I’m excited to share my review of the Casa Kimberly restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. I’ve been here for dinner a few times, and it never disappoints. If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant beach town, don’t forget to check out my full guide to things to do in Puerto Vallarta for first-timers – Casa Kimberly is the perfect addition to your itinerary.
The hotel sits right in the heart of the city, with stunning views over Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains. It is no surprise that it was once the home-away-from-home for none other than Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who fell in love on the set of Cleopatra in 1962. The romance carried them back to Puerto Vallarta the following year, when Richard filmed The Night of the Iguana here, the trip that led him to buy Casa Kimberly as a birthday gift for Elizabeth in 1964.
A Glimpse Into Casa Kimberly’s History
Casa Kimberly was born from two quaint casitas that Elizabeth and Richard once owned. Over the years, itβs been beautifully restored into a boutique hotel while preserving its original charm and history.
One of the most iconic features is the pink marble heart-shaped tub commissioned by Elizabeth herself. Youβll also find the same pool she and Richard once swam in, and the famous Puente del Amor (βBridge of Loveβ), which still connects the two casitas today. This bridge was built so the two lovers could visit each other in private, away from paparazzi – a romantic touch that remains part of Casa Kimberlyβs allure.
Dining at The Iguana: Casa Kimberly’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Even if you’re not staying overnight, Casa Kimberly is worth visiting for the architecture alone. The grand archways, hand-painted tiles, antique furnishings, and stunning chandeliers transport you straight back to Hollywood’s golden era. That same old-world glamour carries into the Casa Kimberly restaurant, The Iguana – an open-air rooftop restaurant and tequila bar overlooking the city and Banderas Bay. Serving traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, it is the perfect setting for a romantic or celebratory dinner.
On our most recent visit, we had the braised octopus and baby arugula salad as appetizers. The octopus wasn’t charred quite enough for our taste, but had good flavor. Although, the baby arugula salad was delicious.
For the entree, I had the short rib, which our waiter recommended. It’s slowly cooked for six hours so the tenderness was on point. Very fulfilling if you’re craving a comfort food dish.
On a previous occasion, I had the pan-seared fish fillet, which I remember being pure perfection. It’s a lighter entree with amazing flavor, and I’d order it again.
My suggestion is to book dinner reservations just before sunset, so you take in the beauty that surrounds Casa Kimberly. If you’re lucky enought to visit between November and April, you’ll be able to experience live mariachi music on certain days of the week. The dress code is formal, which adds a special element to the romantic setting.
Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, especially during peak season. You can find them on Open Table or book through their website.
Final Thoughts
The Casa Kimberly restaurant has been a dinner tradition of mine for years, and it never disappoints. Between the timeless architecture, the romantic history behind it, and the exceptional dining experience at The Iguana, it captures the glamorous spirit of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton perfectly.
If you appreciate beautiful design, history, and unforgettable views – Casa Kimberly in Puerto Vallarta deserves a spot on your travel list.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via Instagram! Or send me an email at sonia@mrsprofresh.com. Always happy to help!
xoxo,
Sonia
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2 comments
Do they allow people to visit the hotel itself without staying there?
Hi Millie! Yes, they do allow visitors without staying at the hotel. Just be sure to make reservations if you are visiting the restaurant.