| Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Reviews |
| El Arrayán Regional & creative Mexican 344 Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 222-7195 |
Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Review:
El Arrayan has been voted "Best in Vallarta" 3 years in a row now. I almost hate to mention
the place because there are only 14 tables and people have found it.
SETTING - Off the beaten path on a very quiet street, several blocks up the hill from the
Malecon. It's very pretty at night, which is the only time that El Arrayan is open.
FOOD - El Arrayan serves their own interpretation of regional and traditional dishes from
Mexico that you won't find elsewhere. Very fresh ingredients. The menu continually evolves,
but everything I've had has been wonderful. The meal starts with chips and 3 complimentary
sauces. As an appetizer, the Guarnachitas (tiny nachos with shredded chicken) were to die for.
I also really liked their well-known Duck Carnitas. Pictured below: the Cochinita Pibil, a
shredded, marinated pork with an onion & habanero pepper relish (on the side, for the faint of
heart). Check out their web site and see what's on menu now. The servers are knowledgeable
and gladly explain the dishes you're not familiar with. Moderately priced with entrees
$15-$20. The margaritas are just so/so (okay, nobody's perfect), so I would pick something
off their decent wine list or go with a cold beer.
AMBIANCE - Colorful, original regional art on the walls, small but lively. The tiny center
courtyard is open to the stars, creating an almost outdoor feel.
RESERVATIONS - A good idea unless you get there early or late. On busy nights, the line
spills out onto the sidewalk. Closed Tuesdays.
BOTTOM LINE - It's hard to top El Arrayan. They made a believer out of me.
El Arrayan has been voted "Best in Vallarta" 3 years in a row now. I almost hate to mention
the place because there are only 14 tables and people have found it.
SETTING - Off the beaten path on a very quiet street, several blocks up the hill from the
Malecon. It's very pretty at night, which is the only time that El Arrayan is open.
FOOD - El Arrayan serves their own interpretation of regional and traditional dishes from
Mexico that you won't find elsewhere. Very fresh ingredients. The menu continually evolves,
but everything I've had has been wonderful. The meal starts with chips and 3 complimentary
sauces. As an appetizer, the Guarnachitas (tiny nachos with shredded chicken) were to die for.
I also really liked their well-known Duck Carnitas. Pictured below: the Cochinita Pibil, a
shredded, marinated pork with an onion & habanero pepper relish (on the side, for the faint of
heart). Check out their web site and see what's on menu now. The servers are knowledgeable
and gladly explain the dishes you're not familiar with. Moderately priced with entrees
$15-$20. The margaritas are just so/so (okay, nobody's perfect), so I would pick something
off their decent wine list or go with a cold beer.
AMBIANCE - Colorful, original regional art on the walls, small but lively. The tiny center
courtyard is open to the stars, creating an almost outdoor feel.
RESERVATIONS - A good idea unless you get there early or late. On busy nights, the line
spills out onto the sidewalk. Closed Tuesdays.
BOTTOM LINE - It's hard to top El Arrayan. They made a believer out of me.
