Café des Artistes

Restaurant · Puerto Vallarta

Café des Artistes

Restaurant · Puerto Vallarta

2

C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Photos

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Café des Artistes by Julien Leveau
Café des Artistes by Julien Leveau
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Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null
Café des Artistes by null

Highlights

Experience refined tasting menus—with vegetarian options and live music—set in a stunning ambiance with a lovely garden terrace.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico Get directions

cafedesartistes.com
@cafedeartistes

$$$$$$$$$ · Menu

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C. Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico Get directions

+52 322 226 7200
cafedesartistes.com
@cafedeartistes
𝕏
@cafedeartistes

$$$$$$$$$ · Menu

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dine in
takeout
delivery
wifi
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Tap to pay
reservations
reservations required
outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 5, 2025

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@infatuation

"Café des Artistes combines French and Mexican food, and it’s been one of the top restaurants in Vallarta for a long time. The best option is the six-course tasting menu, where you’ll get served things like white fish with butter and chipotle, and the wildly delicious foie gras crème bruleé. But the a la carte options are good too—some highlights include roasted sea bass, the suckling lamb, and the dark chocolate taco. When you make a reservation, ask to be seated in the garden area, where you’ll be surrounded by sculptures and plants, making you feel like you’re having dinner in a tropical art gallery." - debora mestre

The 18 Best Restaurants & Bars In Puerto Vallarta
View Postcard for Café des Artistes
@infatuation

"Café des Artistes combines French and Mexican food, and it’s been one of the top restaurants in Vallarta for a long time. The best option is the six-course tasting menu, where you’ll get served things like white fish with butter and chipotle, and the wildly delicious foie gras crème bruleé. But the a la carte options are good too—some highlights include roasted sea bass, the suckling lamb, and the dark chocolate taco. When you make a reservation, ask to be seated in the garden area, where you’ll be surrounded by sculptures and plants, making you feel like you’re having dinner in a tropical art gallery." - Debora Mestre

Cafe des Artistes Review - Downtown - Puerto Vallarta - The Infatuation
View Postcard for Café des Artistes

Esther Schenau

Google
Absolutely gorgeous evening atmosphere, the restaurant is built around a few trees and the table settings were impeccable. The lighting was done really well. There is live music that travels from table to table. The food is delicious and the portion sizes were excellent. We highly enjoyed date night here!

Alain-Mylène Papillon

Google
It was very good—amazing, actually. The food, the service, the speed, the cocktails—everything was impressive. Overall, wow. The only downside was that it was cold on the terrace outside. A few heaters here and there would make it perfect. I highly recommend it for a non-casual night out. The cacti and avocado portion was absolutely delicious!

Su Forbes

Google
We dined here for Christmas Eve dinner. The furnishings, decor, and ambiance were breathtaking. However, the food…They say that disappointment is a function of expectation. Well, husband and I were both a bit let down by the food, partly because we expected it to be spectacular. We had dined at two other Michelin starred restaurants in the last few months, with similar prices (one in Vancouver, one in the south of France) and both were fantastic. The main letdown was the main course – the beef was just not tender. The dessert was also a bit underwhelming. Presentation of each dish was brilliant – photos of all our dishes are below.

Christine Vergara

Google
I tried the Chef's tasting menu with Garden experience and it was amazing. With this option you have a 6 course meal with 2 of which to choose for each course which was perfect since it was my first time here. Dinner comes with a basket of breads sorted with different flavors and textures accompanied by two butters. You may also get a few extras as compliments from the chef (I received two: a starter and a small bite for my espresso) something You are assigned 2 waiters who work well as a team to deliver a delightful experience, I had the pleasure of being waited by Luis & Rodolfo. I will certainly be back to try more from their menu.

Michael Erin Strong

Google
Wonderful experience! My husband got the tasting menu with wine pairings and I did sea bass and the new chocolate tart. It was all unique and delicious. The pork belly and ravioli were fantastic! Definitely one of the top two restaurants in town alongside Capelle.

Laurelle Glover

Google
This restaurant is outstanding when it comes to customer service, the place is very cute Giovanni and Ismael took great care of us, they were very knowledgeable of the food, the ingredients made sure that they were accommodating our food allergies. Our food was top tier. If you’re looking for a nice, clean and a restaurant with outstanding food and service come to cafe des artists

Marilyn Kerr

Google
We went Jan.12 - for my 70th Birthday- exactly 5 years later from our first visit. It is a magical experience & we really enjoyed it once again. There was a small issue with my main entree - but does not change my overall 5 star rating. The whole professional operation is exceptional. Thank you for a " very Happy Birthday celebration ".

Quvina Coleman

Google
This is michelin quality in service, ambience, food, and price. Top 3 of our meals ever. Jorge and Chema made sure we were well taken care of and Javier made sure we understood the wine pairing that was absolutely perfect. Do the 6 course meal with pairing. Worth every penny

Rick L.

Yelp
Simply incredible in every way. The restaurant is gorgeous like a cross between an arboretum and museum. Simply stunning. We started with the Iberian Ham and it brought us back to Barcelona. Honestly, I would have been fine with that and a couple bottles of wine it is that good. We had the short ribs and sea bass over lentils, both were delicious and perfect. As you would expect, fantastic service, wonderful menu, and expansive wine list. An absolute must stop when visiting PV. My friend, who is from PV, told me that Chef Thierry Blouet is responsible for changing the entire PV restaurant scene about 25 years ago. Make reservations in advance of your visit since they tend to fill up quickly.

Micah B.

Yelp
Really good experience, a good "upscale" experience. The setting was absolutely fantastic. Amidst trees and nature, appropriately separated from other guests so it still felt a bit private in a way. It felt nice to be seated "in" nature, and glad the weather didn't prevent us from being outdoors. The service was on point - seated promptly at our reservation time, drinks arrived in short order, and the food courses were nicely presented. Probably some of the best food on this trip; savory and filling. They do have live music here, they've got an interesting setup for the wandering violinist to stay in sync with the pianist that isn't wandering. It seemed to have worked out alright. I wasn't as impressed with the music selections or performance quality but being a musician my standards are higher than others. Not cheap though, budget a bit for the meal. Solidly 4 stars for what it's trying to accomplish. I'd consider coming back again.

Rich J.

Yelp
Pretty shocked to see such high reviews here. Food needs to taste good, first, and at least be as pleasing as a 17 peso al pastor taco down the street. The good: bread basket's cheese roll, fois gras app, soup app, shrimp main (I know, I know. But U9-11 shrimp is typically not flavorful and theirs was), cocktails. The not good: formulaic entrees, too many "oh shiz, this plate needs something green so let's throw some baby peas and spinach on it!" moments, heavy handed, butter-burdened sauces. One of the sauces on the short rib/steak-that-should-not-be-served was downright disgusting. It tasted like thickened cream of mushroom soup with added butter. Purees up the wazoo! Middle of the bone marrow on the octopus main straight up tastes like the inside of a McDonald's hamburger (ketchup/onion/mustard) - it was wretched. These aren't misfires by the kitchen, they are poorly formulated dishes. We will likely be back but only order apps and cocktails.

Song H.

Yelp
Located near the Artiste quarter and a few blocks from PV Malecón, the place seems unassuming from the outside, but once you get inside. Wow. This place is amazing! Gorgeous garden setting! Our waiter was super helpful and attentive. We enjoyed the duck taco and mussels casserole for appetizers. I had the sea bass for main course and it was cooked perfectly. We were there for my bday and I received a lil treat at the end - a beautiful dessert display with candle, lil cakes and fancy calligraphy that you can eat on a mirror. I can't get over the garden though! It really transported me to the tropics. That night a tejon snuck in somehow - that was cool to see wildlife so close up! The staff and guests were taking photos. It was a memorable evening!

Jared S.

Yelp
CAFE DES ARTISTES... I don't even know where to begin. As someone who has traveled to Puerto Vallarta countless times, a Cafe des Artistes visit is ALWAYS an absolute MUST! The food, the ambiance, the service... words cannot describe how magical this place this truly is! Each time I eat here I think to myself, "this might be the best dining experience of my life!" Their outdoor garden dining area is like nothing you will ever see. EVER. Guaranteed! The greenery, the ambiance, the lights, the nature (you can hear frogs croaking in the background)... for all my fellow sports cards collectors out there, Cafe des Artistes is truly a ONE of ONE. Located in El Centro off Calle Guadalupe Sanchez and in-between Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez and Vicario, Cafe Des Artistes is an elegant, French/ Mexican-fusion EXPERIENCE that wips-up extremely creative dishes with "artistic flair." The kitchen is run by Chef Thierry Blouet and I had the pleasure of meeting him at the 2022 Festival Gourmet! Entering this restaurant you'll feel like a 'A-Lister' or movie star. After being greeted by hostesses you will find a 'Gatsby-esque' bar and even someone in a tuxedo playing the piano! Is it a hair 'extra'? Sure, but it makes you feel like you're VIP! You're then escorted to your table (inside or outside at the garden) witnessing the magical ambiance I mentioned previously. Cafe des Artistes offers a regular menu and a 6-course "tasting" menu. Their tasting menu can be paired with wine for an additional fee. I've done their tasting menu in the past but stuck with an individual item this time. I'd had a large thing of chips and guacamole an hour or so before and wasn't starving (lol). I have ordered countless menu items here over the years but for this instance I went with the chargrilled marinated shrimp. This came with ayocote purée, country baby potatoes, and confit leek. It was absolutely DELICIOUS! I'm a notoriously fast eater, but forced myself to slow down and savor each bite! SOOO much flavor and thoughtfulness went into this dish! A light smokiness with mild sweetness. And each garnish accompanied the shrimp beautifully! Most impressively, the shrimp were HUGE! Jumbo even for 'jumbo shrimp.' In the past I've ordered their infamous pumpkin soup, filet mignon, and more! You absolutely cannot go wrong with ANY menu item here. For dessert I split a piece of pink chocolate cheesecake and it was INCREDIBLE! Maybe the best cheesecake I've ever had! The cake was light, perfectly sweet, and looked like a piece of art work. It came a cookie that looked like ballerina slippers! Just absolutely incredible creativity from their kitchen! Furthermore, I really want to emphasize that the service at Cafe des Artistes is PHENOMENAL. These servers will make you feel like you're the only patron(s) in the entire restaurant, and go above and beyond to make sure your night is memorable! In a nutshell, is Cafe des Artistes a place I would go to every night? No, of course not. But once/ year when I make my way down to Puerto Vallarta it is my NUMBER ONE restaurant MUST! Anyone who follows me on Yelp knows I'm all about experiences these days. Cafe des Artistes is the definition of a restaurant EXPERIENCE! Just go! (But make sure you have a reservation!)

Michael P.

Yelp
Mal experiencia por mi cumple. Fui con mi novia por una reservación a las 1900 y compramos los seis cursos por $1900 por cada persona. Los meseros amigables, pero a veces no nos puso nada de atención y esperamos demasiado tiempo entre los cursos. La presentación de la comida estaba buenísima, pero no tuve ningún sabor que voy a recordar ni recomendar. El pan de principio y del curso era malo. La buena era el postre, pero nada más. Por su dinero, mejor ándate a otro lado para que te llenas, por que yo no me llene para nada.

Nancy M.

Yelp
A-mazing...truly a celebration location for that monumental moment in life. The environment, the staff, the food, the flavors...top notch. Celebrated our 49th anniversary here tonight. Greeted, honored, enjoyed all in an artful and special way. The red snapper, the sea bass...so flavorful. The special margaritas were Smokey in flavor and added to the night celebratory environment. The basket of bread and the variety of butters were delish. Service was top notch and attentive.

William C.

Yelp
I'm not even sure where to start. First and foremost, Cafe des Artistes is one of the more beautiful restaurants I've been to Worldwide. Whether indoors or out, it's breathtaking (although the outside areas are clearly the best). It's almost like eating dinner in the fanciest tree house you could think of. The trees, the lighting, the ambiance, the interaction with nature, is beyond description. I will post several pictures to give you an idea. We were treated to a tour of the entire facility (including the kitchen) which was phenomenal. The food and the presentation are first class as is the service. Additionally, the wine and liquor options are very good too. From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you are treated as though you have entered a high end Los Angeles or New York restaurant. I personally chose to pass on the chefs special 7 course dinner and just selected from the menu. My 3 dinner companions all went with the special meal and were extremely happy. My appetizer was a variation on Italian prosciutto and was outstanding (and huge). I also had the pureed prawn and pumpkin soup. It was interesting and delicious. They brought out the bowl which had the pureed prawn in the center and then brought out a huge carved top pumpkin and ladled out the pureed pumpkin soup on top. For my entree I chose the braised short ribs with "beef". Both were outstanding and the "beef" was somewhat similar to a small filet. Everything was tremendous. It is a fairly expensive restaurant but the overall experience is absolutely worth it.

Sean B.

Yelp
Last night's dinner with close friends from San Diego & Chicago literally could not have been any better. Jorge and Carlos were friendly, fun, made excellent recommendations, and thankfully talked us into doing the tasting menu and the wine pairings. I personally selected from the options the Fantasía de Tomatoes w/ Chintextle Chili, Morels w/ Fresh Truffle Ravioli, Marinated Octopus w/ Chicatanas, Roasted Pork Belly with Citrus, Spices & Brussels Sprouts, the Tête de Moine Cheese, and the Dark Chocolate Taco for dessert. I also tried my friends' dishes, the Cacti from the Labyrinth and Roasted Avocado, Zarandeado Red Snapper Fillet, Sliced New York Au Curry, the Foie Gras Crème Brûlée, and the Habanero Chili w/ Passion FRuit Mousse. We literally liked EVERY. SINGLE. ITEM. No exceptions. I suppose that if I'm splitting hairs, the ravioli wasn't the absolute smashing homerun that the other items were, but it was still a 7/10 for me. The service was superb, the garden setting (highly recommended) perfection, the music... including a live strolling violinist, was wonderful... everything was just on-point. I cannot see us NOT coming back to this place every time we return to Puerto Vallarta. HIGHLY recommended... and please tip the violinist and pianist generously as well as your servers, they really really deserve it!

Jerry C.

Yelp
Once again we were very impressed with the upscale dining in the garden experience. The vegetation is lush with towering trees, statuary and lighting. There are also inside dining areas but the Exuberante Jardín is the place to be! The restaurant does have a simple dress code of what not to wear, although some entitled American tourists ignore it. (Would they ignore it in an upscale restaurant in America?) We started with a pretty decent bottle of Duckhorn Napa Valley Chardonnay. Three of us each picked a shared appetizer: Foie Gras Crème Brûlée (my choice and favorite), Roasted Asian Cabbage with Jerusalem artichoke mousseline, and Tuna/Albacore Tartare with avocado over salt block. Each of these were bursting with exotic flavors my poor tastebuds weren't used to. My entree, Roasted Sea Bass with Beurre Blanc and Chipotle, was perfectly cooked and moist. The sautéed lentils and bacon, along with the confit fennel made it a spectacular dish. I loved it! Friends also enjoyed their entrees, Zarandeado Red Snapper Filet and Roasted Pork Belly with Citrus, Spices & Brussels Sprouts. It was a most unique pork belly plating I've ever seen. We all were happy with our selections. Service was excellent and our waiter was always nearby. The food servers explained the arriving dishes in great detail. The Coconut sorbet dessert was just ok, but the hostess made sure we got Thierry Blouet mini-treats thanking us for our patronage. We actually got two servings of these! Café Des Artistes has been around for many years and we can see why. It's not resting on laurels but continuing to innovate. A gastronomic paradise!

Kara R.

Yelp
Wowwwww! We loved this restaurant! So beautiful and our food was amazing!! The foie gras appetizer was incredible!! This place is so romantic. One of the most beautiful places in all of PV. Definitely coming back!!!

Riley M.

Yelp
This is our one fancy dinner every trip. This year lace is spectacular. Food is delicious, service thinks of every detail and you are eating in a beautiful garden. Best restaurant in town.

John O.

Yelp
What an absolute find. I've been to high end establishments but nothing like this place. This is an actual 5 star restaurant with an astoundingly beautiful outdoor dining area. Let me walk you through the details through the eyes of a first time-diner after his second trip to Puerto Vallarta: Atmosphere: The entrance to the lobby showcases jewelry and then art, the waiting area has a server for drinks while a pianist performs live. There are several seating areas to dine in, but the center is a multilevel, tropical rainforest of live plants and trees that's decorated with statues and string lights. A live violinist performs the entire time as waiters observe the general rules of fine dining. My group didn't talk to each other for about 5 minutes after being seated because of how stunning this place was- it was a lot to take in at once. Food: High end, different, delicious, includes vegan options. Service: Phenomenal Price: We each had a cocktail, app, and entree for about $60-$70 USD each. Notes: -Make reservations that you'll need to place with you're credit card. -I was there on a Sunday night if timing the live music is a concern.

Chetan L.

Yelp
Café des Artistes is a culinary treasure that We first stumbled upon a decade ago, thanks to a taxi driver who raved about it being a favorite among food critics in Mexico. Since then, We've returned multiple times, and each visit has been a delightful journey into the world of fine dining. On this particular visit, we decided to explore some of their signature dishes. We started with the Tomato Salad - "Fantasy of Chile Chintextle Tomatoes." The dish featured super fresh tomatoes and a flavorful sauce that left a lasting impression. It set the tone for the culinary adventure that followed. The "Crème Brûlée de Foie Gras" was a revelation. It was a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, complemented by the delightful contrast of cold sorbet, foie gras and spiced bread. It was so good that we couldn't resist ordering it a second time to savor every bite once more. The "Cream of Prawns and Castilla Pumpkin" arrived in a unique presentation, with the soup served in a sizable pumpkin, poured into our bowls by the server. The flavors were robust and delicious, making it a standout appetizer. The "Morillas Ravioli and Fresh Truffle" was a hit, although the ravioli could have been a touch more al dente. Nevertheless, the flavors were top-notch, and the dish showcased the culinary expertise of the kitchen. For our main courses, we ordered the Cornish hen and the char-grilled prawns. The Cornish hen, proved a bit challenging to eat with just a fork and knife, and there was disappointingly little meat on the bones. The mole on the side added depth to the dish, but the multitude of elements on the plate seemed to take away from the overall flavors. On the other hand, the char-grilled prawns were a sizable portion with decent flavor. However, the ratatouille accompanying them could have been improved to elevate the dish further. Dessert brought us the "Milk Caramel Fondant," which requires a 10-20 minute wait. While it was good, it didn't quite reach the heights of excellent, but it was a pleasant conclusion to the meal. Café des Artistes does come with a higher price tag for Mexican standards, with our meal for two totaling over 300 USD, including a couple of delicious cocktails each. However, the attentive staff, who assigned two servers to our table, and the beautiful ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience.

Tara W.

Yelp
We had a wonderful experience five or so years ago here with the six-course tasting menu. 5/5 on all fronts. About 10 days ago, we returned via reservation for my husband's birthday. They for some reason thoug3we wanted to order off an abbreviated Restaurant Week menu. I don't know if I misunderstood the reservation selections (in Spanish) and chose that ahead of time. We ordered four full tasting menus and food delivery was great. My husband spilled a full cocktail and they cleaned it like a NASCAR pit crew. Never did they bring a new drink or ask if he wanted one. They never refilled our waters or offered all of us a new cocktail after we quickly finished ours. We felt almost like a nuisance to them after the menu misunderstanding. There was an eye roll type of response when we didn't want the Restaurant Week offering. The tasting menu now is not great, either. It was really 2.5 stars at most. Two dishes were very beet-heavy. Other flavors were just not up to par. At $115 USD plus tip, it was sorely disappointing, except for the ambiance, which cannot be beat. Drinks were delicious, but sparse. We will likely not visit for our next trips. The first experience was just so perfect and this one was such a letdown. They did a great birthday dessert and display for my husband which earns a star on its own.

Harris P.

Yelp
Nice restaurant that lighted up our trip. Very nice interior design and decor, they also have a pretty garden with couple tables. Good service and high quality food!

Ash M.

Yelp
The best 6 course fine dining I ever did. It's a beautiful restaurant and the money was really well spent. The service is great. My fav were the deserts, the tuna tartar, the octopus and the pork belly.

Larry C.

Yelp
Café des Artistes epitomizes an upscale dining experience in PV. We enjoyed every dish, and the ambiance and hospitality of the staff blew us away. The moment you step out of the lobby, it feels like being transported to a romantic tropical paradise, humorously described by my wife as a "bougie rainforest cafe." The staff was exceptionally friendly, offering tasteful pairings, and they were more than willing to introduce us to trying out all sorts of tequilas. Some dishes, like most things with a flair for gastronomy, felt mostly theatrical; for instance, when we ordered a pumpkin soup, someone brought out a GIANT PUMPKIN to serve the dish. The granita tasted fresh, while mostly being served as eye candy and a work of gastronomy art. There were also some delightful dishes influenced by French techniques, to align with its "upscale" theme, while still embracing the appeal of good eats in PV -- putting fresh ingredients and fiery regional flavors in the spotlight. The sea bass with chipotle was perfectly cooked, fresh, and had a pleasant kick, while the habanero chili with the mousse for dessert was a uniquely sweet (and spicy!) treat. While eating out at PV doesn't typically involve seeking out finer dining, this place provided us with such a delightful dinner that we strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a more refined, romantic dining experience.

Patricia P.

Yelp
It's so pretty!!! Great for groups altho if you get bug bites, youll have to apply Off or mosquito repellent (which they have if you ask for it) since youre outdoors in a jungle. 5:30pm was the perfect time for our reservation when the sun sets at 6:20pm. Only downside is 5:30pm is when they open and they took like 10 minutes to set up our table even though we made sure to arrive 5 min early. Birthday or anniversary celebrations are sweet because they light up a little sparkler and give you a dessert! Very good at making special occasions feel special and our waiter was awesome and the food delicious. Only downside is I wish they gave me lime or lemon for my very rich fish dish but I also didn't think to ask -- it tasted much better when I had them as leftovers and I spritzed some lime on top. But also, next time I would get the steak since the red snapper wasn't as deep fried / crispy as I would have liked and the paella was more of a rich risotto The tuna tartar was delicious and a fun experience on top of a block of Himalayan salt and I recommend it The complementary fresh bread with the butter and seaweed butter was delicious as well

Caroline G.

Yelp
This is my second time to this gorgeous restaurant and it did not disappoint. Recently renovated, the inside look of the place far exceeds what it used to look like. We sat next to this beautiful window, with the garden and fountain outside. It was my boyfriend's 40th birthday and they did an AMAZING job of celebrating him from the moment we sat down and the host put confetti on the table. Love this touch. We had Leonel and Luis for our servers and both of them were outstanding. Friendly, attentive, and knowledgable. They also had a musician playing who played Suman a birthday song. We both got the tasting menu and I got the wine pairing as well. Here's the run down. 1) Amuse bouche with raw tuna - the sauce was outstanding, the tuna - I've had better but it was OK. 2) Tomato fantasy au chintextle pepper - DELICIOUS. A+ Several types of tomatoes in a delicious sauce. This was actually my favorite dish because it was just so unexpectedly good. 3) Morels with fresh truffle ravioli - A+ again! 4) Roasted Sea Bass with beurre blanc and chipotle - Hitting it out of the park at this point!! 5) Roasted pork belly with citrus, spices, and brussel sprouts - Another 5 stars. 6) Foie gras creme brulee - Yup, they're on a roll here. 7) Habanero chilli with passion fruit mousse - Nailed it. Could have been a smidge more with the chilli but delicous. And the best thing I have ever SEEN for a birthday dessert was this incredible dessert plate they brought Suman with a gift made out of sugar. WOW. WOW. WOW. The wine pairings were also impeccable. One thing I do wish for restaurants everywhere - I wish they asked up front which wines you don't like...because I would tell every restaurant that I don't like any dessert wine, ever. It typically doesn't much matter because at this point, as around this time I'm typically hitting my limit...so there's that. I think cuisine in Puerto Vallarta doesn't get the RESPECT it deserves in haute cuisine. I waited 20 years to eat at Le Bernardin in NYC with its MIchelin stars and was wholly unimpressed both by the food but ESPECIALLY the terrible service. Here is one of my favorite meals of all time, but folks don't typically think of this place for high cuisine. Simply put, that's a mistake. BIG mistake. 5 BIG STARS. YES, CHEF. YES.

Roger P.

Yelp
Between all the cheap eats and street carts, we wanted to try a sit-down restaurant to really experience Puerto Vallarta's food scene. Cafe des Artistes is a Mexican-French restaurant and it's a huge difference from what we've been eating all weekend. We didn't realize how fancy this place was and some of us came in tank tops. The staff immediately gave us some collared button ups to cover up. We were also wearing shorts and flip flops but I don't know if that's technically allowed or they just let us slide for now. One of the appeals of this restaurant is the outdoor seating. In the middle of the restaurant is a huge open-air type of seating, with large trees and plants providing amply shade during the day. It's even nicer at night with all the string lights scattered around. But because you're sitting outside, be prepared for big bites and falling leaves. There's also a roaming violinist that takes request! Cacti from the Labyrinth: A small appetizer with just one piece of cactus. I've never had cactus but I don't think we were missing out on anything. At least from here. It's such a small serving and I couldn't really tell it apart from the avocado, both texture and taste. Foie Gras Creme Brulee: This was the perfect size for one, maybe even two people. The sweet and tart sorbet mixed with the fatty, savory foie gras was really good! I just wish they gave more of the bread to dip. Cream of Prawn and Pumpkin Soup: The soup is served out of a whole pumpkin! It was pretty interesting, a really foamy soup. I didn't really like the consistency and there was a graininess to it. Flavor was good though. It comes with piece of prawn that straight up looked like a giant insect. I didn't try to get any meat out because it didn't look like it had anything. Beef Cheek Taco: Easily shared between two people! It looks like it's one giant taco but it's actually a heap over two tortillas. This was a hearty taco and the meat was super tender. Highly recommend! Marinated Broiled Octopus with Chicatanas: It was difficult to choose an entree out of all the options but the pictures for the octopus looked so good. It was grilled perfectly, with the thinner ends a little crispy. Super tender, there weren't any pieces that were too chewy, meaning it wasn't overcooked. I didn't like whatever they stuffed into the bone. What I thought would be bone marrow alone, was some kind of mix that tasted like tuna salad and I found it off-putting. Before our ordered food came out, they brought out some free small bites: white cheese with jalapeño and free bread with a seaweed and garlic butter. This helps keep everyone's hunger at bay especially for those who don't order an appetizer. The way the food comes out is appetizers first and then entrees, so if you didn't order any appetizers, you don't get any food first. Overall, a very nice but expensive experience. If you're visiting Puerto Vallarta, you could definitely stick to cheaper options that taste just as good.

Aaron N.

Yelp
Recently on a visit to PV our entire entourage of 12 people visited this highly rated and very expensive Michelin rated restaurant in the heart of downtown PV. I was so looking forward to an incredible evening. This is the only Michelin rated restaurant in the city and expectations were high. The atmosphere was lovely. Mini-lights on palms created an elegant but subtle glow. The staff were all trained, experienced, and attentive. Quickly seated our large party made short work of the wine list which was extensive. We had brought several bottles to cork of our own but opted to not as the corking fee alone was mind boggling. The food came out in due course with simple but elegant plating. None of the dishes particularly stood out and I can't actually remember what we ate. 12 people and lots of table sharing. I hate to say but the food overall was underwhelming. I think expectation is very high when you are paying so much per plate. Tasty and thoughtful yes but a little stale. There is a hint of resting on one's laurels about the actual food. The head chef came to the table to prepare something fancy at the end of the meal and press the flesh but it didn't land the way I had hoped. It all felt long on production and short on inspiration. Maybe we caught an off night in the kitchen but more likely this once amazing place has settled into a comfortable dining experience with nice food. Nice. Not notable especially for 200-300$ per head meal in PV. I'm not sure I would pay to go back and I don't think that is what one should take away from a restaurant like this. The experience must be well rounded with the food at the center.

Katherine M.

Yelp
I went for my mother's birthday holiday in Puerto Vallarta, and I absolutely will make a visit back every visit. The service was so kind and friendly. Very attentive! The food was impeccable! The flavors were so well balanced and inventive. I wish I could eat more just to experience it all. And the restaurant itself was a beautiful setting! You can either sit in the garden or any of the dining rooms, and it atmosphere really speaks to the elevated quality of the food and staff. I would say, probably top five meals of a lifetime. The hand crafted drinks cannot be missed either. They made my mom feel special on her birthday, which I will forever be so grateful. Truly an unmatched, unforgettable experience. Thank you all!

Alan R.

Yelp
One of the MOST (if not the most) outstanding places from ambiance to food and top shelf service from the time you walk in the door!

Manuel P.

Yelp
Absolutely breathtaking ambiance and overall environment. This has become a regular visit on each of our trips to PV so far. Very clean. Delicious food. Impeccable service.

Kwiri Y.

Yelp
If you are looking for a fancy place in Puerto Vallarta, then I would recommend this restaurant. The only downside is that the food looks fancy, but the taste isn't necessarily on par. I've visited this restaurant a few times and the food taste seem quiet, consistent. However, the service is excellent here and the restaurant is always very packed so I highly recommend getting a reservation few days in advance at the least. The live musicians are incredible and you can always request your favorite song overall, it's a beautiful venue and I must check out restaurant if you are looking to check off your foodie checklist in Puerto Vallarta.

Carolina A.

Yelp
The place is a must! Absolutely beautiful setting. Ask to be seated in the patio (outside). It is absolutely gorgeous! And the food is fantastic. I went with a big group to celebrate a birthday and we loved almost everything. We only saw room for improvement with the Espresso Martini and the raspberry cheese cake dessert. The rest was amazing. We appreciated the attentive service and the fact that the chef came to our table to introduce himself and just say hi. It was a really wonderful dining experience. Highly recommended.

MyAnne K.

Yelp
Great dining experience all around. I sat down with a group of four, for the 5-course tasting menu. I booked the reservation on OpenTable and was required to pre-pay for the entire meal in full. There are two options; 1) go for the tasting menu it is about $140 per person USD this included a wine pairing with each course 2) choose the à la carte menu for about $80 USD. The interior of the restaurant is elegant and beautiful. We were greeted by two hostesses and a wall decorated with culinary awards. Bravo to the chef and founder Thierry Bloulet! Cocktails are excellent. Service is excellent. Food is excellent. Ambience is excellent. I really don't want to get too carried away in this review. However, I do highly recommend dining at Cafe Des Artiste when traveling to Puerto Vallarta. I will definitely return back and try their à la carte menu. This place is lovely with all the good feels, vibes and beauty surrounding you.

Shawn H.

Yelp
I was eager to try this place when I went to Puerto Vallarta. When we arrived when we knew we came to a special place. The security helped us and showed where to park. They are super friendly and kind. We were greeted at the front desk and we walked around the Koi pond and garden which is a must see if you do get a chance to see this place. We sat down at a great spot in the restaurant. I always observe how they place the tables inside. I hate when restaurants put there tables near the bathroom or kitchen area that is loud and busy. They did not do that with this place. The inside is beautiful and you will enjoy all the different art pieces. I do wish we got to sit outside with the nature and beautiful lights but the inside is just as wonderful. The food was so unique and truly every plate is an artwork. We loved every bite and the recipes are michelin star worthy. They brought us a special plate for our anniversary which was so kind and made us feel special. We cannot wait to be back when we visit Puerto Vallarta again.

Jerry M.

Yelp
An Insta, not foodie, place--take your pics and go. Be sure to sit in the garden, else you'll miss the best (and only good) part of this restaurant. Food and service were ok, but as one of our pricier dines in PV, ok made it the worst. Def not a 4-star or 4-$ place. Some good  Ambiance (amazing garden) Cocktails (albeit one mocktail smoothie you can get at street corners for 1/5 the price and one cocktail I modified to be better) Table turnover and setup (they can reset a table with the best of them--just wish they were also trained to service the table better when seated) Mostly bad All food was unininteresting. Despite the small portions, we didn't finish each item (except the ravioli, because it's too small to taste and not finish). Examples: - Truffle ravioli was small and plain (but cooked well, which shouldn't even need to be mentioned at a place like this) - Baked cheese was both overseasoned and plain - Sea bass was cooked fine but tasted plain, nothing special even at half the price - Fondant dessert was good, but not for the 40 minutes it took to get (without advance notice or update until we wanted to leave) Plus, white wine by glass was served ice cold (36F/2C?). Service was also off: - Kept recommending items my wife was allergic to after we said we share everything - Asked for our help before set a course--should have gotten someone else to clear table first - Never cleared crumbs - Delayed clear of each course, even though we were obviously done - Rarely asked for another drink when took one away Violinist (with piano downstairs) played Happy Bday song every 10 minutes and then limited songs after, so that became tiresome. All in all, I suggest you find a way to keep your time and cost here to a minimum--get your pics and get out--to have the best experience you can here.

Alexis G.

Yelp
I wish I could eat here everyday for the rest of my life. I have nothing but FANTASTIC things to say about this restaurant. Upon arrival, it doesn't look like it would be anything spectacular but just you wait... it's tucked inside the city a little high up but it was worth the trek. Food was to die for, I would recommend doing the full course menu offering. The drinks were amazing as well, very tasty. Service was out of this world, they made us feel like celebrities, that's how good they were taking care of us. The ambiance is incredibly romantic and stunning. They even had a gentleman playing on a giant harp going around to all the tables. 100/10 recommend going! I can't wait to come back.

d. jean q.

Yelp
The food was amazing as was the service. Really good location and decor was pleasing. Loved the presentation of the food.

Ronald C.

Yelp
This was a wonderful experience. The upstairs patio experience is like a tropical paradise. For starters, we had the oxtail taco and tuna tar tar. Delicious! For meal, we had the roasted pork belly and the sea bass. Also delicious. Presentation was beautiful. I'd like to also say a big thanks to the staff. Rafael and Alan were top notch! We also loved the violinist Moises who played for us and others. It was beautiful. I highly recommend Cafe de artistes to anyone looking for top dining experience.

Jimmy T.

Yelp
I've been a lot of places, and this place blows me away. We don't even have restaurants this elegant in America anymore. From the staff to the food to the jaw-dropping garden, to the bartenders, to the live music, it does not get better than this anywhere, much less in Puerto Vallarta. Thanks everyone for an unforgettable 10th anniversary.

Thanh T.

Yelp
I had an incredible wedding celebration at Cafe des Artistes! The entire experience was excellently arranged, thanks to the efforts of German and the rest of the team. German went above and beyond to ensure every single detail was perfect for our special day. The waitstaff were also attentive and professional throughout the event. A big thank you to everyone involved for making our wedding celebration truly unforgettable! Jason Trinh

David H.

Yelp
Amazing experience with wonderful, calming atmosphere! Excellent service, interesting menu. (didn't do the tasting five course menu. Instead, we ordered a bottle of Champs (as it was my birthday) and a bottle of Cab from of all places: Uruguay. Wine list well picked, great prices although you could run up quite the tab if you wanted...1/2 bottle offerings looked well thought out. the staff kindly brought out a coffee custard dessert with a festive incendiary sparkler, and sand Happy Birthday. Highly recommend.

Laura V.

Yelp
Our family and us had an amazing experience. This was my husband's and his family first visit to Mexico and being from Mexico, I wanted to show them both ends of the spectrum. We tried local cheap but amazing restaurant and this was my choice for an upscale restaurant. We couldn't have left more happy. We had two servers taking care of us. The food was amazing from the tasting menu so we could try a little bit of everything. Mexican wine was amazing for the price. Complimentary bread was amazing and they surprised us with a decorated dessert board. This was one of the highlights of out trip.

Grace R.

Yelp
We tried the tasting menu since I wanted to try a little bit of their signature dishes. Ambience and service is great with a great harp musician. Loved the ambience and will recommend if you're in Puerto Vallarta.

Niloo G.

Yelp
Yum! Suck a cute little place with a great ambience and service. The food was great and the service pretty good although a little flustered by the size of our party. It was mushroom season in August so there were plenty of dishes to choose from on the seasonal menu. The tuna tartar on the salt bed was amazing and so was the foie gras with mushrooms. Everyone in my party loved what they ordered. They do a cute little setup for special occasions which you can see in the pictures.

Evelyn F.

Yelp
An INCREDIBLE fine dining experience! Wow! The service was excellent and the food was absolutely to die for. We had eaten a big lunch before this, so we weren't super hungry going into dinner. This was a plus because we were really able to slow down and savor every single bite and every sip of our expertly mixed and balanced drinks. This was the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner! Will 100% be coming back here every time we're in Puerto Vallarta.

Phylicia H.

Yelp
Celebrated my birthday here and what a special treat it was. Very fancy and absolutely beautiful with art everywhere. As soon as we arrived to the restaurant, I was greeted with a glass of champagne. The host took us to our table outside and sprinkled some birthday confetti everywhere. No fans outside but a lot of shade from the trees. A violinist who stops by playing any tune you like. We were considering the 5 course meal but our waiter personally said he wouldn't recommend it because it was a full house and each dish would probably take a while to get. The bread that came with the table was AMAZING! The spread that it came with was absolutely delicious. Everyone's favorite was a croissant with some sort of cheese filling inside. For appetizers, we ordered the artisan cheese tasting and charcuterie board plus the country style fresh mussels. It was plenty of food for 4 people and all tasted great with a lot of different flavors. Highly recommend both dishes especially the charcuterie! For entrees, we ordered the marinated broiled octopus, roasted sea bass and the special which was red snapper. The octopus was cooked to perfection but my red snapper with tomato sauce was outstanding. They presented me a beautiful display with macarons saying happy birthday while the violinist played a happy birthday tune. Presentation was so beautiful and it was such a dreamy spot to be. Beautiful and one of a kind experience!

Gaby A.

Yelp
The atmosphere was charming and perfect for Instagram, but if you're looking for excellent food, this is definitely not the right spot. Unfortunately, nearly every dish my boyfriend and I tried was overly salty, supposedly this was due to a change in the head chef. I really liked the fact that a violinist went around and played each table a song request, it was a nice touch.

E S.

Yelp
The food is good, probably 4 stars, but I would give it 10 stars for the ambience and service if I could. Our daughter always orders the dower pot chocolate mousse. The location and garden feels so special and secluded, and the renovation they recently completed has only improved the experience. Love the live music. Truly a magical place! We make sure to make reservations every time we come to town.

Kalila W.

Yelp
Was initially scolded for being late for our reservation (20mins).. did not appreciate that and feel that if my guest and I were older, the host would not have spoken to us in the manner he did. So first impression fell short sadly.. as even our resort attendants raved about this place. The inside of the restaurant was nice, upscale feel, but we opted for the patio seating. Right choice. Even lovelier the darker it got outside. Live harpist went from table to table performing. Wait service was friendly and efficient! The FOOD! I had the most memorable dinner of my PV trip here. The beef filet and short rib was executed with perfection- that short rib was fork tender and honestly the best I've ever had. My dessert had me smiling and laughing with glee.. the habanero chili with passion fruit mousse. One of the best, most unique desserts I can recall. An actual habanero stuffed with the mousse, with almond crumble and vanilla ice cream. 11/10 stars. Priced very well, I would have paid double in the states for this quality of dining. My discerning dining partner was pleased as well. Put it on the list, folks.. just be on time.

Julian Y.

Yelp
I think I had really high expectations because of all the reviews, but I'm a little disappointed that everything was just decent. It could also be the fact that I've hard way better French cuisine outside of Mexico. Course 1: Tomato and pineapple salad with shrimp - I felt as if it was lacking some kind of flavor.. it felt like they just tossed everything in and added oil. The shrimp was good though. Course 2: Mushroom risotto - This was not bad. It is flavorful but a little too salty for my taste. Course 3: Grilled octopus - This is probably my favorite course. The grilled octopus was pretty good, but the sauces that they paired did not go well with it. Course 4: Short rib and beef filet - Average. Course 5: Dark chocolate taco - I love dessert, and even this didn't amaze me. It tasted like regular chocolate, but maybe because the filling was so sweet that it overpowered the bitterness a dark chocolate usually has. Overall, everything was okay. The restaurant is really pretty though.

Allen H.

Yelp
One of my top five restaurants in the world. A definite return option next trip to Puerta Vallarta.

Mayank V.

Yelp
Love the interiors and greenery , definitely worth it for that but make sure you get a good table on the main floor (2nd floor, above bar area). The hostess tried to make us sit on the top floor on a corner table even though restaurant was empty, that floor is useless. We asked for a change and she did honor the ask, I would have been passed if not. Food is just ok, too many servers hanging around and not doing much, felt like a lot of extra people blocking views. It started raining and we had to move inside with limited help, not too many people moved. The servers forgot about us....kind of a mess. Anyways, came back outside as it didn't really rain and had dessert at our table, was fun! Give it a try, the chef stopped to say hello which was fun and we appreciated it.

Aylin C.

Yelp
The food goes to the next level here. Chef Thierry really thinks of every detail of each dish, everything is perfectly balanced between all the ingredients that make it up. The atmosphere is comfortable and quiet, although we had a reservation, we waited about 20 to 30 minutes to get our table, but during that time, there was live music in the lobby that helped liven up our waiting time. Beautiful place, delightful food and great service.

Jodi G.

Yelp
Food was meh- dry fish. Escargot was good. but the service was incredibly rude. We were told we had an hour to eat and rushed to order, etc.... Pompous and just awful.

Debbie R.

Yelp
Absolutely incredible! A must destination in Puerto Vallarta! They prepared an amazing meal for my brothers 60th birthday. His dessert was EPIC! Thank you!