We always go to Cafe de Olla. We sit at Table #2, lol. Yes, the same table every time. I order chicken quesadillas and my husband orders chicken tacos (3 big ones!) He’s wild about those tacos 🌮 ! I’ve been known to make sure we don’t arrive on a Tuesday!!! (….. closed on Tuesdays).

(But what really shows me I’ve arrived in Vallarta is when we walk out of immigration and down the corridors of the airport and I see all the big wide blue curvy pipes swerving around from the ceiling! THATS when I know I’ve really arrived!).

Cuates and cuetes because I want to see the beach, see the pier, and see the sunset listening to music

El Barracuda, fish tacos and our first sunset. We missed it our first night this year but the deck was completed before we left. Glad to see they’re back open after Hurricane Roslyn!

What ever the people that don’t Live here suggest. They are a wealth of information.

I don't have a favorite first night dinner restaurant. I eat at different place for my first night, each trip.

I have enjoyed La Playita as we arrived perfectly timed for happy hour. ☺ After a couple of their strong margaritas, 🍹 we enjoyed their Mexican platter.

Daiquiri Dick's On The Beach ⛱ was a lovely first dinner on one trip. 😋 De Cantaros was the perfect choice on another trip. 🥰

I remember sharing wonderful whole grilled snapper with my husband at Manny's. 😋 We ended up there after discovering that the restaurant that we had chosen was closed that night.

This trip, I am still trying to decide. Will it be Di Vino Dante, Los Toneles, De Cantaro or...?🤔

Vitea.

We land, go to Costco to stock up because our adult kids come down to stay (this year our granddaughter for the first time, celebrating her 3rd bday;) grab a cold beer on the beach then stroll the malecon to Vitea…heaven.

More often than not, we end up at El Barracuda our first night.

We have been traveling to PV for decades, but since they opened (except for one year when we arrived on their Sunday closed day), we look forward to our first night's dinner at 116 Pulpito.

I understand why many folks want to eat on the beach their first night, but since we stay right on Los Muertos and don't feel that need. We have a very early flight, so we appreciate that they are steps away from where we stay....great not traveling too far.

The staff renembers us and greets us by name, the food is consistently excellent, and sitting on the boardwalk facing the bay while pedestrians pass by, just says "we have arrived in PV". Of course their expertly crafted beverages assist in that huge exhale, enhancing the vibe.

@ Mariar + 1. CyC. Scenic views & location. Gorgeous Sunset. Many local Nationals are there.

Simple but good meals. Great stuff & service 🌅