Restaurant Selections
Welcome to The Dean’s Restaurant Selections
These aren’t your average picks. These are my top-secret, flavor-packed, vibe-heavy favorites — the kind of spots you only hear about from someone who really knows Puerto Vallarta. Think bold bites, hidden gems, local legends, and unforgettable energy.
Unique taste. Funky flair. Dean-approved.
Ready to eat like a local with great taste? Let’s dig in.
1. Magdalena
Low-key luxe with deep flavor. Natural wines, moody lighting, and unforgettable dishes.
2. La Leche
Minimalist design, bold creativity. A culinary experience that surprises every time.
3. Casa Tradicional
Colorful, classic, and full of flavor. A true taste of Mexican tradition.
4. La Traviata
Italian comfort with a rooftop view. Handmade pasta, wood-fired everything.
5. El Campanario
Local, simple, and beloved. No-frills Mexican food done incredibly well.
These aren’t your average picks. These are my top-secret, flavor-packed, vibe-heavy favorites — the kind of spots you only hear about from someone who really knows Puerto Vallarta. Think bold bites, hidden gems, local legends, and unforgettable energy.
Unique taste. Funky flair. Dean-approved.
Ready to eat like a local with great taste? Let’s dig in.
1. Magdalena
Low-key luxe with deep flavor. Natural wines, moody lighting, and unforgettable dishes.
2. La Leche
Minimalist design, bold creativity. A culinary experience that surprises every time.
3. Casa Tradicional
Colorful, classic, and full of flavor. A true taste of Mexican tradition.
4. La Traviata
Italian comfort with a rooftop view. Handmade pasta, wood-fired everything.
5. El Campanario
Local, simple, and beloved. No-frills Mexican food done incredibly well.
Attraction Selections
These aren’t just tourist spots — they’re my top picks, hand-selected for their wow-factor, vibe, and unforgettable energy. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta and wondering what’s really worth your time, these are the experiences that deliver. Bold, beautiful, sometimes wild — always Dean-approved.
1. Rhythms of the Night
A torchlit jungle show and dinner like no other. Mysterious, romantic, unforgettable.
2. Yelapa & Majahuitas
Hidden beaches, waterfalls, and off-the-grid calm. Paradise by boat.
3. ATV Jungle Adventure
Scenic trails, river crossings, and mountains. Fast, wild, and worth it.
4. Sayulita & San Pancho
Surf-town energy meets boho charm. Two vibes, one perfect day.
5. Marietas Islands
A protected marine escape. Snorkel, explore, and seek the Hidden Beach.
Beach Selections
Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of beaches — but not all are created equal. Some are made for sunsets, others are wild, hidden, or only found by boat.
These are the ones I return to, send friends to, and now… you.
Handpicked. Dean-approved.
1. Playa Los Muertos
The heart of Vallarta’s beach scene — lively, colorful, and inclusive. Don’t miss the LGBTQ+ area near the blue chairs and the sunset buzz.
2. Playa Conchas Chinas
Just south of town, this peaceful beach mixes soft sand with natural rock pools. Elegant, quiet, and perfect for a reset.
3. Playa Yelapa
Only accessible by boat — and worth every wave. Laid-back beach bars, jungle backdrop, and barefoot charm.
4. Playa Punta Negra
Clean, calm, and uncrowded. A golden stretch ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and disappearing for the day.
5. Playa Las Gemelas
Two tiny coves with turquoise wat
These are the ones I return to, send friends to, and now… you.
Handpicked. Dean-approved.
1. Playa Los Muertos
The heart of Vallarta’s beach scene — lively, colorful, and inclusive. Don’t miss the LGBTQ+ area near the blue chairs and the sunset buzz.
2. Playa Conchas Chinas
Just south of town, this peaceful beach mixes soft sand with natural rock pools. Elegant, quiet, and perfect for a reset.
3. Playa Yelapa
Only accessible by boat — and worth every wave. Laid-back beach bars, jungle backdrop, and barefoot charm.
4. Playa Punta Negra
Clean, calm, and uncrowded. A golden stretch ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and disappearing for the day.
5. Playa Las Gemelas
Two tiny coves with turquoise wat