I have frequented this restaurant for as long as Puerto Vallarta has been in my history. It resides a short distance from the celebrated historic Church of Guadalupe, quietly cuddled amidst the shuffle of the city. Inventive dishes, a relaxed atmosphere and the amiable owners, have me anticipating my meals here as much as I look forward to the tropical weather.

On this particular trip, famished, I took a bus to Planeta Vegetariano directly from the airport. I unload my satchel at a small table and after catching up with the owner for a quick minute, grab a plate and head towards the spread of food.

Glowing vegetable curry topped with shredded coconut, brochetas de soya (soy kebabs) with pineapple sauce, pumpkin seed ball soup, tempura vegetables, black beans, fried veggie brown rice, seitan stir fried in mandarin sauce with red & green peppers… and thats only the hot entrees. Another counter boasts two dozen cool dishes… julienned jicama, beet salad with mint, broccoli marinated in a balsamic dressing, creamy cucumber chickpea salad, fresh salsas, fruit salads, faux ceviche (usually made with raw fish) as well as breads, tortillas and tostada shells. Drinks- coffee, tea and fresh juice combinations. Today there’s the option of either- “Jugo de la Vida”(Juice of Life) which is a light green drink made from grapefruit, cactus, spinach, parsley & celery or “Agua de Avena” a milky oat based drink that holds a cinnamony sweetness resembling horchata.

Towards the end of the meal, the owner will casually drop a dessert off at your table while collecting used dishes. Today, its a spice cake with a sweet dense white frosting.

Planeta Vegetariano is set up as a self serve buffet- no meat, lard, fish or eggs and when dairy is used there is a sign posted on the dish. The menu changes daily and the restaurant is open until 10pm. Breakfast is offered from 8am- 11:30am and is equally awe inspiring; pancakes, tofu omelets, potato scrambles, granola, velvety oatmeal, a rainbow of fresh fruit. As far as I’m concerned, the tiny kitchen staff of 2 or 3 people perform magic here. They make everything fresh from scratch- every bit of it. Excellent food and ambiance like this is a steal at a mere 65 pesos (roughly 5 dollars).