Find out why foodies need to spend more time on Vallarta’s South Shore. Many expats and visitors in Banderas Bay prefer to dine in the Downtown area of Puerto Vallarta where you will find a great concentration of top restaurants. For guests staying at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa, this area is particularly convenient only a 10 minute taxi ride away. However, what many guests don’t realize is that there are a number of fabulous restaurant and lunch choices on Puerto Vallarta’s South Shore.
So, where can you eat on the South Shore? (From closest to furthest)
Garza Blanca Preserve
Your first choice when staying at the resort, the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa has some of the most wonderful restaurants in the area. Why not try BocaDos steakhouse for those who like their gourmet food simple and delicious, or Contemporary Mexican Avant Garde Cuisine at Blanca Blue? You may also try a Japanese fusion restaurant called the Hiroshi, which is located at the brand new Hotel Mousai as well a enjoy fine snacks at Aquazul restaurant during the day and Italian dishes at night.
Mismaloya’s Restaurants
The 1960’s movie adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play, The Night of the Iguana starring Richard Burton, Deborah Kerr and Eva Gardner was filmed on Mismaloya Beach, and the set is still there to be seen. However, there are more reasons to visit Mismaloya, which include enjoying delicious simple meals such as fresh, whole red snapper, ceviche, or quesadillas with rice and fresh salsa. There are a huge number of great restaurants here so keep in mind that people will be trying to attract you into their restaurant as you arrive. Try the quieter south end of the beach as a start!
Le Kliff
Le Kliff was featured in the Guinness Book of records for having the largest palapa roof in 1984 and 1985, however, its fame comes more from its beautiful location perched on the edge of a stunning cliff. As both a bar and restaurant, this venue is famous for its awe-inspiring ambiance that imbues any occasion, including weddings and private parties. However it’s not all about pre-reserved event and gatherings; you can get lunch and dinner there any day! It does, however, pay to reserve your table or at least call ahead to enquire to ensure a wedding is not taking place when you do want to go.
Boca de Tomatlán
Boca de Tomatlán is the centre of activity for small boats departing to Las Animas, Quimixto, Yelapa as well as other boutique hotels that have no road access. At Boca de Tomatlán you can enjoy getting back to the basics of your food with fish grilled over open coals. The humble environment will enable you to feel more connected to Mexico and savor the day to day happenings of this fishing village. The margaritas are to die for, and it’s easy to get a bus or taxi back to your hotel.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
If you want to venture farther south and like to spend time in the embrace of Nature than the Vallarta Botanical gardens are without a doubt the best place for you! You can enjoy a lovely breakfast or lunch here, surrounded by hundreds of native tropical flowers; nothing could be better. There is a small entry fee, but it goes straight to the conservation and sustaining of this wonderful non-profit garden.
Las Animas Beach
To get to Las Animas beach you will need to take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán or Los Muertos Pier, but don’t worry! The journey is fairly short and is really quite beautiful. When you get to Las Animas there are many beach restaurants which service fresh seafood, but you will also be able to find other options. You should also not hesitate to try the pies that are sold by ladies who walk the village with baskets on their heads.
El Tuito
If you can travel an hour or so south of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown area then you’ll come across the most enchanting little town. El Tuito is small, but perfectly formed. The adorable main plaza is the hub of the city, you might even find some kids rehearsing a folkloric ballet here, and as a result it is here that you’ll find the best food. The restaurants might not be as glitzy as those in Puerto Vallarta, but the food is gorgeous. El Divisadero, which is hard to find but worth the effort, lies about 10 minutes from El Tuito on the Yelapa highway. This unique eatery offers pozole, tacos, and grilled meats in a hacienda setting that will make you feel at home.
