Raíces Resto Bar: A Visionary Dining Experience Rooted in Tradition

Raíces Resto Bar opened its doors in October 2023 and has quickly become a favorite of both visitors and residents in Puerto Vallarta. Located in a beautifully restored historic mansion in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood—just steps from one of the most unique trees in the city—the restaurant is a striking blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The name “Raíces,” which means “roots” in Spanish, is more than a reference to the literal tree roots greeting you at the entrance; it’s also a tribute to the cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and deep familial ties that shape the entire dining experience.

From the moment you walk in, there’s a palpable sense of place and purpose. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and stylish, but the food’s soul truly sets Raíces apart. Every dish is rooted in Mexican tradition and prepared with techniques that go back generations, yet it is elevated with a contemporary, global flair.

Chef Gonzalo Nogueira, the visionary behind Raíces, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and raised amid the rugged beauty of Patagonia. His culinary journey began early, cooking alongside his grandmother and mother, who instilled in him a deep love for homemade food and the emotions it can evoke. Although he originally studied international business at university, the call of the kitchen soon brought him back to his roots—first professionally in Argentina and later across borders.

Nogueira’s largely self‑taught culinary path eventually led him to Mexico. He first arrived in Monterrey, intrigued by the country’s bold flavors, street food, and regional diversity. Later, he found his home in the Bay of Banderas and settled in Boca de Tomatlán, where he met his wife and began building a life. Through his wife’s family and traditions, his appreciation for Mexican cuisine deepened, especially the ancestral methods of wood‑fired cooking and the subtle art of using smoke to transform ingredients.

After working in boutique hotels and acclaimed restaurants throughout the region for more than twenty years, Chef Nogueira realized his dream: to open a restaurant inspired by the time‑honored techniques of Mexican mothers and grandmothers, infused with his Argentine culinary roots.

At Raíces, nearly everything is cooked over an open fire fueled by oak wood and charcoal sourced from El Tuito, just south of Puerto Vallarta. Curing the wood for twenty days is labor‑intensive but essential to achieving the deep, layered flavors the chef envisions. This commitment to fire and smoke ties directly to the Argentine asado—a social ritual centered on grilling and gathering—and serves as the spiritual backbone of Raíces’ cuisine.

In addition to culinary precision, Chef Nogueira is committed to sustainability and community. He sources fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meats from local markets and farmers and has invested in solar panels to help reduce the restaurant’s environmental impact. For the chef, it’s about creating a dining experience that delights the senses while honoring the land and people who make it possible.

The thoughtfully designed space enhances the experience. Guests can choose among three dining areas: the vibrant main dining room, an intimate air‑conditioned room ideal for smaller gatherings, or the expansive outdoor patio—perfect for enjoying Puerto Vallarta’s tropical evenings. Whether it’s a romantic date, a special celebration, or a casual dinner with friends, Raíces offers a setting to match the occasion.

The menu changes periodically to reflect the seasons and the chef’s evolving inspirations, but several dishes have become customer favorites. Empanadas, grilled beef sweetbreads, “sarandeado” octopus, and the soft‑shell crab taco with kimchi are frequently praised as starters. Main courses such as the oversized ravioli filled with braised short ribs, the barbacoa lamb quesadilla, and the New York steak crusted with coffee and cacao—served with a habanero‑orange marmalade—offer rich, unexpected flavors that leave guests wanting more.

Desserts are equally memorable, with offerings like banana‑and‑date pudding with bourbon caramel and a beautifully plated trio of lavender‑honey ice cream, passion‑fruit salsa, crispy meringue, and coconut cream—a perfect ending to a rich and satisfying meal.

To complement the food, Raíces offers a full bar featuring artisanal, theme‑inspired cocktails, an extensive wine list, and thoughtfully curated beverages that match the depth and complexity of the dishes.

Raíces Resto Bar is more than a restaurant—it’s a love letter to tradition, culture, and the timeless joy of sharing a meal. It’s a place where roots run deep, where smoke tells a story, and where every plate is a work of art. Whether you come for the food, the ambiance, or the heartfelt hospitality, Raíces invites you to sit down, savor, and stay awhile.

Raíces Resto Bar is located at Venustiano Carranza 518 in Emiliano Zapata. They are open each day from 5:00 to 11:00 PM. Reservations can be made by phone at +52 322-406-2723, via WhatsApp at +52 322-204-9283, or on their website.