Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Feeling adventurous? Sometimes getting to know a place means stepping outside the usual tourist areas and trying somewhere new. If you’re ready to explore Mexican cooking beyond your regular restaurant stops, put Bocado on your list.
Here, chef Jorge Medina brings his love of Mexican cuisine to the table, while he and his wife, Monserrat Martínez, offer the kind of personal welcome that makes a meal feel special.
Their approach is simple: respect the ingredients, honor the traditions, and remember the person sitting down to eat.
Two Different Paths, One Warm Welcome
Monserrat and Jorge bring different backgrounds to their life together.
Monserrat is a public accountant who began working at an accounting firm before she even finished her degree. Nineteen years later, she remains dedicated to the profession she loves. Today, she works in hotel finance as a chief clerk, with responsibilities in tax accounting.
Jorge’s path began in restaurants. As a young man, he started as a busser and worked his way through different positions before finding his place in the kitchen.
That was where he fell in love with cooking – and decided to study it professionally.
Now, with 21 years in the culinary world, Jorge is the founder of Bocado, which opened nearly two years ago. The restaurant gives him a place to share his own interpretation of Mexican cuisine while staying connected to its roots.
Traditional Roots, a Fresh Perspective
Bocado grew from Jorge’s passion for Mexican food and his desire to express it in his own way.
He wants guests to discover familiar traditions from a different perspective, while still enjoying the comfort of feeling at home.
For Jorge, that begins with honoring the way things were done before: giving food time, practicing patience, and understanding where ingredients and preparations come from. He brings those values into a contemporary kitchen, allowing tradition and creativity to work together.
“I believe cooking is constantly evolving,” Jorge explains. “But when we respect our craft and understand where we come from, we can create something new without losing our essence.”
That idea is at the heart of Bocado. Each dish is an opportunity to carry something forward while adding a personal touch.
The Person Behind Every Plate
Ask Jorge what makes Bocado different, and his answer begins with the guest.
“In Bocado, we cook with the diner in mind,” he says.
He respects the roots and techniques that have helped shape Mexican cuisine, interpreting them with creativity, care, and love for his work. But the experience goes beyond what comes out of the kitchen.
“It’s about understanding that there is a person who trusts us to give them an experience,” he explains. “We want our cooking to have an identity, to be honest, and at the same time, to make the guest feel welcome, as if they were at home.”
That welcome is personal. Jorge and Monserrat care for their guests directly, bringing warmth to the experience that reflects who they are.
One diner told them that this was what set Bocado apart: the warmth of being looked after by the two of them.
It is a compliment they have carried with them.
Take a Different Turn
There is comfort in returning to a favorite restaurant. There is also joy in discovering a place that gives you a new connection to the community around you.
Bocado invites you to do just that: venture beyond the familiar, explore Mexican cooking through Jorge’s eyes, and enjoy the hospitality he and Monserrat bring to the table.
Next time you feel a little adventurous, step outside your usual route. A warm welcome—and a fresh perspective on the flavors of Mexico—awaits at Bocado.
Come Hungry, Take Your Time
Every dish at Bocado is made to order, with the time and care that good food deserves. If you’re in a hurry, this might not be the place for you.
Come ready to slow down. Settle in, enjoy the conversation, and savor each bite. Let the meal become part of your day’s adventure.
Come, relax, eat, and cherish the moment. That’s the spirit of Bocado.
Have a Healthy day!
Heather
Heather Gray, FDN-P, is a master certified health practitioner, best-selling author, speaker, stand-up comedian, and host of the Renegade Health Boss podcast. A proud Puerto Vallarta resident, she shares her passion for health, resilience, and personal transformation while enjoying the adventure, community, and fresh perspective she found in Mexico.
