Posted by Cathy Rios on Friday, June 20th, 2025 6:17pm.
Summer in Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about warm beaches and tropical sunsets. It’s also one of the most flavorful times of the year. While June to August is technically the low season for tourism, local chefs and restaurants take the opportunity to shine through limited-time menus, tasting events, cooking classes, and seasonal discounts that reward those who stay—or arrive—during the summer months.
Unlike the high season, summer offers visitors a quieter, more relaxed dining atmosphere. No long waits, no packed reservations, just good food and space to enjoy it. For North American travelers and expats who choose to explore Puerto Vallarta in summer, this means more opportunities to try local spots that are often fully booked in winter.
Restaurants in Centro, Marina Vallarta, Versalles, and Zona Romántica roll out special offers to entice locals and off-season tourists. Expect to find:
Three-course prix fixe menus at top-rated restaurants for a fraction of the usual price
Happy hour extensions and 2x1 drinks all day
Chef’s nights with exclusive summer creations
Ingredient-focused weeks (mango, tuna, chocolate)
Tasting events with tequila, raicilla, mezcal, and wine pairings
Some restaurants and culinary collectives use the summer to test new menus and host intimate pop-ups. Venues like La Leche, Café des Artistes, and Tintoque often experiment with seasonal flavors. Other casual favorites in neighborhoods like 5 de Diciembre and Versalles run weekly specials that rotate by theme or cuisine.
Tourists can also find:
Cooking classes with bilingual chefs focused on seafood and local dishes
Market tours including the Municipal Market and local fish markets
Street food experiences that explore summer-specific snacks and tropical fruits
These experiences cater especially well to long-stay tourists, digital nomads, and snowbirds who extend their stays into summer. With lower overall costs and more access to restaurants, it’s a prime season for discovering the culinary side of the city.
Even short-term visitors get to enjoy more personalized service, chat with chefs, and explore local dishes at a slower pace. Many expats report that they first fell in love with Puerto Vallarta during a quiet summer meal.
Follow restaurants on social media: Most publish their promos on Instagram or Facebook.
Ask locals for weekly specials: Many aren't advertised online.
Stay in walkable areas: Centro and Versalles offer access to dozens of options without needing a car.
Book themed nights early: They fill fast even in low season.
Don’t skip the markets: Summer fruits and seafood are abundant and fresh.
What makes summer dining unique is that it reveals Puerto Vallarta’s local food culture. Without the pressure of catering to winter crowds, restaurants cater to residents and regulars. You’ll find a stronger sense of community, more experimentation, and dishes that reflect the rhythm of daily life.
It’s not just about eating out. It’s about tasting the city as it really is—relaxed, creative, and grounded in local flavors.
Learn more about Puerto Vallarta's neighborhoods and food scene