40 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca Mexico for Foodies: The Ultimate List

Oaxaca City is known as much for its culture, heritage, traditions and unique handicrafts, as for its cuisine.

Often called the Foodie Capital of Mexico, this article will highlight the 40 best restaurants in Oaxaca City that you must try!

Traditional Oaxaca food is some of the most delicious and varied cuisine in the world. In Oaxaca City, your senses will come alive from the moment you take your first sip of local coffee, until you end your night with smoky mezcal.

Whether you want a high end restaurant, a local spot, street tacos, or something in between, you have plenty of potions in Oaxaca.

Listed below, you’ll find the definitive list of the best restaurants in Oaxaca de Juarez, and the 5 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars.

Traditional Oaxaca Food: A Quick Guide

Before we talk about the best restaurants in Oaxaca, let’s talk about traditional Oaxacan food for a second. The cuisine of Oaxaca is different from what many know as Mexican food — and it’s not all tacos and burritos in Oaxaca.

Oaxacan cuisine revolves around several staple ingredients, including corn, beans, and chili peppers.

However, many dishes use other ingredients and food preparation methods influenced by the city’s geography, indigenous cultures, and traditions. 

Some of the Oaxaca dishes that you’ll want to try include:

• Mole: There are seven types of moles from Oaxaca, including red mole, black mole and green mole
• Tamales Oaxaquenos
• Tlayudas (AKA Mexican pizza)
• Memelas
• Tetelas
• Queso Oaxaca Cheese
• Enmoladas

If you are feeling extra brave, enjoy some chapulines (Mexican grasshoppers) for dessert!

If not, there are more traditional sweet treats, like nieves (sorbet) and tejate (pronounced tay-ha-tay), a pre-hispanic chocolate and corn drink. 🧉 Pro Tip: Try the tejate at La Flor de Huayapam in Mercado Benito Juarez Market.

Now that you know what to eat, let’s get to this epic list of the 40 best restaurants in Oaxaca so you know where to eat.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca: Fine Dining

1. Restaurante Casa Oaxaca

Located in an 18th Century colonial townhouse in the heart of the city, Casa Oaxaca is an acclaimed restaurant with a relaxed ambiance.

It is considered by many as the best restaurant in Oaxaca City, and always lands on Oaxaca Top 10 Restaurants lists. In short: This is a must-try for foodies in Oaxaca.

Head Chef Alejandro Ruiz is a global ambassador for Oaxacan cuisine — and one of the most famous Mexican chefs of our time.

He has made it his mission to celebrate the city’s diverse flavors with dishes that prioritize fresh, local ingredients sourced only from local producers. 

🏩 Casa Oaxaca Restaurant is located in the Casa Oaxaca Hotel, one of the best hotels in Oaxaca City.

Most of the restaurant’s vegetables and sprouts come from their organic garden. Other ingredients, like chiles, corn, insects, seeds, and local supplies, are all bought in from local farmers just miles from the restaurant. 

With a mixture of innovation and tradition, Casa Oaxaca is the type of establishment that offers something for everyone. Their menu has a range of dishes, including salads, soups, vegetarian options, meat and fish dishes. 

From the courtyard seating area where you wait until your table is ready, to the view from the rooftop terrace, all the way to the food and drinks — every detail is well thought out and handled perfectly.

🍽️ Oaxaca Pro Tip: Make a reservation for a rooftop table on the second floor, especially if you’re celebrating any special occasions.

From here, you have great views of the Santo Domingo Church and other landmarks in the city of Oaxaca while you enjoy the great food at this popular restaurant — one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca Centro.

best restaurants in oaxaca

2. Criollo Oaxaca

Run by Mexican chefs, Enrique Olvera of Pujol Mexico City and Chef Luis Arellano, Criollo Restaurant Oaxaca boasts contemporary yet authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

The menu changes daily, as everything is made with local, seasonal ingredients. Yes — The Criollo Oaxaca menu changes daily, which makes for a different dining experience each time you visit.

🤔 Are there any Michelin Star restaurants in Oaxaca, Mexico? No there aren’t — at least not yet — but these best Mexican chefs are working on it!

One of the most respected high-end restaurants in Oaxaca, and a foodie’s paradise, it exceeds restaurant aesthetics and interior design expectations.

In regards to food, the chefs offer a seven course tasting menu that changes every day.

Nevertheless, the Criollo menu always includes a salad, main course, deserts and Mexican wine. The dishes change daily to guarantee freshness and impeccable quality of ingredients.

If you’re seeking a fine dining Oaxaca experience, this is it!

Another option, if you have the time, is to book the all-day culinary class at Criollo, where you will learn the techniques and history of Mexican cuisine.

The restaurant is part of Casa Criollo, one of the best boutique hotels in Oaxaca.

best restaurants in oaxaca

3. El Destilado

In the heart of Oaxaca City lies El Destilado Oaxaca.

This award-winning restaurant is the brainchild of two Americans, Jason Cox and Joseph Gilbert, who fell in love with the culinary history of Oaxaca, and decided to open a restaurant.

Together, they embarked on a mission to provide excellent food paired with delicious mezcal in an environment that is casual and accessible. El Destilado restaurant is a place that both travelers and locals alike can enjoy. 

Executive chef Joseph Gilbert formerly worked at Saison, a Michelin-Star restaurant in San Francisco. His menu at El Destilado changes often, but always emphasizes local, organic, and artisanal food.

El Destilado has an a la carte menu, along with three tasting menu options, a 6- or 9-course dinner and the 12-course Chef’s Menu.

You can also opt for the beverage pairing, which includes Mexican craft beers, wine, and Oaxaca mezcals.

You can also just enjoy some mezcal and tacos on the rooftop terrace for a casual snack. In addition to everything else, El Destilado also has one of the best rooftop restaurants in Oaxaca City, Mexico.

best restaurants in oaxaca

4. Ancestral Cocina Tradicional

Focused on the mission of igniting sensory experiences through traditional Oaxacan cuisine, guests can taste the passion behind the dishes at Ancestral Cocina Tradicional Oaxaca.

In a relaxed, country atmosphere, chef Miguel Ángel Mijangos Cruz prepares food that fuses traditional Oaxacan flavors with modern techniques.

Some of the stars on the menu include the aguachile jerky, ceviche, caldo de piedra (stone soup) and mole colorado (red mole).

Did you know there are Seven Moles of Oaxaca? You can try all seven at Ancestral Cocina Tradicional with their Mole and Mezcal Experience.

The restaurant is located in the Xochimilco neighborhood, the most historic and oldest neighborhood in Oaxaca City. It is a 15 minute walk from Zocalo (Town Square) in downtown.

Oaxaca Pro Tips: If the weather’s nice, opt for a table on the beautiful terrace. While the food is amazing, some might say the best part is the ambiance.

Personally, it’s one of my favorite places to eat in Oaxaca City.

best restaurants in oaxaca

5. Levadura de Olla Restaurante

Located in the heart of Oaxaca City, Levadura de Olla Restaurant is famous for its traditional Oaxacan dishes, and some new takes on classic favorites — like the famous tamal de requeson.

It is run by Head Chef Thalía Barrios Garcia, who prepares dishes from her childhood.

She grew up in the small pueblo of San Mateo Yucutindoo, one of the municipalities of the state of Oaxaca, helping her grandmother in their kitchen. Her family recipes inspired the menu at Levadura de Olla Oaxaca.

best restaurants in oaxaca

6. Los Danzantes

Los Danzantes has locations in Oaxaca City and Mexico City’s Coyoacan neighborhood.

At first glance, it can feel a bit fussy for laid-back Oaxaca City — but one you try the food you’ll see why this is one of the top Oaxaca restaurants.

🥂 Oaxaca Restaurants Tip: After eating, head upstairs to Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar, one of the best bars in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Make sure to try Los Danzantes mezcal, their house mezcal.

Combining contemporary Mexican tastes with traditional flavors, Los Danzantes Oaxaca provides an exceptional sensory experience.

Melding the past and present, the restaurant offers a new take on traditional dishes in a fusion of old meets new.

Along with a delicious menu, the restaurant has a unique outdoor space, perfect for dining al fresco.

There’s a spectacular architect-designed patio, adobe walls, a koi pond, and a bar made of recycled materials in this trendy Oaxaca eatery.

best restaurants in oaxaca

7. Expendio Tradición

At Expendio Tradición (meaning, exporting tradition), architecture, design, food, and mezcal mix together for an unforgettable experience. With an exquisite interior reminiscent of a 1930s mezcaleria, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This charming bar and restaurant is owned by the Chagoya family. They have been producing mezcal for more than 140 years, so if you love mezcal — you must eat at Expendio Tradición Oaxaca.

Along with selling the family’s own Oaxacan mezcals, Expendio Tradición restaurant also serves interpretations of regional Oaxacan dishes.

The restaurant is not only famous for its avant-garde cooking techniques, but also for impeccable service and live music at night. It is located on the bustling C. de Manuel Fernández Fiallo Street, near all the action.

best restaurants in oaxaca

8. Origen

Touted as one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca, Origen is also home to arguably one of the most famous chefs in all of Mexico — Rodolfo Castellanos, the winner of Top Chef Mexico (Season 1).

If you do come to Origen Oaxaca City, make sure to try the chichilo mole with beef tongue. This is the dish that earned Chef Rodolfo the title of Top Chef.

Although he’s a celebrity chef, Chef Castellanos at the restaurant almost daily, cooking up some of the best Oaxacan dishes you’ll ever taste.

His mother, Eva Fuensanta, even shows up to help him around the kitchen from time to time.

best restaurants in oaxaca

9. Restaurante Catedral

Regional, national and international cuisine come together at Restaurante Catedral, which has been around since 1977.

Located in a beautiful mansion reminiscent of the Porfiriato Era in Mexican history, this is definitely the place for a fancy meal.

A Oaxacan institution, Restaurante Catedral Oaxaca offers an extensive list of traditional Oaxaca food dishes and Mexican favorites, like mole negro (black mole) and chili relleno (stuffed chili pepper).

They are known for their lovely atmosphere, and exemplary customer service. This old school institution is truly one of the Oaxaca best places to eat for a classy meal.

best restaurants in oaxaca

10. Las Quince Letras

In 1992, Celia Florián and Fidel Méndez opened Las Quince Letras. Since then, their restaurant has become a benchmark for traditional Oaxacan cuisine.

Celia Florián was even featured on an episode of Netflix’s Street Food: Latin America.

Executive Chef Celia, ​​a native of Zimatlán de Álvarez, Oaxaca has had a passion for food since childhood. This passion was ignited by her mother and grandmother, who taught her how to cook traditional Oaxacan dishes.

She now serves these same recipes that have been passed down to her at Las Quince Letras, meaning The Fifteen Letters.

The menu include a delicious selection of authentic traditional dishes from every corner of Oaxaca state, including her famous mole negro. Pro Tip: Try the trilogia de moles (mole trilogy) so you get to sample three moles.

Along with a menu brimming with traditional cuisine, Las Quince Letras Oaxaca restaurant is also known for excellent customer service and beautiful design. To really eat like the locals do, try their menu del día during lunchtime.

best restaurants in oaxaca

11. Restaurante Alfonsina

The true definition of a hidden gem, the award-winning Alfonsina Restaurant is one of the best kept secrets in Oaxaca City.

At Alfonsina, there’s no website, no hostess, and no sign to invite passing patrons inside.

Instead, Alfonsina Oaxaca is tucked away from prying eyes and has survived solely from word of mouth — because the food is just that good! The ambiance and service are also top notch.

Alfonsina Oaxaca is located in the family home of Chef Jorge León.

It sits tucked away in the unassuming San Juan Bautista La Raya neighborhood, on the outskirts of Oaxaca City, located here at Calle de García Vigil #138.

After working with some of the best chefs in Mexico, León decided to return home and open a different type of restaurant.

🧑‍🍳 Oaxaca Restaurants Fun Fact: He is nicknamed Moles because he can make so many different types of Oaxacan mole from scratch.

Alfonsina Oaxaca serves haute cuisine, mixed with the simplicity of home cooking.

It is a place where locals and travelers mingle and enjoy carefully crafted dishes made fresh every day by Jorge and his mother, Elvia.

best restaurants in oaxaca

12. La Biznaga

La Biznaga is a highly acclaimed local restaurant that offers a great selection of traditional dishes, including a complete menu del dia. The restaurant proclaims that it is a very slow food establishment.

Although this can be seen in its service, La Biznaga’s selection of innovative fusion Mexican dishes are definitely worth the wait. If you are looking for flavorful traditional dishes at a reasonable price, this is the perfect place.

Need even more options for the best Oaxacan restaurants to try? Check out Los Pacos, La Casa del Chef, Baltazar Tetelas y Mezcal, and El Tendajon, which is the best restaurant in Oaxaca for creative food.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca: As Seen on Netflix

If you’ve been watching any of the best food shows on Netflix, you’ve probably seen some of the street food in Oaxaca City.

Listed below, you’ll find the Oaxaca Netflix restaurants and street food stalls that have been highlighted.

13. Memelas Doña Vale in Central de Abastos Market

In Somebody Feed Phil, the host tours the giant Central de Abastos Market, which spans over 800 acres in the Historical Center of downtown.

Along with local expert, Omar Alonso AKA Oaxaking, they head straight for Memelas Doña Vale Oaxaca to try her famous memelas.

Even though this puesto (street food stalls) got famous from the Oaxaca netflix shows, this some of the best food Oaxaca City has.

Memelas are slightly thicker than a tortilla and pinched while being cooked to create divots that hold scrumptious toppings.

What makes Dona Vale memelas particularly special is her secret morita chili sauce, which is deliciously mouthwatering. When you try it once, you’ll soon be planning on visiting a second time.

🌶 Want to sample more of the best memelas in Oaxaca City? Check out Memelas San Agustin and La Guerita in Mercado La Merced Market.

best restaurants in oaxaca

14. Tlayudas la Chinita

Like memelas, tlayudas are one of the most famous Oaxaca street food dishes. Tlayudas oaxaqueñas were featured in the Netflix documentary series, Street Food: Latin America, in the “Oaxaca” episode.

Tlayudas la Chinita was recognized as having some of the best tlayudas in Oaxaca, so make sure to order one. Remember, this is a street stall, so it’s take out only — or you can eat it right on the street, like the locals do.

Want to try more tlayudas in Oaxaca City? Head to Tlayudas Libres, Tlayudas las Animas, Tlayudas Doña Luchita, Las Tlayudas de Mina y Bustamante and Tlayudas el Negro.

best restaurants in oaxaca

15. Empanadas del Carmen

Along with highlighting Tlayudas la Cinita, Street Food: Latin America also visited Empanadas del Carmen. This is a street stand located in the plaza beside the Iglesia Carmen de Arriba Church in Downtown Oaxaca City.

Founded in 1965 by Erminia Bautista, the Empanadas del Carmen menu is simple, yet unforgettable. Try their famous empanadas de mole amarillo (empanadas with yellow mole and chicken), one of the most flavorful moles.

best restaurants in oaxaca

16. Pasillo de Humo in Mercado 20 de Noviembre

The Pasillo de Humo, meaning Smoke Alley, is located in Mercado 20 de Noviembre Market, in the Historic Center of Oaxaca.

It is named this way because of the clouds of smoke that arise from the grilled meat veggies sold by street vendors here.

The corridor is filled with small stalls on both sides, where cooks and chefs offer a large variety of Oaxacan dishes made with jerky, pork, beef, chorizo, and tripe.

The meat is all freshly bought from farmers in the surrounding municipalities.

If this is your first visit to the Oaxaca Pasillo de Humo, it can be intimidating — especially if you don’t speak Spanish. For this reason, consider the Eating with a Local at the Markets tour, one of the best Oaxaca food tours.

If you are looking for budget-friendly options, this is one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca for cheap eats. However, it’s more of an open dining hall than a restaurant per se, with communal tables and local charm.

Don’t let the price tags fool you here! Though it doesn’t cost much to eat at the Oaxaca Meat Hall, it does have some of the best places to try traditional food in Oaxaca Mexico.

best restaurants in oaxaca

17. La Cocina de Humo

La Cocina de Humo was created by Thalia Barrios Garcia, who also owns Levadura de Olla, #5 on this list.

You might say she knows a thing or two about how to make amazing food and run a successful restaurant in competitive Oaxaca.

Meaning “Smoke Kitchen,” La Cocina de Humo gives diners the experience of eating in the pueblos of rural Oaxaca. These smoke-filled kitchens are common in Oaxaca towns, like San Mateo Yucutindoo, where Chef Thalia is from.

La Cocoina de Humo is not a traditional restaurant; it’s an experience. They offer only a six-course chef’s tasting that’s served family style.

You must make a reservation, and they only accommodate parties of 2-7 diners. ▶︎ Learn more here.

best restaurants in oaxaca

18. Comedor Istmeño Casa Juchitan

If you are looking for traditional and homemade Istmeño Oaxacan cuisine, look no further than the Comedor Istmeño Casa Juchitan restaurant. Grandmother’s cooking at its finest in a house-turned-restaurant run by two local women.

🤔 What is Istmeño cuisine?

Oaxaca state has eight regional cuisines, including comida istmeña. This food is from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, located near the coast.

There is a lot of seafood in Isthmian cuisine, and also similarities to Yucatan food from the Yucatan Peninsula.

Traditional Oaxaca Ishtmus dishes include pescado zandunga (egg battered fish fillet in lime sauce), estofado de res (traditional mole from Jalapa del Marqués), mole negro (black mole), and a baked suckling pig dish similar to cochinita pibil.

best restaurants in oaxaca

19. Zandunga Oaxaca

Zandunga began as an impromptu restaurant, serving locals dishes like garnachas and small cuartito beers on the weekends. They made due, operating out of their kitchen, living room, dining room and open-air patio for years.

In 2002, the family made it official by opening their first location. Their original location in Downtown Oaxaca Centro was so successful, they later opened a second location in the Reforma neighborhood.

Today, this is a favorite restaurant for locals craving traditional Oaxaca Istmeño cuisine. This regional cuisine is considered among the best traditional food in the state of Oaxaca.

Want to try the other best Oaxaca restaurants for Isthmus cuisine? Head to Sirilo Cocina Folk, Yu Ne Nisa, El Son Istmeño and Terraza Istmo.

best restaurants in oaxaca

20. Itanoni Flor de Maiz

Itanoni Flor de Maiz (usually just called Itanoni) is a family-run restaurant that pays homage to the most humble of local ingredients — maiz (corn). They have all different types here, including tuxpeño corn, and the native Mexican criollo corn.

The menu at Itanoni will be unfamiliar to most diners, but don’t let that deter you.

For assistance, their standouts are tetelas, de ese with refried beans, tamales oaxaqueños and memelas, and to drink, a tascalate, atole or cafe de olla.

🤔 Not sure what any of that means?! Learn to eat like a Oaxaca local on this tour.

Of all the things just listed, don’t pass up the chance to try tascalate (pronounced tess-kah-lat-tay).This is a delicious pre-hispanic drink made with corn, chocolate, pine nuts and more — and something you won’t find anywhere else in town.

best restaurants in oaxaca

21. El Biche Pobre

El Biche Pobre is a family dining room serving up a variety of homemade, traditional Oaxacan dishes and appetizers. A local hotspot, arrive early because Biche Pobre can get packed.

Pro Tip: If there’s a long wait, you can always get take out and walk two blocks to the popular El Llano Park to eat. (📍 It’s on Calle Miguel Hidalgo, and you can find it here on Google Maps.)

👩‍🍳 Oaxaca home cooking style restaurants

For more traditional Oaxacan food, head to El Escapulario, La Cocina de Doña Esther, Coquina Hua Xha, La Soledad, Tizne, Fonda Florecita in Mercado de la Merced, El Tipico, Almu and Teocintle-Tika’aya Cocina Indigena.

best restaurants in oaxaca

22. Mercado Benito Juárez Market

One of the best things to do in Oaxaca City is just stroll the city’s mercados, or local markets.

The most well-known and best market in Oaxaca is Benito Juarez Market, ideal for buying souvenirs and sampling Oaxacan food and drinks.

This Oaxacan mercado has everything you’d ever want or need to buy while in town — fresh produce, meats, cheeses, flowers, mezcal, artisan goods, leather products, locally-made clothing, etc.

It is the perfect place to shop for local handicrafts before stopping at the many food stalls to try some Oaxacan street food favorites.

Don’t miss the tamales oaxaqueños (Oaxacan tamales, or banana leaf tamales), fresh-made corn tortillas, aguas casilda and Oaxacan cheese.

best restaurants in oaxaca

23. Tierra del Sol Casa Restaurante

Chef Olga Cabrera Oropeza, the mastermind behind Tierra del Sol Oaxaca restaurant. She is originally from Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, a rural municipality in northern Oaxaca state that’s near the border with Puebla state.

Chef Olga grew up in a home where food was the focus. Her mother and grandmother were bakers, and instilled in her a love of Oaxaca Mixteca food from an early age. 

This led her to open her own restaurant, Tierra del Sol.

Each of the dishes she offers are an ode to traditional Mixteca flavors and cuisine, and Chef Olga’s food incorporates family traditions and memories, to create true gastronomic pleasures! 

best restaurants in oaxaca

24. Restaurante Coronita

An emblematic restaurant in Oaxaca City, Restaurante Coronita is run by the Leon family. For three generations, they have been cooking comal-to-plate. Here, the taste of tradition is their pride and joy. 

The restaurant offers more than 150 dishes on their expansive menu — so there’s something for everyone.

Everything is made with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, including a unique tasting menu of all seven Oaxaca moles.

Their Coronita Antojitos platter has been served at the restaurant for more than 50 years, so you know it’s good! If you’re looking for the best breakfast in Oaxaca City, they also serve a traditional yet unique Oaxacan breakfast.

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25. La Popular Cafe

As the name suggests, La Popular Oaxaca is actually very popular. The restaurant offers both antojitos (snacks or appetizers), tortas (sandwiches), and other more substantial Mexican favorites and Oaxacan dishes.

⚠️ UPDATE: La Popular got so popular that they now have two locations.

The info below is about the original location (📍here), but their newer location (📍here) is a great option if the original is too crowded.

It is a small restaurant with large doors that open all the way, so it can feel like you’re in an open courtyard in the middle of bustling Downtown Oaxaca.

La Popular Cafe is a locals’ favorite for a budget-friendly meal, delicious food and friendly service.

🍽 Best Oaxaca Cafes

Want to visit more of the best cafes in Oaxaca? Head to Café Brújula, Cafebre, Onnno Lonchería, Santa Hierba, El Pochote Rayón Mercado Orgánico, Chepiche Cafe, and El Quinque, for the best burgers in Oaxaca.

best restaurants in oaxaca

26. Casa Taviche (Best Menu del Dia in Oaxaca)

Although it might not look like much at first glance, Casa Taviche has one of the best menus del día in all of Oaxaca. (Keep reading to find out what this means.)

Inside, patrons will be greeted by lovely music, a welcoming atmosphere, and pastel-painted furniture. Once seated, patrons will notice that the menu is quite affordable, and features a large variety of traditional Oaxacan dishes.

The menu also changes daily, as a way to show patrons that their ingredients are fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced.

🤔 What is menu del dia?

Before we mention any more restaurants, you might be asking, what is a Mexico menu del día?

It means menu of the day, and is an affordable, prix fixe (fixed price or set-priced) menu that’s usually only available during lunchtime.

Usually a three-course meal, most menu del día meals consist of several small courses.

This is often an appetizer or soup, hot entree, and agua del dia (water of the day), which is a fresh fruit water. Some places also include dessert and coffee.

Want to check out more great Oaxaca restaurants known for their menu del día? Head to La Casa de la Chef, El Típico, La Biznaga, Cabuche and La Olla.

best restaurants in oaxaca

27. Calabacitas Tiernas (Best Oaxaca Vegan)

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, but still want to enjoy delicious traditional Oaxacan dishes, make sure to visit Calabacitas Tiernas.

The restaurant offers traditional and international cuisine, with excellent service and a chilled and relaxed atmosphere.

At Calabacitas, you can sample all the delicious produce from Oaxaca and Central Mexico, like flor de calabaza, chayote, tuna (fruit), huitlacoche, and more. They also offer an affordable and healthy menu del día (menu of the day).

best vegan in Oaxaca City

🌱 Want to try more of the best vegan restaurants in Oaxaca City? Head to Hierba Dulce, Le Campane, Etnofood and Los Muchitos Comida Vegana.

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28. Mayordomo Chocolate Shop

Are you a chocolate lover?

If you answered yes, you will love Mayordomo Oaxaca. This Oaxacan chocolate shop has locations throughout the city, but don’t miss the one on Mina Street (Calle Francisco Javier Mina) near the Zócalo.

Here, the smell of chocolate fills the air, as there’s several chocolate spots on this street; though Mayordomo is the most famous. Step inside to see cocoa beans being ground into chocolate, try a sample or two, and buy some to take home.

🍫 Looking for more sweet treats and desserts in Oaxaca? Head to Rito Chocolatería & Tienda and Nieves La Oaxaqueña.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca for Tacos

Are you looking to try the best tacos in Oaxaca City? Of course you are! In the list below, you’ll find all the best restaurants in Oaxaca for tacos.

29. Lechoncito de Oro (Best Tacos in Oaxaca)

Lechoncito de Oro is a must try taqueria! This late-night street taco stand only serves tacos de lechón con chicharrón (pork tacos topped with crispy pork rinds) and tacos de pierna (pork leg) tacos, so try one of each.

During the day, their taco cart isn’t even there, as they only open from about 8pm-1am (or later on weekends). To find it, head to the street corner of Calle de los Libres and Calle Murguía.

There might be a wait, especially on weekends, but it’s worth it for these mind-blowingly delicious tacos — which many consider the best tacos in Oaxaca City.

🌮 Note: For similar tacos at a place that usually doesn’t have a wait, head to Taquería Ta’ Bihui in Downtown Oaxaca City.

best restaurants in oaxaca

30. Don Juanito Tacos al Vapor

Similar to the beloved tacos de canasta (basket tacos) in Mexico City, tacos al vapor are steamed tacos. These aren’t something you’ll find everywhere, so make sure to try the best tacos al vapor in Oaxaca at Don Juanito Taqueria.

Opened in 1966, this beloved Oaxaca taco chain has been passed down in the same family for several generations. Besides the tacos al vapor, they are famous for pozole, tacos al pastor, and other other traditional Oaxacan dishes.

31. Tacos de Comal Plaza del Carmen

One of the city’s more famous street stands, Tacos del Carmen (AKA Tacos de Comal Plaza del Carmen) is a family-run operation.

The tacos and empanada are prepared with fresh corn dough and cooked on a traditional Oaxacan clay cooking comal.

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32. Taco Sireno

Taco Sireno is a must visit for seafood lovers. You can get every kind of seafood taco here — oysters, octopus, shrimp, fish, crab, and more.

If you don’t want tacos, they also have an impressive torre de mariscos (seafood tower).

🍤 Other Oaxaca seafood restaurants

Another great option seafood and fish tacos in Oaxaca is Humar-La Rambla. Their tuna carnitas tacos an octopus tacos are amazing!

For a lower cost option, head to Ramon Camaron, known for their cheap but good food.

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33. Taquería Tacomer

A local favorite that’s slightly off the beaten path, Taquería Tacomer is an excellent place for a late-night snack and a beer or two.

This popular spot serves budget-friendly yet delicious eats, all made with local and fresh ingredients.

🌮 Best Oaxaca Taco shops

Want to try more of the best Oaxaca tacos? Head to Chefinita Taco Cart, El Taco Brown, El Fogoncito and Tacos Roy, one of the best Oaxaca taco chains.

best restaurants in oaxaca

34. Barbacoa El Tejupense

Wondering, What is barbacoa? Barbacoa translates to barbecue, and much like barbecue in the United States, this is a food usually reserved for the weekends.

Traditional Mexican barbacoa is made with goat, sheep or beef (it differs in different parts of the country).

The meat is marinated, wrapped in banana leaves and buried in a pit, where it slow-cooks for days, resulting in juicy meat that falls off the bone.

At El Tejupense Oaxaca, the barbacoa is made with chivo (goat), as is common of Oaxaca barbacoa. If you want to try Mixteco barbacoa de borrego (sheep), then check out El Borrego De Oro.

El Tejupense, and most of the best barbacoa places, are located about 30 minutes outside of the Oaxaca City Center. If you have a rental car, that’s the easiest way to visit, but you can also go by taxi (Note: There’s no Uber in Oaxaca.)

🌮 Want to try more of the best barbacoa in Oaxaca? Head to Barbacoa El Canillas, Comedor Familiar San Antonio, Barbacoa Estilo Mixteco “El Profe,” and Barbacoa de Horno, Escamoles, y Gusanos.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca for Non-Oaxacan Food

Though Oaxacan food is what you want in Oaxaca, everyone craves a little variety from time to time.

If you’re after some more familiar culinary comforts, there are a lot of restaurants in Oaxaca for non-Oaxacan food, like the ones listed below.

35. Boulenc Bakery in Oaxaca

Boulenc Oaxaca is a European-style bakery that seems to do it all.

A favorite spot among locals and visitors alike, they are famous for their breads, pastries, homemade jams, local honey, kefir — and even their house-made ketchup!

But Boulenc is more than just a bakery; their menu is filled with French, Italian, and international dishes like wood-oven pizza made on sourdough. For breakfast, there’s egg muffins, croque monsieur, and so much more.

If you’re looking for a European-style brunch menu, then Boulenc is perfect for you. In fact, this is known as the best brunch in Oaxaca — so arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends.

🧁 Want to check out more of the best bakeries in Oaxaca? Head to Pan Con Madre, and Masea Trigo y Maiz, or check out the Boulenc menú here.

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36. Cafe Bistrot Epicuro (Best Italian Restaurant in Oaxaca)

If you’re craving authentic Italian food in Oaxaca City, Cafe Bistrot Epicuro is the place. Located in the heart of the city, enjoy contemporary Mediterranean cuisine prepared with local, organic produce, free-range poultry and meat.

🍝 Want to eat more of the best Italian food in Oaxaca? Head to Dassani Restaurante in downtown. For the best pizza in Oaxaca, don’t miss to Mexita in the Reforma neighborhood.

best restaurants in oaxaca

37. Wasabi Sushi (Best Sushi in Oaxaca)

When you think of Oaxaca, you really don’t think of sushi, however, Wasabi Sushi Oaxaca does sushi right. In Mexico, sushi rolls tend to come overloaded with cream cheese, but Wasabi has options with and without, and even dessert rolls.

🍣 For an upscale sushi experience, don’t miss Crudo Oaxaca.

This Oaxacan-Japanese omakase fusion spot is one of the highest rated restaurants in Oaxaca, and was featured on an episode of Somebody Feed Phil on Nextflix.

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38. Ramen Ya

For authentic Japanese cuisine in Oaxaca de Juárez (the official name of Oaxaca City), head to Ramen Ya. If the weather’s nice, enjoy your meal on their gorgeous outdoor patio. Note: Ramen Ya is sometimes called Kintaro.

Ramen Ya Oaxaca serves a large variety of rice and ramen dishes that can be ordered as a full or half portion.

They also have yummy desserts, like matcha ice cream, and a nice selection of authentic Japanese sake to pair with your dish.

39. Red Indian Chili (Indian Food in Oaxaca)

Red Indian Chili specializes in authentic Indian food, offering dishes from various parts of India.

The restaurant also has a vegetarian menu, though all dishes can also be made vegan upon request.

best restaurants in oaxaca

40. El Morocco (Middle Eastern Food)

\Alejandra Aquino, the restaurant’s founder, spent years waiting tables at a Moroccan restaurant in Montreal, Canada. There, she realized she wanted to bring authentic Moroccan cuisine back to her hometown of Oaxaca.

Thrilled with her idea and passion, the restaurant owners trained and taught her on how to cook traditional Moroccan classics.

She even traveled with them to Morocco, and they helped her pick out the decor for her new restaurant. 

At El Morocco Oaxaca restaurant, patrons can find the most typical dishes of Moroccan cuisine, such as lamb couscous, pastilla, kefta, and merguez skewers.

They also serve other Arab-Lebanese cuisine staples, like hummus and falafel.

BONUS: 5 Best Mezcalerias in Oaxaca (Mezcal Bars)

Although mezcal is made in many different Mexico states, more than 70% of mezcal is made in Oaxaca — much of it coming from families who have specialized in artisanal mezcal production for generations.

Oaxaca is seen as the Mexican Capital of Mezcal. You’ll find traditional mezcalerias, or mezcal bars, specializing in , can be found throughout the city. Here are the Top 5 best Oaxaca mezcal bars you won’t want to miss.

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1. La Mezcaloteca

La Mezcaloteca Oaxaca is part mezcal school, part tasting room. After your time here, you can take your knowledge of mezcal to all other mezcalerias in Oaxaca you visit.

🥃 Note: There’s free admission, but reservations are required to do a tasting. If you want to do a tour, check out these best Oaxaca mezcal tours.

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2. Mezcalería In Situ

Surrounded by walls lined with bottles and bottles of mezcal, Mezcalería In Situ founder, Ulises Torrontera, claims he has the most extensive collection of the spirit in all Mexico.

This hasn’t been verified by any official sources, but he definitely has a lot of mezcal — about 100 types, in fact.

At Mezcalería In Situ, you can marvel at his collection, which includes traditional and artisanal mezcal, and also taste some samples. 

The bar owner Ulises is a bonafide mezcal expert, having written articles and a few books about the spirit. He is always ready and eager to explain the history behind this complex drink to anyone who wishes to learn more.

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3. La Mezcalerita

La Mezcalerita Oaxaca has a casual atmosphere, with three cozy rooms downstairs and a big rooftop patio.

There are a lot of rooftops in Oaxaca to choose from, so make sure you visit this one (or any of them) to enjoy the beautiful Oaxaca sunset.

Along with their extensive list of Oaxaca mezcals, they also have a huge list of artisanal beers from Mexico. La Mezcalerita is also a brewery, so this is both a great Oaxaca mezcaleria and one of the best Oaxaca beer bars.

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4. La Casa del Mezcal

This is one of the oldest mezcal bars in Oaxaca City, founded in 1935. La Casa del Mezcal Oaxaca has a charming vintage aesthetic, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to enjoy all their different varieties of mezcal.

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5. Sabrina Sabe

Sabina Sabe Oaxaca was named in honor of Mazatec medicine woman, Maria Sabina. She is one of the most famous people from Oaxaca, hailing from the Huautla de Jiménez Oaxaca pueblo magico (magic town).

They claim to have one of the world’s largest selections of the sprint, and proudly display their collection of rows upon rows throughout the bar. This is a bar where the love for Oaxacan mezcal is obvious.

Along with the immense selection, Sabrina Sabe offers several mezcal cocktails which put a modern spin on mezcal.

Their food menu consists of local Oaxacan cuisine, including the kitchen’s signature taco special, which changes daily. 

When enjoying your cocktail or a shot of mezcal, take a look around at the art. The bar houses artworks by famed Mexican artist, Alejandro Magallanes.

best restaurants in oaxaca

BONUS: Best Oaxaca Taco Tours & Cooking Classes

While this was a massive list of the Top 40 Best restaurants in Oaxaca Mexico, it is by no means exhaustive.

As the “Foodie Capital of Mexico,” it’s hard to eat a bad meal — but to find the great ones, you need a Oaxaca City local.

Even if you don’t know one, you can go on a food tour in Oaxaca with a knowledgeable guide to show you all the secret spots. In short: To find the best places to eat Oaxaca City Mexico, you need a local!

You can also take a culinary piece of Oaxaca home by learning how to cook authentic Oaxacan food from a local.

Oaxaca food tours and cooking classes in Oaxaca are the best way to get to know the city through its food. Check out the best ones listed below.

1. Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class with Sonia Silvia (Rated 4.98/5 Stars)
2. Mezcal and Mole with a Certified Sommelier (Rated 4.96/5 Stars)
3. Tacos and Secret Bars of the City (Rated 4.97/5 Stars)
4. Eating with a Local at the Markets (Rated 4.97/5 Stars)
5. Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class (Rated 4.9/5 Stars)
6. Ethnic Mixology with Organic Mezcal (Rated 4.89/5 Stars)

Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ

🗺️ Oaxaca Map

Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city. It is located about six hours south of Mexico City by car, or one 1.5 hours via direct flights from Mexico City to Oaxaca City. ▶︎ Book your flights here.

🌡️ Oaxaca weather

However, the temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it can be a year-round destination. While it will rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you’ll also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January.

Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.

Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca. If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May.

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.

However, if you take the same travel precautions you would anywhere else — stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you’ll be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.

Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico. Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.

⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?

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What are the best places to stay in Oaxaca?

Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca Mexico? That’s understandable as there are a lot of great options at all price points, from Oaxaca boutique hotels to hostels.

Have a look at the options below, and if you need even more suggestions, check out these 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City.

🏆 Best neighborhoods in Oaxaca City

First time visitors will find staying near the Zocalo in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) very convenient, as it’s walkable.

The colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca, are also great options.

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If you’re doing any Oaxaca day trips to the archaeological sites and nearby towns, you’ll want a rental car.

If you don’t want to drive, a group tour is your best bet. I recommend booking your Oaxaca tours via Airbnb Experiences and Viator.

I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.

They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.

• Download DiDi Rider for iPhone
• Download DiDi Rider for Android

For those who want to explore the villages outside town, like Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, you’ll want at least 5-6 days on your Oaxaca itinerary.

In fact, Oaxaca is called the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants. Many say for the true best restaurant Oaxaca options, you’ll have to hit up the street food carts.

There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.

As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.

I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!

Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Oaxaca City

There are an endless number of places to eat in Oaxaca City, and honestly, it’s hard to eat a bad meal. Once you arrive, you’ll see why eating in Oaxaca is one of the reasons visitors return to this Mexico city year after year.

This list highlighted all the best places to eat in Oaxaca City, so each one of your meals is memorable.

For me, the best place to eat in Oaxaca City is Memelas Doña Vale for cheap eats, and Ancestral Cocina Tradicional for dinner.