Café des Artistes del Mar (tel. 329/291-5414), which opened in early 2008, has raised the culinary bar of this casual dining area by bringing Vallarta's most renowned chef and his award-winning restaurant to these northern shores. It's open Tues-Sun from 1pm to 10pm, in summer 1 to 9pm. It's located at Ave. Anclote #5, in the ground level of the oceanfront boutique hotel, Hotel des Artistes. Choose to dine on Chef Thierry Blouet's specialties either on an outdoor, beachfront terrace, or in a tranquil indoor, all-white setting. There is also a cozy, comfy full bar area, for drinks and light dining. Live piano music is played nightly.