Hello dear
Welcome to Restaurant Don Fernando, a culinary gem located in San Vicente, Mexico. Known for its exquisite pescado zarandeado, this family-run eatery delights food lovers with perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked dishes. Reviews from satisfied customers highlight the remarkable flavors of the red fish and ceviche, making it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. The charming outdoor patio ensures a delightful dining experience, even in warmer weather. Patrons are advised to call ahead for reservations, as quality takes time—an assurance of fresh, delicious meals. With its warm service and inviting atmosphere, Don Fernando promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
About
Welcome to Restaurant Don Fernando, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of San Vicente, Mexico. Located at Lazaro Cardenas 95, this family-run eatery is acclaimed for its authentic coastal flavors and warm, inviting atmosphere. As a food reviewer at Foodjoyy, I am thrilled to introduce you to a dining experience that promises both satisfaction and delight for food enthusiasts.
Renowned for its pescado zarandeado, Restaurant Don Fernando has earned rave reviews from visitors far and wide. Customers like Dave Russsum rave about the perfectly seasoned dishes that make the journey from nearby Vallarta worthwhile. The red fish is often cited as a standout choice, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor.
Guest Dondre drove over 50 minutes to savor the whole fish, attesting to the restaurant's fantastic food and excellent service. The outdoor seating, shaded by trees, enhances your dining experience, allowing you to relax even in warm weather. However, it’s essential to note they prefer cash, so plan your visit accordingly.
Another delighted patron, Gilberto Lopez, praises their ceviche and emphasizes the care taken in cooking their fish, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Patience is rewarded here, as the wait guarantees a fresh, memorable dining experience. The availability of free parking on side streets adds another convenience for visitors. Brenda Moreno, who discovered the restaurant through TikTok, echoes this sentiment, noting that reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.
For those seeking a culinary adventure, don’t miss the shrimp pasta and shrimp zarandeado—both hailed as delicious accompaniments to the star of the show. The drinks are served cold, and ample fans help keep the outdoor dining area comfortable during hot days.
After seeing it featured on a popular YouTube channel, another guest shared their anticipation for a 1 kg fish, which they reserved ahead of time. The fish arrived quickly, paired with delightful ceviche tostadas, showcasing the restaurant's efficiency along with its culinary prowess. The experience was enhanced by the serene ambiance, perfect for a quiet meal away from bustling tourist spots.
In summary, Restaurant Don Fernando is not just about the food; it’s a complete dining journey filled with candid service, an inviting atmosphere, and masterfully prepared seafood. A visit here is more than worth the time, effort, and anticipation it requires. Prepare to indulge your taste buds and savor every bite of what this extraordinary establishment has to offer.
“ Delicious! Great spot for foodies. The red fish was amazing - properly seasoned, cooked perfectly - well worth the trip from Vallarta. ”
“ I drove 50 minutes to come here and get the wholefish. I was not disappointed. The food here was absolutely fantastic. The service was great. I love outdoor seating. Even though it was hot outside, with the patio and the trees for shade it wasn't hot at all while we were eating. Make sure you bring cash! When I was there card wasn't an option. It's still worth it though! ”
“ Restaurant Don Fernando offers a delightful experience with their pescado sarandeado, one of the best fishes I've ever tasted. Their ceviche is equally impressive. The family-run establishment provides excellent service, though be prepared for a wait as the fish takes 1.5 hr to cook (call ahead). Free parking on side streets is a plus. ”
“ We found this place on a TikTok video and decided to come give it a try. We very quickly learned that it’s best to call ahead and make a reservation. We were still welcomed and the 1.5hour wait for the zarandeado was well worth the wait. El also ordered the shrimp pasta and the shrimp zarandeado and it was also delicious.the drink were cold and they have plenty of fans for the heat. ”
“ After watching Mark Wiens YouTube video on Restaurante Don Fernando in San Vicente we decided to make a trip there from Bucerias. Of course, we reserved a 1 kg fish a day ahead of time for 2 pm on a Wednesday. There were only two other tables with customers when we arrived and they found our order and the fish arrived at our table in 7-8 minutes along with an order for ceviche tostada with camarones. The fish or pescado zarendado was accompanied by 4 taco friotes. Of course it was delicious accompanied by condiments and picked onions. The best and most flavorful part of the fish was the spine which despite the bones was incredible. We doused it with all the sauces but also liked the vinegar from the onions. Service was excellent and the atmosphere was pleasant and quiet. It was a wonderful experience. Also don’t miss the vendor across the street in the plaza selling great stuffed sourdough bread. He lived in LA for many years and that bread is outstanding!!!! His English is perfect. ”
“ Best grilled fish. Call and order ahead. Authentic Mexico experience. ”
“ We saw a YouTube video about this place so on this trip to PV we took the 45 min Uber trip....upon arrival we we were asked if we had a reservation....I panicked as We arrived at opening and we're the only ones there. We were told the Pescado Zaradeado would be 1 hour and 15 min.....oh thank you!!!! Order ahead...ALL the other tables had reserved flags on them and the place quickly filled up. We ordered drinks and some appetizers so we had no problem waiting excitedly for our fish! Let me say....this was so incredibly tasty and well worth the trip! The 4 of us devoured the 3kg fish with all the fixings and walked out completely stuffed. Oh....the appetizers I tried we very good too. Shrimp empanada and my favorite the shrimp ceviche tostada. We can't wait to come back to Puerto Vallarta and make Restaurant Don Fernando an annual excursion! ”
“ I was visiting San Vincente for the day a few weeks ago and stumbled upon this amazing little restaurant. From the outside you could not tell that once you walked in you’d be in a lush jungle courtyard of nature and amazing food. I had yet to have red snapper or anything cooked zarandeado style so that is what I got. This might have been the best meal I have had in Mexico so far. Wow. The freshness, the flavours, the portions the presentation. Unbelievable. Truly a one of a kind spot you must try at least once! ”