Mexico - Puerto Vallarta area restaurant suggestions

I'm going to have a chef, but figure I'd like to eat at a restaurant one night. I'm trying to decide between two. Both say they can prepare a special vegetarian menu. I'd really like something that showcases regional cooking and is not just something I could find most anywhere. Thoughts?

Restaurants I'm considering:

Cafe Des Artistes
Vista Grill

I had a few other, more casual, places on the list, but weeded those out.

I can't speak to Vista, but Cafe des Artistes is amazing. I have dinned there a few times, and a few times at their sister outlet in Punta de Mita. I have never been disapointed. I have also recommended it a half dozen or so friends while vacationing in PVR, and all gave it high marks.

Excellent to hear. Thank you!

Daquiri Dick's - don't let the cheesy name turn you off, we've had a couple of fabulous, inventive meals here over the course of 2+ years and it's the one place we always go back to.

Having been visiting PV for almost 15 years now (and living there on-and-off), here's my list:

My favorites in PV:

- River Café (nicer place - http://www.rivercafe.com.mx/)
- El Arrayan (http://elarrayan.com.mx/)
- Ay! Caramba (casual Mexican place up the hill in downtown PV, overlooks the entire city, cheap and good)
- El Set (in the cliffs just south of the city, they have awesome sunsets, great food. Go on their roof to take photos w/ all of Vallarta in the background)
- Cilantro’s (upscale Mexican - http://www.cilantrospv.com/index0.htm)
- La Palapa (great seafood right on the beach in downtown Vallarta)
- Roberto’s (seafood)
- Hacienda de St. Angel
- Fajita Republic (casual Mexican in old Vallarta)

Places I would avoid in downtown PV:

- Pipi’s (lots of advertising, it’s a fun place to get drunk, but the food is disgusting)
- Café de Artistes (way overrated, overpriced, food is just average)
- La Chata and Tequilas (both are right on the malecon (boardwalk), I’m sure they pay commissions to taxi drivers and hotel concierges to bring people in)

Marina Vallarta (between the airport and downtown PV):

- Portobello (great Italian - http://portobellovallarta.com/)
- Rincon de Buenos Aires (Argentine steak place)

Going North to Nuevo Vallarta/Bucerias (about 25-30 minutes from downtown PV; 15 minutes from the airport)

- Ernesto’s
- Mark’s Bar and Grill (Bucerias; http://www.marksbucerias.com/pages/1/index.htm)
- Tapas del mundo (Bucerias; this is a blast, a funny old guy (American) cooks around a huge bar, great tapas and fondue - http://www.tapasdelmundo.com/)
- Mezzogiorno (Bucerias; great Italian oceanfront, waves crash under the building - http://www.mezzogiorno.com.mx/english.html)
- Bernardo’s (Nuevo Vallarta; owner is a French chef, always great seafood - http://www.bernardoscafe.com/)

If I had only three nights to spend in Vallarta, I’d absolutely go to (in no particular order):

- El Set (good food, great views, awesome sunsets)
- Mark’s Bar and Grill (allows you to see a smaller (but completely safe) Mexican village (Bucerias) and the food is spectacular)
- El Arrayan (upscale Mexican and great)

Been a long time since we've been there, and I wouldn't go there necessarily for the food, but the EL SET on the southern outskirts of town has the most fabulous views of anyplace in town. Nothing more relaxing than to sip a Cuervo Gold Margarita while watching the sunset from this location. Go for it and take your camera!!!

Too bad I didn't have your list two weeks ago, UNITED959! I did enjoy Cafe des Artistes though, and thought it pretty reasonable. The best dish was something the chef made that was not on the menu, but what he offered up as a vegetarian option. (Photos on my blog ...about the third restaurant down right now.)

I was staying near Bucerias at Real del Mar so I will save your list for when I'm next there. I mostly ate at the house and the club, but will check out your Bucerias recommendations next time.

maltsar: Funny ...I was trying to remember the name of El Set, thank you! I probably last ate there 20 years ago ...I don't remember the food, but watched an incredible lightening storm from there. Yes, great views!

I did enjoy Cafe des Artistes though, and thought it pretty reasonable. The best dish was something the chef made that was not on the menu, but what he offered up as a vegetarian option. (Photos on my blog ...about the third restaurant down right now.)

Interesting review! Last time I went to CdA, it was around US$150/person. Although, while a cow or fishy had to sacrifice their lives for our dishes, the skill in preparation didn't warrant the price point, so perhaps it "left a bad taste in my mouth." :)

I'll have to give it a try again.