Eat like a local

A Day of Real Puerto Vallarta Food (My Romantic Zone Routine)

I live in the Romantic Zone, so I’m surrounded by amazing food all day, every day. And yes, I love a cute dinner out like anyone else.

But I can’t eat like this all the time. I’d explode. Also, my jeans would file a formal complaint.

So here’s what I do instead.

A few days a month, I take a “real PV food day.” No reservations. No trying to be fancy. Just me walking the neighborhood and eating what actually feels authentic. The kind of food that tastes like Mexico, not like a menu written for tourists.

It’s basically my way of staying connected to why I love living here.

Morning in the Romantic Zone: I start simple

The day always starts the same way. I walk out my door and the neighborhood is already awake. You’ve got scooters, families, people heading to work, dogs doing their daily gossip.

I keep it easy at first. Coffee and something small. Usually pan dulce. Because if you live in PV and you don’t occasionally eat a concha in the morning, are you even participating?

It’s sweet, it’s warm, it feels like a comfort food hug. And it sets the tone.

Late morning: the first “stop pretending” meal

This is where the day turns.

Because somewhere between walking around Basilio Badillo and cutting down side streets, you hit that moment where you smell something cooking and you’re like… ok. We’re doing this.

This is taco territory. Not “taco night” at a restaurant. Real tacos. The kind where you’re standing up, there’s salsa that will humble you, and the cook is moving like they’ve been doing this forever.

I do not overthink it. If locals are posted up, I’m in.

I order a couple. Lime. Salsa. Bite. Immediate happiness.

Midday: the meal that makes PV feel like home

This is the part people miss if they only eat the “Instagram” version of Vallarta.

Lunch here is not a production. It’s just real life. It’s locals eating an actual meal at the time locals eat an actual meal. No one’s performing. No one’s asking if you want truffle oil.

And for me, this is where I go for the classics depending on my mood:

Birria if I want rich and comforting

Barbacoa if I want slow cooked and deep flavor

Pozole if I want something that feels like a reset

Comida corrida if I want that everyday Mexico feeling

This meal always slows me down in the best way. It’s the part of the day where I remember I’m not on vacation. I live here. And I love that.

Afternoon: snacks that are not actually snacks

Puerto Vallarta does this thing where a “little snack” turns into a whole event.

A fruit cup with mango, jicama, cucumber, lime, salt, chile

Elote or esquites that you eat standing up like it’s a sport

A fresh coconut that makes you feel healthy even if you’ve eaten like three times already

This is also when you realize how personal food is here. Two places can make the same thing and it tastes totally different because everyone has their own way. That’s what makes it fun.

Evening: the Romantic Zone turns on

This neighborhood at night is one of my favorite things about living in PV.

The energy shifts. The streets feel alive. People are out. Music floats out of bars. You see friends running into friends. It’s that “I can’t believe I live here” moment, even when it’s a random Tuesday.

And that’s when I do my last major stop.

Night tacos: PV telling the truth

Night tacos are where I stop acting like a person with self control.

Because this is the real deal. It’s not trying to impress anyone. It’s just good.

Pastor if I want smoky and sweet

Carnitas if I want rich and satisfying

Suadero if I want indulgent and messy

Asada if I want classic and simple

You stand there, you eat, you watch the whole operation like it’s a performance. The speed, the confidence, the rhythm. This is not a trend. This is someone’s craft.

And yes, I always say I’m only getting two.

And yes, that is a lie.

The point of my “real PV food days”

Here’s the thing. I don’t live like this every day. I can’t. I like my health. I like my energy. I like fitting into clothing.

But a few days a month, I do it on purpose.

Because it reminds me why Puerto Vallarta is special. Not just the views. Not just the beach. It’s the everyday Mexico that exists right outside my door in the Romantic Zone.

It’s the food that doesn’t need to be dressed up.

It’s the places that stay busy because locals trust them.

It’s the feeling of belonging that hits you when you’re standing on a corner with a taco, lime in your hand, and you realize you’re not visiting anymore.

You’re home.

Will Hutt

Coldwell Banker La Costa

@BeachPleasePVR on Instagram