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    Layla's

    4.7 (181 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Layla's Photos

    LAYLA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Intimate
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Layla's

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    Reviews With Photos

    Drew G.

    Just wow! If you are in Puerto Vallarta and want something a little different and wonderful this place is an epic treat! The owner is the daughter of the namesake of the place so it's got that family touch. The chef is out of this world amazing. Uses local and ingredients and has exceptional flavors on the limited but constantly changing menu. Steak, seafood, and other options are on offer - something for every palate and appetite. It's on the North end of the Malicon - but just a block off twords the ocean - and it's "not" the usual faire on that end of the "cruise" Malicon which has typical tourist trap places and the usual rubbish. If you want to have some local epic flavors - and do not want to break the wallet - this is a gem of a find and I urge you to read the other reviews and the RUN there for an exceptional lunch or dinner (they also have breakfast on offer!) Thanks to the brilliant owner, chef, and wait staff for an exceptional experience !

    Fall off the bone ribs
    Michelle G.

    We stumbled upon this place while walking around and decided to have dinner there. It was so delicious! Best food we've had on this trip so far.

    Shrimp cocktail- just ok
    Rafael G.

    Came in for an early lunch. Restaurant was empty and service was slow but friendly. They didn't have a full menu, just some items written on a chalkboard. The food was less than impressive, here's what we had. Chicken burrito- few pieces of chicken with a bunch of cheese and rice. Grease was dripping from the bottom and I couldn't finish my food because it just wasn't very good. The salad was the best part of the plate. 3 of 5 stars. Shrimp cocktail- The flavor of the cocktail was good but the shrimp wasn't fully cleaned. Poop on the base of your shrimp? Nope. 2 of 5 stars. Service- slow but friendly. 3 of 5 stars. This place gets good reviews for drinks but the food is sub par. I won't be back.

    Sign outside
    D. P.

    Wonderful Mexico! Drinks, appetizers and delicious food Wed all on the menu at this lovely establishment! The staff and owner personally attended to us and we were able to learn about the city and her journey as a wonderful business owner! Salsa was outstanding! Yum

    Fresh pico, guacamole made at the table to our taste, and fresh corn tortilla chips
    Megan K.

    The restaurant is adorable, on a side street with saloon doors. They were playing old country classics (Dolly Parton, please!). We stopped by ~2PM on a Sunday, and they were empty but that worked to our advantage. The co-owner spoke excellent English (having lived in the US for many years) and was so kind and generous with her time to talk to us. The mezcalitas were delicious and made from scratch with a delicious tajin rim and they did not skimp on alcohol. We ordered fresh pico and guacamole made at the table to our liking. Tortilla chips were made fresh. Husband was able to connect to their wi-fi to watch his NFL team win their game, to which the owner was excited for him. Prices were reasonable-- very affordable for having everything made to order! Highly recommended spot!

    A house special mezcal cocktail, margarita and their take on sorbet, a palate cleanser between courses, specialty of the house,
    Martin F.

    We did our research and chose this place for our last night in town this year. They did not disappoint. Being out last night, we tried a couple of their cocktails. The wife went for a more traditional margarita, I went for the house special mezcal libation. Both were very tasty. We followed that with a Casa Fundido with a local variant of chorizo with some of the lightest house made flour tortillas. They brought out their version of a palete cleanser, cold pineapple and other juices with an optional splash of tequila, light and tasty. We went for the Arab cuisine entree which was a bit random for a Mexican specialty restaurant however really tasty. The lamb and chicken skewers with tahini, hummus and tabbouleh salad turns out to be a great pairing. The house special dessert was incredible. Staff was very helpful, service was quick and we felt like it lived up to the hope we had for our last night in town.

    Spicy Caesar
    David F.

    It's been 6 years since our last visit to PV. Layla's is always on our list of dinner spots to hit. The food tonight was as good as ever and the service was terrific. Isabella and Fernando took great care of us. Highly recommend if you visit PV!

    Ulrick M.

    We came here because we saw all the positive reviews. We were unfortunately disappointed. We couldn't sit upstairs for the views; for whatever reason the menu online and the menu at the establishment were different. Our waiter claimed our entire table needed to select one menu or the other. (NEWSFLASH: We're not at French Laundry) They talked us into a drink that my wife ultimately couldn't drink. Most of my Raicilla was spilled onto the tablecloth. And the guy making the guacamole forgot the ingredient that made the thing "ancient". Though, that was the one thing they quickly remedied.

    Dessert
    Dazziyah M.

    This place was very nice! The ambiance was very beautiful as well. -unfortunately I didn't get to take a picture of my food except for my cilantro rice. -my boyfriend ordered the ribs and pork shank and thought the food was very tender, but bland. I on the other hand thought my food was too salty for me. I ordered the archerera (definitely spelled it wrong) steak. That was also a bit too salty for me, along with the oysters. But the place definitely had potential! The owner was so sweet and nice to our family!

    Satisfied customers and excellent service
    Ellis H.

    This establishment has consistently provided my best eating experiences ever. Yes the food is amazing, but the service is such quality. I won't even bother trying to recall the last time I've felt like part of a the community while dining. To be fair, I've only been twice, but I feel like a regular! Bespoke cocktails, meals, and service. Every peso well spent. A super fun and exciting time!! The ribs! The shrimp! The chicken!!

    Delicious mango colada, great service, great music, peperoni pizza - ok.
    Brian M.

    Nice place, very pleasant service - seems to be a small family working together. Say upstairs on the balcony - ordered a peperoni pizza - it was ok. The mango colada was delicious, and the place had a great playlist.

    Exterior
    Nell B.

    This was the first stop on the walking Vallarta Eats Food Tour. They were so sweet and inviting, and the restaurant was beautiful! We were seated upstairs and had an incredible view of both the mountains and the clean, fun fish tank! We enjoyed a fresh, spicy margarita with habanero peppers muddled into it. Next was a fried oyster appetizer - crispy, fresh, and a great little sauce with it. Next was a shrimp dish that was cooked perfectly, huge shrimp, and perfectly cooked peppers. Next dish was my favorite - sliced chicken with poached peppers and potatoes in a vinegary sauce that perfectly complemented the dish. I would 100% recommend checking this place out!

    Chilaquiles Verdes
    Jim J.

    Excellent choice for lunch within walking distance to our hotel. We had Los Machines, two poached eggs in an Uber-delicious spicy Ranchera Sauce with cheese. My wife had the Chilaquiles Verdes with eggs which was bursting with flavor. Great authentic Mexican fare with good hospitality. Highly recommend.

    Fourth floor-rooftop

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    3 months ago

    Food is delicious! Cozy and chill vibe. Family run, romantic bistro a definite breath of fresh air off the Malecón. Definitely a must in PV.

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    10 months ago

    Nicely done service and dinners. Cocktails are a short list but good. I Just enjoyed the setting and my visit.

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    1 year ago

    We went to Layla's twice during our stay. Every thing we ordered was delicious. Very nice place, nice ambiance and upscale food presentation

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    The place is nice & the food very delicious, the service was excellent...one of our favorite whenever we will come to mexico....

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    3 years ago

    Super cute place. Staff is wonderful! Order the pork shank!!! DELICIOUS!!! Well worth a visit (or two or three)!!!

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    Page 1 of 5

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    Pepe's Taco - Carne asada

    Pepe's Taco

    4.6(614 reviews)
    0.4 km
    $

    There are places that simply serve food--and then there are places that become part of your story…read more Pepe's Tacos is exactly that for me. Having come here since I was 10 years old, this iconic taquería isn't just a local favorite--it's a timeless institution that continues to define what truly exceptional tacos should be. Since 1987, Pepe's has built a reputation that extends far beyond Puerto Vallarta, and one visit is all it takes to understand why. The star of the show--their legendary tacos al pastor--is nothing short of extraordinary. The pork is expertly marinated and cooked to perfection, resulting in meat that is incredibly juicy, tender, and bursting with deep, savory flavor. Each slice is carved with precision and layered onto warm tortillas, creating a perfect foundation for what comes next. What truly elevates these tacos is the balance of toppings. The sweetness of the pineapple and the sharpness of the fresh onions cut through the richness of the meat beautifully, enhancing every bite with contrast and complexity. It's a masterclass in simplicity done right--every ingredient playing its role to perfection. Beyond the food, the experience itself is just as memorable. The service is impressively fast and efficient, especially considering how popular this spot is, and there's an undeniable energy in the air that makes it feel alive at all hours. It's the kind of place you can count on for a late-night bite, where the atmosphere is casual, vibrant, and always welcoming. Pepe's Tacos isn't about reinvention or trend--it's about consistency, tradition, and delivering excellence time and time again. Decades later, it still holds its place as one of the best taco spots in Puerto Vallarta, and for good reason. Some things never change--and when they're this good, they absolutely shouldn't.

    Thirty five years in the game and Pepe's runs like a well oiled machine. The dining room is its own…read moreecosystem, a natural choreography of service where everything flows without friction. Out front, the trompo spins over charcoal fire, hand turned, on display to the street. The man at the blade is a performer, part craftsman, part showman. He hones his knife between razor thin shavings of al pastor, then in a reflexive flourish nips the pineapple crowning the meat, sending a sliver flying only to catch it with a tortilla. It is theater, but it is also instinct. Inside, the crowd looks like the United Nations. A tour group from India next to a Dutch family with half a dozen kids in tow, the Canadians eye the Americans with deserved suspicion, and a few locals whose plates are piled high while tourists settle for modest portions. It is the natural order of things, and nobody complains. The charcoal scent in the meat makes clear this is al pastor's intended preparation. I have never had the pleasure of eating from a coal fired trompo before, and it is instantly apparent that this is the way it was meant to be. Someday, somehow, I will rig one of these up, because I need this in my life. Pepe's is not just a taco shop. It is a master class in tradition, theater, and flavor, with a dining room that feels like the world gathered around one spit.

    Photos
    Pepe's Taco - @endoedibles on Instagram 10/11/24

    @endoedibles on Instagram 10/11/24

    Pepe's Taco - Al pastor! Killed 21 of these and 3 carne asada for 3 people!

    Al pastor! Killed 21 of these and 3 carne asada for 3 people!

    Pepe's Taco - Cebollitas Asada - delicioso

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    Cebollitas Asada - delicioso

    Pancho's Takos - Al pastor This plate is sooo loaded we had to quickly plan our strategy to tackle it!

    Pancho's Takos

    4.6(1.3k reviews)
    1.6 km
    $

    Charcoal fired al pastor tacos are my new obsession, and Pancho's delivers the most overstuffed…read morestreet sized tacos I have ever seen. These things are too big to eat straight. You have to pluck a third of the meat with your fingers just to get the tortilla to structurally hold. There is always a line. On a random Tuesday it stretched down the street long before the door opened. I waited twenty five minutes at four in the afternoon for a seat inside. No to go orders, no doggy bags. You eat what you order and leave behind your self respect. The dining room is packed tighter than a turtle's pecker. A dozen staff members move around each other like bees tending the hive, the rhythm wild and relentless. The tacos themselves are intimidatingly large, the vibe unlike anything I have ever seen. Come for the al pastor, and come hungry. If you cannot finish, no option exists but to weep over the abandoned morsels.

    Tried Pancho's Tacos in Puerto Vallarta and really enjoyed it. The tacos were good and the salsas…read morewere delicious. The vibe was fun and lively, which made the experience even better. Ordering was a bit confusing since they give you paper forms to fill out. It's tricky to order for different people in your party, and they tend to rush you, which can be stressful. Despite that, the food is so good that I'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Pancho's Takos - View from my little table

    View from my little table

    Pancho's Takos - Al Pastor - the star of the show! Beware! It is very loaded! I can usually eat 6-8 tacos, and I can only eat 4 of these!

    Al Pastor - the star of the show! Beware! It is very loaded! I can usually eat 6-8 tacos, and I can only eat 4 of these!

    Pancho's Takos - Al pastor

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    Al pastor

    La Palapa Restaurant - PESCADO ENTERO zarandeado, arroz cremoso, ensalada de jitomate fresco, cebo

    La Palapa Restaurant

    4.3(1.1k reviews)
    1.9 km
    $$$$

    5/5 Our favorite…read moreplace to eat in Puerto Vallarta. The food is delicious, the service is perfect, and you're right on the ocean. Come for the dinner and stay for that gorgeous sunset view.

    So we walked along the beach from our hotel and arrived at La Palapa, and right away it sets the…read moretone. The entire front portion of the restaurant sits directly in the sand, so that's where we chose to have breakfast--under the iconic palapa roof, feet in the sand, overlooking the ocean. From our table you can watch the fishing boats and excursion boats heading out for the day, which gives the whole experience a relaxed, resort-like rhythm without feeling touristy or rushed. Service was excellent from the start--attentive, warm, and genuinely welcoming. They brought out a selection of pastries you can add if you want, like banana bread and cinnamon rolls, which felt like a thoughtful touch rather than an upsell. The coffee was very good, with plenty of options ranging from cappuccinos and café lattes to classic American coffee, all well prepared. For food, I ordered the scrambled eggs with Mexican chorizo, refried beans, and hash browns. It came with a basket of warm corn tortillas and several house salsas, letting you customize each bite. Everything was flavorful, comforting, and clearly made with care. We also ordered the shrimp eggs Benedict with spinach, which was beautifully done--rich, balanced, and fresh, with the shrimp cooked just right. One thing that really stands out is the ambiance. Being right on the beach, hearing the waves, feeling the breeze, and being encouraged (without being told) to slow down and take your time makes the meal feel like part of the vacation itself, not just fuel for the day. They also offer freshly squeezed juices, which pair perfectly with breakfast by the ocean. The menu is extensive, almost overwhelming in a good way--there are so many appealing options that it's genuinely hard to decide. That said, what we ordered was absolutely delicious and satisfying, and it left us wanting to come back and try more. Overall, La Palapa delivers on every level: location, atmosphere, food, and service. It's the kind of place where breakfast turns into a memory, not just a meal.

    Photos
    La Palapa Restaurant - The view from our table

    The view from our table

    La Palapa Restaurant - Tortilla soup

    Tortilla soup

    La Palapa Restaurant - Table on the sand

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    Table on the sand

    La Madalena - Fresh Bread

    La Madalena

    4.5(381 reviews)
    2.5 km
    $$$$

    We're from LA so I feel like traveling for food is always hard - we come from some of the best…read moreplaces. I can not stop talking about La Madalena! The property is beautiful, the service is truly unmatched, and the food was incredible. I will come back to PV just to eat here again. Highly recommend!

    La Madalena is a beautiful, high-class steakhouse located in the Central Hotel Zone in Puerto…read moreVallarta. The space is absolutely beautiful and the service is even better. I came in alone on a Thursday night at around 8 pm with no reservation and was lucky to be able to be seated at a high top table for two adjacent to the bar. I would definitely suggest getting a reservation as I quickly saw the dining room fill-up. The waitstaff was incredibly attentive and kind. Upon sitting, I was greeted by my server, a tableside bartender, and a manager who explained everything. I was given the wine and cocktail lists and quickly made a selection based on the bartenders recommendation. He prepared my drink right in front of me and had a whole beautiful cart set-up. I got a tequila cocktail that was sweet and tart at the same time. It was really tasty. Next, I was given the food menu and my waiter came by to see if I had any question. I also received complimentary chips and salsa service. The chips were fresh and different than most I've tried. I think they may have been baked instead of fried. They also give you three different salsas that range from mild, medium, and hot. The medium was a creamy garlic sauce that was very tasty and unlike anything I've ever seen at a Mexican restaurant. My waiter also came by to present some of their seafood specials and to tell me about their beef. Again, a beautiful presentation and if I was with others, or more hungry, I would have gotten the large shrimp dish. The seafood and meat looked very fresh. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well, which only progressed throughout the meal. I ended up just getting the tuna tartare app to start, but I couldn't finish it and decided to end my meal earlier than expected. The tartare was tasty. It had a habanero-mango salsa that was kind of spicy to me. It also had watermelon and mango pieces, which really balanced everything. The best part about the service is that the waitstaff is never too far away if you need anything, but they aren't a bother. When I needed to go, my waiter gathered the remainder of my meal and gave me some fresh tortillas. My bill was $50, which wasn't too bad for a cocktail, sparkling water bottle, and honestly an entree sized app of tuna tartare. I'm sad I was unable to enjoy more, but would def recommend this place to anyone visiting PVR.

    Photos
    La Madalena - Bar area

    Bar area

    La Madalena - Meal

    Meal

    La Madalena - Lemon drop

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    Lemon drop

    Sonorita

    Sonorita

    4.6(270 reviews)
    1.5 km

    Our new favorite taco joint. We went there, were seated right away. Service was good and fast…read more We ordered the casa fundido with Al Pastor on top. It's thicker, more cheesy than what I've ever had before and very delicious. We paired that with the prime rib tacos, it was a plate stacked with meat and 4 tortillas under it, more than we could eat. The seasoning was great, it was diced so small that it was easy to eat. I got a virgin strawberry margarita, the wife got a coke. It was very affordable.

    Having researched a few traditional spots that serve authentic tacos in Zona Romantica, this place…read moreconsistently came up with good reviews and this place did not disappoint. Vegans are easy please. Give them clear marked options, even if there is one option, we are pleased. This place had a few clearly marked options plus the staff was fully aware and can provide suggestions. The only downside it is a cash only place. Guacamole and chips - fantastic. The guacamole freshly prepared and chips fresh fried. Amazing. The 3 types of vegan tacos we got were vegan chorizo, mushrooms and cactus (trying for the fist time). The vegan chorizo was the best, slightly spicy but not overly. The poblano peppers were predictable but very good. The onions with it were a good addition. Nicely seasoned and prepared. The cactus was good, we found that it was less seasoned. Just stir fried cactus. The star of all the three types tacos was the fresh blue corn tacos. We could have those everyday. The other superb tasting was the salsas and fresh toppings. 4 types of salsas, white onions and cilantro. The salsa were of varying different levels of heat and even the mildest salsa was the best. The virgin margarita and virgin mojito were great. Margarita being slightly better even though we love mint. Good atmosphere, clean surrounding and great service and vegan food - what more can one ask?

    Photos
    Sonorita - Cool atmosphere

    Cool atmosphere

    Sonorita
    Sonorita - Virgin Margarita

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    Virgin Margarita

    Layla's - mexican - Updated May 2026

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