Fuente del Puente (La), Puerto Vallarta Centro

This has become a must-visit restaurant for me every time I go to Puerto Vallarta; it's in a bright, lively, colorful spot upriver on the Rio Cuale right across from "el mercado municipal", which is supposedly the largest self-contained market in town. The authentic and reasonably-priced food is great when you're either worn out from the shopping across the street and need a pick-me-up (great little margaritas, too) OR for fueling up before diving into the hectic shopping experience. Depending on the season and amount of rainfall, the river makes for either a peaceful scene or a vivid view of an active Mother Nature at work in the middle of town. And if you're lucky, you'll see a sleek, vibrant member of the iguana species hanging out on a limb right next to the railing; but don't worry, if you watch him (her?) too long, it'll move away from - and not toward - your party.