Zona Centro, 4.5 stars, $$$

www.cafedesartistes.com

Many consider this to be Vallarta's finest restaurant. Whether or not you're prone to superlatives, you're sure to enjoy its romantic ambience and exquisite French cuisine. The service is formal but unobtrusive, and reservations recommended.  The self-described dress code is "dressy to casual," but you may wish to dress up a bit.

Chico's Paradise (Mexican): +52 (322) 2 0474

~45 minutes from the hotel, 4 stars, $$

Located about thirty minutes from downtown Vallarta, the trip to Chico's takes you through the Sierra Madre Mountains, arriving at a jungle paradise, with a beautiful river with natural pools in which you can relax and enjoy the day. The restaurant has an excellent view of the river and mountains, and the traditional mexican food, will make everyone happy.

El Faro - Lighthouse (International): (322) 221-0541

          Marina Vallarta, 4 stars, $$$

High above the lights of Puerto Vallarta, this landmark bar in a 110-foot tall tower attracts couples and sunset lovers. Live jazz and easy listening music serenades the clientele, which tends to be thirty-ish and older. Many patrons from the Royal Pacific Yacht Club and adjacent marina come nightly to enjoy this vantage point. The staff is well trained; the bar offers an extensive selection of brands and a decent wine list. The bar is jammed at sunset, and most patrons are in resort-casual attire.

El Set (Central European): +52 (322) 223-4142

Mismaloya, 4 stars, $$$

El Set, named for the numerous movies that are filmed in the area, has great food and also a great location for watching the sunset. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  The dress code is resort-casual.

La Palapa (International): +52 (322) 222-5225

Zona Centro, 4 stars, $$$

http://www.lapalapapv.com/

Elegant beach dining at its best. Tables are positioned to take full advantage of the sea views, making this a particularly marvelous spot for breakfast or a drink at sunset. Live music competes with the sound of the nearby waves crashing on the beach. The dress code is resort-casual.

PiPi's (Mexican): +52 322 223 2767

Downtown, 4.5 stars, $$

http://www.pipis.com.mx/

This busy, family-friendly restaurant was founded in 1986, and has not stopped serving fajitas since. The aroma from the sizzling meats cooked on a metal plate emanates from the restaurant. The daily catch offers succulent fish fajitas; but the usual shrimp, chicken and steak fajitas are always available. The deep-fried Chimichanga burritos are favorites, and for the truly big appetite, the Macho Combo will definitely drive away hunger with everything from a grilled steak to a Tamale piled on the plate. The dress code is resort-casual.

The River Café (International): +52 (322) 223-0788

Downtown, 4.5 stars, $$$

www.rivercafe.com.mx

The extraordinary setting of the cafe next to the Cuale River with its soothing sounds, creates an oasis of silence and tranquility in downtown. Its magnificent terrace with its white umbrellas swaying with the wind, give an almost poetic quality to the place. The River Cafe features a good selection of wines to complement the numerous steaks and chicken entrees.

Vista Grill (International): +52 (322) 222-3570

Downtown, 4.5 stars, $$$

www.vistagrill.com

Perched high above the Romantic Zone is Vista Grill, a restaurant by the same owners of La Palapa.  Fine dining in an elegant dining room with breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. The food is prepared to exacting standards, the staff is very attentive. The dress code is resort-casual.