Must-Try Dishes Puerto Vallarta First-Time Visitors
1- Pescado Zarandeado
Signature dish of Nayarit + Jalisco coast
Butterflied whole fish (usually red snapper or robalo) marinated with chiles, citrus, soy, garlic, then smoked + grilled over mangrove wood.
Where to try: Beach restaurants in Boca de Tomatlán, Mismaloya, or Punta de Mita.
2- Aguachile (Negro, Verde, or Rojo)
PV’s most iconic seafood preparation.
Raw shrimp “cooked” in lime, with serrano or chiltepín, cucumber, onion.
Try Aguachile Negro (with soy/smoked chiles) — very local to PV’s modern food scene.
3- Ceviche Vallarta (Sierra Ceviche)
Unlike Baja’s chunky ceviche, PV’s version is finely chopped, bright, and served on tostadas.
Sierra, a local fish, gives it a firmer, uniquely local flavor.
4- Tacos de Marlin Ahumado (Smoked Marlin Tacos)
A beach-town classic. Shredded smoked marlin sautéed with tomato, onion, chiles.
Savory, smoky, slightly spicy.
Only coastal Pacific cities do these right.
5- Pescado Embarazado (Fish-on-a-Stick)
(Locals joke: “embarazado” ← “en vara asado”)
Skewered fish or shrimp brushed with chile-lime marinade, grilled on the beach.
A true PV beach snack.
6- Birria (Jalisco-Style)
Slow-cooked goat or beef stew, deeply seasoned, served with consommé, tortillas & lime.
PV’s version leans less fatty and more aromatic than Guadalajara’s.
A must-have for breakfast.
7- Tacos al Pastor (Vallarta Night Food)
Though not originally from Jalisco, PV has exceptionally good pastor thanks to late-night taco culture.
Spit-grilled pork with pineapple — you’ll find some of the best in Zona Romántica & 5 de Diciembre.
8- Pozole Rojo or Blanco
Comfort food. A rich hominy stew with pork or chicken, topped with cabbage, radish, lime.
Often eaten on Thursdays, holidays, or at local markets.
9- Camarones al Coco (Coconut Shrimp)
PV does some of Mexico’s best: large shrimp, crispy coconut crust, served with mango or tamarind sauce.
Perfect combination of tropical + coastal.
10- Tostadas de Atún (Ahi Tuna Toasts)
A modern PV favorite. Thin raw tuna, avocado, chipotle mayo or ponzu, often with crispy leeks.
Almost every trendy spot in Zona Romántica serves a version.
11- Carne Asada Tacos & Grilled Meats
Between Jalisco ranch culture and coastal cooking, PV has excellent grilled meats.
Try simple carne asada tacos or costilla (rib) plates.
12- Raicilla Cocktails (bonus drink)
Raicilla is Jalisco’s “mountain mezcal”, made in the Sierra Madre near PV.
Try it neat or in margarita-style cocktails.
Desserts & Snacks
13- Jericallas
A Guadalajara-origin custard dessert — cross between flan and crème brûlée.
Very common in PV bakeries and markets.
14- Churros & Buñuelos
Night-time street snacks with cinnamon, sugar, or piloncillo syrup.
15- Raspados (Shaved Ice)
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