Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As one of Mexico's leading culinary destinations, Puerto Vallarta offers hundreds of opportunities for foodies to enjoy different types of cuisine, including everything from typical street food from families who have sold tacos and ceviches for generations to Five Star Diamond Award restaurants that offer the latest in haute cuisine.

Foodies with particular dietary needs will find that Vallarta's chefs are more than willing to prepare special meals that include gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and organic dishes.

Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta's restaurants are always willing to accommodate their patrons, and most dishes can be modified to meet vegetarian and vegan needs, so it is very important to communicate dietary needs to the wait staff or Chef to ensure your meals are cooked and delivered appropriately.

Vegetarians and vegans will find a diverse group of restaurants to choose from in Vallarta, from Planeta Vegetariano, a completely meat-free restaurant in the middle of downtown that offers all-you-eat vegetarian buffet and main dishes, to 100% Natural which offers vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Mexican dishes in their vegetarian or vegan interpretations can be found at The River Café and Qué Pasa is home to the Puerto Vallarta veggie burger, home-made macaroni and cheese and other American comfort foods. Also, El Patio de mi Casa is a café that offers vegetarian soups and grilled veggie and tofu sandwiches.

For a more international flair, try Barcelona Tapas, a restaurant in downtown serving gazpacho, vegetarian paella and spinach with apples and pine nuts. Also, Taste Restaurant in the Conchas Chinas area of the city, serves tortilla soup and Quinoa grain salad with Peruvian potatoes and organic heirloom tomatoes as their vegetarian/vegan options.

Gluten-Free Cuisine in Puerto Vallarta

For those who look to avoid gluten, Puerto Vallarta offers everything from street food and traditional Mexican delicacies to fusion cuisine. Overall, the cuisine of the region is quite perfect for the gluten-free lifestyle.

Traditional Mexican dishes, like quesadillas, taquitos, chilaquiles, and tacos are made from corn-based tortillas and are not made with flour. Even Tequila and the Puerto Vallarta moonshine, Raicilla, are both made from the agave plant, making them gluten-free.

Always communicate with the wait staff the need for a gluten-free meal, many restaurants have sophisticated dishes, fusing international cooking styles in unique preparations while ensuring they remain gluten-free. Chefs such as Thierry Blouet from Café de Artistes, Nacho Cadena of La Leche, and Bernhard Güth of Trio offer simple but distinguished dishes.