What are your top 5 favorite restaurants in PV?

Puerto Vallarta offers some of the most amazing restaurants in all of Mexico. The culinary scene has exploded in the past few years and there are so many fantastic options around the city that it is hard to have a bad meal. From Mexican to Italian, Spanish to French, Mediterranean to Thai, I mean they have it all. And it isn't just the food that is amazing. The service from the wait staff is phenomenal and the atmosphere of some of these spots is really to die for. 

I'm hard pressed to come up with a top 5 favorite but here they are:

A trip to Mexico is not complete for me until I have been to Cafe de Olla for dinner. Their location is convenient and right in Old Town, and they have been around for what seems like forever! Some of the staff has been there from the beginning and it feels like coming home when you see their faces. Prepare for a potentially long line if you don't go early, but fear not, you can order a margarita while you wait! Their seafood platter is an incredible deal and can be shared by at least two people, at don't forget to order some queso fundido con chorizo to start!

A newer restaurant to the PV scene, ok maybe it has been a few years now, is No Way Jose. I'll be the first to admit that I avoided the place when I first heard of it because the corny name, but don't let that stop you. Sit up on the rooftop and enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine including the amazing guacamole prepared table side. They have a passion fruit margarita as one of their signature drinks that is worth a try, and their original margaritas are amazing as well. For dessert, you must order the bananas flambe (even if you don't like bananas!) because it is worth watching the small fire show that comes along with it!

A bit off the beaten track, El Brujo, is one of the great Mexican 'hole in the wall' spots down in Puerto Vallarta. It is extremely affordable and they serve truly authentic Mexican cuisine. The inside is nothing glamorous, but I have a special place in my heart for them as I remember the first time I went, they only had four small tables, a tiny kitchen, and a couple bottles of tequila behind the bar. Since then they have expanded (both the number of tables and the bar's selection) but the food has stayed true to its roots. The garlic shrimp in foil and the beef fajitas won't disappoint.

When you have had all the Mexican food you can handle (if that is even possible..) swap over to some Spanish food at Barcelona Tapas. This restaurant sits high above the malecon which offers some of the best views of the city (and quite a few stairs on the way up!) The made to order small plates are great to share with the table and you can just keep ordering until you are full! The bacon wrapped dates are downright delicious, actually everything is, so just get one of everything!

If you are up for an adventure, Ocean Grill is restaurant you can't miss! It is a bit of a trek to get there either by bus or taxi, and then by water taxi or hike, but I can assure you it is well worth it! Once you are in Boca, a water taxi picks you up and takes you around the bend to a secluded beach for a once in a lifetime experience. This IS the best margarita you will have on your trip to Mexico, I can guarantee it! You are required to make reservations and there are only three time slots a day when it is open. Not ADA or handicap accessible by any stretch of the imagination, children are not allowed, and they only take cash, but if you can,  you should go. Even the bathroom is a trip to remember!