5 Most Romantic Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta; 2023 Update

There are scads of romantic restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and today I am highlighting my five favorites. Each place on this list has its own charms. Some are small and cozy. Some have candlelit tables draped with white table cloths. Others have sweeping views where you are seduced by mother nature. We’ve celebrated many birthdays, Valentine’s Days, wedding anniversaries, and sometimes just date nights at these restaurants. These romantic restaurants always provide incredible food, thoughtful service, and a lovely ambiance.

#5 – La Romantica

You might remember this from my post 16 Best Restaurantes in Zona Romantica. La Romantica is more of a coffee shop than a restaurant, but I had to include it on the list since romantic is in its very name! The churros are fresh and delicious, with many different iterations to try. Sharing a sweet treat with your love is the perfect way to top off an evening!

Favorites: Churro Split – to share with your sweetheart

Vibe: cozy coffee shop, romantic

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Pet Friendly: No

Special Diets Accommodated: You might find a salad on the menu that fits your diet restrictions, but the desserts probably won’t.

#4 – Tre Piatti

From the outside, Tre Piatti looks a little rustic. I suppose when you are working around a large tree that sits in the middle of your restaurant, that will happen! Walk in the door, and you are greeted with a charming, upscale restaurant experience. A farm to table restaurant, the menu is chef-driven and changes every two weeks. Isn’t that amazing? It’s practically a new restaurant every time you go. According to Yelp, ‘The food is executed by a husband wife team whom have worked in Michelin starred restaurants in Italy, San Francisco, and New York.

Favorites: We were a group of 5 and could not decide what to order, so the chef recommended we do a tasting menu of sorts. Everything I ate was incredible.

Vibe: upscale, cozy, romantic

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Note: Closed on Tuesdays

Pet Friendly: No

Special Diets Accommodated: The menu does not specifically call out any gluten free or vegan items, but there are usually several items to accommodate most people. I am sure the chef will be happy to work with you.

#3 – The Iguana Restaurant and Tequila Bar (at Casa Kimberly)

In the early 1960s, Richard Burton starred in the movie Night of the Iguana filmed in Puerto Vallarta. He and Elizabeth Taylor were having a scandalous affair (she was still married), and they couldn’t bear to be apart during filming. The story goes that Richard’s original accommodations were not up to Elizabeth’s high standards. He told John Huston that Elizabeth would leave Puerto Vallarta if they did not find more suitable lodging. Burton added that if Elizabeth left, so would he. Huston quickly offered up the beautiful casita he purchased for himself in the area now known as “Gringo Gulch”. To keep up with appearances, Burton bought a casita directly across the street, then had a bridge built between the two. That’s not obvious at all, right?!

Elizabeth Taylor’s casita, Casa Kimberly, is now a boutique hotel that includes the upscale restaurant, The Iguana. The restaurant is lavishly decorated in Elizabeth’s signature style – dramatic and bejeweled! The food here is good, but the ambiance is the real draw. You will be spellbound.

Favorites: lobster tacos

Vibe: upscale, opulent

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Pet Friendly: Temperature check, hand sanitizer, bleach on a welcome mat to walk on, and all staff are masked. Restaurant is open air.

Special Diets Accommodated: The menu does not specify, but it appears most items can be easily adapted to work for most needs.

#2 – Le Kliff

Le Kliff is about a 30-minute drive south of Puerto Vallarta in the Mismaloya area. It is the most unique restaurant I have ever seen. It appears to be carved out of a cliff (hence the name, right?!). Multiple dining levels provide incredible views from every table. They have also created several vignettes around the property that create magical backdrops for great photos and add to the overall ambiance. 15 years ago, the food here was just okay. We have been twice in the last 5 months, and I am happy to report the food is excellent now! If you are a sucker for an incredible sunset, this is a fantastic place to see one.

Favorites: catch of the day, beef filet

Vibe: casual elegance

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Note: It is possible to Uber/taxi here. Upon check-in, the restaurant host will ask if you need a taxi for your way back.

Pet Friendly: No. Ironically, there are always a couple of cats at the host stand.

Special Diets Accommodated: Pescatarians will eat very well here. Strict vegans and vegetarians will be left with few options beyond a salad.

#1 – Most Romantic Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta; La Capella

La Capella is located in “Gringo Gulch,” very close to Casa Kimberly. Upon arrival, you might wonder if your taxi driver is lost. As is the case with many restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, the exterior is unassuming. Trust me on this, once you walk into the dining room, you will be speechless.

La Capella serves upscale Italian food with an ambiance that is out of this world. The photo above was taken from our dinner table one evening. What an incredible view of the cathedral! The wonderful food and drinks, coupled with violinists circling the room, make for a special evening. Make your reservation just before sunset, and you will be awestruck by the colors surrounding the cathedral.

Favorites: seasonally, they have a scallop appetizer that we adore

Vibe: elegant, romantic

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes

Pet Friendly: No

Special Diets Accommodated: Strict vegans and vegetarians have only one or two menu items available beyond a salad. It is possible the chef can modify some pasta dishes to meet your particular needs.

Recap – Most Romantic Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Romantic restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are plentiful. Whether you want violinists and white table cloths or breathtaking vistas, you can count on incredible food and excellent service at these restaurants. Bring your beloved, order a glass of wine, and let the romantic vibes flow.