Trio

Trio is the darling of Vallarta restaurants, with diners beating a path to the modest but stylish cafe where chef-owners Bernhard Güth and Ulf Henricksson's undeniable passion for food imbues each dish. Trío is noted for its perfected melding of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors and exquisite presentation. Consider starting with the cilantro-ginger-marinated calamari with avocado and a jalapeno salsa. For a main course, I recommend the herb risotto with toasted sunflower seeds and quail; or the pan-roasted sea bass with glazed grapes, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut in a white-pepper sauce. These dishes may not be on the menu when you arrive, though -- it's a constantly changing work of art. The atmosphere is always comfortable and welcoming. In high season, the rooftop bar area allows for a more comfortable wait for a table or for after-dinner coffee. Most locals will tell you this is their favorite restaurant in town. The same owners run Vitea.

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