When people think of Mexico, tacos, guacamole, and Margaritas immediately jump to mind – and with good reason! Mexico has some of the world’s most incredible street food and casual dining. But if you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience or to celebrate a special event, there is no shortage of fine dining options in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. In fact, our Banderas Bay region is known throughout Mexico for having some of the most impressive culinary options in the country.
Here are five top fine dining restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit that you’ll want to add to your culinary calendar.
Puerto Vallarta
Tintoque: Named as one of the 120 Best Restaurants in Mexico by Culinaria Mexicana’s Guide to Mexican Gastronomy in 2019, 2020, and 2021, Tintoque is the only restaurant in the city to hold a place in the prestigious guide. Vallarta-born, Executive Chef Joel Ornelas, brings a haute touch to the traditional cuisine of the Puerto Vallarta region, mixing textures, flavors, and vivid presentation to create stunning plates using fresh local products.
Location: Aquiles Serdán 445, Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Reservations: www.tintoque.com.mx
ICU: A hidden gem, ICU is a local epicurean treasure waiting to be discovered. An intimate dining room overlooks the kitchen, headed by Executive Chef/Owner Mauricio Leal, who began his career in one of Puerto Vallarta’s most well-known fine dining restaurants, Café des Artistes. Choose from an à la carte menu or incredible tasting menus that feature upscale and innovative reinterpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Location: Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio 2550, Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Reservations: www.restauranteicu.co
Nuevo Vallarta
Piaf: There is much more to fine dining in Riviera Nayarit than Mexican food. Piaf serves French cuisine that will transport you to the City of Lights, using fresh local products and ingredients. To further enhance the experience, the dining room serves up a sophisticated décor and ambiance to make any evening a special event.
Location: Av. Cocoteros 98, Nuevo Vallarta
Reservations: https://bit.ly/3uyE4lE
Bucerias
Le Bistrot Bucerias: A big city dining experience in a charming little beach town, owners Sandrine and Jean-Christophe have brought authentic French cuisine to Bucerias. Choose from a robust menu of traditional French favorites or select one of the always-changing specials created to highlight the best of the season ingredients from daily local markets.
Location: Calle Galeana 11, Bucerías
Reservations: www.lebistrotbucerias.com
Punta de Mita
Spice Market: Located in the trendy W Punta de Mita, Southeast Asian cuisine comes to the sunny shores of Punta de Mita courtesy of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, with a beautiful selection of small plates meant to be shared. An elevated take on the most iconic street foods of Asia, Spice Market takes you on a culinary journey without ever leaving the chic design of the dining room.
Location: Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita Km 8.5
Reservations: https://bit.ly/3gxdqRI
Banderas Bay offers an almost never-ending selection of culinary options for every occasion, with kitchens run by some of the most talented chefs in Mexico. Be sure to sample some of the finest restaurants that Mexico has to offer while you’re visiting our region.
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