15 Coolest Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta with AC

Last updated on August 7th, 2025 at 03:10 pm

It’s hotter than a muthatrucka in PV right now. I’d dine in a walk-in freezer if they served tacos. With temperatures soaring and the humidity relentless, I get why so many people flee from July to October. But we don’t, which means finding air-conditioned restaurants in Puerto Vallarta becomes a survival skill.

Lucky for us, Vallarta has some deliciously cool restaurants — literally. Whether you’re craving sushi, steak, or something spicy without the added side of heatstroke, these air-conditioned restaurants are here to save your sweaty legs from sliding off that chair.

Grab a cold margarita and get ready to take notes on the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta with AC.

Map of the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta with air conditioning

Puerto Vallarta’s Best Restaurants with Air Conditioning

When the sun has me sizzling like al pastor and my bra is acting as a sweat sponge, there’s just one thing to do: track down the coolest spots in town and enjoy a great meal in comfort.

Here are my faves…

1. Bonito Kitchen (Emiliano Zapata)

This is def the best pan-Asian restaurant in Vallarta. And not just because the food is delish, and they make inventive craft cocktails. But because the owner, Francie, is as much about food as she is about giving back to the locals, she is the president of the Vallarta School for Girls.

Every month, a portion of her proceeds goes to different local charities. So, you get to eat delectable food and know you are part of something bigger.

There are two Bonito Kitchen locations, but I always go to the one by the small tunnel and Emiliano Zapata market. The front room is super cool thanks to the AC, and there is also an outdoor garden that is gorgeous to sit in during the cooler months.

• Location: Venustiano Carranza 512, Emiliano Zapata.
• Price range: $$
• Come here for Pan-Asian food and good cocktails.
• Reservations? Yes, in high season.
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-10:30 pm
• Phone: 322-259-5797
• Website: Bonito Kitchen

2. El Brujo

Just next door to Bonto Kitchen is El Brujo. It was the first restaurant our dear friend and realtor extraordinaire, Taniel, took us to on our first day in Puerto Vallarta, and we keep going back. It’s traditional Mexican food, with things like fajitas and molcajetes, and they also have coconut shrimp and a bunch of different beef options.

The service is fantastic, Rafa is my fave, but they are all wonderful, and they make a good Cadillac margarita, too.

• Location: Venustiano Carranza #510. Next to Bonito Kitchen.
• Price range: $$
• Come here for moderately priced Mexican food with excellent service in a casual atmosphere.
• Reservations? Yes, in high season
• Hours: Monday-Sunday 2-10 pm
• Phone: 322 223 2036
• Facebook: El Brujo

3. Florios

This is a steak house through and through.

I’ve been there a handful of times and have always eaten beef of some sort.

It’s the kind of place where the wait staff puts your napkin on your lap for you, reminding you to have some fricken manners, Kirsten. Or is that just me? I know that is not how it is supposed to make you feel, but it always does.

Anywhooo, enough of my classless ways… back to Florios.

They just moved to a new location, and I found the beef menu to be a bit complicated. Prime rib, wagyu, USDA cuts — plus you have to pick your portion size. So, if you know you want 250 grams of a USDA Prime ribeye, that is wonderful.

But if you’re like me, and your beef expertise ends at eating it, it can feel overwhelming.

When I went to Florios last, I was with a group of girls and about half of us ordered the cheeseburger, which I def recommend. But I’m not sure if it was because the menu was too complicated for them as well, or they just really wanted cheeseburgers. For me, it was the former.

So, the moral of this story is, go there for the beef, but know what kind you want as well as how much. Or just get the burger. You won’t be sorry. 

• Location: Av Fluvial Vallarta 185-Local 8. They relocated to Fluvial in the Valarte Condo building right across from Costco.
• Price range: $$$$
• Come here for steaks with attentive service and a vibey, higher-end atmosphere.
• Reservations? Yes. I recommend them even in the low season because it’s a small restaurant. There are tables outside, but this is all about Puerto Vallarta restaurants with air-conditioning so you can keep your chill on while you eat.
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday 1-11 pm. Friday-Saturday: Open until 12 am
• Phone: 322 232 0032
• Instagram: Florios

4. The Swedes

You know a restaurant is good if it can stand the test of time in a foodie city like Puerto Vallarta. The Swedes opened in 2009 and has been going strong ever since.

I’ve never had a bad meal there.

I usually go there with a plan to eat the most deliciously, garlicky, juicy chicken cobb salad. But then I get excited by the pork tenderloin with tamarind and chipotle sauce, the 12-hour braised pork ossobuco, the pan-seared salmon, the cheeseburger and my healthy salad goes out the window.

They start off with homemade focaccia with olive oil and balsamic that is fluffy and flavorful, and I could eat that for dinner and be happy.

They are known for their Swedish meatball Mondays, which I hear are phenomenal. But I’m really not a meat-a-ball fan, so I haven’t tried them.

If you’re like me and like to drink your dessert, then you have to try the Chocolate Peanut Butter martini. We had it with a peanut butter whisky, but they also use vodka. Either way, save room for dessert!

• Location: Pulpito 154 (at Olas Altas)
• Price range: $$-$$$
• Come here for delicious bistro food and a killer chocolate peanut butter martini.
• Reservations? Yes.
• Hours: Closed Tuesday. Otherwise, open 5-11 pm
• Phone: 322 223 2353
• Website: The Swedes

5. Tre Piatti

Another restaurant that has stood the test of time is Tre Piatti, which opened in 2015. It’s a farm-to-table Italian restaurant that serves elegant, yet unpretentious dishes based on the best ingredients of the season.

Chef Channan is a beast in the kitchen. No matter what you eat, you’ll dream of eating it again. But be quick about it because his menu changes regularly.

Tre Piatti is a great place for a date night because the ambiance is warm, and the room is dimly lit.

The restaurant’s soaring mango trees create a stunning centerpiece, while the warm ambiance and dimly lit room make it perfect for a date night.

I started with the Tuscan chicken liver crostini, which is similar to a country-style pate. My only complaint is that I wanted more. Needed more. Because I had to share.

The homemade tagliolini pasta with egg noodles, anchovies, and lemon zest is light and delicate, and has the right balance of saltiness and brightness. But at the moment, he is serving fava bean tortelloni with brown butter, mint and pecorino cheese that I’m dying to go back for. But I’d better hurry before the menu changes.

• Location: Lazaro Cardenas #292, Romantic Zone
• Price range: $$$
• Come here for upscale and elegant Italian food, homemade pastas and beautiful wines.
• Reservations? Definitely
• Hours: 5:30-10 pm, closed Tuesdays
• Phone: 322 222 2773
• Website: Tre Piatti

6. Tacon de Marlin

This place is an OG fave for burritos stuffed with smoked marlin or any other fish you want. They have a few locations in Puerto Vallarta, but the one in Cinco de Diciembre has air conditioning. And lucky me, it’s only a few blocks from my house.

As with many fish or ceviche places, they are only open for lunch. So get there midday and order yourself a smoked marlin (or shrimp, or octopus) burrito. It’ll be stuffed with gooey cheese and marlin. They cut the burrito in half and then put it on the grill again to seal in all the yummy. Expect to get messy.

I challenge you not to fill up on the two little side dishes — a creamy, crunchy salad of carrots, cucumber, and apple, and what Chicagoans would call hot giardiniera, a mix of spicy pickled vegetables — before your burrito even arrives.

Wash it down with an agua fresca, fruit-infused water.

I’m a sucker for their dark red salsa. Not sure what is in it, but I’d eat the sole of a shoe with that stuff on it. No joke.

They don’t serve beer, so walk across the street to the Kiosko and get a few. Pro tip: Get a can of paloma. It’s grapefruit soda (like Fresca) and tequila. It goes very well with the smoky marlin.

• Location: Calle Honduras 145-Int. E, Cinco de Diciembre
• Price range: $
• Come here for a filling, warm, and gooey burrito stuffed with a seafood filling of your choice. It’s a no-fuss kinda place.
• Reservations? Not an option.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
• Phone: (322) 223 9353
• Instagram: Tacon de Marlin

7. Canto

Not gonna lie. Even with all the incredible Mexican food here, we really miss good Chinese food. And no matter how I try, I just can’t make it taste anything like what we used to eat in Malaysia.

When Canto opened, we were skeptical, but hopeful. It’s a mix of Hong Kong flavors and Chinese takeaway from the US. And it delivers.

The food is luscious. We always get the orange chicken, which is succulent and crispy, as well as some sort of beef dish (ginger beef is my fave).

They recently started adding vegan options to the menu. Things like orange cauliflower and sweet and sour tofu mean everyone can find something.

But it’s more than that. The owners, Jeremy and Henry, are meant for this biz. Henry is the shy-ish Chef who pops his head out of the kitchen to make sure people are smiling as they happily shove dumplings in their pie holes.

Jeremy is the front-of-the-house secret weapon. Go there once, and he’ll remember your drink. Twice and you’ll feel like family.

Jeremy makes all the drinks — my fave is the Oaxacan Mule with mezcal and real ginger beer served in a cold copper mug with a hunk of ginger and lime garnish. Apparently, ginger is a theme in my life.

• Location: Lázaro Cárdenas 446. Col. Emiliano Zapata
• Price range: $$
• Come here for scrumdidlyupmtious Cantonese/American takeout and fresh cocktails in a very friendly atmosphere. It can get loud in there, so if you are looking for a quiet romantic dinner for two, head elsewhere.
• Reservations? For sure. It’s a small place, you def need a reservation, even in low season. Make them on the website.
• Hours: Thursday – Monday: 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm. Last Seating at 9:00 pm. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
• WhatsApp: +52 322 433 0999
• Website: Canto

8. Yeo Sushi

There are two Yeo sushi locations, one in Fluvial and the other in the Romantic Zone. Both are yummy, but the one in Old Town is much fancier and only open for dinner. The sushi is fantastic at both.

For some reason, most sushi places in Puerto Vallarta love their cream cheese. I do too. On a bagel with lox. Not in my sushi. Yeo only has a few rolls with it, and they have a pretty large selection, making it easy to find other options.

They also have some apps and small dishes that aren’t common in these parts… like shishito peppers, truffled rib eye gyoza, and brussel sprouts with kimchi, which are a must.

Our go-to maki rolls are the tuna trufa, which has a velvety mix of tuna, truffle oil and a thin slice of serrano. And the serranito hamachi with cilantro, tuna, shrimp, and yellowtail, topped with thin slices of serrano pepper, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dollop of some special sauce.

They also have a massive cocktail repertoire and all the liquors you could dream of, including odd things like anis and port.

They serve double drinks, meaning twice the booze. Not sure why they don’t call it 2-for-1, but they also charge a pretty penny for those drinks, like 320mxn ($17). Call it what you will. They are still pretty inventive. I had a cardamom cucumber gin drink that was subtle and smooth, and I left pretty happy, if you know what I mean.

• Location: Yeo Romantic Zone, Constitution, 207. Yeo Fluvial: Av Fluvial Vallarta 260-L-14, Plaza San Marino
• Price range: $$$ (but I can eat my weight in sushi)
• Come here for top-notch fish and sushi in an elegant atmosphere.
• Reservations? Yes, in the high season.
• Hours: Romantic Zone: 5-10:30 pm daily. Fluvial: 1-11 pm daily.
• Phone: Romantic Zone: (322) 293—8314. Fluvial: 322 224 5771
• Instagram: Yeo Sushi

9. Calmate Café

Thankfully, this place is right down the street from our place, so whenever anyone asks about a great breakfast place, this always comes to mind first.

They have the usual Mexican breakfast suspects like chilaquiles and tacos. But they also serve smoothie bowls with things like avos, acai, yogurt, and loads of fruit. Or one of my favorite breakfasts — the nexi bowl, which has cheesy scrambled eggs, spinach, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, avo with chipotle and tomatillo salsas on the side. It’s a little bit salty, a little bit smoky and a whole lotta healthy.    

They also serve very good vegan fare, according to my favorite vegan, Andrea, who ate there almost every day of her vacation.

• Location: Calle Honduras 218. E, 5 de Diciembre
• Price range: $
• Come here for breakfast, lunch, and good coffee. It’s a place where everyone’s taste buds will be happy.
• Reservations? Not an option.
• Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 4 pm
• Phone: 322 365 1557
• Facebook: Calmate

10. Itamar

We originally went there to try the restaurant’s three-course menu for the week, but once we saw the regular menu, we opted to order off that because we saw a few of our favorite things.

I ordered the sea bass zarandeado style, which is a charcoal-grilled fish basted with a red achiote, garlic, sour orange juice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. It’s a specialty from this region, and I always order it. It was absolutely divine. Cooked perfectly and juicy.

My girlfriend had a pesto seafood salad with grilled romaine lettuce, and Mark had the octopus, which was so tender he could have eaten it with a spoon. Not one morsel was left on our plates.

To top it off, they are very generous when it comes to tasting a wine, or a tequila or any drink for that matter.

There’s a welcoming, familial atmosphere that fills the entire place — not just among the staff, but the guests as well. Some evenings, lively mariachis drop by to serenade diners with a few spirited songs — just don’t forget to tip them.

• Location: Lázaro Cárdenas 542, Col. Emiliano Zapata
• Price range: $$-$$$
• Come here for fresh seafood in a chill atmosphere with super-friendly waiters.
• Reservations? Yes, during high season.
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 8 am-10 pm
• Phone: 322 223 5711
• Facebook: Itamar

11. Azafran

This place is one of those sleepers that is under-recognized, but every person who has been there gushes over it. It’s a bit on the spendy side, but from the minute you sit down, you can tell this place is different.

It’s been around since 2017 and knows how to wow while being understated.

The waitstaff greets you with a warm smile, and not a detail goes unnoticed. They are attentive without being annoying. I don’t think my water glass was ever half empty.

The presentation is impeccable for every dish. You can tell Chef Andreas takes pride in the exacting details of each dish. They are all beauties.

The food is a Mediterranean medley of things like lamb ossobuco, grilled octopus in fine herbs that is impossibly tender, and my favorite appetizer — sauteed asparagus and peach salad with a briny feta cheese dressing.  

They do various tasting menus, including a summer one that is 3 courses for 550MXN ($29), add the wine pairings and it’s 950MXN ($50). It’s definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a great date night spot or something elevated without being overdone.

• Location: Olas Altas 507, Romantic Zone
• Price range: $$$-$$$$
• Come here for a night on the town with flawless service and food to match.
• Reservations? Yes
• Hours: 5-10:30 pm nightly
• Phone: +52 322 223 2060
• Website: Azafran

12. Miscelanea Café

This cute little café is the perfect spot for a breakfast or lunch meeting when you just want some good ol’ delicious food in a quiet space.

It’s a small place with a minimalist vibe. Warm creamy tans and light woods balance the terra cotta tile floors and brick walls with arched wall details.

The food feels as clean as the space. I devoured my avocado toast, which was an elevated version with marinated red cabbage, a large handful of spring greens, all topped with slices of perfect avocado. I chose to add a couple of poached eggs for more protein (since getting enough of it seems like a full-time job these days).

My breakfast dates, Gary and Melissa of Bucket List Travel, gobbled down their guacamole toast and French toast without offering me ONE BITE. It’s safe to say they loved their dishes. Check out their travel Facebook group for more info on how they create unforgettable adult journeys and vacations.

They also have a garden to sit in when it’s not sweltering.

• Location: Milan 255, Versailles
• Price range: $
• Come here for a lovely breakfast in a zen spot tucked away in a quiet nook in Versailles.
• Reservations? Nope.
• Hours: 8 am – 3 pm. Kitchen closes at 2:30 pm
• Phone: 322 386 2988
• Instagram: Miscelanea

13. Bravos

Honestly, the menu at Bravos is a bit all over the place. They are trying to please everyone, which I generally think is the impossible dream.

You can eat jambalaya, Sicilian gnocchi, meatloaf and bang bang shrimp all at one meal. I haven’t tried all of these dishes. Maybe they are all divine, and the Chef has achieved the impossible. But I really don’t care, because when I go to Bravos, I go for the braised short ribs or the lamb shank.

This lamb shank is a showstopper — tender, juicy, and swimming in a deep, red wine reduction that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours (because it has). The meat slips right off the bone and is paired with creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes. It’s a plate of pure indulgence. Bonus: the AC in this restaurant is pumping, so you can enjoy this wintery comfort food even when it’s 95° outside.

And if all this talk of braised meat and blasting AC has you questioning your summer travel choices, check out the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta. Spoiler: it’s not the middle of July.

• Location: C. Francisco I. Madero 263, Zona Romántica
• Price range: $$$-$$$$
• Come here for upscale white tablecloth dining without any stuffiness. Just scrumptious food.
• Reservations? Yep
• Hours: 5-10:30 pm. Closed Mondays
• Phone: 322 222 0339
• Website: Bravos

14. Siam

Siam and Bravos are right next to each other and owned by the same guy, Michael Boufford. He opened Bravos in 2013 and now has two locations for Siam — The Romantic Zone and Los Tulles.

I’ve never been to the one in Los Tulles and have no idea if the restaurant has AC. So, stick to the Romantic Zone until more spring rolls and curries have been investigated.

Siam serves fragrant coconut curries (green curry is my fave), bright and crunchy fresh spring rolls, and wok-seared noodles that carry both heat and harmony.

After living in Malaysia for so long, we aren’t the easiest to please when it comes to Thai food. We are spoiled. But Siam does the trick, and it’s the closest we’ve had to authentic Thai food in Puerto Vallarta.

The décor is chic and inviting, with subtle Thai touches that transport you far from the cobblestones outside.

• Location: 271 Francisco I Madero, Zona Romántica
• Price range: $$
• Come here for pretty authentic Thai food in a polished atmosphere.
• Reservations? Yep
• Hours: 5-10:30 pm. Closed Mondays
• Phone: 322 223 4665
• Website: Siam Thai

15. Pal Mar Seafood

I love the quirky interior of Pal Mar. They have funky tiles on the floor. Mood lighting. Cute and snarky quotes on the wall. And the pumping air conditioning in this restaurant.

I know they are a seafood place, but funnily enough, I’ve never eaten seafood there. I’ve had a mean burger there, great Asian style ribs, a really delightful chicken salad, and killer French fries. It’s time I get back for some seafood.

Their latest menu has paella and weekly oyster specials.

They also have a strong cocktail menu — Thursdays are Tiki nights with live music. Monday through Friday from 4-5 pm, get yourself a few 50 peso ($2.65) margaritas and caipirinhas.

• Location: Ignacio L. Vallarta #268B, Zona Romántica
• Price range: $$
• Come here for cool vibes and a varied menu.
• Reservations? Nope
• Hours: 1-11 pm daily
• Phone: 322 688 2097
• Facebook: PalMar

Once you’ve eaten your way through this list, it’s time to hit the sand. These are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, and if you’re in the mood for cabanas and cocktails, check out my favorite beach clubs, too.

Your Cool Dining Recap: Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta with AC

So there you have it — a round-up of Puerto Vallarta’s best AC-blasting, sweat-dodging, tastebud-pleasing restaurants.

Because nothing ruins a good meal faster than peeling yourself off a vinyl chair with swamp ass.

And if you’re thinking, “Why stop now?” — I like your style. Here’s my guide to the best bars in Puerto Vallarta.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a place to crash after all that feasting and sipping, here’s where to stay in style (and AC).

Am I missing your fave restaurant in PV with AC? Tell me in the comments below so I can go and check it out.