Events and Guest Chefs to Expect at Nayarit Vallarta Gastronómica 2025

Sep 04, 2025 Blog Icon

Category: Events

Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica is a showcase of culinary talent in the Riviera Nayarit, bringing together leading chefs and mixologists from Mexico, Latin America, and Europe. Michelin-starred figures, 50 Best names, and Top Chef alumni gather for a week that blends learning, tasting, and celebration.

For its 2025 edition, the festival returns with fresh ideas and headline guests who rank among the most global and talked-about chefs in the world today.

Everything you need to know about the Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica

From October 12 to 18, 2025, the bay will be alive with exclusive dinners in scenic locations, wine tastings led by expert sommeliers, and gourmet workshops that welcome both professionals and passionate food lovers. Read on for more details on what you can expect at the Nayarit Vallarta Gastronómica this year:

Show cooking from Michelin-starred masters

Watch as Michelin Star chefs bring their ideas to life in intimate showcookings. The sound of sizzling pans, the precision of each movement, and the final presentation on the plate create an experience that blends skill with artistry. Guests will hear the stories behind the dishes and take away tips from the best in the field.

Tastings and workshops

Step into sessions designed to inspire and teach. These workshops and tastings are opportunities to explore new ingredients, discover bold flavor combinations, and refine your own culinary skills under the guidance of industry leaders.

The Expo Zone

The Expo Zone is a hub of discovery at the Nayarit Vallarta Gastronómica. In this area, top sponsors present the latest in culinary products and cutting edge services. Meanwhile, guests like you can sample innovative ingredients, discover new brands in the dining industry, and connect with experts who are shaping the future of gastronomy.

Tasting dinners and gala nights

Throughout the week, select restaurants in the Riviera Nayarit will host tasting and gala dinners. Each evening will feature thoughtfully crafted menus that highlight creativity, local ingredients, and the distinctive style of each chef.

Taormina restaurant joins the expo

Taormina restaurant, part of the Fonsini Restaurant Group, will bring its Italian-Mediterranean flavors to The Expo Zone.

Taormina combines traditional Italian recipes with Mediterranean flavors. Sweet and savory options are designed to delight every palate, complemented by an extensive wine list and a curated collection of Habanos. The restaurant’s spacious indoor dining and inviting al fresco terrace make every guest feel at home, while the kitchen’s warm, lively atmosphere reflects the passion and storytelling that Chef Juan Carlos brings to each dish.

Stop by our booth to learn all about our chef’s creations and our family recipes. See you there!

The closing dinner at Taormina

The Nayarit Vallarta Gastronómica festival will conclude with a special dinner at Taormina, where Chef Juan Carlos Reyes Vela will craft a menu created exclusively for this occasion. Drawing on his personal journey from a young fisherman to a self-taught chef and advocate of Italian culinary tradition, he will present dishes that celebrate both technique and story.

Chef Juan Carlos Reyes Vela’s journey began at the sea, learning to work with fresh ingredients from a young age and discovering a love for sharing food with others. After training in some of Mexico’s most demanding kitchens and exploring contemporary Mexican cuisine, he found his true calling in Italian cooking, which he now blends with Mediterranean influences.

Guests will experience the care, creativity, and flair that define his cooking, making this evening a memorable finale to a week of gastronomic celebration in Nuevo Vallarta.

Guest Michelin chefs

A highlight of Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica is the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the most acclaimed chefs in the world. Each brings a unique background, culinary philosophy, and signature style to the table, making every presentation and dinner an event in itself.

This year’s lineup includes:

Miguel Ángel de la Cruz, of La Botica de Matapozuelos restaurant in Valladolid, Spain. A self-taught chef with a focus on ingredients straight from nature, he is known for incorporating wild and seasonal products that capture the essence of his surroundings.

Kisko García, of Choco restaurant in Córdoba, Spain. García’s work centers on Andalucian cuisine made with local ingredients, creating dishes that celebrate the flavors and traditions of his region.

Rubén Sánchez, of Epílogo restaurant in Tomelloso, Spain. Sánchez is recognized for regional Spanish dishes with a modern twist; his cooking blends familiar tastes with fresh ideas and contemporary presentation.

Carlos Gaytán, of Tzuco restaurant in Chicago, USA. The first Latin American chef to earn a Michelin star, Gaytán brings his perspective and expertise to the event, sharing techniques that have earned him international recognition.

Mario Hernández, of El Califa de León restaurant in Mexico City, Mexico. Chef of the only taquería to receive a Michelin star, Hernández proves that excellence can be found in every corner of the culinary world, from fine dining to beloved street food traditions.

A week to savor in the Riviera Nayarit

Vallarta Nayarit Gastronómica is a gathering of talent and a celebration of the flavors that connect people. From showcookings and tastings to gala dinners and The Expo Zone, this culinary festival throughout the Riviera Nayarit offers an unforgettable experience for anyone passionate about food and the stories behind it.