Maria Baja
A hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta, Maria Baja offers a modern take on Baja California tacos with an emphasis on fresh, delicious seafood and vibrant fla...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Maria Baja
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta, Maria Baja offers a modern take on Baja California tacos with an emphasis on fresh, delicious seafood and vibrant flavors.
Visit for Lunch
Maria Baja typically closes around 6:00 pm, so plan your visit for lunch to enjoy their full menu.
Try Diverse Menu Items
Explore a variety of flavors with recommendations including poke bowls, shrimp tacos, and fish al pastor.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican (Seafood)
Price
$
Phone
+52 322 294 2400
Address
Carr. Costera a Barra de Navidad 496, Alta Vista, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Website
facebook.com/mariabajapvHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Unique Seafood Tacos & Tostadas
Indulge in inventive seafood creations like jicama shrimp tacos and tuna-mango tostadas. A must-try for seafood lovers!
Extensive Homemade Salsas
Complement your meal with an array of eight delicious homemade salsas, ranging from mild to fiery, adding a unique flavor dimension.
Cozy Hole-in-the-Wall Ambiance
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine in a cozy, rustic, 'hole-in-the-wall' setting. Friendly service and great value.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit for Lunch
Maria Baja typically closes around 6:00 pm, so plan your visit for lunch to enjoy their full menu.
Try Diverse Menu Items
Explore a variety of flavors with recommendations including poke bowls, shrimp tacos, and fish al pastor.
Sample All the Salsas
Don't miss tasting all eight unique homemade salsas offered, each adding a distinct flavor profile to your meal.
Cash Only Policy
Be prepared to pay with cash as credit cards are not accepted. Ensure you have enough pesos before ordering.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit for Lunch
Maria Baja typically closes around 6:00 pm, so plan your visit for lunch to enjoy their full menu.
Try Diverse Menu Items
Explore a variety of flavors with recommendations including poke bowls, shrimp tacos, and fish al pastor.
Sample All the Salsas
Don't miss tasting all eight unique homemade salsas offered, each adding a distinct flavor profile to your meal.
Cash Only Policy
Be prepared to pay with cash as credit cards are not accepted. Ensure you have enough pesos before ordering.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maria Baja is celebrated for its exceptionally fresh and flavorful seafood tacos and tostadas, with many highlighting the unique jicama shrimp taco and tuna-mango tostada as standouts. Diners also rave about the extensive variety of homemade salsas and the cozy, rustic atmosphere. However, a few reviews mention a decline in food quality compared to previous visits, and one reviewer experienced issues with an aguachile and shrimp cocktail.
"Dog friendly
A hidden gem. This place has some amazing food..all the plates coming out looked Michelin quality. My plate looked just as good. Colorful vibrant and fresh.
First you get a sampling of 10 salsas from sweet to spicy. And fresh chips..still with some oil from cooking.
We had the tuna poke bowl...it was massive and full of great flavor and fresh mango to fresh tuna.
Can't wait to go back and sample the whole menu"
Chris “Mad Plaid” Anderson
"We searched for fish tacos and this was the place to go. We had a variety of tacos and the best were the Baja Fish tacos. All the others were great too, and with about six salsa options there was something to pair with each of them. They were about 50 pesos each but worth it."
Stephen
"Blink and you’d miss this amazing place for lunch/ early dinner. The tuna and mango tostada was the best I’ve ever had. You can honestly order anything from the menu and it would be delightful. I tried three other fish tacos, all phenomenal. The fruit water is a must try with your meal."
Miles Gray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The tuna-mango tostada, jicama shrimp taco, and Baja fish tacos are highly recommended. Don't forget to try their diverse homemade salsas!
No, Maria Baja is a cash-only establishment. Please ensure you have enough pesos before your visit.
Maria Baja typically closes around 6:00 pm, so it's best to visit for lunch.
Maria Baja does not accept reservations and has limited seating, so visiting early is advised.
Yes, the menu includes a vegan taco and a vegan tostada option.
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The Best Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta Mexico
You can’t go to Puerto Vallarta without trying the seafood (unless you’re a vegetarian, of course), and there’s nowhere fresher to do so than at Maria Baja, a few blocks back from the shore. We love the soft seafood tacos and the tuna-mango, rock shrimp and ceviche tostadas. For a taste of tradition, the green and black aguachiles – shrimp marinated in lime juice with chiles and cilantro – are a must.
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María Baja is a modern, Puerto Vallarta interpretation of the classic Baja California tacos. The restaurant is located in the Alta Vista neighborhood just steps from the Zona Romantica. It is on the highway to Boca de Tomatlán but only three blocks from the main drag of Basilio Badillo and there are even some stair cases leading to the Zona Romantica behind the Kiosko.
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Maria y Baja is a local favorite and widely regarded as the best spot for fish tacos in Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant Zona Romántica. This family-run gem focuses on quality and freshness, serving an incredible variety of seafood tacos, tostadas, and house-made salsas that change daily. The casual, friendly vibe and welcoming service make you feel like part of the family.
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Seafood in Puerto Vallarta doesn’t have to be expensive, and Maria Baja is the best example of that. This top-reviewed restaurant is one of my favorites, and just about everyone who visits agrees. Tucked away off the busy streets of the Romantic Zone, Maria Baja serves some of the best fish tacos in Puerto Vallarta.
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We highly recommend the seared tuna taco, carnitas taco, crab, and octopus tostada… but honestly, everything is delicious. Aguachile is a local favorite which is a shrimp served ceviche-style with cucumber and habanero. The tuna-mango tostada, marlin taco, or deviled octopus are also top-notch.
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Seafood lovers should add a stop at Maria Baja to their Puerto Vallarta to-do list. We ventured outside of Zona Romantica in search of this fish tacos spot and were not disappointed. The indoor-outdoor seating creates a fun atmosphere and the menu is unique among other restaurants in the city.
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Costera a Barra de Navidad #496, Alta Vista, 48380 PuertoVallarta, Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica is one of the most popular areas to stay in PV, and is home to a plethora of restaurants serving international fare. One that stands out above the crowd is Maria Baja.
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Hands down the number one taco place in Puerto Vallarta, fight me if you disagree (lol jk). Maria Baja is the other hidden gem restaurant in Puerto Vallarta that you must check out!. This is definitely hands down our can’t miss restaurant while on your visit.
40 Best Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 2025 (Top Eats!)
Carretera Costera a Barra de Navidad #496Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 48380(52) 322-294-2400. This eatery with outdoor seating is one of the best places to eat in Puerto Vallarta, with its delicious seafood tacos and tostadas served in a laid-back space.
Where to eat Mexican food in Puerto Vallarta: 26 essential Mexican restaurants
Maria Baja is a small hole-and-the-wall Mexican restaurant that has an extensive menu. They only have limited seating, which usually gets packed during the day. And since they do not accept reservations, visit the restaurant early.
10 Best Taco Spots In Puerto Vallarta
Take a break from pork tacos for some delicious seafood at a local restaurant. Maria Baja is a colorfully decorated indoor-outdoor diner with vibrant blue wooden tables and an extensive menu. Maria Baja is located on Carr.
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