Cafe Des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta is located at Calle Guadalupe Sánchez 740, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. It’s one of two Michelin Star restaurants I was able to find. I’ve only heard great things about it. Therefore, I decided to check out what all the fuss is about.

The good thing about Cafe Des Artistes (well there are many good things) is that it’s about 3 blocks in from the Boardwalk (El Malecon.) We walked up to the restaurant and are amazed by the Uber drivers dropping tourists off. It seems this place has a good reputation with the Americans as well as the Mexicans.

Making a reservation is smart because this place fills up fast. As we walked inside, the group in front of us was asked to wait an hour, even though they had a reservation. Although, I should mention they decided to wait because they wanted a seat in the outdoor patio. As the hostess greeted us she mentioned we can do the same, or get seated right away if we want a seat inside.

The AC is blasting and with the muggy climate outdoor, I rather stay inside. We’re seated promptly and I see the group of guys waiting for the outdoor table look at us as if they knew they made the wrong decision.

Cafe Des Artistes Puerto Vallarta Review

I sat and observed my surroundings and noticed most tables are occupied by American tourists and middle class Mexican couples. I heard Spanish and English conversations fill the room.

The restaurant is massive. Most restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are tiny. It’s surprising to see a space this large.

The decor is minimal but classic. White table cloth’s on every table. They played classical music throughout the restaurant. A Mexican inspired mural covered the wall of the room I sat in.

I walked by the outdoor space on my way to our table and the patio is very cute. I didn’t explore it, but it seemed like a terraced, green-filled environment. It’s a tropical outdoor space where you can eat this fine French food, in Mexico. This place is a mix of several reaches of Earth to give you Cafe Des Artistes.

The waiters, and staff are very attentive and professional. They cater to you perfectly. In the United States, a similar restaurant will charge you $500 for two people. However, the prices are actually reasonable here. They’re high by Mexican standards but if you’re an American tourist, it will be worth every penny.

Some Insight into French Dinning

Before I get into the food I want to talk about French restaurants in France. If you’ve read my review of Le George in Paris, you might remember that the French value their restaurant experience and turn it into an evening event.

They time the meal so that each course comes out at least 30 minutes apart. Some restaurants, it’s 45 minutes to an hour. This means your restaurant experience turns into an evening event. However, that’s not a bad thing, that’s just how the French do it. As an American I’m used to restaurants bringing my food right away.

Cafe Des Artistes incorporates this French dining experience. The first course came out an hour into ordering. Although, we had a bottle of bubbly to keep us company and good chatter among my group, I was hungry and couldn’t wait to start eating.

The Menu

The menu has several prefix meals. The first thing you’ll see is two options for 6 courses. If you continue to flip the pages, they break down the meals a la carte. You can pick and choose as you please.

Near the back of the menu they have 3 course fixed meals. I chose this option and got an additional appetizer of escargot.

My prefix meal consisted of Mahi Mahi tartare as my appetizer. Followed by my main course which is a salmon course, for desert I chose the chocolate spiral and ice cream plate.

I got an espresso at the end of my meal.

The total amount for two people was about $150 USD

From the time we sat down until the time we left was a total of 3 hours.

Although the food is very tasty, I’m not a patient person when it comes to food. I fully embrace the American rush dining experience. However, this restaurant is great. The food is lovely. The ambiance is fantastic. I highly recommend Cafe Des Artistes as a great dining experience in Puerto Vallarta.

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Let Me Break It Down For You:

Cafe Des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta is a fine dining experience.

Its a high-end restaurant with great prices.

The food is delicious

This restaurant is enormous but you should always make a reservation it fills up quick.

They take their time bringing out their food. Don’t get there too hungry or you’ll starve to death first.

It’s one of two Michelin Star restaurants I was able to find in Puerto Vallarta.

Check out their website for more info: https://www.cafedesartistes.com