What Food To Try in Puerto Vallarta and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Puerto Vallarta for 2024.
National currency: Mexican Peso, symbol — M$ (international currency code MXN).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Puerto Vallarta cafes and restaurants
$8.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.4
$41.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $29.32
$7.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.04
What to Try in Puerto Vallarta
Must-try Dishes
Tortilla de Patatas - Spanish Omelette (potato and egg dish) - A thick, hearty omelette made with eggs and layers of sautéed potatoes, often enjoyed as a breakfast. Locals love to eat it in small cafes, sometimes at any hour, paired with a simple salad.Tacos al Pastor - Shepherd's Tacos (marinated pork tacos) - Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro in a soft corn tortilla. Perfect as a late-night street food option, you'll spot locals lining up at taquerias to enjoy this flavorful snack.
Birria - Spicy Goat Stew - A rich stew of slow-cooked goat or beef in a mezcla of spices, often served with warm corn tortillas and a splash of lime. On weekends, families gather for birria, making it a dining experience rather than just a meal (Sunday is especially busy).
Ceviche - Fresh Seafood Salad - Freshly diced fish or shrimp cured in citrus juices and mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, giving it a refreshing flavor. You’ll often see locals enjoying this at seaside eateries, especially during hot afternoons.
Chiles en Nogada - Stuffed Peppers in Walnut Sauce - Poblano peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of meat, fruits, and spices, then topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Traditionally enjoyed during patriotic celebrations, you can only find this comforting dish during the late summer.
Pozole - Hominy Stew - A hearty stew made from hominy, meat (usually pork or chicken), and garnished with cabbage, radishes, and lime. Locals often enjoy pozole on special occasions and weekends, bringing families together for this satisfying dish.
Elote - Grilled Corn on the Cob - Grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, offering a sweet-salty-spicy combination. Street vendors serve this during festivals and markets, making it an essential snack while exploring.
Menudo - Tripe Soup - A flavorful soup made with hominy, beef tripe, and spices, simmered until the flavors meld together. Locals often enjoy menudo as a remedy for hangovers, typically on Sunday mornings, often accompanied by warm tortillas.
Desserts & Drinks
Café de Olla - Café de Olla (traditional spiced coffee) - This aromatic coffee is brewed with cinnamon, cloves, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) in a clay pot, giving it a distinctive flavor. Locals typically enjoy it in the mornings, often paired with a warm pastry while chatting in the plaza.Tamarind Juice - Jugo de Tamarindo (sweet and tangy drink) - A refreshing drink made from tamarind pulp mixed with water and sugar, served chilled with ice. During the hot summer months, it's a favorite at beachside stands, particularly wonderful after a sun-soaked afternoon.
Margarita - Margarita (classic cocktail) - A vibrant mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, often served with a salted rim. Poured over ice and enjoyed in the evenings at local bars, it's a go-to drink for celebrating life’s moments with friends.
Conchas - Conchas (sweet bread rolls) - Sweet, shell-shaped pastries with a sugary topping, perfect alongside a cup of coffee. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they are light, fluffy, and available in various flavors; striking the right balance between sweetness and texture.
Raspado - Raspado (shaved ice dessert) - This icy treat is made from finely shaved ice drenched in flavored syrups, often topped with condensed milk or fresh fruit. Especially popular in the heat of summer, you can find vendors selling them on every corner; perfect after a long day at the beach.
Food and Groceries in Puerto Vallarta
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.18 |
| Bananas | $1.1 |
| Oranges | $1.45 |
| Potatoes | $1.53 |
| Apples | $2.64 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.29 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.77 |
| Imported Beer | $2.64 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.73 |
| Milk 1L | $1.39 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $8.73 |
| Chicken | $5.96 |
| Cigarettes | $3.23 |
| Rice | $1.78 |
| Local Cheese | $6.86 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Puerto Vallarta’s dining scene is alive with energy, especially during the late afternoon as locals gather for their daily comidas. Typically, the main meal happens around 3 PM, when streets buzz with families navigating between cafes and food stalls. It’s not uncommon to see groups enjoying traditional plates like tacos al pastor or pozole, wrapped in lively conversations. This striking contrast from more straightforward dining habits in places like the U.S. highlights how socializing is integral to meals here.
In terms of prices, you can expect a meal at local eateries to run anywhere from $50 to $150 pesos, depending on your choice. For example, a delicious torta ahogada (a local sandwich specialty) might set you back about $80 pesos at a street vendor, whereas a sit-down meal with more variety could cost around $150 pesos in the Romantic Zone. Conversely, upscale restaurants in Marina Vallarta might charge upwards of $500 pesos for a similar dining experience, often accompanied by more elaborate service.
When it comes to payment customs, cash is still king here, though a growing number of places accept cards. Just about everywhere will expect a tip of 10-15%, yet it’s always appreciated if you go a bit higher, especially if you receive great service. It's common to round up your payment, so carrying small bills is a solid strategy.
Oh, and before I forget—one local dining habit I've noticed is the tradition of sharing dishes. This communal approach fosters a lovely atmosphere, where people can sample various flavors together, making meals an engaging social affair rather than just a fuel stop. The common tourist mistake? Ordering individual meals instead of sharing. Trust me, you'll want to experience all the flavors you can!
Peak dining hours can bring in crowds, particularly around 7 PM, so if you’re hoping to enjoy a leisurely meal in places like Old Town, arriving a bit earlier can pay off. On the weekends, you might want to avoid the dinner rush entirely by dining around 5 or 6 PM.
With the changes in weather seasons, particularly in summer, some people shift their eating habits to lighter fare, opting for ceviche and fresh seafood. Interestingly, this links back to how local vendors adapt their menus accordingly.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta's food culture is a rich tapestry of flavors and customs that invite both locals and visitors to enjoy its vibrant offerings.
In terms of prices, you can expect a meal at local eateries to run anywhere from $50 to $150 pesos, depending on your choice. For example, a delicious torta ahogada (a local sandwich specialty) might set you back about $80 pesos at a street vendor, whereas a sit-down meal with more variety could cost around $150 pesos in the Romantic Zone. Conversely, upscale restaurants in Marina Vallarta might charge upwards of $500 pesos for a similar dining experience, often accompanied by more elaborate service.
When it comes to payment customs, cash is still king here, though a growing number of places accept cards. Just about everywhere will expect a tip of 10-15%, yet it’s always appreciated if you go a bit higher, especially if you receive great service. It's common to round up your payment, so carrying small bills is a solid strategy.
Oh, and before I forget—one local dining habit I've noticed is the tradition of sharing dishes. This communal approach fosters a lovely atmosphere, where people can sample various flavors together, making meals an engaging social affair rather than just a fuel stop. The common tourist mistake? Ordering individual meals instead of sharing. Trust me, you'll want to experience all the flavors you can!
Peak dining hours can bring in crowds, particularly around 7 PM, so if you’re hoping to enjoy a leisurely meal in places like Old Town, arriving a bit earlier can pay off. On the weekends, you might want to avoid the dinner rush entirely by dining around 5 or 6 PM.
With the changes in weather seasons, particularly in summer, some people shift their eating habits to lighter fare, opting for ceviche and fresh seafood. Interestingly, this links back to how local vendors adapt their menus accordingly.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta's food culture is a rich tapestry of flavors and customs that invite both locals and visitors to enjoy its vibrant offerings.