Oaxaca City moves to a rhythm dictated by stone mortars grinding corn, smoky clay comales, and the quiet patience of moles that have simmered for generations. It is a place where food is not merely sustenance but a living archive of Zapotec and Mixtec heritage, colonial influence, and modern creativity. Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Centro Histórico, the air shifts between the sweetness of fresh tortillas, the char of grilled tasajo, and the faint perfume of hoja santa. For the traveling eater, this is widely considered one of the most significant culinary capitals in the Americas.
The local dining scene is defined by a beautiful tension between the ancient and the avant-garde. You can sit on a plastic stool in a bustling market, eating a memela topped with stringy quesillo, then walk three blocks to a minimalist courtyard where a chef is deconstructing a traditional tlayuda. This diversity means there is no single "Oaxacan cuisine," but rather a spectrum of flavors ranging from the intensely rustic to the meticulously refined. Navigating this landscape requires both an appetite for adventure and a bit of insider knowledge.
Corn is the foundation of everything here, and its quality is non-negotiable. The city is surrounded by valleys that produce heirloom varieties in shades of white, blue, yellow, and deep red. Whether it is nixtamalized for masa, toasted for tlayudas, or ground for atole, the maize in Oaxaca tastes fundamentally different—earthier, sweeter, and more complex—than the commercial corn found elsewhere. Understanding this distinction is the key to unlocking why the food in this city resonates so deeply with visitors.
Beyond the markets and street corners, Oaxaca City has developed a reputation for high-end gastronomy that respects tradition without being trapped by it. Young chefs trained in Europe and Mexico City have returned home to explore the pantry of their grandmothers, elevating ingredients like chicatana ants, wild mushrooms, and heirloom chilies to fine-dining status. The result is a restaurant ecosystem that offers incredible value, where a world-class tasting menu often costs a fraction of what it would in the United States or Europe.
However, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Search for "best food in Oaxaca" and you will find hundreds of conflicting opinions, from tourist traps near the Zócalo to hidden gems in the barrios of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco. This guide cuts through the noise to focus on establishments that consistently deliver exceptional food, a sense of place, and authentic hospitality. These are the tables where locals celebrate birthdays and where chefs go on their nights off.
Whether you are planning a dedicated culinary pilgrimage or simply want to ensure every meal on your vacation is memorable, this list serves as a curated starting point. From smoky street-corner grills to serene garden patios, the following restaurants represent the best of what Oaxaca City has to offer right now.
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!!!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Criollo
| Address | Francisco I. Madero 129, Santa María del Marquesado, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| 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
Boulenc
| Address | C. Porfirio Díaz 207, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 951 351 3648 |
This place is great. The pastries (especially the raisin roll) are next level amazing. The space has an awesome colonial vibe that is very chill and comfortable. The shakshuka was very good and had just enough of a twist to differentiate from traditional. The mollete was on a very soft bread with traditional melted cheese. Coffee options were plentiful and amazing.
The pricing here is fantastic, portions are huge and I can’t recommend more highly.
A little disappointed by the food. I went for breakfast. Ordered a shakshuka and a cappuccino. The coffee was good, but shakshuka was disappointing - I have had much better ones in the past. It didn’t feel very rich and flavorful. I ordered a sourdough instead of baguette and sourdough was pretty good !
The vibe and ambience is really cool ! Overall I would go for the vibe and not the food.
Visited this place due to some reviews. I was by no means surprised. The ambiance is nice, full of tourists ( American mostly). The menu is not big, but looked good.
I was by no means impressed. The place is just OK, I really don't understand the hype, is ok, nothing amazing, nothing extraordinary or a "must go to place" while in town.
1-Google map gives you the wrong house. The house is in front of where the GPS tells you to go.
2- Staff is nice and friendly.
3- Almond croissants are nice, creamy and delicious I give them that.
4- Ordered 2 coups of hot chocolate. They brought me two coups indeed but it was NOT HOT, just a tad away from cold. Instead of doing the little foam heart that makes it look fancy, they should make sure the item you asked for is at the right temperature. Hot is Hot.
5- Ordered one "mollete with cheese" it was good but bread was soft and a bit cold. Not hot or crunchy at all. It had a generous amount of cheese but overall, it had not much flavor. Beans where flavorless.
Although this place is nice, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit. There are many other places that are way better. Food is catered to foreigners, i didnt see any local Oaxacan folk eating there, and that tells you plenty.
No le veo el chiste.
Aunque el personal es agradable y servicial la comida esta X, nada fuera de lo ordinario. Los croissants de almendra estan ricos, hasta ahi. El resto de las cosas que yo probe no. La temperatura de los alimentos deja mucho que desear. Pedi un mollete, ademas de insipido, frio. Pedi 2 tazas de chocolate caliente, trajieron el chocolate frio. Sus huevos ixtleños o algo asi, muy linda presentacion pero saben a puro tomate. Hay sin duda lugares mejores para desayunar.
6-
I wanted to love Boulenc given the constant lines and rave reviews, and the nice ambiance, but my experience was genuinely disappointing across the board.
The Food:
I ordered the Reuben sandwich, the lamb flatbread from the specials menu, and a fruit tart from the bakery next door. All three were underwhelming.
The Reuben was incredibly bland - the meat had no flavor, and the bread was a hard, nutty wheat that didn't work for this type of sandwich at all. I figured maybe I'd have better luck with their pizza since they're known as a bakery, so I ordered the lamb flatbread special. It looked like they just smeared the lamb on dough and called it a day - no care or attention to detail.
The fruit tart from the bakery was stale with thick, bland cream that tasted like it had zero sugar. For a place with a bakery reputation, this was shocking.
The Service:
The waitress had an attitude from the start. When I ordered the lamb flatbread, she told me "it's going to take 45 minutes" (it took 20) When I said I didn't mind waiting, she seemed annoyed. It also took forever to get my michelada - literally tomato juice, seasonings, and beer, nothing complicated.
Menu Availability Issues:
Multiple items I wanted weren't available. They were out of all beer but corona,, and apparently hamburgers, pizzas, and most of their specials menu aren't available until after 2 PM. I ordered a green juice, I was told that also wasn't available until 2 PM. The limited availability felt arbitrary.
I also ordered a baked good from the restaurant, but the waitress forgot it entirely, so I had to go next door only to find the goods from the bakery and restaurant are different, and what i got from the bakery (the fruit tart) was also bland.
Such a cute place, great juice beverages and coffee.
Delicious breakfast and pastries. We loved the open ceiling and cosy space. A lot of beautiful little details made the experience a fun stop for breakfast. The food is excellent.
La Azotea Grill House - Cocina Oaxaqueña Contemporanea
| Address | C. Macedonio Alcalá 401-Altos, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 951 203 8902 |
Great rooftop location looking towards the beautiful Santo Dominica church. I went there at lunch with my wife and a delightful little “Chapuline” that I’d just been given in the market place. The food was very good. We didn’t have anything from the grill but I add oysters and my wife had the delicious ‘deconstructed’ dessert. Both excellent so I imagine t the grills are good too. Manuel Zamna was our excellent waiter. Here’s some pics of our new chapuline amigo enjoying the view and the food
We loved this place, we came for the second time.
GIOVANNI our server was AMAZING! he was very attentive, great personality and his recommendations did not fail.
The atmosphere, food and service was a 5⭐️
Thank you, GIOVANNI!
Nice restaurant to take a guest for lunch. Good service. Good cuts, but "medium rare" means: A charred, caramelized brown crust on the outside with a warm, vibrant red-to-pink center, not a piece pf raw meat and raw fat that we were served.
We had a nice dinner. The food was great (Alfredo pasta & the grilled chicken). Service very friendly and sweet. Everything was very fast en smooth. We would come back!
My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary dinner. Luís was our server and he was FANTASTIC. His customer service and hospitality is on point! He also has a great personality. He answered any questions we had and made sure we were taken care of. The food here is a plus. The restaurant sits on a rooftop, so the views of the mountains and city are amazing! You won’t be disappointed…. Also ask for Luís.
Almú Tilcajete
| Address | Progreso s/n, 71506 San Martín Tilcajete, Oax San Martín Tilcajete, 71510 Oaxaca, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 327 0343 |
Ive been eating Mexican cuisine my entire life (65 years). I had a Mexican grandmother, after all. Given my life experience, I can honestly say that my meal at Almú was truly remarkable. It may very well be the best plate of traditional Mexican cuisine that I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. I opted for the chicken enchiladas made with fresh blue corn tortillas, and topped with three distinct molés. Oh, and crowned with a thin slice of grilled tasajo. It was flawless. Absolutely delicious. Excellent service as well. Dog friendly. Highly recommended.
This place is magical!!! Just as you arrived you are transported to an eco friendly paradise. The food is second to none. And to top it off for dessert a small glass of mezcal, ensure to ask for Espadín, which is easy to digestive after your meal. A must when you are in Oaxaca.
This place was fascinating! The location is beautiful and the food was amazing! The prices were great considering its a michelin star restaurant. There's a lot of room for kids to run around and play.
What a delightful dining experience! Everything we tried was fresh and delicious, including the mole negro which was the best we’ve ever had! If you are driving to the beach from the city, this is a worthwhile stop. The community has a number of alebrije artisans, so it is a feast for all of the senses!
What a place. This is the real deal. Food of Oaxaca served so fresh and so delicious, and so well decently priced, that I was tempted to set up my tent and stay there.
This place is an oasis of plants, trees, gardens and flowers in the middle of a mountain just outside of town.
The menu? Handwritten on a note block. Main course mole? 160 peso. And just sensationally delicious.
Camilla tea? You get the actually herb deposited in your cup. I mean, where ever have I seen that?
The have a huge open kitchen where they freshly make the tortillas and all other food.
Service is also on point. This was a true blessing after all the craft shoppings of Tiljacete.
Moogoñé
| Address | Av. de la Independencia 105 A, CALZADA MADERO, 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: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
I found this restaurant by chance:a nd lucky was I, to be drawn in. The seus chef greeted me on my way up the stairs. So friendly and inviting. And even with a simple menu, I had a tough time deciding on my main course. The server was helpful and lead my to a Pork Osso Buco with farm fresh veggies and corn that tastes grilled. The plate was bathed in a mole top tier, even for Oaxaca. (Check out my photos.)
A flight of the finest Mezcal made for a whimsical walk, content with a new kind of experience .
We happened to find this place while walking the city and we are very happy we did. The terrace level has amazing views. We also happened to meet Chef Diego who was a very gracious host. The food was amazingly delicious. I definitely recommend trying the Memelitas de Barbacoa, the Guacamole Con Chicharron de Pescado and the Esferas Con Estofado. You can thank me later
This place was amazing! Garnachas truly blew me away. Felt like i was eating at a michelin star restaurant. The atmosphere is perfect with amazing artwork and impeccable interior design. Warm and friendly staff. Wish I lived here so I could come back.
I’ve eaten all over the world but the food at Moogñe is absolutely amazing! This is my 1st time in Oaxaca and I was blown away by the dishes. I returned a second time and tried different menu items. I’m sure the young chef will earn a Michelin star. Friendly staff and amazing food and cocktails.
Thank you chef!
This was hands down one of the best meals of my life. Everything about our time here was memorable from the moment we walked in. Carla and Diego were incredibly warm and welcoming. The space is inviting and has a beautiful view. The food is out of this world!!
Terraza Istmo
| Address | Av. José María Morelos 400, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 511 9890 |
We enjoyed our first dinner in Oaxaca on this terrace. The service was interesting and casual… Food was good, shrimp is flavorful and delicious, and presentation matched the service. We enjoyed the cocktails. Very kind all around and not many frills here. You will enjoy dining here but don’t expect an overly memorable experience.
What a wonderful experience here. The food was amazing and the staff so friendly. We felt like we were at a family gathering. A casual vibe, beautiful view and great food at affordable prices. Plus that brownie! My husband is still talking about it. I think we ll have to go back one more time before we leave Oaxaca. Thanks for a great dinner. See you soon.
Elias was an amazing waiter and the drinks were outstanding. The tamales were great too. Homemade ice cream was fantastic too.
This is one of my top favorite restaurants in Oaxaca,I got the chicken mole tamal, shredded meat empanadas,with some great mixed drinks and to top it off they have the best brownie and ice cream dessert,hands down. Excellent service.
Such a lovely dining experience. The cocktails were beautiful too. The highlight of our trip to mexico. Paola, who served us, was so accomodating and warm. Wish we were staying longer to try the rest of the menu. Love from New Zealand!
Expendio Tradición
| Address | Reforma, Murguía &, 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 – 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.
Chichilo
| Address | C. de Mariano Abasolo 115, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro Histórico, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 951 458 3439 |
Incredible experience! Our waiters Angel and Mikey were on top of every detail, and really made us feel super special. Ambience and decoration are great. I did the mole tasting which was delicious. Perfect way to try a bunch of different types. My mother had the eggplant, and loved it. We ended up getting some cocktails to avoid the rain and met the owners who are so passionate about the business! Chatted us up about the moles and mezcal. Definitely recommend while in Oaxaca.
Chichilo was an amazing experience overall. The mole tasting was one of the highlights, and the insect tostada was delicious and definitely something unique to try. The gentleman helping us was also amazing very friendly and knowledgeable, and he took the time to explain the dishes, ingredients, and flavors.
My only complaint is the price. It was extremely overpriced, honestly even more expensive than what I would expect to pay for a similar experience in the US which was pretty shocking. Other than that, I really have no complaints.The food, service, and overall experience were excellent
Chichilo was a great experience! We did the 7 mole tasting paired with different types of mezcal. We enjoyed every bite as we learned about each mole - so good! We started our meal with a tostada with insects- chapulines, gusanos and ants. Don’t judge before you try!
A lovely meal with great service.
We really liked it here. Most people were having the mole sampler, but we went our own way 😉 and had a escamoles and a tlayuda. It's been a while since I have seen escamoles (ant eggs) on a menu. Also known as Mexican caviar, they can be delicious, and were delicious here. If you have never tried them, leave your comfort zone behind and experience a gastronomical treat!
I recently visited this restaurant and truly enjoyed the red mole taquitos; they were absolutely delicious and I highly recommend trying them. The service was good, though not exceptional, but it certainly suffices for a pleasant dining experience. The place boasts beautiful decor and ambiance, though a few fans could enhance comfort on hot days. While they do offer water, a more frequent refill service would be appreciated.
Tips for Dining Out in Oaxaca City
To make the most of your culinary journey, it helps to understand the local rhythms and etiquette. Oaxaca’s dining culture is deeply social and tied to specific times of day, and a little preparation can mean the difference between a good meal and a transcendent one. Here are the key strategies for eating like a local and avoiding common traveler mistakes.
Book ahead for dinner, but leave lunch spontaneous. The most popular dinner spots—especially those with courtyard seating or tasting menus—fill up days in advance during high season (October through April, plus Day of the Dead and Guelaguetza). Reserve your evening tables before you arrive. For lunch, however, follow the local custom of the comida corrida, a fixed-price midday meal served between 1:30 and 4:00 PM. These are often unlisted online and best discovered by walking around neighborhoods like Reforma or La Noria.
Do not skip the markets. Some of the best food in Oaxaca is not served in restaurants at all. The Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez are essential for breakfast memelas, empanadas de flor de calabaza, and the famous "pasillo de humo" (smoke aisle) where you select raw meats and have them grilled on the spot. Go early in the morning when the masa is freshest and the vendors are setting up for the day.
Embrace the siesta gap. Many restaurants close between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to prepare for dinner service. Plan your afternoon accordingly—this is the perfect time for a coffee at a café, a mezcal tasting, or a visit to the Textile Museum. Do not assume a restaurant will be open at 5:00 PM just because it is listed as "open all day" on a third-party review site.
Know your moles and tlayudas. Oaxaca is famous for its seven moles, but they are not interchangeable. Mole negro is the sweetest and most complex; coloradito is lighter and slightly spicy; amarillo is herbal and often used in empanadas. When ordering a tlayuda, request it "bien dorada" if you want it extra crispy. And always ask if the quesillo is from a specific village—some of the best comes from Reyes Etla, just outside the city.
Carry cash and be patient with service. While many upscale restaurants accept credit cards, the best street stalls, market vendors, and small family-run fondas are cash-only. Additionally, Oaxacan service is warm but unhurried; meals are meant to linger. Do not expect the rapid table-turning pace of an American restaurant. Relax, order another glass of agua de jamaica, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Dining in Oaxaca City is as much about the journey as the destination. The best meals often happen when you wander away from the main square, follow the smell of wood smoke, or strike up a conversation with a vendor who has been making the same salsa for forty years. Use this guide as a foundation, but leave room for serendipity.
Ultimately, the restaurants on this list share a common thread: they honor the ingredients and traditions of Oaxaca with genuine respect. Whether you are savoring a perfectly charred tlayuda under string lights or sitting down to a multi-course tasting menu that reimagines pre-Hispanic flavors, you are participating in a culture that values craft above all else. Come hungry, leave inspired, and know that you have only scratched the surface of this extraordinary food city.
