Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Cruise Port Guide

Because of their close proximity to the sea, the Mexican fare in Puerto Vallarta combines Mexican standards with seafood ingredients. Ceviche is found at many restaurants and is a combination of fresh raw fish, octopus or shrimp. These are cured in citrus juices, herbs, chili peppers, chopped onions and other seasoning. 

Birria is a meat stew that is marinated in a combination of herbs, spices and chilis and served on a tortilla. This combination can vary, and so the taste can be greatly different from one restaurant to another. 

Found at many of the street vendor shops, tacos al pastor are prevalent throughout Puerto Vallarta. Inspired by Lebanese immigrants, the meat is marinated and slow cooked on a spit. The meat is commonly pork that has been marinated in lime juices, spices, herbs and chilis. 

Chilaquiles are found throughout Mexico, not just in Puerto Vallarta, and are a popular choice for breakfast. Crispy tortilla chips are lathered in red or green sauce and are served with chicken or beef and tipped with fried eggs, onions, cream, avocado and cheese. 

Restaurants Near the Port

Blake's Bar

This restaurant is located within the cruise terminal - Puerto Magico - and offers bar food, sports on tv and live entertainment. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the bay.

Food Park PV Gastro Bar - 0.9 miles south of port

At this spot, you can grab pizza, nachos, shawarma, burgers, drinks and dessert from various vendors. They have taco, sushi and lots in between. Much like a food court at a mall, the seating at this venue is outdoors.

Gallerias Mall - just north of the port

Gallerias has a food court with standard fast food options including Burger King, Carl's Jr. Chili's, McDonalds and Starbucks but there is also a sit-down steakhouse and seafood restaurant Maricos El Memin on the property.

Peninsula Plaza Vallarta - 0.6 miles south of port

Located at the entrance to a posh condo complex, this plaza has a few restaurants and shops. Starbucks is located here as well as McCarthy's Irish Pub and Porfrio's, and upscale Mexican restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Plaza Península Vallarta (@peninsulavallarta)

Restaurants near the Malecon

Xolo: Maiz Agave Chile - on the Malecon

This authentic Mexican restaurant wants to highlight Mexico's cultural and culinary history with the ingredients of corn, agave and chilis and pairs amazing views with exceptional service. Highly rated, Xolo uses local and fresh products to create delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and drinks, and has Mariachi night on Fridays.

El Dorado Restaurant - 0.6 miles south of the Malecon

The views of Playa Los Muertos are priceless with this beach-side restaurant which features  lots of seafood from the waters off Mexico. El Dorado offers fried calamari, red snapper ceviche, tuna poke, stone crab cakes and grilled Pacific octopus. You will also be able to order lobster and bone marrow tacos, salmon with ginger and lemongrass and seared scallops. If  you prefer chicken or steak,

Cafe des Artistes - 2 blocks inland from Malecon

A bit more elegant dining can be found at Cafe des Artistes. Grilled meat and vegetarian dishes are paired with chamber music and a garden terrace. The restaurant touts itself as French cuisine with Mexican inspiration. Some of the main dishes are scaled bass with potatoes, marinated octopus with chicatanas, short rib and carbon beef fillet and suckling lamb. They also have a wine list to pair with your entrees.