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Puerto Vallarta Restaurants

Funiculi

  • Lazaro Cardenas
    Puerto Vallarta
  • 222-0607
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Funiculi

  • Andariega from Boca de Tomatlan
  • May 4, 2008
Funiculi SignMore Photos
Ravenous and heading off to the supermarket seemed like a bad idea. It was late morning and we had lunch plans. We needed a quick and light breakfast. Funiculi seemed the perfect choice. It is close to the supermarket Gutierrez Rizo and offers sandwiches. Even though we had never actually eaten here, we had smelled great things. We decided to give it a try.

The place was very small, with just a handful of tables, and decorated like a living room - very homey. On the wall, behind the counter, was the menu. The offerings were simple, coffees, sandwiches and desserts. A board on the door listed the daily specials. There were four of them, all pasta dishes.

We stuck to our plan - coffee and sandwiches, nothing else. We had a long afternoon of eating, drinking and lounging ahead of us. Ordering racked our pre-coffee brains. We had to choose a filling and a bread. Linda had tuna salad on a bagel. I had spinach on filone and sails eventually asked for spinach on a baguette. The sandwiches, and coffees, were quickly made and delivered. Everything was good but mine was by far the best. A mound of flavorful sautéed spinach and a thin slice of a hard tangy cheese between two slices of chewy and slightly sour bread with sliced tomatoes on the side, it was incredible. Sails, who hadn't wanted to eat, tried it and immediately ordered something similar. The coffee was good and perked us right up.

The whole time we were there, we were the only customers. At one point, a very animated, talkative Italian man came in. He asked if everything was good, gave us some suggestions for our next visit, and darted out. I assume he was the owner. Our waitress had done a fine job. We ordered everything at the counter and she immediately brought it to our table.

We asked for our bill. The prices had been about average with sandwiches running between thirty and forty-five pesos. The servings had also been of an average size. We will eat here again. I think Sails has actually sneaked back a couple of times without inviting. He's to macho to admit he likes spinach sandwiches.

Sails said, "I can't believe you ordered a spinach sandwich. Who orders a spinach sandwich? Can I have a bite? Signorina? We'll have another spinach sandwich over here please. Good coffee too."

sample menu
Espresso............15 pesos/US$1.40
Mochaccino............20 pesos/US$1.90
Veggie Baguette............40 pesos/US$3.80
Four Cheese Sandwich............35 pesos/US$3.30
Spaghetti with Shrimp............90 pesos/US$8.60

Funiculi is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm. Credit cards are not accepted.

Directions - Funiculi is on Lazaro Cardenas between Ignacio Vallarta and Constitucion. From the northeast corner of parking/plaza Lazaro Cardenas (the ocean is to the west) head east on Lazaro Cardenas for almost two blocks. The cafe is on the right.
From journal Romantic Italian Dining