Puerto Vallarta Food isn’t something you schedule neatly between activities — they just happen. You eat because you’re hungry, because something smells unreal from across the street, or because you stumbled onto the right stand at exactly the right moment. This guide is all about the must-try Puerto Vallarta food and where to find them, without overthinking it — just show up hungry and let the city do the rest.

Best Tacos in Puerto Vallarta: Al Pastor Tacos (Eat Lots of Them)

Tacos in Puerto Vallarta aren’t just a meal — they’re a rhythm. You eat one, swear you’re done, then spot another stand five steps later and suddenly you’re “just trying one more.” Al pastor dominates the scene: pork spinning on a trompo, shaved to order, eaten standing up — and yes, usually finished with that classic little slice of pineapple on top (don’t skip it, it’s the whole point).

The Story Behind Tacos Al Pastor

Tacos al pastor didn’t actually start in Mexico — at least not in the way we know them today. In the early 1900s, Lebanese immigrants brought the shawarma-style technique of spit-roasting meat, and Mexico made it its own. Pork replaced lamb, achiote gave it that signature red glow, and somewhere along the way a cheeky slice of pineapple joined the party — sweet, smoky, messy perfection. This is one of the most essential Puerto Vallarta food you absolutely have to try while you’re here.

Where to Eat Best Tacos in Puerto Vallarta

Once you’ve accepted that tacos will become a daily hobby in Puerto Vallarta, the only question is where to start. The good news: you don’t need a complicated plan — just a little direction so you don’t waste precious stomach space on anything forgettable.

If you really want to experience Puerto Vallarta taco culture properly, a taco tour is hands-down the best way to do it. You’ll get the behind-the-scenes stories, learn what to order (and why), and try the best spots the local way — no guessing required.

But if you’re building your own DIY taco crawl, here are a few tried-and-true recommendations in Centro and Zona Romántica to get you started. These pair perfectly with our Puerto Vallarta Centro travel guide and Puerto Vallarta Zona Romántica travel guide.

Centro

• Pepe’s Tacos – A local institution known for classic al pastor. Simple, fast, and consistently good. We came here more than once during our Puerto Vallarta trip — it’s that reliable.
• El Carboncito – Another strong choice for pastor, especially late in the day when the spit is in full swing.

Zona Romántica

• Taco Sonorita –Another great spot that often has a line, but the tacos are absolutely worth the wait. Bold flavors, satisfying portions, and the kind of place you’ll want to repeat.
• Pancho’s Takos – Famous for a reason. Expect long lines, and reliably delicious tacos. They’re often called the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta — but we didn’t get to try them because they were closed on Sunday. If you go, make sure you try them and tell me what you think (I’m still annoyed we missed it 😄).

Best Seafood in Puerto Vallarta: A Coastal Essential

Being on the Pacific coast, seafood isn’t optional in Puerto Vallarta — it’s basically part of the lifestyle. You’ll see shrimp, marlin, oysters, and fresh local fish everywhere, from tiny street stands to beachfront restaurants with sandy feet vibes.

If you’re building your Puerto Vallarta foods checklist, make room for these:

• Fish tacos (everything from shrimp to marlin — and yes, you should try both)
• Ceviche (fresh, citrusy, dangerously easy to keep eating)
• Local fish made the local way (usually grilled simply, with lime + salsa doing the heavy lifting)
• Fried fish when you want something crispy, salty, and wildly satisfying

Where to Eat Best Seafood in Puerto Vallarta

• Mariscos La Tía Ñaña – Known for what many locals call the best marlin taco in Puerto Vallarta.
• Joe Jack’s Fish Shack – Casual, reliable seafood with a relaxed atmosphere and rooftop dining that’s perfect for a laid-back lunch.
• La Palapa – A classic beachfront restaurant, perfect for a long, lazy meal by the ocean.

Breakfast & Brunch in Puerto Vallarta

Mornings in Puerto Vallarta don’t believe in rushing — especially if you had a “one more margarita” kind of night. Breakfast here is slow, social, and best enjoyed without checking the time every five minutes.

• Elixir Spot – A popular vegan-friendly café serving smoothies, bowls, and lighter breakfast options (perfect if your stomach needs a gentle start).
• ONO Smoothie Bowl – Known for smoothie bowls and fresh tropical flavors that somehow taste even better in the PV heat.

Mexican Street Food in Puerto Vallarta (Beyond Tacos)

Yes, tacos are the main character — but Puerto Vallarta street food has a whole supporting cast worth meeting. A lot of it is meant to be eaten casually while wandering (or posted up on the beach), usually with sticky fingers, a napkin that’s losing the battle, and zero shame.

• Mango con chile y limón – Fresh mango from street carts, dusted with chili and squeezed with lime. Sweet, spicy, messy perfection.
• Tostilocos / Dorilocos or Duritos – Chips loaded with sauces, lime, and toppings. It sounds chaotic… because it is — and it’s oddly addictive.
• Esquites – Corn in a cup mixed with mayo, chili, lime, and cheese. Comfort food with a street-food twist.
• Fruit cups – Watermelon, jicama, pineapple (and whatever looks best), topped with chili and lime for that classic sweet-salty-tangy combo.

Drinks in Puerto Vallarta: Tequila, Mezcal, Cocktails & More

In Puerto Vallarta, drinks aren’t just a side note — they’re part of the food experience. And here’s the fun fact that makes it even better: Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco — the land of tequila. So yes, you’re basically in the right place to take tequila seriously (for once).

Try tequila neat at least once — even if you think you’re not a tequila person. The good stuff here hits different. And when it comes to cocktails, start with the classic margarita. It’s hands-down one of the best ways to appreciate tequila in its most vacation-friendly form. If you enjoy smoky flavors, mezcal is also worth a sip (or three) since it’s bolder, deeper, and surprisingly easy to fall in love with.

If you can swing it, take some time out and visit the town of Tequila (yes, it’s a real place) and nearby Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city — a great add-on if you want to mix drinks with culture. And if you can’t make the trip, don’t worry… Puerto Vallarta still has plenty of tequila tastings, great pours, and mezcal-based cocktails to keep you very happy.

Also, don’t skip fresh aguas frescas like hibiscus (jamaica), tamarind, and horchata — they’re the ultimate heat-friendly drink between tacos.

If you want to taste the best drinks in town without guessing, a food + drink tour is honestly the easiest win — you’ll hit the right cocktail bars, try proper tequila and mezcal pours, and actually learn what you’re drinking (instead of just ordering random margaritas and hoping for the best).

Sweet Treats in Puerto Vallarta: Where to Find the Best Churros

Sweets in Mexico are everywhere — from fancy restaurant desserts to roadside carts that magically appear the moment you start craving something sweet. And Puerto Vallarta is no different. Dessert here is rarely planned — it just happens. You’re out walking, it’s late, you’re supposed to be heading home… and then you spot a churro cart like it was placed there by fate.

If you want one of those hidden (but not so hidden) local gems for churros, go to The Churros Guy — freshly made churros, and always worth stopping for. Just be ready to stand in a long line, because everyone else has the same idea. Churros are best eaten hot, standing on the street, with sugar on your fingers and absolutely zero planning involved.

Eat Like a Local in Puerto Vallarta: Olas Altas Saturday Market

For a true local food experience, spend your Saturday morning eating your way through the Olas Altas Saturday Farmers Market. It’s honestly less about shopping and more about grazing your way from stall to stall — the kind of place where you come for “a quick look” and leave completely full.

You’ll find fresh juices, baked goods, prepared local dishes, and all kinds of small-batch snacks and handmade treats that somehow convince you to try “just one more thing.” Eating here feels communal and relaxed — more like a neighborhood hangout than a tourist stop.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Vallarta Food is all about repetition, discovery, and timing. You don’t chase one “best” restaurant — you eat often, keep it light, and follow whatever looks (and smells) right in the moment. Some bites will be unforgettable, others will just hit the spot — but together they create that easy food rhythm. If you want to experience the city beyond beaches and landmarks, start with tacos, follow your curiosity, and let the rest unfold naturally.

📌 Pin this guide so you can pull it up anytime your stomach makes decisions before your brain does. And for the perfect pairing to your food journey, don’t miss our Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta guide — it’ll help you plan the adventures between tacos.