Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is known for its lush tropical landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. It is also home to many amazing restaurants, with views of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. Many times, I have found that restaurants with the best views do not have the best food. So I have rounded you up a list of the best restaurants with views in Puerto Vallarta that also have amazing food. Why can’t you have both?
Five Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta With a View
The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar
If you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot overlooking the Romantic Zone and Banderas Bay, The Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar is the place to be. They serve contemporary Mexican cuisine in an elegant but relaxed ambience. The restaurant is located in the Casa Kimberly hotel.
Executive Chef Jesus Suastegui has created a menu blending traditional Mexican dishes with modern culinary influences by using only the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. Try their diablo shrimp, squash blossoms, or angus filet wrapped in Hoja Santo leaf.
Not only will you find exceptional cuisine at The Iguana Restaurant, you will also have the opportunity to experience some of the best Tequilas and Mezcals at The Iguana Tequila Bar. Expect smaller producers, and specialty cocktails using local herbs, fruits, and spices to elevate your cocktail experience. If you are not looking for cocktails, The Iguana Restaurant has an exceptional wine selection.
Everyday: 5pm – 11pm
C. Zaragoza 445, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
casakimberly.com/the-iguana-restaurant-tequila-bar/
https://www.instagram.com/casakimberly/
La Cappella
Another great option for ocean views plus the Church of Lady Guadalupe, is La Cappella. Perched right above the church, you will overlook the beautiful yellow domes with a backdrop of Banderas Bay. La Cappella is known to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, and for sure one of the best restaurants with a view in Puerto Vallarta. While you are dinging, they treat you to an amazing violin trio that my husband said was some of the best live music he has ever heard. La Cappella is perfect for a date night in Puerto Vallarta, or with family and friends.
We called ahead to make sure they had gluten free pasta, and I was ecstatic that they did. We started with a burrata salad to share, then got gluten free bolognese, and finished with the pork ossobuco alla marsala -slow cooked tender pork leg served with polenta and a marsala mushroom & apple sauce. Everything was very delicious.
https://www.bellviewhotelboutique.com/lacappellarestaurant
https://www.instagram.com/lacappellarestaurant/
Everyday: 9am -2pm | 5pm – 11pm
C. Miramar 363 B, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Barcelona Tapas Restaurant
This restaurant is located on a hilltop and offers the highest and best panoramic views of the city and bay. The menu features traditional Spanish tapas, and some of the best Seafood Paella I have had. Besides the Paella at Barcelona Tapas, the Spicy Garlic Shrimp, Pork Tenderloin with White beans, Galician style Octopus, and Alioli Potato Salad were my favorite tapas we ordered.
Barcelo Tapas also does Paella cooking classes every Wednesday from 11-3, which would be a great activity and lunch with beautiful views. Spend an incredible afternoon with chef Juan Pablo Valencia time learning from scratch how to cook Spanish Paella.The cost is 1000 pesos ($50) and you get two tapas, paella, dessert, and one glass of white wine.
Everyday: 12:00 pm — 12:00 am
C. Matamoros 906, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
https://www.instagram.com/barcelonatapaspv/
El Barracuda
For a more casual dining experience with a view, head to El Barracuda This open-air restaurant is located on the beach and their menu offers fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes. Enjoy the cool ocean breeze and the sound of the waves as you savor your meal. This spot is known to be one of the best sunsets in Puerto Vallarta.
My favorite things on their menu here are the Pulpo Pans, Dynamite Seafood, and Ceviches. They also have yummy cocktails with fresh fruit and herbs.
El Barracuda has three locations, so if you are looking for a view, you must go to the one downtown Vallarta located right on Camarones Beach which is one of the few certified beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Everyday: 2pm – 10pm
Paraguay 1290, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
http://www.elbarracuda.com/en/
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/245160830/el-barracudabar-solar/
Le Kliff
Finally, for a truly special dining experience, make a trip 30 minutes south to Le Kliff. This restaurant is built right on top of the cliff, with breathtaking views of the sunset and ocean. The menu features contemporary international dishes with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Expect to spend more here than the other restaurants mentioned in the blog.
My favorite things to order here are yellow fin tuna tartare, baked sea bass, pork belly, and the duck BBQ tacos. Le Kliff makes premium margaritas with Casa Azul. If you are looking for the “real cadillac” margarita, for 465 pesos, you can have them here. My favorite was the Passion Margarita with Blue Class Reposado Tequila, controy, passion fruit, and tajin.
Everyday: 1pm – 9pm
Road to Barra de Navidad KM 17.5, Between, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán
https://www.instagram.com/lekliff/
I hope you enjoyed reading about five restaurants in Puerto Vallarta with amazing food and views. Whether you’re looking to go on a romantic date, looking to watch the sunset at a beachside restaurant, or dine on a cliff, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
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