Oaxaca’s food scene is a living expression of centuries of cultural exchange, where Indigenous techniques blend with Spanish influences and contemporary creativity. For travelers, eating here is not just about satisfying hunger; it is a way to understand the region’s history, agriculture, and community identity. The city’s traditional restaurants are the guardians of recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Unlike trendy pop-ups or tourist traps near the zócalo, the best traditional eateries prioritize slow-cooked moles, hand-ground corn, and wood-fired comales. They source from nearby markets like Mercado de Abastos and Mercado Sánchez Pascuas, ensuring that every dish reflects the season and the soil of the Valles Centrales. Dining in these spaces often means sitting in a colonial courtyard, a family dining room, or a bustling market stall where the aroma of chiles toasting fills the air.
Because Oaxacan cuisine is so diverse, a single visit is rarely enough to try everything. You will encounter seven distinct moles, tlayudas crisped over charcoal, memelas topped with asiento and queso fresco, and tejate served in painted gourds. The best restaurants do not try to modernize these dishes into unrecognizable forms; instead, they perfect them through patience and respect for raw ingredients.
For this guide, we focused on establishments with a proven reputation for consistency, local sourcing, and cultural authenticity. We considered not only flavor but also the story behind the food—whether it is a family-run comedor preserving a grandmother’s recipe or a chef-led project reviving heirloom corn varieties. Each recommendation below offers a distinct window into Oaxaca’s culinary soul.
Price points vary from humble market counters to elegant historic dining rooms, but all share a commitment to tradition. You do not need a large budget to eat well in Oaxaca, though some of the more refined spaces are worth the splurge for their atmosphere and rare regional specialties. Reservations are recommended for dinner at the more popular sit-down restaurants, especially during festivals like Guelaguetza or Día de los Muertos.
Before diving into the list, remember that Oaxacan dining is leisurely. Meals are meant to be savored, often accompanied by a glass of mezcal or a clay mug of café de olla. Arrive hungry, ask questions about the menu, and do not be afraid to try dishes you cannot pronounce. The best meals here are the ones that surprise you.
Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante
| Address | Constitución 104-A, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 516 8889 |
Rather a good restaurant on a rooftop overlooking the cathedral. The food is very good and the service impeccable. They all speak very good English . The room and Bar are very attractive. Slightly unfortunate the clientele strike a somewhat pompous vibe but otherwise an exceptional restaurant and well worth a try. Almost the highlight is the band that play downstairs by the entrance. We left our table upstairs after our main course / entree and took desert and another Mezcal downstairs watching the band. The lady singer was particularly good and it felt like we were in a Mexican jazz club with people dancing. That lady singer is extraordinary
We had a wonderful experience at Casa Oaxaca. We made a reservation to celebrate a birthday, and at the end of dinner they surprised us with a complimentary birthday dessert, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the evening even more special.
From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding!! Very friendly, attentive, and impressively efficient. One of the highlights was their tableside salsa preparation. They let you choose your preferred spice level, then freshly prepare it right at your table and serve it with a complimentary tostada to enjoy while you wait for your meal. It’s such a fun and delicious way to start the dining experience.
As for the food, the main courses were generous in portion and well prepared. While they weren’t my personal favorites of the evening, they were still very good. The appetizers, however, completely stole the show. Both the scallops and the squash blossoms were absolutely delicious and ended up being the highlight of our dinner.
Overall, we had a fantastic experience. Between the exceptional service, thoughtful details, and delicious food, Casa Oaxaca is a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion.
Amazing restaurant experience. Solid meat menu but all dishes with an authentic Oaxacan twist. Short rib was great, the chicatana ant mole (with the chuletón) was among the best sauces I’ve tasted in my life. Service was impeccable with the first salsa being prepared to our liking by the table. Limited wine selection (as is very common in Mexico) but what they had was good. A bit pricey compared to the rest of Oaxaca City but well worth it.
We are sorry we discovered this restaurant on our last day here. We'll worth every penny. Beautiful atmosphere, very attentive and knowledgeable staff and delicious food. Everything we had i recommend. Drinks Mezzcalina with prickly pear, starters were the stuffed pumpkin flowers with ricotta and a puree, the sea scallops, and a salad. Entrees were the rabbit, the short ribs and bean soup. Dessert was the Leche quemada and the cheesecake. Our dinner was started with a table side chef making our salsa to our taste to go with the warm crispy cheesy tortilla. I dont remember the exact name of the dishes but it was all delicious so anything you pick i dont think you could go wrong. We will be back.
Arguably. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Oaxaca for tours to come visit. However, I think that is well earned the food. Here was very good. The menu was extensive and they even come to your table and make your salsa by hand in front of you. I would definitely recommend everyone coming here and get a reservation because it can’t be tight.
Los Danzantes
| Address | C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 951 656 9096 |
The place is exceptional, very beautiful and full of history. The food is extraordinary; every traditional dish we tried made us feel truly special. The pricing is very reasonable and it is actually quite a good value for the outstanding quality they offer, especially for a Michelin guide recommended restaurant. Furthermore, the service perfectly matched the high quality experience because Michelle took care of us and was incredibly kind and highly professional throughout our meal. A thoroughly recommended dining spot in Oaxaca!
We were so excited to dine here on our first visit to Oaxaca, this place came recommended and considering it is a Michelin star we had high expectations.
Unfortunately the food did not live up to the hype. To start with the pros: the service was incredible, Jorge did an amazing job at explaining the dishes and making sure we always had what we needed, the bathrooms are clean and the venue is beautiful. The must get on the menu is the mole sampler, it was truly a masterpiece.
The cons: the food was lacking, the salsas were not spicy, perhaps this is to cater to foreigners, the fish was dry, the tongue was presented in a very strange way with the taste buds still attached (but the flavor was ok), the cauliflower was covered in mole not much of a thought out dish. The recommended food out of the 10 dishes we tried, The mushroom lasagna was very good and the tlayuda had great flavor. If you choose to go you must get the mole sampler, that's perhaps the dish that will make the visit worthwhile.
This place never disappoints. Every visit leaves me completely satisfied and while it's not the most budget-friendly option, it absolutely justifies the price with top-notch food and service. What sets it apart is how they take authentic Mexican cuisine and give it a modern twist, creative and fun, but never at the expense of flavor. The mezcal selection is excellent, too.It's become my go-to spot for bringing friends for the first time. It always impresses, and I always leave glad I came.
Wow what a delightful experience and meal! It was pouring rain but the main dining room is covered. The food was delicious as was the wine. I had a Paloma Paleo cocktail first which was perfect. The servers are very helpful and not judgmental(here’s looking at you Tierra del Sol). We speak Spanish but not well and they would switch to English when we couldn’t follow. It’s a sexy space and is great for dates. It’s expensive for
Oaxaca but not compared to where I live on Maui. You need to make a reservation for dinner months before but maybe not for lunch. If you can get in, do it!
Possibly one of the best meals I had in my entire life. The cocktails were also amazing. This is the place to try elevated Mexican cuisine. I can easily see why they have that Michelin star. We had a group of 8, and it became a meal we will remember forever!!!
Restaurante Taniperla Oaxaca
| Address | Av. de la Independencia 208, Zona Lunes Feb 09, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 514 6206 |
This was one of my favourite restaurants in Oaxaca. The service was friendly and attentive and the dishes were beautifully played. I had the tacos dorados both times. Once with the avocado salsa and once with mole. I recommend both. The complimentary bread was a nice touch as well.
They keep it simple here and do it so well. So much love in the food. I highly recommend going for lunch and getting their menu of the day. Unbeatable for the price. I’ll be going back all the time.
I’ve been here several times and always have a great experience. The food is consistently delicious and the service is warm and friendly. I’ll definitely keep coming back.
They have the best jugo verde and Consomé de pollo in Oaxaca. They also serve bread and salsa with each other. It’s delicious too.
We came here twice for breakfast, another time for lunch and a fourth time for dinner. The breakfast was good, it comes with a fried banana. The latte art they provided was amazing. The meat Empanadas (plantain banana tortillas) were delicous. Love the sweetness of the crust. During dinner, they gave us a free fried banana type donut and it was delicious. I highly recommend this place.
The service is slow. The food is not bad, but it’s not as good as it appears in the reviews. The tlayuda is huge, and the flavor is okay, but nothing really impressive.
Did I mention the service is sloooow?
Casa Taviche
| Address | Miguel Hidalgo 1111, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 123 1794 |
What am amazing little gem!
We had a delicious meal. The dishes are fresh, tasty and so beautiful to look at. Service is excellent and even the playlist et wonderful.
Apparently the menu changes every day.
I strongly recommend this place but please don’t tell anyone.
The perfect little spot in Oaxaca! Every day a different menu and so affordable.
The restaurant is very charming - I believe it's family-run, everyone is super friendly and even the cocktails are excellent. The atmosphere is warm and authentic.
Direct recommendation - a real local gem where you eat well without breaking the bank. Perfect for discovering Oaxacan cuisine in a simple and welcoming setting.
I loved this quaint little place just of the busiest parts of the center. A small but fun little inner courtyard with great service, serving up different delicacies every day so we just had to come on several occasions. We even brought some local friends to celebrate their birthday, a very successful plan as well.
I've tried several dishes from grilled meat and enmoladas in red mole to the stuffed poblanos and tamales, all great. The dessert, the cream filled chocolate flavoured with zapote negro (?) was brilliant!
The pricers are very fair for the quality and the service.
I'll surely be back my next visit in Oaxaca!
Amazing food! We love this place. Outstanding service and a very reasonable price. I love that the menu changes daily. It’ll keep us going back.
Concha rellena was to die for!! The best one I tried. 😋 Has a nice selection of brunch food. Unfortunately the coffee machine was not working the day we went but our overall experience was really nice. Has a nice small patio. Service was friendly as well.
Las Quince Letras
| Address | C. de Mariano Abasolo 300, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 458 2740 |
This place is an absolute MUST-STOP! Please do not miss this place if you’re in the area! From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed. The setting is absolutely beautiful and has such a great atmosphere.
We stopped by without a reservation, and thankfully, they were able to accommodate us. The mixology here is truly top-notch—the cocktails were creative, beautifully presented, and delicious! 🍸
And the food was AMAZING! Everything we tried was delicious, but the mole completely stole the show. Hands down, the best mole I have ever had! The flavors were rich, authentic, and unforgettable.
We went here 3 times in 2 weeks. Staff is wonderful... the hostess even went into the kitchen to give us the ingredients to make the broccoli dish once we go back to the states. The owner was very nice. Had a change to talk to her and even made a sweet photo with her; she's lovely.
Wow!! An amazing lunch dining experience in a beautiful setting. My wife and I both ordered different red moles. I ordered a fish and shrimp one. She ordered a pork belly mole with rice. For dessert, we shared a chocolate tamale with maracuya (passion fruit) sauce which was delcious.
Our server, recommend an artensal beer called "3 Semillas" which is a light beer with miel de cacao (honey obtained from.the cacao plant). Great tasting with a smooth finish.
The "Chef", Celia Florian, came over and spoke with us.
We had a fantastic experience. The food was absolutely amazing — honestly, one of the best mole dishes I’ve ever had. Every bite was rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care.
The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and a special thank you to Roberto, who was especially kind and attentive throughout our visit. We were in a bit of a rush since we only had one hour before catching our plane, and the service was impressively fast. The waiter made sure our food arrived right on time without compromising quality.
Highly recommended — we would definitely come back!
Disappointing experience overall, especially for a Michelin-rated restaurant. In my opinion, if a place carries a Michelin star, every dish should be good to excellent — that simply wasn’t the case here. I’ve now been to 3–4 Michelin restaurants in Mexico and almost all let me down, which makes me wonder whether the rating means much these days, or whether places here just pay to get the recognition.
The service set the tone. While taking my order, the waiter twice turned his head away mid-sentence to talk to passing guests and look for seating for them. He seemed uninterested in serving us.
We ordered the mole trio, octopus, garnachas, soup, and a steak dish. The only standout was the mole trio, which was genuinely good. The garnachas were okay — I’ve had better. The octopus arrived with the top burned to ashes; I asked about it, and the waiter came back with the chef, who told me that’s the way they cook it. I requested a replacement anyway (see photos), but even then the taste was off and the octopus wasn’t tender.
Between the indifferent service, inconsistent food, and loud atmosphere, this felt more like an average tavern than a Michelin restaurant. It needs a lot of work to live up to its reputation.
Ocote cocina
| Address | 5 de Mayo 107, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 5:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | 951 292 9554 |
Food was amazing. We got the tacos to share as entry, then ribs, burger and 3 pork tacos for main dish. Chocolate cake for dessert. The mocktails are amazing too.
Food was delicious and beautifully presented. Our server was knowledgeable and friendly with great recommendations. We got the tacos Chamorro and enmolados with chicken tinga and red mole.
Really tasty food. Soup and portobello sandwiches very much recommended! Also they have very tasty mocktails.
Very good place for lunch, or dinner. We had tempura squash flower tacos and the arugula salad with the chicken add in. Also the cold coffee and watermelon water. Service by Daniella was polite and efficient and she speaks English very well. We would come back here
Better tastes than the Michelin-recommended restaurants we tried. For example, the molote tasted rich and the shrimp tacos were some of the best. We entered the restaurant “by accident” as we were very hungry after arriving in Oaxaca, and we’re glad we did. We came back one more time.
Catedral Restaurant
| Address | C. de Manuel García Vigil 105, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 516 3285 |
I ordered the octopus and was very pleased with how it was cooked and presented on a bed of delicious risotto. My friend enjoyed the short rib, nicely cooked and presented. Neither of us were overly impressed with the margaritas. They were good, but not great. We were less impressed when we received the bill and discovered that we had been overcharged for the drinks. The waiter agreed, but never brought a corrected bill. We left the correct amount owing. I was not thrilled with the number of dogs in the place. Since when does a restaurant that advertises itself as fine dining allow dogs? The are lots of great places in Oaxaca that don’t overcharge for drinks or allow dogs in the dining room. I’m quite sure I won’t be back.
Amazing food. I loved the Ravioli Camarones. The best I’ve ever had. The sauce was out of this world. The salad was gorgeous and tasty. The bread was delicious and interesting and diverse. The sorbet assortment was beautifully presented and delicious and fresh. The setting was gorgeous. I’ll be back.
This place was on my Oaxacan wish list and we almost weren’t able to fit it in. We decided to pop in for a cocktail and ended up ordering snacks as well. Sure glad we did. The place is gorgeous (sit in the main dining room if you can & look up)! Servers were super attentive and the atmosphere is fun and a little upscale (without being stuffy). Freshest, and most delicious guacamole in all of Oaxaca - we tried it nearly every place we went! We also ended up visiting a couple more times as it became a priority and I got quite accustomed to my afternoon Aperol spritz! Try the beet salad (best I have had in years!), gelato flight, and the Oaxacan cheesecake, all the food items were hits! Highly recommend and hope to visit again one day.
The food was really nice and service was amazing too. The staff were really attentive and made sure to explain the dishes and even bought tiny taster portion of a dish as I mentioned I had never had that before which was really sweet of them.
I loved the ambiance of the restaurant. A beautiful red painted courtyard with a cute fountain. I had cheese omlette and a croissant. Both were ok. Hot chocolate was top.
Levadura de Olla Restaurante
| Address | C. de Manuel García Vigil 304, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
I was really excited to finally try Levadura de Olla. It had been on my list for quite some time.
I’d read plenty of glowing reviews, especially about the tomato salad, so naturally, I ordered it. And maybe it was just me, but it didn’t quite live up to the hype. The beet puree gave it a nice flavor, though, but I felt it needed more of them to really shine.
That said, everything else was outstanding. The corn water was absolutely incredible, a must‑order! We also tried the guacamole, which was very enjoyable, and I had the dish with the white pipián sauce, which was delicious.
The staff were warm, attentive, and welcoming, and the restaurant itself is beautiful.
I’d definitely go back, though I’d probably skip the tomato salad next time.
I echo a lot of the other recent reviews in saying the food was quite bland and unimpressive. Of the prix fixe meal, I borderline enjoyed 2-3 dishes, and primarily the desserts. The chef seems to not have a strong grasp on blending flavors together or drawing out the best of ingredients, and instead often allows for items to clash among the full dish, leaving you not very satisfied or impressed at the end of the bite. For example, the picadita de maiz con mole was a mix of a soft tortilla paired with plantains that has similar texture, and as a result, felt like you were eating raw poorly mixed dough with mole. My favorite dish, the cuche, was actually a great blend of ingredients, but poorly put together. Most of the dish was quite earthy and the salsa did not really standout despite the interesting ingredient of the flying ant, but paired together with the tomatoes it was actually a very well-rounded dish. Unfortunately, it was the tomato that made it well-rounded, but because the tomato was whole instead of smashed into a salsa to pour over the cuche and rice, you ended with acidity only on the one end where you bit into the tomato. Overall, this place is a fine experience primarily for the presentation, atmosphere, and ceramics. If you’re here to have exquisite food, this is one Michelin you can skip. In a larger city, I’m not even sure LO would have a star.
Beautiful restaurant set in a heritage building. The decor, uniforms, and crockery were very charming. The service was of the highest standard. The prices were also very reasonable.
Now, about the food. It was not particularly memorable. The guacamole dish was probably the best we had and it was not setting our tongues alight. Indeed, our primary complaint was that most of the food lacked the spark and fire one comes to associate with food in Mexico. The corn soup was corn soup, with edible flowers thrown in randomly. The stewed beef and pork dish was particularly bland. The pumpkin flan dessert was also average.
We wondered whether the lack of flavour and heat was a unique characteristic of Oaxacan cuisine (of which this restaurant purports to be a leading ambassador and exponent). Our much cheaper lunches at other establishments put paid to that. Oaxacan food is just as vibrant as you would expect. This particular spot simply opts for a more polite and inoffensive imitation. Judging by their reputation and the Michelin star, the strategy seems to have worked on a lot of people. Not me.
The food was good but not great, no great flavor no dish stood out. The portions are smaller and are pricey for what you get. We went to another Michelin star restaurant in Oaxaca and it was not on the same level. The dessert was good. The staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. They describe the dish and its history as they serve it. If your in Oaxaca for a few days I would pass on this restaurant
Let's start with a disclaimer that this was my first Michelin star restaurant I have tried, as usually only go to Michelin bib gourmands, gault millaut, or reddit/Google maps recommended.
The service was extraordinary, the atmosphere is great inside, and the drinks were really good too.
Food wise is where I expected more, the tomatoes were delicious and so were the mole combinations, but some dishes were a bit underwhelming.
Taste wise I have had better food overall in Mexico, but it is true that the restaurant provides a good total package.
All in all, I would still recommend eating here but I think I had too high expectations regarding the Michelin star as I did not get a wow factor. In fact, food down street in La Popular was arguably better and much better value but unfortunately lacking a bit in atmosphere and not providing the same level of service and quality drinks.
Expendio Tradición
| Address | Reforma, Murguía &, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 589 3986 |
The food was truly sooo amazing and wroth the price! Definitely try the creamy squash blossom soup, it was very very tasty. We had a few cocktails and those were very good too. They have a lot of lovely cocktails with Mezcal, which you cannot go wrong with in Oaxaca where mezcal is from 😉
They also had a live band which really made the vibe!
Our friends were getting married in Oaxaca and we were there also another day for pre-wedding drinks. The cocktail which was served was very tasty - the Colibri. Definitely worth a try. And the tacos were amazing!!
I had the eggs on the leaf served along side guac and salsa. I liked it.
The dessert was Degustación de postres meaning a combination of Pastel de chocolate, flan de queso istmeño y panqué de elote.
Chocolate cake was good, flan was not jelly like but instead like a cake and the panque de elote was my favorite.
Staff was helpful the atmosphere is nice. The restaurant was empty on Sunday 8 pm.
This place is already well reviewed and our experience was great.cocktails were very good. I'm sorry I forgot exactly what I had, but I believe it was with pineapple mezcal and worms on top. The other with watermelon. We had the suckling pig tacos with chicharon. Fantastic with the guacamole pickled onions and with the house salsa. The regular tacos we got next we're not our favorite as the cheese made them a bit too salty for us and in comparison we preferred the pig tacos. Dessert sampler was also great. I wish it were served with a little bowl of honey as the honey was so good.
The place is small so it looks like they extended tables into hallways beyond the restaurant near the bathroom and kitchen. That's where we found ourselves. It was still fine and the meal was still enjoyable. I would give 5stars for eating in the restaurant proper for atmosphere and three for the hallway. However the hall area was quiet and peaceful and still nicely decorated. I'm sure some would even prefer sitting in this area.
Wait staff were pleasant and accommodating.
My husband and I came for lunch and had a delicious meal. The pumpkin soup was the best I’ve ever had in my life and I eat a lot of squash soup! I also ordered the mushroom selection with goat cheese and tomato which was excellent, and my husband had fettuccine with shrimp and cheese. It was a healthy size serving and the shrimp was not overcooked.
Miguel was our server and he was excellent. With my OK Spanish and his OK English he managed to explain some of the items and helped us make our choices. His good service enhanced our experience.
Despite the fact that we were full we ordered the chocolate cake and a cup of their delicious coffee. We shall return!
Really cool bar. Bartenders are really cool and gave some great recommendations. And the mezcal is strong, no joke. Grwat vibe.
Ancestral Cocina Tradicional
| Address | C. José López Alavez 1347, Barrio de Xochimilco, 68040 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 951 468 8960 |
The restaurant is top notch, from the ambience, the service to the food. The fish and shrimp soup was prepared right at out table. The pork belly is super fatty, and the beef tongue melts in my mouth - something I never expected. The staff paid close attention to our table, answered our questions in details and gave us everything we needed. They also have exquisite hanging lights - we were pretty fascinated. Overall this is a must try experience - we for sure will come back again if we visit Oaxaca.
What amazing food. It really felt like you could get anything here and it would be amazing. We got the aguachile con tasaja and it was my most favorite thing. We also tried the tacos and the garnachas which were both equally good as well. Love the vibe at this restaurant with the trees and lights, just makes it a very comfy spot to sit and enjoy a meal
Yummy! Sat us right away in the covered garden area. The ambiance was lovely in the evening. We ate the guacamole cheese appetizers. Loved it even when I found out one cheese was buggy. We shared the short mole rib dinner. Meat was tender, veggies were cooked perfect and the mole sauce very flavourful. My husband had the mole dessert. He loved it. Highly recommend. Just a little slow on the check but that is a cultural difference.
Our first night in Oaxaca and found this hidden place. Awesome experience getting to this place. The waiter has very good knowledge of the menu. Like the appetizer. All entree well prepared . Have the opportunity to try mezcal for the first time
Incredible service. Incredible food! Ordered the short rib mole rojo, seriously insane. Pulque was also great. Provided different tastes of mezcal they make in house. Will definitely come again
Zandunga Sabor Istmeño
| Address | C. de Manuel García Vigil 512-E, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 516 2265 |
In Oaxaca, there is a diverse range of regional cuisines. While most people only know the food from the Central Valleys, the cuisine from the Isthmus region is completely different and unique. Zandunga Sabor Istmeño is the perfect place to experience it, and it is easy to see why they are recommended by the Michelin Guide. The patio is cozy and really nice, and I absolutely loved the atmosphere there. The food is delicious and traditional, capturing the authentic essence of Isthmian flavors perfectly. Tacos there are also amazing!
The service is outstanding; the staff is highly professional, attentive, and incredibly welcoming. If you want to explore a specialized side of Oaxacan gastronomy that is distinct from the typical Central Valleys dishes, this restaurant is highly recommended!
Delicious food! We had seen this restaurant on Instagram and couldn't wait to try it but when we walked in we were surprised most of the tables were empty. We almost walked out but boy am I glad we didn't!
We ordered a Maracuya beverage that was delicious 😋.
Tongue in mole and empanadas. Both were delicious! Honestly it has been the best mole we've had so far.
Service was excellent. Definitely recommend it.
Congratulations to the owner and staff for good food and great ambiance. Place is lovely, food is delicious, staff is very friendly, courteous and helpful. I had the opportunity of visiting and had a great time! Food is fresh, well seasoned and creative. Had a fish ceviche with Lilly Koi dressing, it was good but the passion fruit/ Lilly dressing is way too sweet, the star of the show was the wedding beef dish with apples, plum, bananas, pineapple, this dish takes over 20 hours to be made and its ABSOLUTLY DELICIOUS. Comes along with really nice bread slices and delicious cheese balls ( this dish is a must when you visit). I also had the tongue with chili sauce that is not only tender but juicy, very good. Finally dessert came in the shape of the most delicious warm and moist corn bread with a sweet corn sauce and corn ice CREAMY ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. Portions are small tho. Prices are fair. Great ambiance. Will be back hungry for more!
I went spontaneously on Saturday to Zandunga for dinner after seeing they're mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Unfortunately, they didn't meet my expectations - rather the opposite, I was quite disappointed.
First of all, the table I was offered didn't have any cutlery. I was served an appetizer and my starters, but still no cutlery - I had to ask the waiter to bring me some.
The staff wasn't really attentive and they didn't bother to explain the food, which is very unusal.
Second, the food itself was fine, but also not really extraordinary. I had a Ceviche as a starter, which was actually the better dish of the two (although a bit too sweet for my taste since the sauce was very passion fruit heavy). The Cochito Horneado was a good portion size and tasty, but nothing too special. It would have been nice if there were some pairings or something to balance the flavour.
The overall ambience was rather loud and hectic, even though there were not many guests. It seemed the noise came from the kitchen.
I'm not sure if this was because I went for a very late dinner at around 10pm, but nevertheless, a restaurant of this caliber should always maintain a certain standard.
Compared to other restaurants in Oaxaca, I can't recommend this place.
They serve traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Food is quite good. Cocktails are a little on the sweet side. Ambience is beautiful. A little warm in an April afternoon. Good and friendly service. Tlayudas with beef and chorizo is good! The banana appetizer is excellent, a must try.
La Casa del Tío Güero
| Address | C. de Manuel García Vigil 715, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 951 516 9584 |
Excellent mole rojo. The flavors were Incredibles. It's spicy but savory. I got it witi the pork (cerdo) and also got the chicken soup. The soup comes with cilantro, onions, and jalapeños on the side. I overdid it with the jalapeños but man was it worth the heat. Highly recommend coming here.
Great food. Loved the atmosphere. The service was excellent. This was the first spot I stopped at to try moles and was not disappointed. Liked that it’s not a super fancy restaurant and has a homey feel, but the food and presentation had finesse. Must try their margarita! Would definitely come back again to try other dishes on their menu.
I understand why this is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Oaxaca. The brother-in-law of the chef waited on us and answered so many questions about the history and culture of the area, as well as the restaurant itself and the recipes.
This place was just ok from the taste. I found the food either wildly oily or underseasoned, which was a weird combination. The service is great and they gave us the option to sit on the rooftop, which was very kind.
I went here twice. The first time I sat in the dining room and ordered the manchamanteles mole and it came with tender chicken and it was outstanding. The second time I ordered their mezcal margarita and mole coloradito and it came with an over cooked chicken leg chicken and the experience was disappointing. The staff never came back to clear plates or ask if I wanted anything else. The only thing that saved that second supper were the views from the rooftop.
Criollo
| Address | Francisco I. Madero 129, Santa María del Marquesado, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 320 0709 |
Very good experience here this evening. Six course tasting with the possibility of matching wines. This option we did not partake in. Food was delicious particularly the first three courses - exceptional. The service very attentive without being over-the-top. Atmosphere pleasant. Not possible though to have coffee at the end as the “cafe was closed”. This I found surprising. Overall though very worth the dining experience, all dishes had very much a Mexican undertone, subtle.
We were fortunate enough to book the chef’s table on a Monday night to enjoy the degustation menu with wine pairings. The experience was impeccable; from the warm reception to the final dessert, every moment was delightful.
What truly stood out was that every dish told a story, often highlighting the specific producers behind the ingredients. I highly recommend visiting and letting the staff guide you through their culinary journey. It is guaranteed to be a memorable experience and a fantastic story to tell.
We dined at Criollo three weeks ago and chose the 7-course tasting menu with drink pairings (about $150 USD per person). The food was good and thoughtfully prepared, and we enjoyed most of the pairings. However, it was not $150-per-person good.
Unfortunately, the service significantly detracted from the experience. The pacing felt rushed from start to finish. Plates arrived before we had time to finish the previous course, and at one point three drinks were delivered at once. We felt pressured to eat quickly rather than savor each dish.
One cocktail became watery because it sat too long due to the timing. The staff said they would replace it and took it away — but then brought back the same cup. While they verbally acknowledged feedback about pacing, nothing meaningfully changed.
For a Michelin-recommended restaurant at this price point, the service did not meet expectations. It was still good, but again, not for the price and not with the rushed service.
One of the truly extraordinary meals I have ever had. Worldclass and special. My wife had the tasting menu and I had the tasting menu with the pairing. Different, delicious reiminaging of oaxacan cooking. Every bite was a delicious surprise! I would say the one restaurant I wouldn't miss in Oaxaca.
Criollo offers a more traditional take on local breakfast dishes with a twist. They were very accommodating with dish changes and special requests, even for the kids.
The space is rural chic, with a warm and elegant feel, despite dining among hens.
Service is polite and professional and not as engaging or casual as at some other restaurants.
Highlights: quesadilla de costilla y conchas, green juice.
• Dog-friendly (as long as your dog is comfortable around other animals)
• Blankets available if you get cold
La Popular
| Address | Jesús Carranza 105, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 206 2751 |
Hey there, this is GeniePam 🧞♀️ visiting from Dubai 🇦🇪 originally from 🇲🇽 with my partner in crime from 🇩🇪
We were so happy to find this place. We were starting to feel a bit tired of the fancy and Michelin-starred restaurants that are all over Oaxaca, which, don't get me wrong, are amazing and great at creating an experience, but we were craving something more real and authentic.
The food was delicious and full of flavor. We tried something called the "rollos de hoja santa", and they absolutely blew our minds, you have to try them!
The mezcalitas were fresh and perfectly made, and we also loved the aguachile and the tlayudas. This place felt genuine, unpretentious, and exactly the kind of local experience we were looking for.
If you’d like more recs & spots all around the globe 🌍 check me out IG: @iamgeniepam
Nice ambiance but the food was disappointing. The service was quick but not very welcoming or attentive. I had the mole negro. The sauce itself was delicious but that was the dish’s only strong point. On a large plate of sauce sat a small portion of rice and one lonely, smallish chicken drumstick. The meat was a bit tough. A few dry-ish tortillas rounded out the meal. I left still hungry.
We happened to stumble upon La Popular by accident while trying to find another restaurant, and we’re so glad we did as the food was great and we ended up going back the next day. The food was tasty with nice flavours throughout. Portion sizes weren’t very big, but everything I tried was enjoyable.
On the first day we waited around 10 minutes for a table, which was absolutely fine as the restaurant was full. I ordered the fillet of fish with rice and salad – the salad looked quite basic but was actually very nice and lightly dressed. One friend had the salmon special and the other ordered a beef dish. We all had lemonade, which came in a large fish-bowl-style glass and tasted homemade.
On the second day we all ordered the garlic and pepper prawns (we asked if they could be served out of the shell, which they happily did), with rice and salad. They were tasty, but there were only five prawns each so we were still a little hungry afterwards – a few more would have been perfect. Also the prawns were not at all spicy and didn’t taste too much of garlic.
Overall, the food, ambience and service were great. Definitely give it a try if you’re visiting Oaxaca. I will definitely be back ☺️
Not sure why this place is rated so highly, the food was very bland. The most tasty item was very simple tomato pasta. Service wasn’t amazing either, we were rushed to order and staff were grumpy with us. We were very hungry and excited for dinner and liked the atmosphere and art. Food tasted very western and had little flavour. The pozole tasted like water. Disappointed that we went here on our few nights in oaxaca and not somewhere more authentic. Small portions as well.
Very cute little spot and some exceptional food. Tortas are great value, got 2 cuz I’m a big boy. Wasn’t expecting stellar pasta in Oaxaca but it was world class
El Chapulín Restaurant Oax
| Address | Miguel Hidalgo 507-B, Zona Lunes Feb 09, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 462 3395 |
I wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. The location was a bit hard to find, on the top floor (you need to enter a sort of courtyard area and then follow a staircase…look for the hanging grasshopper). Once we found it, though, it was beautiful to sit the rooftop patio near sunset.
For the food, every single thing was delicious. The guacamole with chapulines was perfectly creamy and the chapulines added a nice flavor. The vegetarian tlayuda was also great. Our favorite was the caldo de piedra soup. The guy who made it told us all about its history and the special equipment to make it authentically. It was so interesting to watch the process of cooking the shrimp and fish in the broth by pulling hot stones out of the grill and putting them into the soup. It was really unique, but also incredibly delicious. The longer the soup sits, the more flavor comes out of the shrimp shells and it becomes so rich.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all top notch!!
This restaurant is a true gem! Hidden up on a rooftop terrace, they serve a range of traditional regional dishes, including Caldo de piedra, a special fish soup which they prepare using hot stones in front of the guests: a great show!
The staff were wonderful - one of the chefs came out front to prepare the caldo de piedra. While he worked, he talked with us about the different areas and cultures of Oaxaca and explained the origins and process of caldo de piedra.
I had a wonderful black mole here accompanied by a fresh salad. I also tried the house tepache, a fermented pineapple cocktail.
Everything was delicious and the atmosphere on the terrace is great. Thank you to the team at El Chapulín for a truly memorable experience here in Oaxaca.
Amazing! We came for the caldo de piedra, but could not miss the opportunity to taste guacamole with grasshoppers, shrimp tacos and shrimp cocktail. Ended with molote de platano. Fantastic. The drinks also, tejate and tepache, mezcalina de pepino were a treat.
The caldo is cooked before you with a nice explanation.
As bonus, you are above the city, as the terrace is on second floor. You can admire the sun setting over the mountains.
We were a little unsure about this spot despite the good reviews mainly because the climb to the restaurant feels like you might be in the wrong place. But walk up all the steps, past some guest rooms, around a defunct hot tub, up another short flight of steps, and you will find a charming roof-top spot with authentic foods, great drinks, and a friendly and attentive staff. Our waiter was hustling to keep the food moving and to keep the guests happy.
We went mainly for the grasshopper tlayuda (though we had other things) and it did not disappoint. It was a quintessential part of our Oaxaca experience, and watching them cook it over the coals was a fun bonus too.
Great authentic Oaxacan cuisine . The caldo de piedra cannot be missed 😍
Tips for Choosing a Traditional Restaurant in Oaxaca
While the list above will guide you to exceptional meals, a few practical strategies will help you navigate Oaxaca’s vast dining scene with confidence. The city has hundreds of eateries, and not all of them maintain the same standards of freshness or authenticity. Use these tips to avoid mediocre tourist menus and find the true flavors of the region.
Follow the smoke and the comal. The most reliable sign of a great traditional kitchen is the sight of a wood-fired comal or clay pot bubbling near the entrance. If you see women patting out fresh tortillas by hand or a large cazuela of mole simmering over charcoal, you have found a place that takes its craft seriously. Avoid restaurants where the kitchen is hidden and the menu is printed in five languages with photos of every dish.
Eat where the locals eat, but not only at lunch counters. While popular market fondas offer incredible value, some of the city’s best traditional cooking happens in family homes that open as comedores only a few days a week. Ask your hotel host or a trusted mezcal guide for their personal favorites. Word-of-mouth recommendations from Oaxacans are worth more than any online review.
Order one mole at a time. Moles are complex, labor-intensive sauces that deserve your full attention. Rather than ordering a sampler platter with three or four moles, commit to one and pair it with a simple protein or vegetables. This allows you to appreciate the balance of chiles, nuts, seeds, and spices without overwhelming your palate. Return another day to try a different mole.
Check the tortilla. A restaurant that serves machine-made, store-bought tortillas is cutting corners. In Oaxaca, the tortilla is the foundation of the meal. It should be thick, slightly irregular, and made from nixtamalized heirloom corn that has been ground fresh. If the tortillas are bland or rubbery, the rest of the menu likely suffers from the same lack of care.
Time your visit around market days. Many traditional restaurants source their produce on specific days of the week. Visiting on a Monday, when some markets are closed, may mean fewer fresh specials. If you have flexibility, plan your most important meals for Thursday through Sunday, when the city’s markets are fully stocked and many family-run spots offer weekend-only dishes like barbacoa or mole de caderas.
Oaxaca’s traditional restaurants are more than places to eat; they are cultural institutions that keep the region’s identity alive. Every mole, memela, and clay-pot stew tells a story of family, land, and resilience. By choosing to dine at these establishments, you are directly supporting the farmers, cooks, and artisans who safeguard one of the world’s great culinary traditions.
Whether you spend a week or a month in the city, make time for slow meals and honest conversations with the people behind the counter. The flavors of Oaxaca will stay with you long after you leave, but the memories of the hands that prepared your food are what will call you back.
