No Soy Juan — Restaurant in Nayarit

I met two friends for lunch yesterday at No Soy Juan. It was the first time any of us had been there.

The first thing I noticed is that it was easy to park, right in front. (I don't know how it would have been on a busy evening, but that area has actual parking lots, which is a wonderful convenience.)

Second, the atmosphere: a big, open, nicely-decorated, shaded area with well-spaced tables. There was a nice breeze, and it's far enough from the road that I did not notice any road noise, even though we chose a table near the front.

Third: very-attentive staff! I was warmly greeted by the hostess, waiter, assistant waiter, and another effusive gentleman who had the air of a manager or owner. They offered me my choice of English or Spanish menus, and brought complimentary chips with a selection of interesting sauces while I waited a few minutes for my companions. They were patient with me using my terrible Spanish, despite their excellent English skills.

Next: Food. This is the reason we chose No Soy Juan: beyond the great reviews, the menu selection is HUGE, and full of interesting Mexican dishes. Each of us ordered something new that we were excited to try, and we all enjoyed what we chose. I got the pozole verde, and it was full of fresh, interesting flavors. The portion sizes were large.

Picky food details: The pozole came with an extra plate that I was not expecting containing fresh tortillas and chicharrón (pork rinds).I always feel guilty wasting meat products, and I don't eat fried pork rinds, so I wish that I had anticipated its arrival and could have opted out of that side dish. Two of the "garnish" tortillas were SO brightly colored red and green that I assumed they had been made with food coloring, and I also did not eat them. (The presentation was festive and beautiful, but I prefer foods that are as natural as possible.)

We each ordered the one "mocktail" that did not include soda (ginger ale) ... it was served in a copper cup and was absolutely delicious. Although we were not "drinking" with this meal, the bar was poised, extensive, and capable.

The staff checked on us constantly to ensure that everything was excellent. Our waiter Mauricio was extremely kind, attentive, and professional, and spoke perfect English. He graciously split our bill individually when we asked, and did not complain about having to make change from 500s. 😊

As we were leaving, live music was starting, which was extremely loud, so be aware that it happens at times. I don't know the music schedule. It is a celebratory environment when that kicks in, not a place for conversation.

All in all, it is a great restaurant for the area, with much more variety and more-authentic choices than many others nearby....

No Soy Juan in Nuevo Vallarta is an absolute must-visit Mexican restaurant that completely exceeded our expectations. From the moment we stepped foot inside, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff, including our server Bryan, who went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic dining experience. Bryan was incredibly patient with our picture-taking and provided us with some excellent recommendations on what to order.

The ambiance at No Soy Juan is cozy and inviting, with a modern twist on traditional Mexican decor that sets the perfect tone for a memorable meal. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My husband's fajitas were incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the manager even surprised him with a sample of lamb that he couldn't get enough of. I opted for the La Momia sandwich, which was an explosion of delicious flavors that left me craving more.

Not only was the food at No Soy Juan exceptional, but the service was top-notch. Bryan's attentiveness and friendly demeanor made our dining experience even more enjoyable. The prices were reasonable for the quality of food and service we received, and we left feeling satisfied and eager to return.

Overall, I cannot recommend No Soy Juan highly enough to anyone in Nuevo Vallarta looking for authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this restaurant has something for everyone. With delicious food, welcoming ambiance, and outstanding service from staff like Bryan, we will definitely be returning to try more of their...

So stoked we found this gem of a restaurant. Attention to detail. These people love making food. The salsa. House made. I put it on everything. Tasty. Party of 10 and everybody was over the moon with the experience. Waiter/chefs/staff level 10. They understand hospitality and the dining out experience. You must try No Soy Juan. The borrego or carne en su jugo. Awesome dishes. My mom is a vegetarian and she loved the enchiladas. She said it was the best sauce she’s had in enchiladas. They do everything very well here including desserts. I fell in love with the jericaya. My kids loved it. Parents loved it. Oh and try the chicharrón de...