116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
California transplants realize restaurant ownership with Mi Lindo Vallarta in Cedar Rapids
New restaurant delivers seafood flavors of Puerto Vallarta
Jan. 15, 2025 8:00 am, Updated: Jan. 17, 2025 3:15 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS — A new Mexican restaurant is bringing Puerto Vallarta flavors to the crowded Cedar Rapids scene.
In a city with about 30 Mexican options, Mi Lindo Vallarta offers a less common variety of flavor from south of the border.
The restaurant, opened Aug. 4, fills the vacancy left by Runt’s Munchies at 529 Fifth St. SE.
If you go
What: Mi Lindo Vallarta
Where: 529 Fifth Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday
Website: milindovallartaia.com
Phone: (319) 200-5155
Details: Find a variety of Mexican classics with robust seafood offerings alongside a full bar. Lunch specials start at $7.50. Available for dine in or carryout.
For owners Arturo and Rubi Ramirez, a father and daughter transplanted from Los Angeles, the humble opening near the downtown and MedQuarter areas of Cedar Rapids is a dream.
Arturo, a Puerto Vallarta native and resident of California since age 18, left the state he lived in for decades to make it happen. A former winery worker for 20 years, he worked weekends as a wedding caterer while hoping to someday open an affordable food truck — the rent in Los Angeles was too high for aspirations to open a brick-and-mortar.
A relative in Cedar Rapids suggested they visit. After spending a winter here and seeing the affordable cost of living, they were sold on Iowa. Here, they have ambitions to start small and grow over time.
With an enthusiastic response from some diners so far, the hidden spot is slowly becoming more visible.
“He just loves the fact that he didn’t have to sell himself short,” Rubi said.
With a relatively standard Mexican menu offering lots of options, Mi Lindo Vallarta (which translates to “My Cute Vallarta”) delves into more seafood than the average Mexican restaurant as a love letter to Arturo’s native city on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Rubi’s uncle, who is helping with the new venture, previously owned some Mexican restaurants in Cedar Rapids, including Puerto Vallarta Bar and Grill on Boyson Road NE from 2014 to 2017.
Their philosophy is simple.
“If it tastes good, we’re adding it to the menu,” Arturo said.
As a coastal city, Puerto Vallarta’s cuisine differs from Mexico City — a common focus for Mexican cuisine in Cedar Rapids restaurants. In addition to more prevalent seafood, Arturo brings a blend of various chili peppers into the dishes like the Guajillo and the California.
Each of the three main chili peppers used together serve a different purpose — flavor, spice or color. Dishes served tend to be mild in spice, with adjustments available depending on diner preferences.
Popular items include the quesabirria tacos with shredded beef and consomme, the Sopa de Mariscos seafood soup in a light base, and pozole soup made with maize.
Chips and salsa are made fresh daily in house.
“We’ve had other Mexican food here and there. It’s delicious, but it’s different,” Arturo said.
Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.
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