Contemporary Mexican cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner in a colorful and super comfy open-air ambiance. Located above the landmark Choco-Banana, eat here just once and you'll know why Banana Cantina was voted Vallarta's Best New Restaurant in last year's Readers' Choice awards. Consider treating yourself to a Banana Cantina martini, made with tequila. Daily specials and a constantly evolving menu keeping things interesting. The bread is wonderful and baked in-house, the poblano vichyssoise out of this world — servings surprisingly generous. And then there's the delectable almond-crusted garlic shrimp, and so much more...

Amapas 147, El Centro • (322) 222-2114

Other Finalists:

• Archie's Wok • Fca. Rodríguez 130, El Centro
• Daiquiri Dick's • Olas Altas 314, El Centro
• El Arrayán • Allende 344 & Miramar, El Centro