Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, a bustling hub for food enthusiasts, has seen many restaurants and bars rise and fall along Pulpito Street. Yet, amidst this ever-changing culinary landscape, stalwarts like Coco’s Kitchen and Garbo Piano Bar continue to thrive, even as the shadow of new condo developments looms large.
The buzz in town these days centers on Zumo. Following the success of Zumo in San Miguel de Allende, Vanessa Villegas and her husband, the culinary maestro Stewart Haverlack (remember the sensational Boca Bento?), have graced Vallarta with a second Zumo location.
The duo has meticulously crafted an environment that is both modern and vibrantly eclectic, setting the stage for a top-tier dining experience. A little tip for when you visit: kick off your evening with one of their signature cocktails to set the right tone.
The menu is a masterpiece of culinary choices. My partner and I started with the Tuna Tataki ($295 pesos), a dish that showcases Zumo’s dedication to fresh, local ingredients. It features wakame-seared tuna paired with avocado, pico de gallo, pineapple, charred lemon zest, mango salsa, and homemade ponzu sauce. Despite my initial reservations about so many sauces that might upstage the lead actor, each played its part beautifully, enhancing the tuna rather than overwhelming it.
As an avid octopus enthusiast, my partner insisted we try the Ajillo Octopus Tacos ($325 pesos). Though I was skeptical at first, I was quickly converted. The tacos were stuffed with succulent, tender pieces of octopus, beautifully complemented by garlic and chile pasilla salsa, homemade chipotle aioli, and lemon-infused purple onion. And for those of you who read my column regularly know, the fresh garlic won me over.
My craving for red meat found its match in the Cowboy Bone-In Ribeye ($650 pesos), accompanied by a generous serving of parmesan and lemon pepper French fries. This dish could easily claim the title of one of the finest cuts in the Romantic Zone.
Zumo has quickly become a hotspot, drawing crowds that fill the space with vibrant energy every night. To secure a spot amid the lively atmosphere, making a reservation is essential. Ready your senses for an experience you will want to repeat.
I give Zumo: five stars!
Address: Púlpito 142, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Open Daily 5 PM to 10 PM; Closed Tuesday
Reservations: 322-222-7051 or online
I welcome your comments or suggestions of restaurants to try at TheHungryCriticPV(at)gmail.com.
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