Puerto Vallarta Market Tour/Mexican Cooking Class with Local Chef

Wow! What an amazing experience! Booked a cooking class with 8 of my family. It was wonderful! The class starts out with a brief lesson on the history of the restaurant (the Chef’s grandparent’s naught the building ~100 years ago; his mother converted part of it into a humble, working-class lunch counter, and it ultimately became “Gaby’s”) then it’s off to the market to purchase ingredients for the meal you’re about to prepare. Chef Julio leads the walking tour, and it’s clear he knows everybody in the market and they know him! You pick out the freshest ingredients and then get a van back to the restaurant. Then—for me at least—the real fun begins. Chef Julio Castillo and his staff teach you and your group how to make the restaurant’s signature dishes. Everyone participates in preparing everything. You can do as much or as little as you want-no pressure—but even middle school kids can do a lot! The end result is amazing! Honestly, the best ceviche and chicken mole I have ever had. If you’re a foodie or someone who likes to cook, this is 100% worth it!

This was a 5 star experience . I’ve taken a lot of cooking classes and this was by far the best. We learned the history of Puerta Vallarta. We learned where the local markets are. We learned how to pick out vegetables and peppers. ( I thought I knew) We made various salsas and sauces and made the best chile relleno I’ve ever had. It was a lot of fun in a beautiful environment. Can’t wait to go to Gaby’s for dinner now! Julio was an excellent teacher. I highly recommend this cooking class

I have been in Puerto Vallarta checking out resorts, excursions, and restaurants so I can give my clients an amazing vacation. This week, the girls and I took an amazing cooking class at Gaby's Restaurant. Chef Julio and Aldo were amazing. We walked through the town visiting local shops and to the local market to pick up what we needed, then came back to prepare everything in a rooftop kitchen. If you are looking for an amazing tour, history lesson, and cooking class, this is all in one! I highly recommend this Class.

We had an AMAZING time. Now we know why this class is so popular! Chef Julio is a true professional. You can tell he loves to share his passion not only for cooking, but for sourcing ingredients from the local vendors. We also learned so much history and about his family. His sous chefs are also extremely knowledgeable and very personable. We absolutely loved the market trip. It was super educational and we got to meet so many locals. Chef Julio also pointed out local food vendors that he recommended. After we returned to the restaurant, we headed up to the rooftop kitchen. It is a beautiful space with a view! Each of us took on different tasks and created such a variety of delicious food! If we had the time, we would come back for a second class! Will definitely return on our next visit to PV. Gracías Chef Julio!

Loved the experience. About an hour out of Puerto Vallarta along the Rio Cuale in the foothills of the Sierra Madre's. Was picked up by the owner of the ranch and he gave me a brief history of the ranch. Laura was the chef I spent the hours with. She was fun and engaging. We shared a few laughs. It was fun learning how she made chili rellenos. It was hands on so that was fun. She then gave me a tour of the ranch after cooking. Very impressive.

My wife and I had a great time with Chef Julio and his crew. We enjoyed not only learning cooking techniques, but being a part of creation of the many salsas and dish components, starting from produce and seafood selection in the market into delicious meals. The rooftop kitchen afforded gorgeous food, and Julio and his crew created a warm, hospitable, and fun atmosphere. 10/10 - look forward to coming back! Our only regret was taking the class on our last day (on our way to the airport—would highly recommend taking the class early in your trip, as you will get tips for all the best local food and drink - Away from all the overpriced touristy stuff!

Amazing day, Aldon, Dulce and of course Chef, WERE TERRIFIC. I absolutely recommend for an authentic day in Puerto Vallarta!!

Julio, Aldo and Dukse made this an incredible food experience. We started the day learning about the area, followed by a walking tour of the old town. Then we went to the market to buy everything we needed for lunch. We cooked in a real professional rooftop kitchen. We made many different kinds of salsas, fish ceviche (my favorite), chile relleno and this incredible chicken mole. If you are a foodie, like to cook, or even cook-curious, this is an incredible experience. Thx team for making this such a fun day!

Julio’s cooking class was sensational. Julio gave us a history lesson on the foods and culture in Mexico. He was very engaging and personable. The market trip was interesting and I learned a lot. The group was small and so much fun. Julio’s team Aldo and Dolce were so helpful and fun. The food was amazing. We will return!

Chef Julio and Aldo got us all involved in making an exceptional meal. Great city tour including several markets. My favorite cooking experience in Puerto Vallart!