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August 06, 2026
The celebrated culinary legacy of Puerto Vallarta has reached a prestigious new milestone. Two of the city’s landmark restaurants—Mikado at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa and Gaviotas at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center—have earned official nominations for the 7th annual World Culinary Awards™.
For discerning food critics and culinary enthusiasts alike, this honor reaffirms what was already clear: Jalisco’s premier beach destination continues to establish itself as a formidable force in the global food scene.
Operating as the culinary counterpart to the renowned World Travel Awards—which have served as the global travel sector’s gold standard since 1994—the World Culinary Awards™ honor outstanding achievements across the culiary landscape. The categories celebrate excellence in everything from top-tier dining destinations and premier restaurants to elite culinary academies.
The selection process involves a comprehensive, year-long search for the world’s most exceptional culinary brands. Ultimately, the winners are chosen through a voting process that totals scores from both industry professionals and public consumers.
The 2026 event represents the 7th annual edition of the awards program. The public voting window runs from June 25 through August 14, 2026, culminating in a prestigious awards gala on October 13 at the Princess Grand Jamaica.
At the 2026 World Culinary Awards™, Gaviotas—the premier restaurant at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center—has once again been nominated for Latin America's Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant. Following back-to-back victories in this category in 2024 and 2025, this marks its third year in a row in the spotlight.
The establishment stands out due to its sophisticated, elevated take on traditional Mexican cuisine. Boasting a prestigious AAA Four Diamond certification, the kitchen masterfully combines indigenous, pre-Hispanic ingredients with cutting-edge contemporary culinary techniques.
Under the leadership of Oaxacan native Patron Chef Johanam Rojas, the menu highlights time-honored staples such as quelites, mole de luto, and mezcal-infused recado negro, using them to design dishes that tell a story of regional identity.
Rather than relying on flashy gimmicks, Gaviotas remains dedicated to celebrating the authentic spirit and deep traditions of Mexican cuisine. This core philosophy drives their nightly service, shaping ancestral flavors into upscale dining experiences that capture the comforting essence of a home-cooked meal.
Gaviotas
Situated in the upscale Marina Vallarta district, Mikado is the specialty Japanese restaurant at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. The establishment is currently competing for the title of Mexico's Best Hotel Restaurant at the 2026 World Culinary Awards™. It shares this prestigious shortlist with thirteen other top-tier national hotel restaurants, including elite contenders representing brands like Four Seasons, St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria, InterContinental, and Kempinski.
The restaurant delivers a high-energy dining experience that is perfect for group get-togethers and celebrations, appealing equally to the palate and the social spirit. This is achieved by masterfully pairing an authentic sushi bar—complete with traditional Japanese ingredients and fresh-caught fish—with fourteen lively teppanyaki grills. At these grills, chefs showcase a pan-Asian influenced culinary spectacle right in front of the guests.
This recognition underscores the world-class service and culinary creativity that the Marriott brand champions across its luxury portfolio. Indeed, Mikado in Puerto Vallarta has maintained a consistent presence as a mainstay in this category for years.
Mikado
Both residents and visitors can show their support for Mikado and Gaviotas by voting directly through the official website for the World Culinary Awards™. Ballots can be submitted within their designated shortlists:
The voting window closes on August 14, 2026, and the final results will be revealed at the ceremony in October. Casting a vote honors the hard-working restaurant staff who consistently transform dining into an exceptional experience.
These prestigious nominations provide a powerful global stage for Puerto Vallarta, raising its profile among international tourists and culinary industry experts alike.
The exceptional food scene in Jalisco’s premier beach destination is no coincidence. Puerto Vallarta constantly earns accolades in major international programs like the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards and the Travvy Awards, reflecting its rich and diverse tapestry of global flavors.
With every new distinction, the destination proves it can successfully compete with the grandest culinary capitals across the Americas and the world.
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