise to me for the management though.
While I was there I had a Taco de Lechon Confit which wasn’t particularly good and quite expensive at €140 (C).
The Tan cocktail made with Mezcal Amores, orange, lemon, agave syrup, orange liqueur and a Sal de Gusano (worm salt) halo was interesting though (B).
Café de Olla (Intermediate), 168A Calle Basilo Badillo
Service: A
Atmosphere: B
Food: C
Value for money: B
This is place is near the hotel and open on a Sunday which are its only selling points. I wanted to eat nearby at Pancho’s Takos at 162 Calle Basilio Badillo but it was closed on the Sabbath, so I went to this next place instead. The food isn’t great but it’s convenient and the service is very efficient.
Please see my previous post for info on stuff to do and see.