As fall approaches, are you dreaming of jetting down south to sunny Mexico to enjoy a vacation in paradise? If so, why not head to Banderas Bay? Located on the country’s Pacific Coast, the top tourist destination Puerto Vallarta is located in the area. Each year, millions of travelers visit Banderas Bay to enjoy the beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and authentic Mexican charm.

If you want a great place to stay, Villa Group Resorts has luxury resorts located in Banderas Bay including Villa del Palmar Puerto Vallarta, Villa del Palmar Flamingos, and Villa La Estancia.

In addition to being world-class resorts, we also have a quality vacation club membership for purchase if you want to save money on travel expenses over time. While our onsite restaurants are simply outstanding, here are some recommendations for Banderas Bay restaurants to try if you want to get out and explore during your vacation.

#1 Dolce Vista

To start with, Dolce Vita is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta right on the Malecon boardwalk. It’s been in business for years and is a great place to visit if you’re in the mood for delicious Italian food. They also have another location in Nuevo Nayarit just north of PV airport as well. They prepare homemade pasta, pizzas, salads, and tasty main courses.

Also, they have gluten-free pasta and pizza options as well. The original Malecon boardwalk location is the perfect place to enjoy amazing Banderas Bay views and people watch from a table by the window or right on the boardwalk. If you love wine, you will also be pleased to learn they have an extensive wine menu as well.

#2 Barcelona Tapas

Next, Barcelona Tapas is another must-visit restaurant in Banderas Bay that is located in Puerto Vallarta’s 5 de Diciembre neighborhood. The restaurant is multi-level and has incredible views of Banderas Bay from the upper levels. Located a few blocks inland from the beach, they have an elevator and a wonderful daily special in addition to their regular menu which features paellas and tasty tapas.

If you visit for lunch, ask for their 2×1 sangria special that certainly hits the spot on a hot Puerto Vallarta day. Not sure what to try? Some favorites include the bacon-wrapped dates and sauteed mushrooms with guajillo chili peppers.

#3 Litibu Grill

If you want to explore the northern part of Banderas Bay, you should check out Litibu Grill which is found in the small coastal village of Higuera Blanca about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta Airport. It’s a quaint small town that is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city life in PV.

The beachfront restaurant is very inviting and ideal for both family meals and a romantic dinner with your partner. The open-air design allows cool ocean breezes to blow in as diners enjoy a delicious meal. Some of the popular dishes to try include beet salad, grilled clams, marlin tostadas, homemade veggie burgers with a side of plantains, and Baja-style fish tacos. They also prepare signature cocktails, too.

#4 Barracuda

Barracuda is another great restaurant to try in Banderas Bay that is located right on the beach in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood of PV. Barracuda has open air, covered seating inside as well as tables and chairs right on the beach. They have a delicious menu that includes fish tacos, sashimi, fresh seafood ceviche, and so much more.

They also prepare signature cocktails and have spirits, wine, and beers as well. Plan your visit right and you can enjoy one of Banderas Bay’s amazing sunsets as you enjoy your meal. If you get lucky, you may even see fire dancers who often walk the beach and put on a dynamic fire show for diners to enjoy in exchange for tips.

#5 Frascati

Next, Frascati is located in the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle marina which is about half an hour north of the PVR airport. La Cruz is best known for their Sunday morning farmers market that is held during high season from 9am to 2pm. There, they have homemade foods, artisan handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and so much more.

As far as Frascati, the 2nd level restaurant offers diners wonderful views of the La Cruz marina along with excellent fresh food as well. Some of the most requested dishes include the fresh Caprese salad, homemade pasta, the fish of the day, pizzas, and shrimp dishes. Portion sizes are very generous and the dishes are affordable, too.

#6 Joe Jack’s

Last but not least, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is one of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite restaurants with both locals and visitors. Located on the famous Basilio Badillo Street in Old Town Vallarta, Joe Jack’s offers downstairs seating and a bar, and upstairs patio seating as well. They also have a space for special events and tequila tastings on the 2nd floor, too.

Some of the most popular dishes at Joe Jack’s include Fish and Chips, Tuna poke, Portobello mushroom quesadillas, Cheeseburgers, Macaroni, and Cheese with Broccoli and Bacon. Also, they sometimes have 2×1 mojito specials during the day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Try unique flavors including pineapple, ginger, strawberry, or classic lime mojitos to watch down your meal.

These are just six of the incredible restaurants you can enjoy during a vacation to Banderas Bay. However, we also recommend all our onsite restaurants at Villa Group Resorts in the area as well. Villa Group resort guests and our vacation club members love the quality, variety, and attentive service at our incredible onsite restaurants.

Also, ask to attend a timeshare presentation during your vacation to learn more about our vacation club. In addition to saving money on travel expenses, members also earn benefits from our Beachfront Rewards program each time they refer a friend or family member to join. Beachfront Rewards Credits are earned for each referral that can be used to upgrade accommodations, at onsite spas or restaurants, and more.

Ready to try some amazing food in Mexico? If so, contact us today to book a Banderas Bay vacation!