Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Readers' Choice 2009

Best Martini 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:34:52 UT

Garbo

This popular gay friendly, but not exclusively gay bar, is located close to the beach on the south side El Centro. Known throughout the city as a great place to go for cocktails in air-conditioned comfort, Garbo offers a tempting selection mixed drinks including their famed martinis. Classic romantic background music and live piano tunes add to the ambiance of this popular location. For a sophisticated evening out or a quick drink with friends, stop by this chic bar and see for yourself why Garbo has been voted home of the best martini in Puerto Vallarta.

Púlpito 142, El Centro • (322) 223-5753

Best Margarita 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:34:30 UT

Daiquiri Dick's

On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself. The constantly evolving menu, best described as Pacific Rim with a Mediterranean flair, keeps things fresh and interesting, along with traditional favorites like lobster tacos, barbecue spareribs and grilled huachinango. Flavors are subtle, contrasting beautifully in a warm grilled-salmon nicoise salad and crispy mahi-mahi with Kaffir-shallot raita. And this is the place to be when you want what has been voted the town’s best margarita two years in a row or to watch the beach come alive over eggs Benedict or homemade scones with crème fraiche. The welcoming ambiance is a natural reflection of talented proprietors Peter and Tari Bowman, who also own fabulous home decor shops. This restaurant is one of Vallarta’s top three Best Overall, according to last year's Reader’s Choice poll, and the James Beard House concurs, Daiquiri Dick’s recently invited to wow New York with a signature meal.

Olas Altas 314, El Centro • (322) 222-0566

Best Ice Cream 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:33:51 UT

Haagen Dazs

Synonymous with quality ice cream around the world, Haagen Dazs is clearly a popular of choice in Puerto Vallarta. With multiple locations for your convenience, it’s easier than ever to enjoy delicious ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, ice cream bars and a variety of tasty frozen beverages. From the classic Vanilla Bean ice cream to tempting flavors such as Crème Brulée and Peanut Butter Brittle, the only challenging part will be deciding which one to order.

Plaza Galerías, Hotel Zone.

Best Dessert 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:33:18 UT

Café des Artistes

Thierry Blouet, Maitre Cuisinier de France and a member of the Culinary Academy of France, has what is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Café des Artistes. Now, with recent dramatic changes, it´s one of the best in the world. Merging vitality and boldness, a trilogy of dining experiences is under one roof: Café des Artistes Bistro Gourmet, Thierry Blouet Cocina de Autor and Costantini Bar Lounge. Café des Artistes maintains the original concept, including live music and flawless service. Showcasing not only culinary French-Mexican masterpieces but a fantasy-like setting including lush, multileveled garden (garden open November through May), this 212-seat flagship restaurant offers an eclectic a la carte menu, as well as the three-course, wine included, prix fixe bistro menu. The traditional cream of prawn and pumpkin soup has been a hit since day one, and the tuna fish sashimi salad is outstanding. Mains like the glazed roasted duck in ginger and lemon sauce give this venue its well-deserved gourmet reputation.

Guadalupe Sánchez 740, El Centro • (322) 222-3228

Best Bakery 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:56 UT

Los Chatos

Los Chatos has been a local favorite for years offering delectable baked goods created by family recipes passed down for generations. Known for its delicious cakes, this popular bakery also offers cookies, ice cream, bread and coffee. For special occasions such as a wedding, baby shower, baptism or first communion, Los Chatos will create a unique hand-decorated cake to properly honor the occasion. And with multiple locations around Banderas Bay there’s sure to be a Los Chatos location close to you.

Francisco Villa 359, Hotel Zone. • (322) 223-0485

Best Salad 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:30 UT

Daiquiri Dick's

Olas Altas 314, El Centro • (322) 222-0566

Best Vegetarian 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:09 UT

Planeta Vegetariano

Landslide Winner
For delicious vegetarian food only two blocks up from Vallarta’s main plaza, Planeta Vegetariano offers economically priced breakfast, lunch and dinner in a tranquil and cozy atmosphere. Lunch and dinner buffets feature a salad bar, hot food, raw food, bread and soup. The menu is primarily vegan with no eggs being used and dishes containing milk are clearly labeled so that you can make informed choices along the buffet line. Choose from an eclectic mix of international influences including Mexican.

Iturbide 270, El Centro. • (322) 222-3072

Best Seafood 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:31:35 UT

Ocho Tostadas

Seafood lovers rejoice. Ocho Tostadas offers a great variety of dishes at very affordable prices and is popular by locals and visitors alike. Fresh seafood cocktails include those made from shrimp, octopus, snails and scallops, while the traditional ceviche starts with a variety of ingredients including shrimp and marlin. Add a stack of crisp tostadas and condiments, and you’ve got the makings of a seafood feast. Multiple locations in the Puerto Vallarta area.

Rio Guayaquil 413, Hotel Zone. - (322) 222-7691

Best Tacos 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:31:12 UT

Pepe's Tacos

How do you recognize a great place to get delicious, authentic Mexican tacos? Simply follow the locals. Pepe’s Tacos, located just six blocks from the north end of the Malecon, is a taqueria with a menu consisting of various types of tacos and other authentic Mexican “street food”. A popular choice is Tacos al Pastor, which are made from tender sliced pork grilled on a rotating vertical spit that is freshly carved onto a corn tortilla. Open from the early evening until the wee hours, this is the perfect place for a late night snack.

Honduras 173, El Centro • (322) 223-1703

Best Nachos 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:30:28 UT

Chili’s

This popular chain featuring American Tex-Mex cuisine has found a new and popular home in Puerto Vallarta. Known for generous sized portions, the extensive menu is full of delicious appetizers, salads, and main courses including their original signature dish -the hamburger - prepared in a mouthwatering variety of styles. Featuring family style dining at affordable prices, Chili’s also prepares a yummy array of unique desserts, all served in a casual southwest decor.

Blvd. Fco. Medina A 2920, Hotel Zone. • (322) 221-1253

Best Tortilla Soup 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:30:04 UT

Ernesto’s Good Grub

Known to locals as simply Ernesto’s this traditional style, open air eatery lives up to its name and consistently serves “good grub’ to its customers. Probably best known for their delicious tortilla soup and the weekly all you can eat rib night, Ernesto’s proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be expensive.

Rafael Osuna 157, Hotel Zone. • (322) 224-2203

Best Burger 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:29:07 UT

Carl’s Jr.

What started as a California hotdog cart in the 1940’s has evolved an international chain featuring delicious charbroiled burgers. The menu includes shakes, fries and other menu items such as chicken sandwiches, but the burgers are what this eatery has made its name on. Watching your carb intake? Carl’s Jr.’s low carb burger comes with all the great taste but none of the carbs with the “bun” consisting of fresh iceberg lettuce. Multiple locations in the Puerto Vallarta area.

Blvd. Fco. M Ascencio 7968-A, Airport-Valley. • (322) 221-3687

Best Steak 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:28:46 UT

Thierry's Prime Steakhouse

This avant-garde eatery by Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes serves USDA Prime cuts and all the fixings in a contemporary ambiance. Dining here a comprehensive pleasure, you might begin at the bar with a shot of Thierry’s private collection tequila, while watching your meal being prepared in the open kitchen. Then plan on sharing plates, servings huge and everything so good it simply must be experienced, from foie gras, oysters and quail to macaroni and cheese. The appetizers alone are so exceptional that it’s tempting to make a meal of them – not to mention the scrumptious desserts. The wine list is extensive, knowledgeable service attentive, and fixed-price menus available.

Plaza Península L-Ancla Sub-A, Hotel Zone • (322) 221-1212

Best Pizza 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:25:05 UT

La Piazzetta

The rich aromas that emanate from this authentic Italian kitchen confirm owner Domenico (Mimmo) Lorusso’s, passion for the freshest and finest ingredients and his talent to meld them elegantly in his rich slow-cooked sauces, homemade pasta al dente, home-baked bread and extra virgin olive oil to season delectable dishes. Meals can be complemented with a choice from the fine wine list and amply stocked bar and to top it all off with a sweet send-off from Lorusso's line-up of scrumptious desserts and specialty coffees. Open since 1995.

Rodolfo Gómez 143, El Centro • (322) 222-0650

Best Sushi 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:24:29 UT

Tsunami

Landslide Winner
The fact that this healthy favorite keeps cropping up in more and more Puerto Vallarta restaurants, it is at Tsunami that it’s best enjoyed. With utmost attention to detail from the moment you sit down, enjoy the broadest variety of sushi along with other Japanese favorites.

Villas Vallarta Local 32-A, Hotel Zone • (322) 224-0105