Can you call something that's perched atop a hill for all to see a hidden gem? Le Kliff is just that. Le Kliff is a fine dining restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the Bahía de Banderas aka the Bay of Flags, which leads to the Pacific Ocean. I wanted us to be able to enjoy the sunset, so I made a reservation for 6:30 pm. What I forgot was that daylight savings fell on the same weekend, so our reservation was essentially for an hour BEFORE sunset. Not the worst thing in the world, but the sun did its job, and let's just say we were glistening and baking in the sun.
The restaurant sits on top of a cliff in the Boca de Tomatlan, about 40 minutes south of the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta, and the ambiance is magnificent. The views are breathtaking, and there are several points around the property where guests can take photos. One of the more memorable spots is a swing where you take a photo with the ocean in the background. If you time it just right, you can get the sunset as your backdrop.
But enough about the ambiance, let's talk food. Each dish is carefully thought out and has the perfect flavorful surprises to keep you coming back for more. The Palmito Heart Salad was the most surprising dish, with varying flavors, textures, and temperatures that were so delightful together. A salad served with olive oil ice cream that seems counterintuitive at first, but after a few bites, I was questioning why I wasn't having ice cream and salad together more often. The cauliflower au coconut was a coconut fritter that provided a crunchy texture that set this salad off right. The grilled oysters, steak, and bass were all prepared perfectly. Our favorite was the steak. It was served on a hot rock and came out sizzling, with the smell of the blue cheese and gruyere lingering in the air. The cocktail, Marea Roja was tasty as well. While in Mexico discovering new tequilas and mezcals has been a treat, and this cocktail, especially the coconut foam, rose to the occasion.
Overall, Le Kliff was an amazing experience for our senses. We got to enjoy a beautiful sunset while having a lovely and delicious dinner. The hosts and wait staff and were super attentive. If you're looking for a place to have a romantic dinner, enjoy the view, or just treat yourself, Le Kliff should be on your list.
Overall Rating: Too Legit
Palmito Heart Salad - Bean puree, cauliflower au coconut, vanilla pudding, olive oil ice-cream, orange coulis
Grilled Oysters - Garlic butter, parmesan cheese, aromatic salt and spices, cilantro seed scent
Steak with Rustic Mashed Potatoes - Wild mushrooms, blue cheese, white truffle aroma, gruyere cheese sauce
Catch of the Day (Bass) Au Passion Fruit with Pistachio Crust - Smoked mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, citrus supreme, passion fruit sauce
Cocktail - Marea Roja - Clase Azul Plata Tequila, hibiscus syrup, spices, coconut foam, vanilla essence
Chocolate Volcano Cake - Chocolate cake, raspberry coulis, vanilla ice cream