Address: Venustiano Carranza 210, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Reservations: +52 322 352 3248
ICÚ means corn in the Huichol language, and the chef pays tribute to this ingredient by featuring it in most of his dishes. The restaurant reinterprets Mexican cuisine by giving traditional recipes a unique twist or adding a Mexican touch to classic dishes from around the world.
Seasonal products are at the heart of ICÚ, which is why the menu changes constantly throughout the year. Guests can choose between an à la carte menu or tasting experiences of 5 and 9 courses.
The wine cellar features exclusively 100% Mexican wines, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to supporting local products. Named Best New Restaurant in Mexico by Food and Travel Reader Awards 2019, ICÚ was included in the Guía Culinaria Mexicana – Los 250 Restaurantes in 2021 and 2022.
Jesús Vázquez, born in Jalisco and adopted by Nayarit, is a chef of fire and earth, deeply passionate about Mexican cuisine and the art of good eating. Since the age of 14, he has worked among stoves, markets, and traditional recipes, learning from great chefs from Mexico, France, and Germany, and developing a personal style that celebrates local flavors and respect for ingredients.
His culinary proposal is fresh, vibrant, and full of emotion, aiming to evoke memories through honest and complex flavors. Across his projects — “La Cenaduría,” “Migas y Aromas,” and “Mexarcuterie” — he expresses his commitment to responsible cooking, where local and seasonal ingredients take center stage. In his bakery and charcuterie workshop, he produces much of his own food, promoting sustainability and self-reliance.
For Jesús, fire is more than a technique — it is an ingredient that gives soul, aroma, and identity to his cuisine. His signature smoky and roasted notes define a deeply rooted yet contemporary style. As co-author of Fuego, the third installment of the Grandes Chefs Mexicanos series by Larousse Cocina, Jesús Vázquez embodies a new generation of chefs who honor Mexican culinary traditions while forging a bold and sustainable path forward.
Chef Mauricio Leal began his career in the kitchens of Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta, completing his professional training before enrolling at the prestigious Gregoire Ferrandi culinary school in Paris. During his studies, he trained at La Closerie de Lillas, one of France’s most traditional restaurants, where he learned the importance of classical culinary foundations.
Upon returning to Mexico, he joined the banquet brigade at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, an experience that ignited his passion for designing events where every detail is meticulously cared for. Shortly after, he became a partner in Personal Chef, a company specializing in exclusive, personalized dining experiences.
In 2017, Mauricio launched ICÚ, a culinary project focused on cooking with freedom, creativity, and a personal interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Respecting local products while embracing a contemporary style, he has shaped ICÚ into a space that reflects his vision. Since January 2022, he has led the restaurant as head chef and owner, positioning ICÚ as one of Puerto Vallarta’s most innovative and distinguished gastronomic destinations.
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