I would have to say that La Cappella is one of the most romantic restaurants in Puerto Vallarta…read more
Tucked away in the hills behind the main church, La Cappella delivers an immediate "wow" factor the moment you walk in. The setting, the atmosphere, and especially the views make this much more than just a place to have dinner--it's an experience.
We started with cocktails. I ordered a traditional Old Fashioned made with Maker's Mark. It was made perfectly, although I would have liked to see a better selection of bourbons. Maker's Mark was the best bourbon available, but fortunately, they made a very good Old Fashioned with it.
My wife ordered one of their specialty cocktails, the Maracuyá, made with tequila, passion fruit, lime juice, and agave syrup. It was refreshing and a perfect cocktail for a warm evening.
We started dinner with their namesake salad. It was a generous portion--large enough to be a meal on its own--and our wonderful waiter wisely suggested that we split it. It came with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, apples, pineapple, carrots, walnuts, and goat cheese, topped with a passion-fruit vinaigrette. After a hot day in the sun, it was incredibly refreshing.
For my main course, I ordered the ossobuco, a slow-roasted pork leg with a Marsala wine reduction served over mushroom risotto with vegetables. The pork was absolutely delicious--falling-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor.
My wife chose the grilled octopus. The flavor was very good, but I would have preferred the slippery skin to have been removed before cooking. It was tasty, but the extra work required to eat it would probably make me choose something else on our next visit.
But honestly, the ambience is what makes La Cappella truly special.
We arrived about 30 minutes before sunset and watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon while a live violinist played along with recorded music. Sitting there with my wife, watching the sunset and listening to the violinist, was simply amazing. It's hard to imagine a more romantic setting anywhere in Puerto Vallarta.
The interior is elegant, formal, and exceptionally well kept, while the overall atmosphere feels special without being stuffy.
We wound up, ordering an after dinner, drink, in lieu of dessert, but moved out to the high top patio to get a better view of the city.
I highly recommend La Cappella for a special occasion, anniversary, date night, or simply a romantic evening with someone you love. The food is excellent, the setting is spectacular, and the experience is one you'll remember.