Nuevo Vallarta Authentic Mexican Food — Restaurant in Pinellas Park

My friend and I were so disappointed with Nuevo Vallarta tonight. I have been there 3 times, but after tonight, I will never go back. First, I specifically picked this restaurant because of the Mojarra Frita on their Google page. I have had before, and I haven't found many Mexican restaurants who serve fish cooked like this. A waitress told me it isn't on their menu, but they do still sell it. Our waitress came back and told us they don't have it. I was disappointed because I wasn't getting fish tonight. I could have went some where else, but I ordered a chicken dish that came with rice & salad. The salad was 1/3 of the potion showed in their pictures and was smothered in between refried beans & the sauce from the chicken. It was not a very pleasant presentation and was mixed in with everything. DISAPPOINTED AGAIN!!!! Lastly, my friend ordered fried ice cream and was so excited to have it, since it has been many years since she has had it. WELL the ice cream came, the ice cream was rolled in what looked like corn flakes, but NOT FRIED. She was so disappointed, rightfully so. We asked if they forgot to fry it. The waitress said, no that's how they serve it here. I asked van you credit us for the desert. She said I will speak to the manager or owner (I forget which). Well the lady who was in charge said she has been serving it this was for 14 years and no one has ever complained. I explained to her, but my friend was expecting FRIED ice cream. I proceeded to ask if she would credit her for the desert. SHE SAID NO. She didn't seem to care that her clients were disappointed by her false advertised food. I told her you are probably going to loose 2 clients over this. She didn't care and walked away.

Unfortunately, I will never again recommend this restaurant nor go there. In-fact, I will tell others about our experience. Shame on her. We felt bad for the waitress who was very nice. We told her we have no ill feelings...

UPDATE 8/31/2024

So it's been 5 years since I posted this review and things have changed a little. First, the hotel next to it has been through a couple of hands. Originally it was Bayside, then it was an OYO, but now it's an Extended Stay. The restaurant no longer says only MEXICAN RESTAURANT, now it's called "Nuevo Vallarta", and the entire menu is Vallarta-themed, as it should be.

The inside of the restaurant remains unchanged, which is a good thing, believe-you-me. Also, the burrito that I live for is only called the Burrito Verde, but the taste is just as awesome as it was 5 years ago. I had sadly moved away from Florida (NY, South Korea, ya know), but upon returning, on the way home from the airport after a nasty journey of delays and cancellations, I asked my mom for food and comfort. Nothing less than the BURRITO VERDE (with EXTRA VERDE) WOULD DO! So we went there and it was wonderful. Thank you so much to the proprietors. Muchas gracias!

So my mother and I tried this place on a whim because we had driven by for the last 5 years or so. It's in the Bayside Inn Restaurant and just says MEXICAN RESTAURANT on the sign.

Let me tell you though, the sign may be bland, but the food is NOT. I ordered their Burrito Grande Verde I think it was called, and I was expecting a normal sized burrito, you know? I kid you not when I say that this thing was the size of a full-grown Alaskan salmon. That's what popped into my head. It was huge and fed me full for 3 DAYS. Not mention it was DELICIOUS.

So awesome in fact, that we came back two days later with my dad and uncle in tow. And it was still fabulous.

Can I give 10 stars? Best burritos I've had...

WOWWWW! 5 stars!! Great Experience. Arrived about 5pm Friday night. NO waiting. Food out in less then 10 minutes after our arrival. (We also knew what to order). Started off with bottomless in-house made chips and salsa. Chips were very good! My friend really liked the house salsa. We drank an horchata that was lightly cinnamon flavored, and a jamaica iced tea. The cinnamon was a very nice addition. The Jamaica was not too tart. Neither drinks were too sweet as usually served!! Sooo tasty, refreshing and Large!! I ordered the MOLCAJETE LOCO. Wow Wow!! A Meat Lover's dish seasoned lightly but savory! Served HOT in a heated stone axtec grinder. What a sight!! 5 meats- steak, pork, chicken 12 grilled skewered shrimp, and chorizo w/6 sides: quesadilla, rice, beans, shredded lettuce salad, nopal, avocado, And 4 hot corn tortillas with a savory but hot red chile sauce. You could get flour tortillas as another choice. My friend ordered the Caldo de Pollo, and she was pleased. It came with corn or flour tortillas also. The place was authentic in decor also. The music, the banners, the posters, and the furniture. It "felt" like Mexico 🇲🇽 ! Maricela, our server, was very courteous, attentive, and professional. The waitresses sport a traditional cotton flowered shirt called a huipil, so pretty! Thank you Maricela for a GREAT 1st experience in your restaurant. We are most definitely...