Café de Flores — Restaurant in Jalisco

Restaurant Review: Café de Flores, Puerto Vallarta By Chef Miriam Flores

Tucked away in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant city center, Café de Flores offers an extraordinary French culinary experience that feels as much like visiting a friend’s home as dining at a top-tier restaurant. From the moment I walked in, the cozy atmosphere, warm hospitality, and the unmistakable personal touch of Chef Miriam Flores immediately set the stage for an unforgettable meal.

To start, I kicked off my experience with a Carajillo—a perfectly crafted blend of coffee and liquor that provided just the right jolt of caffeine to wake me up. Following that, I indulged in a Tangerine Mezcalita, which, to my surprise, became my favorite drink of the night. The balance of smoky mezcal with the citrusy sweetness was refreshing, and it paired seamlessly with every dish that followed.

The family-style meal was an excellent way to sample a wide range of the menu, and everything—from the appetizers to the mains—was exceptional. We began with the Lemon Butter Shrimp, and it was hands down my favorite dish of the night. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, drenched in a light but flavorful butter sauce with a burst of citrus and herbs that elevated every bite. I’ve had similar dishes in countless other restaurants, but none had the depth and flavor of this one.

The Tomato Tart and Onion Soup rounded out the appetizers. I’ve never been a huge fan of onion soup, but this version completely changed my perspective. Rich, deeply flavorful, and with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory, it was a revelation. The accompanying bread, served with decadent truffle butter, was so smooth it practically melted on the tongue.

For mains, we enjoyed a variety of dishes that showcased the restaurant’s commitment to quality and artistry. The Handmade Pasta with Wild Mushrooms and Truffle Sauce was rich, earthy, and indulgent, while the Beef Short Ribs Braised in Red Wine were tender and full of robust flavors. The Organic Chicken with Herbs and Butter was the epitome of simple, well-executed French cooking, juicy and fragrant with just the right hint of butter.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Café de Flores is the personal touch that Chef Miriam brings to the experience. Not only does she engage with guests, but she is also hands-on in the kitchen and bar, ensuring every detail is perfect. Her dedication to the craft is evident, and the intimate atmosphere makes for a unique dining experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming.

Chef Miriam also offers cooking classes, which I had the privilege of attending, and they were just as exceptional as the restaurant itself. Her cookbook and homemade salsas are an added bonus for those who want to take a little piece of Café de Flores home with them.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, if you’re looking for an unforgettable fine dining experience with an interactive, personalized touch, Café de Flores is a must-visit. As someone who has dined at many fine restaurants in the US and internationally, I can confidently say that this has now become my absolute favorite dining destination. Highly...

We stumbled upon Cafe De Flores by accident and made a spontaneous decision. This restaurant is a delightful surprise, a real standout among the routine offerings in Vallarta. It is a serious French bistro. Every aspect of the dining experience is done to perfection, from the music to the china to the simple decor. The centerpiece of the dining room is the grand, curving bar. There are also a few tables on the sidewalk by the street, under a softly lit canopy.

The service was friendly, informal and prompt. I started with a Miriam’s Margarita, which lived up to its billing as one of Vallarta’s best, and then we enjoyed a good Pino Gris with our mains. The complimentary bread from a local bakery was chewy and substantial, unlike the bland, tasteless white bread often served on the side. Paired with the bread, the truffle Parmesan butter was divine. I ordered the Catch of the Day, which the chef prepared at the end of the bar by the kitchen. The fish was a local sea bass, prepared with a bechamel sauce on a bed of ratatouille (an imaginative alternative to rice or potatoes), and finished with very light olive oil. It was mild, white and flaky: perfectly cooked, thirty seconds either way would have ruined it. Every bite was heaven. My partner had the Chicken Provence, also served on the ratatouille, dark and flavorful. We finished our memorable meal with an ice cream...

My mother and I came here on our first night in Puerto Vallarta looking for something other than Mexican food. We were both impressed with the tasty dishes, drinks and welcoming bar to sit. Our server Bailey was very kind and attentive offering some wonderful suggestions. We chose the three course tasting menu. I got the French Onion soup, which was divine, my mother had the Cesar salad which was also perfect. For a main course, we both had the daily catch which sea bass. I enjoyed the ratatouille as my side. For Dessert, I had the creme brûlée which was also fantastic. The staff were all wonderful and charming saying "Bon Appetite" whenever placing a dish in front of us. Bailey made a wonderful mezcal rita for me and then suggested a glass of white Pinot Grigio which complimented the fish very well. We also met and spoke to Emanuel and Chef Miriam Flores. We enjoyed their company and left feeling like friends. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion. We look forward to returning on our...