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Andrea McMillan takes us on a delicious culinary journey around beautiful (and vegan friendly!) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Explore Puerto Vallarta, a Vegan Paradise!
From Andrea McMillan
May 2025

Photos courtesy of Andrea McMillan, background image from Canva

Puerto Vallarta has long been celebrated for its stunning coastal scenery, welcoming locals, and vibrant blend of entertainment and recreation. But beyond its postcard-perfect views and charm, the city has recently become a dream destination for plant-based travelers. With a surprising abundance of fully vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, Puerto Vallarta deserves a top spot on every vegan’s travel bucket list.

During a recent trip, a vegan friend and I stayed in Versalles, a neighborhood just outside the bustling tourist hot spot known as the Zona Romantica. From there, we began our culinary adventure by walking to the nearby Viva la Vegan!, a cozy and inviting restaurant run by the incredibly kind and attentive owner, Carla. As soon as we walked in, Carla greeted us and offered us chilled hibiscus juice to refresh ourselves from the walk. We ordered a salad and a homemade vegan burger, both prepared fresh and customized to our liking. The care Carla put into every detail made our meal unforgettable. For dessert, we devoured some delicious banana chocolate and cinnamon pecan muffins. Carla even sent us off with extra muffins and a hug. 😊

Photos courtesy of Andrea McMillan

Our culinary journey continued at The Green Place, a fully vegan gem that made such an impression, we returned back for lunch on the final day of our trip. From French toast with fresh berries to nachos loaded with refried black beans and vegan sour cream, and soy chorizo and pineapple tacos, every dish was packed with flavor and creativity. On our second visit, we enjoyed creamy oat milk vanilla frappe lattes (topped with vegan whipped cream!) alongside a hearty breakfast burrito and molletes rancheros. Each bite reinforced our love for this spot—and our regret at not being able to try the entire menu before our trip was over.

Photos courtesy of Andrea McMillan

One evening during our trip, we dined at Te Quiero Verde, another fully vegan restaurant nestled in the heart of the Zona Romantica near the must-visit Malecon Boardwalk. There, we shared the Molcajete Fiesta, a showstopping platter made for two filled with flavorful vegan meats, grilled cactus, pineapple, peppers, onions, homemade vegan cheese, guacamole, and tortillas to build our own tacos. The meal was as delicious as it was artfully presented. We ended our meal with a smooth vegan peach cheesecake that perfectly balanced the savory feast.

Photos courtesy of Andrea McMillan

Although we were in Mexico, (and who doesn’t love fresh Mexican food straight from the source?), we were curious to branch out. So we decided to try a vegetarian Italian spot known as Veggietalia, which provides a vegan modification for every menu item. There, we enjoyed a mouthwatering vegan cheese pizza topped with fresh basil, a vegan pesto tortellini, and a decadent vegan tiramisu that left us speechless.

Photos courtesy of Andrea McMillan

For our final dinner in Puerto Vallarta, we went to Mezcal & Sal, a chic and vegan-friendly cocktail lounge. Known for its mezcal-based drinks, the bar served up two of the most visually stunning cocktails we’ve ever seen—each presented atop a bed of vibrant flowers. To kick off the meal, we enjoyed an impeccably crispy fried cauliflower appetizer that I can only describe as the type of fried cauliflower that every restaurant in America wishes it could re-create. For dinner, we enjoyed vegan tacos made with lentils, plantains, and traditional mole sauce. The flavors were bold, authentic, and the perfect send-off to an extraordinary culinary trip.

Photos courtesy of Andrea McMillan

Whether you're a dedicated vegan looking for your next vacation destination or simply looking to explore more plant-based options while traveling, Puerto Vallarta is a foodie’s dream. The city’s warm hospitality, breathtaking views, and ever-growing vegan food scene create a travel experience that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the stomach. From authentic Mexican fare to Italian comfort food, each meal we enjoyed was a reminder that compassionate eating can be vibrant, diverse, and incredibly satisfying. Puerto Vallarta is not just a vegan-friendly destination—it’s a vegan paradise waiting to be explored.

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Posted on All-Creatures: June 2, 2025
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