In the heart of the town of Mismaloya , overlooking the town, is a hidden gem known primarily to locals and frequent visitors It is a lovely restaurant called “La Choza de Toño”, but is more widely known simply as “Tony’s of Mismaloya”. Founded in 1987 by Toño (Tony in English), it is still owned and operated by himself and his son, Herman (Herman is pronounced “AIRman” in Spanish) and their families. Also, Tony and his family have deep and continuing roots in the area around Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán and can answer any questions a visitor may have about the area. All in all, Tony's makes an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience the lush jungle atmosphere of the south shore. This restaurant experience is a successful total package: 1) rustic, yet clean and comfortable atmosphere 2) friendly, yet not intrusive service 3) simple, but deliciously fresh, well-prepared food, 3) Good prices. 4) easily accessible by bus (plus a little walking) from downtown Puerto Vallarta. 5) gorgeous view. Definitely worth a trip to Mismaloya. Being there will not only give you a good dining experience at a good price, it will refresh your spirit and provide gentle images that will linger long after you have left.
Food:
Tony's offers fresh, locally caught seafood (shrimp, filets of dorado and red snapper) and some excellent beef. Shish-kabob combos are also on the menu. There is no printed menu. When you are ready to order, you are brought a tray (see below). You then choose your preferred method of preparation. For example, for the fish filet you can choose garlic and a bit of oil (mojo de ajo) or Veracruz style. Don’t worry. You can speak English if you wish. Each meal is preceeded by a complimentary appetizer, such as nachos..
Prices are very reasonable. Lunch for two with a total of 3 beers is app. 300 pesos.
Tony and his son define “Choza” as “Hideaway”. Its palapa roof and view of the lush tropical jungle also make it feel like being in a treehouse.
Looking down at the tequila factory.
Looking up to Tony's from the tequila factory.
Hours and Phone number:
According to Herman, the place is "hopping" in the evenings so if one is coming any distance, reservations are probably a good idea, just in case there was a group function or an unusually busy evening. The phone number is 01-322-228-0113. ( If you are calling within the same area code (322) you don't need to dial the 01-322). During the day it is highly unlikely that reservations would be necessary.
Note: Phone number is 01-322-228-0113
Getting there from Vallarta:
1) Without your own vehicle, take a southbound Mismaloya, bus to the Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya Resort.. Cross the street and take the right fork down the hill. (This is also the road to the Zoo and to Chino ’s).
Map on back of Tony's business card.
Keep following the road until you see the tequila factory pictured below. Stop. This is the corner. There is no formal sign for Tony’s and perhaps no sign at all. After all, it IS a hideaway. Look to your left. There is a small street with a gentle hill (second picture below)
Walk up the short hill (as the little girl in the picture below is doing), and veer around to your right. Tucked in behind, a few steps on your right, you’ll see the back of Tony’s which is the restaurant’s main entrance. If you are driving, don't go up this street. Take the next street. It's pretty narrow behind Tony's so they recommend cars turn left at the tequila factory’s parking sign and keep going left. You can park anywhere behind Tony's. Or just park down below and walk up.
Once you reach the entrance, walk up the stairs to the restaurant
Views(below) from front and back of top floor. There is also a lower floor
.
