Top 10 restaurants on Puerto Vallarta’s malecon

Visiting the Malecón is practically the top activity on the to-do lists of thousands of families and travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta. This tourist boardwalk is iconic in the city, and you can enjoy its shops, ocean views, hypnotic sunsets, and art —including famous sculptures and artists selling their work— as well as multiple dining options.

At Velas Magazine, we made this restaurant a Top 10 to satisfy a craving or quench your hunger and thirst after having visited Malecon’s stores and attractions.

1. La Chata

This restaurant is ideal for starting the day with breakfasts ranging from Mexican-style eggs or chilaquiles to pork rinds in red sauce or steak with potatoes. They also have options for sweet lovers, such as hot cakes and sweet bread.

22. La Dolce Vita

An Italian favorite. Besides their authentic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and cuts, they also have a menu for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets. Start with an appetizer like mushrooms in white wine, then share a pizza; the San Daniele and the Frutti di Mare are outstanding. Finish with an exquisite dessert, such as an apple pie with vanilla ice cream, all while enjoying the ocean view and a warm atmosphere.

3. La Bodeguita del Medio

A place for lovers of a good atmosphere, especially at night. You can order a variety of Cuban, Caribbean, and Central American cuisine during the day; at night, we recommend you enjoy their delicious cocktails — including mojitos — and dance to the rhythm of live salsa music. You will have great fun!

4. Oyster Grill de La Docena

If you want to pamper yourself with the freshness of the seafood or enjoy a good cut, this restaurant is the option. Oyster Grill is distinguished by having its bar of fresh oysters in their shells and by other sea specialties. The ocean view is one-of-a-kind!

5. Mi Querencia

This restaurant is located between the sculptures ‘The Child on the Sea Horse’ and ‘Triton and Mermaid’. It has a vast menu of Mexican specialties. You will find appetizers such as pork ‘carnitas’ or the classic tortilla soup, as well as Mexican ‘antojitos’ and barbecues for the entire family.

6. La Posta 

Another great option for Italian delicacies. Due to its location in front of the “Triton and Mermaid” sculpture, it is an easily located restaurant with privileged views. Enjoy a variety of specialties from Chef Salvatore Domanti; the pasta and pizzas are spectacular.

7. Oscar’s

Oscar’s is a restaurant on Cuale Island with lunch and dinner menus. You’ll enjoy international cuisine and high-demand sea specialties such as garlic lobster. It offers a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian options!

8. River Café

Cuale Island, or Isla Cuale, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful areas on the Puerto Vallarta Malecon, as it is surrounded by nature and the river that bears the same name. River Café is an international restaurant on this island that offers an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoying your food on the terrace with the sound of birds is a delight for all the senses.

9. Serrano’s Meat House

Passing Cuale Island, you will find this restaurant specializing in cuts. Just thinking about a tomahawk, a New York, a rib eye, or a picanha with grilled shrimp makes our mouths water.

10. Buonissimo

This is one of the most beloved coffee shops in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. Although it stands out for its wide variety of Italian gelatos, you will also find salads, paninis, sandwiches, crêpes, and a range of coffee- and tea-based drinks. The gelatos are ideal for a refreshing craving, but if you want something more consistent, healthy, and light, we recommend the Caprina salad. Simply exquisite!

Here is a small list of all the incredible culinary experiences you can have on the Malecon, so venture out and discover unique flavors. Tell us, which of these restaurants would you like to visit on your next trip to Puerto Vallarta?

A full belly makes a happy heart!