First, I want to acknowledge that La Capella is a beautiful restaurant. The ambiance is something very few places can match.
To start, I ordered the signature guavatini. As someone who enjoys a sweet cocktail to begin a meal, I found it pleasant, though I would have preferred a slightly more alcohol-forward flavor.
The mezcalita de jamaica was surprisingly delicious, even for someone like me who typically avoids mezcal.
For appetizers, we ordered the sesame shrimp, gazpacho, and tomato soup. The shrimp was fine but not something I would personally order again. The gazpacho was enjoyable. While I don’t consider myself an expert, I liked it, especially paired with the complimentary rosemary bread. The flavors worked well together. I also ordered the tomato soup. The presentation was impressive, although I felt the shrimp added little to the dish. The soup itself had a well-developed flavor and was very satisfying.
For my entrée, I ordered the bolognese spaghetti, which unfortunately left much to be desired. Most of my Italian dining experience has been in Arizona, where the small but high-quality scene has set a surprisingly high bar. The noodles were made in-house, which is usually a plus, but in this case they were poorly executed. The pasta lacked structure and tore apart too easily. I also believe spaghetti is not the ideal match for bolognese, which needs a sturdier noodle to carry the sauce. The sauce itself tasted underdeveloped, and the meat was chewy and lacking in flavor. My partner compared it to Chef Boyardee, which I felt was accurate.
My partner ordered the lamb, which was delicious. The mashed potatoes were enjoyable. The vegetables could have used more refinement in selection, but overall it was a very good dish.
My mom had the ribeye, which was tender, flavorful, and well executed.
My dad ordered the Alfredo. He describes himself as someone who doesn’t usually enjoy pasta, but he finished the entire dish before I had a chance to try it. That speaks for itself.
For dessert, we ordered the tiramisu. It was good overall, though I didn’t enjoy the coffee jelly topping. In my opinion, tiramisu doesn’t need extra flair, so I simply scraped it off and enjoyed the rest.
Overall, I would return. While some dishes were excellent, the inconsistency made it feel like trial and error. I’d prefer a more reliable experience where choices are based on preference, not guesswork. I understand the appeal of offering a large menu to cater to more people, but I think it ultimately works against them. Focusing on refining a smaller number of dishes would greatly improve the overall...
Read moreLa Cappella restaurant in Puerto Vallarta is an absolute gem! From the moment I stepped in, I was taken back by the restaurant's beauty. The decor exudes elegance and charm, setting the perfect tone for a memorable dining experience.
The warm and friendly greeting I received when I arrived instantly made me feel welcome and valued as a guest. But it was the corner table on the balcony, overlooking the iconic Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church and Banderas Bay, that took my breath away. The view was spectacular and left me jaw-dropped.
The ambiance at La Cappella is unparalleled. It felt as if I were in a hillside Italian town, with soft music, and romantic setting. It was an experience unlike any other, and I couldn't help but be taken back by the charm and romance of the place. La Cappella has truly made it special for its patrons.
The cocktails and food were equally outstanding. Each dish was well presented and had great flavor. We had the following along with 2 glasses of Cabernet-Franc:
GAMBERETTO FRITTO - Fried shrimp battered in Panko and black sesame, accompanied by sweet and sour hibiscus sauce INSALATA CAPRESE - Tomato with fresh mozzarella and burrata cheese, basil LINGUINECON GAMBERETTI GIGANTE - Linguine pasta with shrimp sautéed in garlic and olive oil POLLO PICCATA - Chicken escalope with lemon sauce and capers FORMAGGIO - Traditional cheesecake & blackberry sauce
To complement the beautiful setting and delicious food, live music filled the air. They have a very talented pianist and violinist that added a touch of sophistication and elegance to the evening, making it even more memorable.
Above all, what truly made my visit exceptional was the impeccable service by Julio our table server and the feeling of being genuinely cared for. The staff at La Cappella went above and beyond to ensure that I had an unforgettable birthday dinner. From their attention to detail to their genuine hospitality, I felt truly pampered and catered to throughout the evening.
La Cappella truly is a hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta that offers an unforgettable experience. Beautiful setting, warm greetings, incredible ambiance, and delicious food - everything was perfect! If you're looking for a dining experience that combines beauty, romance, and top-notch service, La Cappella is the place to be. I can't...
Read moreFood: La Cappella is one of our absolute favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta—especially when it comes to romantic dining. The Italian food is very, very good—thoughtfully prepared, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. While PV has no shortage of great restaurants, we personally think the food at La Cappella stands out—especially compared to nearby spots like La Iguana, which has a stunning ambiance, but in our opinion, doesn’t quite match the quality of the dishes here.
Ambiance: This place is magical. Easily our favorite romantic restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. It’s set high up on a hill with breathtaking views of the city and the ocean—sunset here is something you’ll never forget. There are usually 2–3 violinists playing throughout the night, and it creates this incredibly intimate, emotional atmosphere. My wife never cries, and she actually teared up when the violinist came over and played a song just for her. It’s that kind of place.
Location/Getting There: La Cappella is located in a hotel, but you’d never guess it once you’re up there—it feels completely its own. That said, it’s up a steep hill, so we highly recommend driving or getting a ride. You’ll definitely be sweating if you try to walk it.
Reservations: Make a reservation in advance. It’s a popular spot and with good reason—especially if you want one of the best sunset tables.
Price: It’s on the higher end for Puerto Vallarta, but well worth it for the full experience. You’re not just going for dinner—you’re going for a moment you’ll remember long after you leave.
Service: Service is excellent—attentive, warm, and professional without ever being overbearing. They know how to make the night feel special from start to finish.
Overall: La Cappella is a standout in a city full of amazing restaurants. It’s romantic, emotional, and unforgettable—the kind of place you’ll want to return to. If you’re looking to celebrate something special (or just want a beautiful night out), this place is more...
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