La Madalena — Restaurant in Jalisco

As the sun set over the shimmering ocean, casting a warm golden glow on the stunning Zona Hotelera of Las Glorias, my family and I eagerly embarked on a gastronomic adventure that would leave an indelible mark on our hearts and palates - a voyage to La Madalena, a hidden gem in the vibrant city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Upon setting foot inside La Madalena, we were instantly enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly harmonized with the breathtaking views of the pristine beach, the whispering palm trees, and the distant allure of the bustling city. The restaurant's decor exuded a subtle elegance, with its beautifully adorned tables, enchanting art pieces, and soft, ambient lighting that evoked a sense of intimacy and wonder.

As we settled into our comfortable seats, it was immediately apparent that La Madalena's staff were devoted to providing an exceptional dining experience. The attentive and amiable waitstaff promptly greeted us with a tantalizing array of freshly baked breads and a medley of rich, flavorful dips that served as an enticing introduction to the culinary delights that awaited us.

The menu, a brilliant fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and contemporary flair, offered a dizzying array of exquisite dishes, each more intriguing than the last. From sumptuous seafood creations to mouthwatering meat masterpieces, the culinary landscape at La Madalena was an artful exploration of the region's rich gastronomic heritage.

As we pondered over our choices, our affable tableside cocktail maker, Luis, approached us with a gleaming smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Buenas noches, my friends," he greeted us warmly. "Allow me to introduce you to a special concoction that will transport you to the very essence of Mexico." With that, Luis set about crafting a mesmerizing spectacle of mixology that had us all utterly captivated.

As the liquid ingredients danced and swirled together in a mesmerizing ballet, Luis regaled us with a heartwarming tale of his own journey to La Madalena. He spoke passionately about his love for crafting the perfect cocktail, a skill he had honed over years of traveling and learning from the best mixologists in the world. His dedication to his craft was evident in every precise movement, every calculated pour, and every thoughtful garnish.

Finally, Luis presented us with his masterpiece: a stunning symphony of flavors that melded smoky mezcal with zesty lime, fragrant hibiscus, and a touch of heat from a secret blend of chilies. Each sip was an exhilarating journey through the very essence of Mexico. It was a moment we would cherish forever, immortalized in our memories as a symbol of our unforgettable evening at La Madalena.

As the night progressed, our taste buds were treated to a magnificent array of dishes that showcased the expertise and creativity of La Madalena's talented chefs. The succulent grilled octopus, infused with a smoky chipotle glaze, was a revelation, while the tender and flavorful slow-cooked lamb barbacoa left us all speechless in gastronomic bliss. Each course was a loving tribute to the rich culinary history of Mexico, elevated by a modern twist that showcased the boundless innovation of La Madalena's kitchen.

La Madalena is more than just a restaurant; it is a living, breathing ode to the rich and vibrant spirit of Mexico. It is a sanctuary where the beauty of tradition melds seamlessly with the boldness of innovation, where every dish tells a story, and where every encounter becomes a cherished memory. If you ever find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Puerto Vallarta, I urge you to venture into the heart of La Madalena, and embark on a journey that will captivate your senses and steal your heart, just as it did for my...

TOURISTS BEWARE! SCAM ALERT! VISITED OCT 27th 2024

Tried to pay 8,000 peso ($400 US) bill with card, was told “it’s declined” tried four other cards at our table, credit cards and debit cards, all denied. Was told “oh you can pay cash” “there’s an atm” “just give us cash”

As we’re trying to figure out what to do, table next to us overhears and says same thing is happening to them, multiple cards tried, all failed when run through the card reader.

We thought it was because we have American banks. The table next to us was one Mexican national with four international visitors. When we saw the Mexican citizens card was declined our suspicion was turned to something with the restaurant, either the restaurant bank, or the card machine, or the players involved i.e. the lady swiping the card and running it.

While our two tables are figuring it out (now approx 15-20 mins after the first try) we are calling our banks, we’re checking on account balances, we’re ALL being told that our cards are fine, balances are good …..but the waiters they keep asking for cash, keep asking for cash.

We’re going into the 30 minute mark and we’re now just reswiping all the cards again and again. we have 6 waiters a floor manager and a general manager all standing and encircling our table, VERY intimidating and obviously very humiliating to be the center of attention in a restaurant filled with people, everyone’s looking to see what’s going on, it’s late, our 1yr old is crying, our 8 year old is crying, my wife is borderline tears.

finally after taking up a LOT of time at these tables, one of the international visitors cards “suddenly” works. Literally after something like 20 card swipes and at least three tries on her card, this time it runs. (We think they were fed up we were taking so long to pay, so they “allowed” the card to run. more in the scam description below)

They pay their bill and offer us to Venmo them and they’ll pay our tab on her card.

The faces of the waiters noticably dropped immediately upon her offer.

We paid her, she paid them, we left, all bills settled.

On to the Scam explanation.

American Express released a statement to its card holders that explains that the scam takes place when you hand your card to the lady to swipe.

She inserts the card but not fully. She fake “runs” the card knowing it’s not inserted to full depth. This triggers a declined receipt for that “swipe” and she hands you the card and the receipt and you feel like omg what am I gonna do now?

What they want is the cash. They hope to take the cash, either in pesos, which would just pay the entirety of the bill normally, or they MIGHT get dollars, and that’s what they want, if they get dollars they can take advantage of the exchange rate, which puts more money in their pocket.

Through dinner the waiters asked seemingly nonchalant questions, “where are you from” “how long are you here” “

When asked it seemed like nothing. But paired with the description of the scam, they were probing to find a good mark to increase their chances of getting dollars.

Oh and the service seems “nice” but it’s too much and too invasive and too pushy. The highlight uncomfortable moment, outside of the bill, was when i had to literally pull our 1yr old baby out of the waiters hands because he attempted to pick her up out of my arms without asking. AFTER my wife and I had told him no he can’t hold her at least TWICE….EACH!

Do not waste you time here

bring a ton of pesos for their insanely high prices in case they try to card scam you

and bring your adult voices to tell them to back off and give you some space

My family and I will...

My husband noticed La Madalena as we passed by in a taxi and was intriqued, looked it up and decided we have to go. We showed up at 23h00 and were seated at a table for 8, feeling fortunate to have secured a spot as the restaurant was at full capacity.

We were surprised by the loud, thumping nightclub music which made it difficult to hear each other and almost impossible to hear the waitstaff. We were still happy and curious.

The mixologist came to our table and crafted a remarkable drink, presenting it in an impressive manner, which left us thoroughly impressed.

Our waiter introduced the meat and seafood options on platters, but unfortunately, the noise level made it challenging to hear his descriptions. I don't eat red meat so it was a little bit off putting and for some reason it was also off putting to my husband, who likes red meat.

We ordered some appetizers, the mezcal shrimp and sea bass and a few sides. At this point the music started to annoy us because we were hoping for a romantic dinner and screaming at each other is somehow just not romantic.

When the food arrived we were impressed by the huge portion sizes. While eating my ceviche my husband noticed that he don't understand how mango, onions and cucumber works together - I love all off it, but realized I don't taste anything. All of it tasted the same. It was not a winner. My husband's tuna tostadas was a winner.

The entrees arrived, and since we said we were sharing, was presented family style. I reached to serve myself, but our server insisted on serving us. He did not go away. He did not allow us to serve ourselves anything. If I wanted a fry, he served me a fry. If I reached out for the corn, he took my hand away and served me corn. He once left for a second and I took the opportunity to serve us seabass. I was not quick enough! He litterally interrupted me while my fork was in the seabass, took the seabass and put it on my plate. He hovered, two steps behind my husband, to the point where it was uncomfortable and annoying.

The shrimp was overcooked. The seabass was great. The corn was a weird mixture of corn, peanuts and chips. The fries was a lot. The bread was really good.

We were ready to go. Our server cleaned up and brought us dessert and coffee menus. We declined. He insisted. We declined several times and wrongly assumed the bill will follow. He hovered, two steps behind my husband, until my husband directly asked for the bill.

After my husband placed the credit card in the folder for processing placed it on the table, we once again found ourselves waiting, as our server continued to hover two steps behind my husband like a butler. My husband needed to turn around and handed him the folder. He summoned another staff member with a payment machine and began to pressure us regarding the tip. While we intended to leave one, it was surprising to be pressed so directly and so hard for it at such an upscale establishment. This was a first for us at any restaurant.

In summary, the food was forgettable, the service was frustrating, and the atmosphere was more akin to a nightclub than a dining experience. Our evening was not entirely unfavorable, but we will not return or recommend La...