Folks who rent a villa Puerto Vallarta for a week or two might think of Mexican food as international and exotic, but to folks who live in this resort city year-round, it’s really just home cooking. Here, genuinely international cuisine has its origins much farther away (the burgers at Carl’s Jr. do not count as “international†for this purpose, even though their roots are from north of the border). In fact, local diners in the know have voted, and they recommend a couple of restaurants for the hungry who seek an “ethnic†dining experience.
Good Eats in El Centro
- When the taste buds call out for something sweet or spicy with an Asian flair, Archie’s Wok appears to be the place to go. Located in El Centro at Francisca Rodriguez 130, the place gets good reviews from the people who eat there, and it earned a place as the People’s Choice “hands down†favorite for superb Asian dining in 2009. They serve lunch and dinner from 2 to 11, and word is it’s the best non-Mexican food in town; savory dishes feature coconut milk, curry, garlic and more in a blend of Thai and south Asian cuisine.
- Not a fan of Asian food? Don’t worry – there are plenty of other great “off shore†dining opportunities a short taxi ride from your villa Puerto Vallarta. La Dolce Vita, for instance, is quite popular for Italian food. The pizza, the homemade pasta and the views from Diaz Ordaz 674 in El Centro make for a winning combination. Quite a few return diners say they make it a point to take a meal here at least once during their visit to town.
- El Brujo, at Venustiano Carranza 510 in El Centro, is more renowned for its seafood dishes than for its international flair (remember, Mexican food is not international when you’re in Mexico). This place is affordable and the food is fresh and tasty, so expect a wait if you arrive without a reservation. Don’t let the modest décor deter you – fans say it’s worth cooling your heels for a few minutes to sit down to a plate of their marvelous ceviche.
It’s hard to deny that life is sweet in Puerto Vallarta. You get to enjoy a reasonably priced and delicious meal in Old Town, then take a casual stroll down the Malecon to savor the evening. And things only get better when you head back to your villa for a nightcap.
The author is a huge fan of Puerto Vallarta and enjoys his vacation at Villa Rental Puerto Vallarta. For further information on Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental please visit
