Widely recognized as the second-best culinary destination in Mexico behind the much-larger capital, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta represents the ideal locale for travelers hoping to experience world-class cuisine alongside incredible coastal scenery. Recently, eight of the city's top restaurants received the prestigious Five Star Diamond Award, the top honor from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Additionally, each of Puerto Vallarta's award-winning restaurants are consistently ranked within the top 50 eateries in all of Mexico. The top restaurants are located in all areas of the city, but each offers unique views of everything from Banderas Bay and the surrounding mountain landscape to some of Mexico's best beaches and the city's historic architecture. The cuisine of Puerto Vallarta is just as diverse as the scenery, as foodies will have no trouble finding haute European cuisine, traditional Mexican fare and everything in between. Throughout the year, Puerto Vallarta also hosts several exciting culinary events that highlight the best dishes the city has to offer, while welcoming award-winning chefs from throughout the world.

One of Puerto Vallarta's most impressive, award-winning restaurants is Le Kliff, named for its stunning location atop a cliff overlooking Banderas Bay. Since 1983, Le Kliff has consistently earned awards for both its cuisine and setting, including recent recognition as "The Most Beautiful Restaurant in Mexico." The restaurant features an open-air layout with sections of the dining area covered by a large palapa-style roof. Despite the large seating area, every table at Le Kliff offers views of Banderas Bay - where humpback whales can be spotted throughout the winter and spring months and remarkable nightly sunsets add to the unique ambiance. The talented, award-winning chefs at Le Kliff serve up adventurous contemporary cuisine, incorporating advanced culinary techniques rarely seen outside of cosmopolitan dining destinations such as New York City and Paris. Though Le Kliff's regular menu is known for its worldly approach, the restaurant also utilizes an impressive array of local seafood and native flavors. Le Kliff, owned and operated by natives, is located 25 miles south of the downtown area and is open for lunch and dinner throughout the year. Le Kliff can also be found at prestigious annual culinary events, including Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week and the International Gourmet Festival.

Within the city, foodies can experience innovative restaurants such as La Palapa and Vista Grill. La Palapa is located on picturesque Los Muertos Beach, one of the area's most popular destinations for recreation and relaxation. Known for its sophisticated, but casual atmosphere, and regular live jazz performances, La Palapa has become a favorite hangout for jet setters and locals alike. La Palapa is open throughout the year for breakfast, lunch and dinner - serving a rotating menu of international favorites and local creations, alongside one of the best wine selections. Vista Grill, located in the south end of Puerto Vallarta, offers contemporary European cuisine with a local flourish. The restaurant features an elegant art-deco interior and terraced outdoor dining area that provides excellent views of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta's historic downtown area. Other Five Star Diamond Award-Winning restaurants in the area include Café des Artistes, Kaiser Maximilian, Los Xitomates, Thierry's Prime Steakhouse and Tikul.

The city is also home to several exciting events that allow visitors to sample the best dishes the city has to offer, as well as culinary creations from around the world. The most prestigious event is the International Gourmet Festival, a 10-day culinary celebration that is staged at the beginning of high tourism season in mid-November. Now in its 15th year, the International Gourmet Festival welcomes talented chefs from throughout the world for cooking demonstrations, special dining opportunities and rousing parties. Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week, held each year during late May, shifts the culinary focus onto local eateries. As several of the city's award-winning restaurants feature special fixed price menus for the course of Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week, the event stands as one of the most affordable ways to experience some of the best cuisine Mexico has to offer.

As the city boasts an incredible culinary culture amongst a small-town environment and unmatched scenery, there are few destinations that can match the experience of dining in Puerto Vallarta.