Ono Smoothie Bowls, Puerto Vallarta

Ono Cafe is by far the best spot for coffee in PV. I feel so lucky to have found Ono on one of my first trips to PV. Through the pandemic, I was grabbing coffees outside at their window but this last trip I had…the chance to sit inside and work for a week. Ono just delivers on all fronts, they’re a quick coffee joint with reasonable prices but they’re also an incredible lunch spot. At a moments notice, they’re the best place to take a quick call and grab a bite but they’re also somehow the best snack on the way to the beach. If Ono had a hotel, I would never stay anywhere else. From every angle, they get it right. In vacation mode: I come here with a book and sit along the bistro bar that pushes up to the road. It’s such an incredible place to read. At first look you might think, it’s a table on a street but if you take some time you’ll find it’s a great street. It’s a busy area but also incredibly quiet for reading. If you’re a people watcher who hates honking, this might be your new favorite spot. Having a quick bite here in the morning before hitting the beach is simply refreshing. In work mode: I come here in the morning to bang out a few emails and I can honestly say you won’t find a better place to work. I’ve taken Zoom meetings here with a great background and haven’t missed a beat. The seat closest to the street has a nice clean wall that’s aesthetically pleasing for remote work and quiet enough that it won’t give the impression you’re in a party spot. The food is also incredibly fast so it’s easy to grab something between calls when needed. I typically book back to backs so having the ability to get a bite in is of huge importance to me. 

The coffee is top notch. Their cold brew is very different than what you’d find in the states and they do run out as it’s small batch but it always hits just right in the morning. I love grabbing a cold brew and an iced americano to go because the espresso is not to be missed. I’m actually a little bummed I forgot to get a bag of beans from the owner this time around. For the coffee alone, I’d stay all day here. It doesn’t hurt that the seating is super comfortable as well. Who could say no to a comfy spot to post up with coffee delivered every time your cup gets light?

If you ask the owner, you’ll find she’s incredibly passionate about serving people really good food and I can attest that it never disappoints. They might be known for their super fresh açaí bowls but I personally have such an intense love for their breakfast burrito. It’s prepared right in front of you with the most incredible saucy salsa that is perfect for waking the taste buds. I genuinely could talk about their food all day. It’s light fare for the most part but incredible sustenance to keep the party going while getting some vacation time in. My biggest takeaway from their menu is the freshness of the ingredients. I have yet to find a better plate prepared with more care. Lastly, I’d be remiss to not mention their staff. Of all the places I’ve had a chance to eat and drink in PV, I’ve yet to meet a better group of people. They’re so chill and overly accommodating, I can’t imagine not seeing them while in town. While their service is incredible, the thing that stands out the most is how genuinely friendly and connected they are. With one visit to this place you’ll feel like a regular and they’ll treat you like a local. I’m so grateful for their patience, especially when I’m crawling to the window puffy-eyed with a terrible hangover. They are truly hometown heroes in every way and if you have the chance to stop by to say hello, I can assure you of one thing: You will fall in love.More