2007 Winners
Actually, this annual on-line survey is win-win all around! You get to share your opinion about what's going on in Puerto Vallarta — which matters, because it influences how folks chose to spend their hard-earned money and free time in this multi-option resort destination — and those local businesses doing all the right things are delighted, because it keeps them from getting lost in the shuffle.
Encompassing almost 50 categories, ranging from the best live music venue to the best health club and martini, the response has steadily increased in the past few years, generating excitement among both restaurants and their guests. Patrons are pleased to have an easy way to spread the good word about the places they have found to be exceptional. And when you're new in town, with no idea what's what, a quick look at the poll results puts you in the know, the cream of the crop rising to the top.
The list of winners follows. To learn more about each winning restaurant, as well as discover some of the top finalists in each category, please click on the category of your choice from the right-hand menu.
Landslide winner Refers to categories in which the winner received twice as many or more votes than the second place.
ARE YOU A WINNER? Click here for information about our awards ceremony, as well as to download Readers' Choice logos for your advertisements
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself. The constantly evolving menu, best described as Pacific Rim with a Mediterranean flair, keeps things fresh and interesting, along with traditional favorites like lobster tacos, barbecue spareribs and grilled huachinango.
Not only can The Deli cater to all your needs (pun inteded) from carefully prepared breakfast gift baskets to full-fledged dinner parties, this recently-opened venue fills the gap when it comes to gourmet-style del
El Arrayan has become one of the hottest restaurants in town, winning “Best Mexican” by a landslide for the past three years. Everything about it is inspired by the most authentic Mexican traditions, with a fresh modern edge.
The great thing about successful chain restaurants is that you know exactly what to expect from the food, service and ambiance; and once you discover that they have just what you crave, the decision on where to dine is automatic.
Finally, after a wait that their customers consider way too long, Sidney and Enrique's former Mezzaluna has re-opened as Mezzogiorno.
Haute cuisine and friendly service blend in this beautiful setting at Los Muertos Beach that offers the perfect balance of fine dining and exceptional service in a casually elegant atmosphere with the characteristic warmth and charm of Puerto Vallarta.La Palapa Restaurant and Beach Club is one of Vallarta`s favorite places for locals and visitors to enjoy excellent food.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself. The constantly evolving menu, best described as Pacific Rim with a Mediterranean flair, keeps things fresh and interesting, along with traditional favorites like lobster tacos, barbecue spareribs and grilled huachinango.
Hip and fresh with a clubby atmosphere, this very cool eatery stays open into the wee hours to satisfy late-night yearnings, its innovative and extensive cocktail menu including 30 martinis and an equal number of “On the Rocks” libations.
Finally, after a wait that their customers consider way too long, Sidney and Enrique's former Mezzaluna has re-opened as Mezzogiorno. With the passion and creative flair they're known for, they have transformed their beachfront Bucerias house into a happening indoor-outdoor Italian restaurant, sure to become one of the most popular places to eat north of Vallarta.
Best Inexpensive 2007: Mama Dolores
Since it opened in 1996, Mama Dolores Restaurant has earned a reputation for offering good quality, homestyle food at affordable prices.
Since it opened in 1996, Mama Dolores Restaurant has earned a reputation for offering good quality, homestyle food at affordable prices.
Contemporary Mexican cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner in a colorful and super comfy open-air ambiance.
Thierry Blouet, Maitre Cuisinier de France and a member of the Culinary Academy of France, has what is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Café des Artistes.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself. The constantly evolving menu, best described as Pacific Rim with a Mediterranean flair, keeps things fresh and interesting, along with traditional favorites like lobster tacos, barbecue spareribs and grilled huachinango.
What stunning vistas of the town, bay and surrounding mountains this sleekly sophisticated mountainside venue is privy to, jutting terraces at different levels making you feel the views are yours alone.
Haute cuisine and friendly service blend in this beautiful setting at Los Muertos Beach that offers the perfect balance of fine dining and exceptional service in a casually elegant atmosphere with the characteristic warmth and charm of Puerto Vallarta.
I f you like doing your own thing, this very hip and hedonistic beach club is where you want to be, Nikki Beach attracting the coolest people in the world’s most appealing destinations.
Haute cuisine and friendly service blend in this beautiful setting at Los Muertos Beach that offers the perfect balance of fine dining and exceptional service in a casually elegant atmosphere with the characteristic warmth and charm of Puerto Vallarta. La Palapa Restaurant and Beach Club is one of Vallarta`s favorite places for locals and visitors to enjoy excellent food.
Sip a Mai Tai Thai in a serene oriental garden as d’Rachael delights with harp, flute, and vocals while you await a feast of tropical flavors. Archie, movie director John Huston’s chef for many years, garnered the best elements of Pan Asian cuisine and gave them a Thai emphasis.
All You Can Eat 2007: Brasil
Brasil Steak House comes back for the fourth time in a row as the best all-you-can-eat-for-a-set-price restaurant.
Brasil Steak House comes back for the fourth time in a row as the best all-you-can-eat-for-a-set-price restaurant.
The fact that this healthy favorite keeps cropping up in more and more Puerto Vallarta restaurants, it is at Tsunami that it’s best enjoyed.
The rich aromas that emanate from this authentic Italian kitchen confirm owner Domenico (Mimmo) Lorusso’s, passion for the freshest and finest ingredients and his talent to meld them elegantly in his rich slow-cooked sauces.
Sip a Mai Tai Thai in a serene oriental garden as d’Rachael delights with harp, flute, and vocals while you await a feast of tropical flavors.
The Chiles legacy lives on! Over a decade ago, Hank Muffett and Conrad Kostelecky set shop in Puerto Vallarta, offering basic, yet very well put-together hamburgers, bbq chicken and other comfort food staples at Chiles, their casual lunch and early dinner restaurant.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself.
El Arrayán has become one of the hottest restaurants in town, winning “Best Mexican” by a landslide for the past three years.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself.
Sip a Mai Tai Thai in a serene oriental garden as d’Rachael delights with harp, flute, and vocals while you await a feast of tropical flavors.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself.
"Whatever you do, don’t miss it," says Lonely Planet. Fodor’s says, "For 14 years making the most delicious desserts in Mexico!" Pies, cakes, cookies and cheesecake tarts.
"Whatever you do, don’t miss it," says Lonely Planet. Fodor’s says, "For 14 years making the most delicious desserts in Mexico!" Pies, cakes, cookies and cheesecake tarts.
The tradition of Italian-style ice creams and gelatos has found a permanent home at the four branches this successful brand has throughout the bay.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself.
On the most popular beach in town, the kitchen of this casually elegant landmark perpetually reinvents itself.
Hip and fresh with a clubby atmosphere, this very cool eatery stays open into the wee hours to satisfy late-night yearnings, its innovative and extensive cocktail menu including 30 martinis and an equal number of “On the Rocks” libations.
Thierry Blouet, Maitre Cuisinier de France and a member of the Culinary Academy of France, has what is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Café des Artistes.
A must visit! Owners Claire and Joe Guarniere have presented sculpture and paintings in Vallarta’s largest gallery and sculpture garden for more than 10 years.
“Although I live in Guadalajara, it’s in Puerto Vallarta that I really feel alive,” comments Guillermo Gómez.
Mai Tai Thai in a serene oriental garden as d’Rachael delights with harp, flute, and vocals while you await a feast of tropical flavors.
A group of four Cuernavaca brothers plus a cousin, Los Bambinos have been pounding the pavement (and the sand) entertaining folks at local restaurants with their eclectic mixture of traditional and pop songs with a Latin twist for several years.
Predominantly a gay venue, Mañana has become quite a popular spot with Vallarta's hip and fashionable set looking for good dance beats, regardless of preference.
Aren’t we fortunate that Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach is right in the heart of town? There are many beach options surrounding Puerto Vallarta, from serene destinations with peaceful surf and soft sand to fishing villages that you can visit for a day or overnight.
Best Health Club 2007: Gold's Gym
The local franchise of this world-renowned health club brand opened its doors for the first time in October, 2002, only a week before Hurricane Kenna hit Puerto Vallarta, seriously damaging the Malecón area along with other tourist areas near the ocean.
The local franchise of this world-renowned health club brand opened its doors for the first time in October, 2002, only a week before Hurricane Kenna hit Puerto Vallarta, seriously damaging the Malecón area along with other tourist areas near the ocean.
