Just go. If you're in PV make this a requirement. Lunch or dinner. Nothing beats Melissa's. You're greeted with the most sincere and genuine hello. Truly a PVR gem. The shrimp ceviche is to die for - probably the best seafood dish I've ever had anywhere. I will be going back every day until I leave. read more

Melissa's - Shrimp ceviche - TO DIE FOR - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

My wife and I stopped in Melissa's randomly during a muggy drizzle in February. We had to wait about ten minutes, and the staff tried to make us so comfortable and give us a place to sit out of the rain while we waited. This is a cute, homey restaurant away from the hustle and hustle of the very touristy area. First, the service here is superb. I can't remember our server's name but he was wonderful. Second, our drinks were so strong and so tasty! Best pina colada i had the whole trip. Lastly, the food was outstanding. Six months later and we're still talking about the simple carne asada and beans I had and my wife's shrimp dish. Not only would I highly recommend Melissa's to anyone visiting, I've been scheming ways to get back myself! Can't wait until I can visit again. read more

Really good. We had the diablo and garlic shrimp and a whole fried snapper. One of the better whole fried snappers Ive ever had. Service is perfect, genuinely friendly and accommodating. I wish we lived closer this place is the type of place I like to go to regularly. Even the garlic bread is special. read more

Melissa's - Fried whole snapper - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

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The food here was really superb and the service was top notch. It's a family owned business and you can tell the owner really enjoys serving his customers and providing a great experience as he is very friendly, warm and attentive. We had the Tortilla soup, shrimp ceviche and Red Snapper. Is was all super tasty. Very simple and understated presentation both with the restaurant decoration and food with no fanfare or other entertainment which is what I like. Just quality ingredients prepared well and delicious flavor. Well recommended!! read more

3 kinds of shrimp dish was over cooked shrimp tasted like rubber.... I think over cooked seafood is not enjoyable though services were great, nice and friendly. Octopus was kind of Chinese style, it's not bad but I wanted more Mexican flavors. read more

This is a diamond in the rough--a friendly, family-owned restaurant with fine service and food with a beautiful mural painted on one wall, all adding to a very traditional Mexican ambience. It is away from the fast-paced Malecon nestled near the gallery district. The mango Margaritas and gaucamole were fresh and delicious. The three-season shrimp was very tasty. And the grilled red snapper was a real hit. Once Melissa found out it was my husband's birthday, the family came out with a slice on cheesecake with a candle, singing Happy Birthday. This was followed with offers of free shots of tequila. Throughout our dinner, jazz wafted down from the second floor, as free jazz is offered on some nights. When we left, we were escorted to our Uber with umbrellas as it was raining heavily. Melissa's will be a definite place to return to in future trips to Puerto Vallarta. read more

Wow! Melissa's was great before, you must come to see their beautiful remodel and rooftop dining! Absolutely beautiful, and you still feel like family. Our favorite restaurant in PV! read more

I went with low expectations since is it not at the Malecón area. We ordered garlic fish and octopus with wine and garlic. The octopus is the best one I ever have had. It was soft, fresh and the flavor was just heaven!!!! The fish was also good and the attention is really good. I can 100% recommend it read more

Melissa's - Octopus in wine and Garlic sauce - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

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Exactly what we were looking for. We were walking around and shopping and needed a place to stop. We walked in here for one drink, but stayed for dinner. I had fish in garlic butter and my wife had a whole fish. Excellently prepared. Best fish I have had in PV. Everyone in the restaurant was attentive with great service. Another table had huge shrimp. The quality and prices were very good. Hidden gem. read more

It was hot and muggy. Not an evening for a heavy dinner. We were shopping in Old Town and walked up to make a reservation at a different restaurant when we ran across Melissa's. A small casual restaurant, it was empty except for the staff since it was early and off-season. There is never an off-season for margaritas and their s were ice cold and delicious. At the start of the meal, they serve spicy salsa and ice cold potato salad with tortilla chips. We ordered the whole fried red snapper with salad, rice, beans and tortillas. It turned out; the potato salad was also the perfect compliment to the crispy red snapper. Other reviewers rave about the owners. The owners travel for the summer, so we were lucky enough to meet their son on a sabbatical from his shipping job. Great food, friendly staff, good prices-we really enjoyed Melissa's. read more

This place is tucked away and very authentic. The venue wasn't as inviting as some of the other places BUT the food - fantastic. Great service. Lots of options and very tasty. read more

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Thanks to Yelp, I found Melissa's restaurant, just a few blocks up the hill from the coast. I had to try it! We decided to restaurant hop so it was a great starter spot for a cocktail and app. We had margaritas and ceviche, both yummy! The margarita was the best, strongest I had while in PV. The décor was cute, and the location was nice in that it wasn't such a loud obnoxious tourist draw, but just a lot of nice folks all enjoying themselves. Definitely stop in for a margi and more when in town! read more

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The prices on yelp are really old so be ware. The prices are literally double now. We ordered just a fried whole fish with sides for two of us. The fish was good, but sides were just plain rice and few pieces of boiled veggies, so totally not worth the price. Service was good, food not worth the prices and its not a fancy restaurant. read more

Great spot but not in any rush to return. I did enjoy the meal and service but I wanted a more powerful flavor punch and didn't get it. Was definitely a 4/5 meal. read more

This was the first restaurant we have eaten in in Puerto Vallarta. We went based on a yelp review! My two teenage children do not have a lot of fine dining experience but they both found something on the menu that was amazing to them. Watching them enjoy while being treated like royalty is my best restaurant experience as a parent so far. My son had the andillo octopus and my daughter had the seafood spaghetti. I had shrimp three ways and every one of the ways was superb. No alcohol but drinks amazing. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. And very intimate. Can I give six stars? read more

Melissa's - Octopus andillo and my happy kid. - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

Melissa's was one of our favorite dining experiences in Puerto Vallarta! It was very close to our condo, just down some crazy stairs and a cobblestone street. We met the family and they were delightful. Melissa, her husband, Jorge and their son, Diego. Diego's friend Jesus also served us. They made us and the rest of the customers feel like family. My wife had an amazing Mediterranean Mahi dish with octopus and shrimp. I had the Bacon Wrapped Jumbo Shrimp that came highly recommended by a friend. Out of this world DELICIOSO! Compliments to Jorge, the Chef Extraordinaire! The Margaritas were also perfectly prepared by Diego, our fantastic bartender! My wife had the Mango and I opted for the Strawberry. Melissa's is a must choice for a wonderful meal when visiting Puerto Vallarta and will capture not only your tastebuds but your heart! read more

This family owned and ran place is amazing. The food was high quality and low cost. I can't believe how good the grilled red snapper was. My father got the jumbo shrimp and we both refused to share. The service was top notch and personal. I highly recommend this place. read more

If you're looking to get away from the crowds and sometimes obnoxious atmosphere of the more touristy places, and just want a quality meal in a warm family setting, then this is it. The whole fried red snapper was so SO delicious...as was the guacamole and garlic shrimp. It was the best meal we had in PV. The service is attentive and the atmosphere was relaxed and homey. I don't think you can go wrong here...the ratio of tourists to locals seemed to be a good sign as well. read more

Great neighborhood restaurant. Fresh, clean & unpretentious. Home style seafood. A must in Downtown PV!! read more

Melissa's - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

Modest priced restaurant. Guacamole was good. Coconut shrimp was good. It wasn't the best I've had. Would say the same of the two fish entrees. read more

Best meal I have had in Puerto Vallarta in the 5 years we have been coming. Best manga margarita ever, fresh coconut in coconut shrimp (again best ever), mahi mahi with mango excellent fresh seafood salad beautiful. Service attentive and just the right amount of friendliness. Plus very close to bus stop. Will definitely go again. read more

We come here every year and are never disappointed! We tell people every time we meet folks down here to try it! Never had a bad meal and the service is wonderful! They will custom make your dinner if there is something on the menu you want to add and/or change. Don't let the face and tail on the whole snapper scare you. It's absolutely divine! The Ahi tuna is some of the best I've ever had and that's saying a lot being originally from Seattle. And the Portuguese shrimp is to die for. Who doesn't like bacon and cheese wrapped shrimp? Little out-of-the-way mom and pop style which is exactly what we love. Give it a try you won't be disappointed! read more

Best owners (Leo & Jorge) and they provide delicious drink and food. It's a restaurant not to be missed when you visit PV. Lots to choose from on the menu - including good seafood. Trust me on this one....you will not be disappointed. read more

Fantastic food and sweet staff. Can only say good things. We will be back. Thank you.

Great food, great service, reasonable prices.friendly family atmosphere , owner came to our table for a chat.my wife LOVED the coconut shrimp, will definitely be going back, I intend to work my way through the menu! read more

Melissa's - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

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This place was amazing! It's close to the action but felt off the beaten path. The food was fantastic, the staff were super friendly, and the house tequila is on point. I'd definitely recommend getting a meal here, it's fantastic! read more

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Go here every time we go to Puerto Vallarta, which sadly isn't often enough. Melissa, the owner, and her whole family are just so friendly. Unfortunately she was not there this time. The food is simply amazing. I've always gotten the whole red snapper which is fantastic, my wife has had the chicken fajitas and loved them. read more

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Excellent everything! Awesome staff, great and quick service. Wonderful food and drinks. Would definitely recommend to everyone wanting to get away from the crowda at the Malecon. read more

We visited Melissa's on our family trip to Puerto Vallarta. This restaurant was hands down the BEST authentic food we had all week! The place is cute and vibrant. The entire family had a great experience, not a single complaint from the kids! Amazing salsa, the meal was outstanding, and the frozen mango ice cream was a hit! read more

Melissa's - Mango ice cream! - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

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I will always eat at Melissa's for seafood every time I visit Puerto Vallarta. Very close to the Malecon, it is a friendly small, quiet restaurant. There is much variety, with excellent sauces and unique dishes. The prices are reasonable and the staff is very, very friendly. Get away from the noise of the Malecon and enjoy the soft music at Melissa's. read more

This restaurant is a must when you find yourself in Puerto Vallarta! The food is amazing, the prices are very reasonable, and the portions are large. The Mahi Mahi with mango sauce and the three shrimp platter are two of my favorites. The restaurant is located two blocks from the malecon and offers a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy! read more

This is my favorite place for steak, fish, shrimp and great Mexican food. It is owned and run by a fabulous family who are wonderful hosts. You will be greeted by Melissa, Gorge and their wonderful son Diego. The shrimp is cooked to perfection!!! Always sweet and juicy and never over cooked and rubbery. All their dishes are delicious and their guacamole is wonderful. They will also offer you a complimentary taste of this wonderful tequila you will find no where else. Try it, it is amazingly smooth. My husband and I love this restaurant. We have eaten here 3 times in 9 days and we are sad to go back to Southern California. This lovely family will not disappoint you. read more

Excellent food, my partner had shrimp diablo sauce and I had octopus al ajillo. It was made fresh and was very tasty . I would go back anytime read more

Excellent food, excellent service, and great location. I come to PV 3-4 times a year, and I always make Melissa's a required visit.

We have been going to Melissa's for years now. It has become an must stop on every trip to PV. The whole grilled snapper is to DIE for! I could go on and on about the family service and food, but better to go and try it out yourself! FIVE Stars!! read more

We were headed to Mama Rosa due to good review in Fodor's (2015 addition) and found out--no longer in business. Walked back down to Juarez St. and headed toward town. One block further saw sign for Melissa's, so thought, give it a try. Good move. Shared mixed fajita--was enough for both of us. It was excellent--good margarita also. Got there about 6:30. About 6 tables empty. As we ate, place started filling up and when we left, people were waiting outside for table. This is a little jewel that tourists would probably never find. A go back to place. Kay and Jim Tucson,AZ read more

Amazing Mexican food and margaritas. Great flavors and good service. It's like home cooking. Definitely a value. Come and support the locals. read more

Melissa's - Seafood Near Me - Puerto Vallarta, JAL

This is soooo good. The drinks are great. Food is awesome and great service with low prices. This is a small family business that is 100% tops for puerto vallarta. We will definitely be back soon read more

My boyfriend and I were searching for a perfect little spot to have fresh seafood and great drinks for a good price and let me tell you, I'm not an easy person to please when it comes to those things, but I was completely satisfied with all. I had the whole snapper, it was a delicious and reminded me of mom's cooking, the mezcal margarita was well balanced and smooth. To top things off, they gave everyone tequila shots on the house after the meals. Definitley stop by if you are in the area at least for one meal. read more

Solid local restaurant for authentic local seafood cuisine. Nothing fancy but food is delicious and service is attentive and extremely friendly. read more