Chenando's Seafood and Steaks — Restaurant in Jalisco

My partner wasn't feeling well, and it had been almost 9 hours since we had breakfast...I needed food. The concierge at my hotel suggested that, for a quick bite, I walk to a restaurant that he marked on my map. It was only three minutes' walk away.

That restaurant was shuttered and closed, despite it being only 8pm on a Saturday.

So I went next door and found Chenando's. The prices looked a little steep, but I was hungry and ready just wanted some soup, which was on the appetizer menu. Despite the heat, I love soup and find that soup in Mexico has never let me down. I went in and was seated immediately with a smile. I only brought a little cash with me, because even though this area feels very safe, I was a solo lady walking alone, armed only with intermediate Spanish, at best, at night, in a new place. This place did not take credit, much like almost every other place in Puerto Vallarta.

I asked if they could make the tortilla soup with chicken, since I wanted to get at least a little protein, and the waiter happily obliged.

You guys. Omg. I come to Mexico at least three times a year, trying out different cities. This might have been the best meal I've had in all of those trips. It was easily the best tortilla soup of my life. The chunks of avocado were so soft and had absorbed the flavor of the soup. They melted like butter in my mouth.

THEN there was the bread! I don't even know what it was. Sort of like Hawaiian rolls, but toasted. Freaking awesome. If I wasn't so full from the soup, I would have stuffed all three giant pieces in my face. I could only do one.

They asked how it was and I announced that this was the most delicious soup of my life. The two other tables had couples dining who enthusiastically agreed that the food here is next level. One couple from the Netherlands said they come here three times a year. From the Netherlands. To eat here, specifically. Yeah, I could see that.

Altogether, my bill was 155 pesos, just under $9 USD. Hell yeah. They even gave me chocolate covered raisins...

Based on a recommendation we tried Chenando's and we were sure glad we did! A cozy clean space with two "zones", the first more of an open air setting yet quiet while just off the street, you then pass thru a set of double glass doors where you enter the conditioned space. Being from a colder climate we opted for the latter. We were greeted immediately with enthusiasm and seated at a table which commanded a view of the bar and glimpses into the kitchen. A Caesar salad was crisp and fresh while an order of Guacamole accompanied by fresh warm tortilla chips, and three salsas was spot on. A couple of Margaritas, a beer and the clear leader of the pack Sangria were brought to the table. The menu is diverse yet not overwhelming. Mahi Filet, Peppersteak, Shrimp Crepes and Sauteed Pulpo were ordered. Prior to delivery a warm garlic toast was brought to the table and then dinner. The pulpo was the best I have ever had, tender, flavorful, simply amazing. The Mahi filet (Dorado) was amazing as well, while I felt shriimp crepes was an odd combo it settled well on the palette while the peppersteak was cooked to perfection. Dessert was offered but a cot was not so we opted to make the walk home satiated and vowing to return! Lest I fail to mention it, the service was phenomenal and when we asked our Masera to let the Cosinaro know our expectations had been far exceeded we thoroughly enjoyed a subsequent visit from the Chef himself. One of if not the best experiences in 12 annual visits to...

Referral came from an Winnipegger now living in Puerto Vallarta. Easy access by city bus (8 peso per person) or by cab which is 50-70 peso depending on where you are staying. Staff does speak English. Menu in Spanish and English. Ordered appetizer, surf n turf and shrimp dinner and a couple drinks all for 1100 peso. Awesome deal and great service. Food was very tasty, the steak was very tender. The shrimps were huge. Really the only complaint is that the food is very rich so careful what you order. Oh, by the way, we will definitely be going back for dinner on Friday and then to the airport to...