Sunshine, surf, and… tacos. Puerto Vallarta is more than just a beach destination—it’s a true foodie haven. If you’ve ever wondered what food is Puerto Vallarta known for, you’re in for a delicious journey. With bold flavors, fresh seafood, and centuries-old recipes, the city’s cuisine is one of its biggest draws. In this guide, we’ll explore the best food in Puerto Vallarta, must-try local drinks, and everything else that makes this city a flavor-packed paradise.
Food in Puerto Vallarta: What to Eat & Local Dishes You Can’t Miss
Wondering what food Puerto Vallarta is known for? The city is famous for a mix of coastal and Jalisco food & drinks, served everywhere from street carts to fine dining spots. Here are the must-eat dishes in Puerto Vallarta:
🌮 Fish Tacos
Simple, fresh, and beach-ready. Crispy or grilled fish, shredded cabbage, creamy salsa, and lime—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. You’ll find these all over town, especially near the beach.
🦐 Aguachile
This spicy shrimp ceviche is served raw and marinated in lime juice with chile, cilantro, and red onion. A refreshing local favorite on hot days.
🐟 Ceviche
A classic Mexican coastal dish made with diced raw fish or shrimp, lime, tomato, onion, cilantro, and chile. Try it served on a tostada with avocado.
🐂 Birria
This rich, slow-cooked beef stew from Jalisco is full of depth and spice. Often served with tortillas or as tacos dunked in the broth. Perfect after a night out—or anytime, really.
🥖 Tortas Ahogadas
A Jalisco classic. Crispy bread stuffed with pork and “drowned” in spicy tomato sauce. They’re messy, spicy, and absolutely unforgettable.
🐟 Pescado Zarandeado
A whole fish—usually red snapper—marinated in smoky chile paste and grilled over open flame. Zarandeado is one of the most iconic foods to try in the area.
🌽 Tamales de Elote
Sweet corn tamales steamed in banana leaves. You’ll find them at morning street stands and traditional markets.
Puerto Vallarta Drinks & Regional Liquors
No food tour is complete without something delicious to sip. From traditional fermented drinks to craft cocktails and regional liquors, Puerto Vallarta has it all.
☕ Local Coffee
Grown in the Sierra Madre mountains of Jalisco and Nayarit, local coffee is high-altitude, shade-grown, and full of flavor. Sip it at the best coffee shops in Puerto Vallarta like Beach Please Coffee, A Page in the Sun, or at weekend markets.
🥥 Tuba
Tuba is an amazing, sweet coconut drink with apples and walnuts, served by vendors along the beach or along the Malecón.
🍍 Tepache
A lightly fermented drink made from pineapple rinds, piloncillo, and cinnamon. Served cold and slightly fizzy—perfect for the heat.
🌽 Tejuino
A tangy, fermented corn drink served with lime and salt. For a local twist, ask for it con nieve de limón (with lemon ice cream) or mixed with beer.
🌿 Raicilla
Raicilla is a lesser-known cousin of tequila and mezcal is made from wild agave. Smoky, funky, and uniquely Vallarta.
🍺 Craft Beer
Mexico’s craft beer scene has also been booming over the past few years, and we even have some excellent local craft breweries such as Los Muertos Brewing, Monzon, or Cervecería Buclas in Bucerias.
🍸 Cantaritos
A fruity tequila cocktail served in a clay cup with grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a chili rim. It’s refreshing, citrusy, and dangerously easy to drink.
Why the Puerto Vallarta Food Scene Is Worth the Hype
From street food in Puerto Vallarta to upscale spots with world-class chefs, the city is bursting with culinary diversity. Whether you’re craving comida típica, fresh ceviche, or something new, Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomy will blow you away. Pair that with perfect Puerto Vallarta weather, a vibrant beach culture, and friendly locals, and you’ve got one of Mexico’s most underrated foodie destinations.
Final Tips for Foodies
- Skip the chains—ask locals for hidden gems.
- Try a food tour to explore the best places to eat in Puerto Vallarta in one go.
- Don’t be afraid of street food—it’s often the best!
- When in doubt, order what the person in front of you is having.
Puerto Vallarta isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to taste. From fresh seafood to bold Jalisco flavors and tropical drinks, every bite tells a story. Now that you know what to eat and drink in Puerto Vallarta, all that’s left is to dig in.
