35 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca Mexico (2025)

Oaxaca has long been celebrated for its rich culture. And one place that is best expressed is in its food.

So when I updated this list of the best restaurants in Oaxaca, I knew I wanted to focus on places that mostly serve traditional food from the different regions of Oaxaca.

But I also wanted to include a variety of the best places to eat in Oaxaca – from the small traditional restaurants and mercados to modern restaurants with innovative tasting menus.

It’s also not definitive, but rather a guide to where I have found the best food in Oaxaca while living here for the last three years. I often skipped the most popular, touristic places that are recommended elsewhere.

You’ll notice most of these are restaurants in Oaxaca centro because it’s the area most travelers visit. But I’ve also included a handful of top restaurants in the surrounding pueblos. And for your sanity, I’ve organized these 35 Oaxaca restaurants into categories. I encourage you to use the table of contents to find what you’re looking for.

¡Buen provecho!

Traditional Oaxaca Restaurants

These Oaxaca restaurants serve some of the best traditional foods of Oaxaca. The food is simple and rustic. The result is some of my favorite places to eat in Oaxaca. In no particular order, let’s discover them all!

1. Casa Mook

The menu at Casa Mook prominently features the staples of Oaxacan cuisine – huitlacoche, purslane, squash blossoms and quintoniles (herbs) such as hoja santa, epazote, and chepiche. And of course, corn.

It all comes together in their dishes of mole, tlayuda, tetelas, garnaches, soups and salads inspired by different regions of Oaxaca. 

The atmosphere of this Oaxacan restaurant feels like an art gallery. The artwork hanging on the walls further pays homage to the food traditions of Oaxaca. My favorite area is the back dining area that opens to a few tables in the back courtyard.

2. El Escapulario

El Escapulario is best known for traditional Oaxacan food, particularly its variety of moles. But you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. One of my local friends is a big fan of the tlayudas while another swoons for the homemade soups.

Because of the variety of Oaxacan moles, including the hard to find manchamantel, it’s a great place to order a mole tasting. The classic mole negro is complex – rich and not too sweet. She also makes an estofado with olives and capers that’s incredibly flavorful.

Without a doubt, El Escapulario serves some of the best food in Oaxaca.

3. Tizne

This restaurant and cafe is part of a group of businesses located on the main walking street. The covered courtyard is full of greenery. Tables line the perimeter with half walls that serve a dual purpose as privacy and gallery space for a variety of graphic art pieces.

The art continues at the accompanying businesses. Most prominent is the gallery space of Jacobo y Ángela who are well-known for their alebrije workshop in San Martin Tilcajete. There is also jewelry and pottery in the other surrounding businesses.

I ordered the tetela, which from my experience is a super soft corn dough in the shape of a triangle. This version was one large tetela layered inside with Hoja Santa leaves, cheese, and pureed black beans.

It lived up to my previous experience of tetelas being soft, yet rustic.  The pleasant surprise was the thick greens of purslane, delicate cilantro criollo, and thinly sliced radishes on top. The hearty texture of the purslane was an incredible pairing with the softness of the tetela.

4. El Chapulín

From the street, this restaurant in Oaxaca centro looks unassuming. But when you go upstairs it opens to a breezy rooftop terrace that serves great Oaxacan food. 

The small but varied menu includes a range of dishes from classic mole to seafood, including the hard to find caldo de piedra. I would venture to say El Chapulín restaurant is a hidden gem in Oaxaca that’s waiting to be discovered.

5. Coquina Hua Xha

As I walked past the open doors, the aromas emanating from this small restaurant convinced me to eat here. Sarita and Antonio, the husband and wife team behind Coquina Hua Xha, are a delight to watch in the restaurant. 

Antonio greets and serves the customers while Sarita works her magic in the open-style kitchen. She periodically selects herbs from a large clay plate to add to the various pots that are cooking on the stove.

After taking my order, Antonio walks into the kitchen and she holds up a spoonful of sauce that’s been simmering long before I arrived. He tastes it and gives her an approving nod before they both go back to work.

The cozy space feels like sitting at your friend’s house for lunch or dinner. Even the way Sarita moves about the kitchen is similar to a home chef. And when she opens the stainless double door fridge, the well-organized shelves come into view. They are full of fresh ingredients and containers of what I can only imagine are incredibly flavorful sauces and stews.

The dish of mole amarillo that I ordered was really comforting. The mole was full of vegetables – potatoes, carrots, and chayote squash and topped with a leg and thigh of chicken. I highly recommend checking out the homemade flavors coming out of this kitchen.

6. Los Muchitos Comida Vegana

Los Muchitos is easily one of my favorite vegan restaurants in Oaxaca City for their plant based variations of traditional Oaxacan dishes. Mole, tlayudas, enfrijoladas, and more get a vegan twist thanks to their homemade substitutions like asiento made from seeds.

The menu also includes traditional foods from throughout Mexico such as chilaquiles, milanesa, and mushrooms al pastor. To top it off, the prices are incredibly reasonable. And I love eating on their breezy covered terrace.

7. 20 de Noviembre Market

When you ask where the best food in Oaxaca is, many people tell you to eat in the local markets. And they are right. You can find some incredible food when you explore the markets in Oaxaca. I highly recommend you visit several, including those outside of the city.

But if you’re looking for an inexpensive but flavorful place to eat in Oaxaca centro, you have a good chance of finding it at Mercado 20 de Noviembre – a market known for food. On my first visit to Oaxaca, this is where I ate my first tlayuda and it was amazing.

More recently I had the special of the day, Res de Amarillo, at Comedor Típico La Abuelita located in the middle of the market and it totally hit the spot. This market also has stands loaded with traditional breads from the surrounding villages. 

And you can’t miss the smoky Pasillo de Humo where you order meat of your choice to be grilled on the spot (sides of veggies are available too). Although I highly recommend checking out the original at Tlacolula Sunday Market.

8. La Cosecha Market

When friends and family visit me in Oaxaca, we often eat at La Cosecha Market for lunch to try different traditional foods.

While a few of the stands sell fresh organic produce, most are occupied by traditional Oaxacan chefs who cook homemade food. You’ll find a variety of options here from memelas and enchiladas to seafood dishes.

9. Comedor Istmeño Casa Juchitán

You’ll know you’ve arrived at this local Oaxaca restaurant when you see the vibrant traditional clothes hanging at the entrance. It’s one of several clues of the homemade cuisine created inside.

Located on the enclosed front patio of a house turned restaurant in Oaxaca centro, the open kitchen is run by two women who cook food from the Istmo region of Oaxaca.

I decided on ganaches which are crispy corn discs. They are topped with finely shredded beef, salty cheese, and served with shredded cabbage and carrots. You should definitely visit this Oaxacan restaurant for a taste of the Istmo.

10. El Pochote Rayón Mercado Orgánico

This restaurant space consists of a shared patio with various restaurants and tables tucked between. Between the different menus, there is a wide variety of options with some overlap. Most dishes lean towards healthy with options to include salad and vegetables.

On my first visit I was delighted to order coconut shrimp coated in large shreds of coconut, the sweetness of which paired beautifully with the spicy creamy avocado salsa on the table. When my friends visited, we shared delicious plates of tradtional food, all for a great price.

Best High End Restaurants in Oaxaca City

I’ve broken this section off from the traditional restaurants in Oaxaca to separate those at a higher price point and for lack of a better term, “high end.” The food is often creative but rooted in tradition. Keep in mind, a reservation is recommended for most of these restaurants.

11. Ancestral Cocina Traditional

Built alongside the old aqueducts in the neighborhood of Xochimilco, this Oaxaca restaurant feels like walking into the patio of a Oaxacan country home. The floor is paved in bricks that frequently pause to make room for the various trees and tropical foliage planted throughout. 

The interesting menu at Ancestral proved difficult to decide what to order. Since I wanted to try different things, I decided on several appetizers. The highlight was the aguachile de tasajo. The presentation in and of itself was over the top. And the herbaceous flavor did not disappoint. 

It’s served in a molcajete topped with a very thin toasted maize top that slightly resembles a tostada. The top is garnished with chipotle mayonnaise, tightly rolled cucumber slices, and long fronds of cilantro. The server recommended I use a utensil to break it open and reveal the thin slices of tasajo enveloped in a bright green citrusy liquid underneath.

I’ve since returned with friends to try more dishes at Ancestral. We all shared various plates, which I highly recommend.

12. Catarán

With just one table in the entire restaurant, Catarán is an incredibly intimate dining experience. Daniel is a self trained Oaxacan chef who’s passionate about creating innovative dishes using traditional ingredients.

The multi course tasting menu consists of a series of beautiful plates, each one uniquely different from the next. He patiently explains the ingredients and is available to answer questions. 

When my friend and I dined here, we did not meet the sommelier and server as she was on a wine exploration trip. But from reviews, I believe she speaks English to help with explanations.

13. Levadura de Olla

The incredibly interesting menu at Levadura de Olla restaurant in Oaxaca beckons you to order an array of plates to share with your table. It’s organized into four sections – typical dishes, ancestral dishes, ceremonial dishes, and creative proposal which highlights their innovative dishes using traditional ingredients.

Chef Thalía Barrios García pays homage to the rustic, traditional flavors and uses local produce from the surrounding pueblos. You’ll find different types of moles, stews, and soups as well as a few seafood dishes. And although the menu has regular slight changes, the famous heirloom tomato salad is a staple that is always available.

I’ve eaten at Levadura de Olla several times, including when it first opened in a different location. And it’s always a enjoyed by guests that are visiting. But I’ve also had some mixed experiences here, as can happen in any dining experience.

14. Tika’aya

Tika’aya also offers a creative tasting menu that is rooted in traditional Oaxacan ingredients. Formally known as Teocintle (which I will always know it as), this Oaxaca restaurant is intimate and charming. 

Chef Tono is inspired by the food of his home in the Mixtec region of Oaxaca. And every dish he creates feels like a work of art. Keep in mind, each plate is crafted at the time and there may be kinks in the service. But don’t let that stop you from eating here.

15. CRUDO – Omakase in Oaxaca

The omakase tasting menu at Crudo highlights Oaxacan ingredients while seamlessly blending them with Japanese flavors and techniques. With seating for up to six guests at the chef bar, this is an intimate dining experience.

As I watch chef Ricardo Arellano slice pieces of fresh fish and toast sheets of seaweed in front of my eyes, my mind begins to wander and imagine the next course.

He hands my dining companion a taco of seabass wrapped in nori and topped with avocado and purslane. She takes a bite and exclaims, “That’s what I want my mouth to taste like forever!” And that’s pretty much how the entire night continued.

To dine at Crudo, you’ll need to make reservations. It’s best to send the chef a message on Instagram.

16. Los Danzantes

I initially avoided Los Danzantes, which is located in the heart of the city near Santo Domingo Church. I wrote it off as one of a handful of touristy Oaxaca restaurants and decided to seek out more local options.

But after about the fifth person raved to me about the food, I decided I needed to check it out myself.

The food is delicious, the cocktails are well balanced, and the atmosphere is incredible. I wouldn’t say this is the most traditional place to eat in Oaxaca, but they use classic Oaxacan ingredients in a modern way.

Every plate is beautifully presented. The servers are top-notch. And the lofty covered patio is incredibly beautiful for an elevated meal in Oaxaca.

17. Humar

If you’re looking for a place to eat the best seafood in Oaxaca, Humar should top your list. Options include aguachile, tuna tosada, fish tacos, and more. On the weekends the menu expands to include fresh oysters and clams.

I highly recommend sitting at a table on the upstairs terrace which features an open space and cool breeze.

Best Restaurants Near Oaxaca

If you’re going on one of the many day trips from Oaxaca City, you’ll want to save this list of Oaxaca restaurants that are located just outside of the city. I’ve included the town name as well as a link to the map location.

18. Mo-Kalli Restaurante

If you’re visiting Tlacolula Market on a Sunday, you’re probably already planning to taste the incredible barbacoa and grilled meats in the original pasillo de humo. But you should save room to eat at Mo-Kalli.

Chef Catalina Lucas is one of the many guardians of traditional Oaxacan food and she’s especially well known for her moles. When my friends and I ate here one afternoon, she brought us a mole tasting plate so that we could decide which ones to order. We each ordered a plate with the meat of our choice and two or three different moles.

19. Caldo de Piedra

This restaurant is one of the most unique places to eat in Oaxaca simply because of its signature dish – a fish soup of the same name. Originating from San Felipe Usila of the Papaloapan Region (near Veracruz), Caldo de Piedra was made by the men of the community as a way to honor the women.

Traditionally it was made in a large carved stone on the riverbanks using hot rocks to heat the broth. And then served to the women in a gourd bowl. At this restaurant located near the Tule Tree, a lot of the same tradition is kept in its preparation. 

When my mom and I visited, a large gourd bowl of soup arrived at the table, literally boiling from the hot stones inside. The owner and chef, who hails from the Papaloapan Region, has a lot of pride for this regional dish and it shows.

20. Almú

As you walk into this space, your attention is immediately drawn to the open kitchen. Large heavy pots simmer over the fire while a woman cooks fresh tortillas on the large comal. In the dining area, thick wooden tables are surrounded by plants before transitioning to the small greenhouse area.

The menu is traditionally Oaxacan for a dining experience that I would describe as elevated rustic. Afterward, make time to explore the surrounding grounds of the reforestation project. This impressive undertaking was started by Jacobo and Maria Angeles who operate one of the most well-known alebrije workshops in San Martin Tilcajete.

21. La Cocina de Frida

Another of my favorite markets is in Ocotlán, when on Fridays the market expands to the streets for the weekly tianguis. Inside the mercado, you’ll find La Cocina de Frida, a traditional restaurant by local chef Beatriz/Frida.

When I first heard about this Oaxacan restaurant and the chef who dresses like Frida everyday I questioned if it was a marketing gimmick. But I’m here to tell you, it’s not. One of my favorite of her dishes is carne de puerco con verdolagas (pork with purslane). The green sauce and hearty purslane is the perfect compliment to the pork. 

When you arrive, you can ask for a tasting plate of moles and stews to decide which one you want to order. You also don’t want to miss her requeson en hoja de platano (ricotta in banana leaf) which is grilled to warm and soften the cheese.

22. Restaurante La Casa de la Abuela

If you want to take a short trip out of the city, the pueblo of Huayápam located about a 30 minute drive is a great option. It’s known as the capital of tejate, one of the most emblematic drinks of Oaxaca.

This rustic family restaurant features a lovely tree covered patio. The menu features delicious traditional food – from tlayudas to memelas. In the morning, it’s a place to enjoy a cup of Oaxacan chocolate with bread. And in the afternoons, they serve tejate as well as other drinks.

23. Luz de Luna Huayápam

Luz de Luna is another great option in Huayápam, although they are only open a few days per week from morning until the early evening.

The breakfast menu includes classics such as chilaquiles, enfrijoladas, and enchiladas de mole coloradito. They also serve the famous Oaxacan memelas and the harder to find tetelas. The lunch and dinner menu also includes classic options of mole and estofado, barbacoa, and more. 

I find the space at Luz de Luna to be beautiful and inviting, including the upstairs patio. They also have a small but chic bar area that my friends enjoyed frequenting when they lived in Huayápam.

24. Sabor 107

After visiting the archeological site of Atzompa (highly recommended), my friends and I decided to stop at Sabor 107 for lunch.

We loved sitting in the shaded courtyard, which is lit with string lights for dinner service. The menu features classic dishes from tlayudas to enchiladas as well as some harder to find dishes from the Istmo region of Oaxaca.

And they make some incredible bread and pastries – including a light corn bread wrapped in the husk of the corn. We all bought some to eat the next morning.

READ NEXT – My Favorite Cafes in Oaxaca to Drink Coffee

Lunch Restaurants in Oaxaca Centro

These are some of my favorite places to eat in Oaxaca for lunch because they offer a menú del día which includes an appetizer (often soup), main entree, dessert, and a drink.

These multi-course meals are typically only served for lunch, beginning around 1 pm. It’s often an economical way to eat, although not everyone appreciates the limited menu. But I find many Oaxaca restaurants offer a varied menú del día, often with 5 or more options for the main dish.

25. Casa Taviche

If you’re looking for a slightly gourmet menu del dia, you should make plans for lunch at Casa Taviche. The three-course meal is on the higher end, but its value is immediately evident in the flavor and beautiful plating. The inviting covered patio has a retractable roof and is dotted with green plants.

While you won’t know the menu of the day ahead of time, they always seem to find a way to include a healthy amount of vegetables on each plate. During my first visit, the first course of chileatole rojo – a soup of chile and corn masa – was topped with squash blossoms, radish, sprouts, and green onion tops. 

The second course of ribs was served with a side of perfectly cooked vegetables – thick cuts of carrot and chayote squash topped with sprouts and thin slices of radish. Dessert was heavenly for this non sweet lover – a light mango mousse sprinkled with caramelized sunflower, amaranth, and chia seeds. The perfect cap to a delicious meal.

The regular menu includes classics like tlayudas, tinga tostadas, and mole. And there’s also the option to select more unusual ingredients such as portobello mushrooms on the tlayuda.

26. Restaurante Arugula

Cousins Gabi and Diego, the chef and server respectively, are the perfect duo for this healthy restaurant in Oaxaca. Her kitchen creations are creative and nutritious. His service is friendly and attentive.

There are a lot of options on the menú del día at Restaurante Arugula. And the options double when you include the five or six vegetarian plates. The first course is a choice of two soups. Diego is quick to point out that the creamy squash soup is lactose-free.

The other aspect I love about the menú del día at Restaurante Arugula is the sides. Each entree comes with the three sides. From my experience, there is a salad, a carb, and a healthy vegetable. Diego will ask if you want all three. You can opt to only have larger portions of one or two of the sides instead.

27. Santo Sabor

Santo Sabor offers a breakfast buffet from 9 am to 1 pm for a very reasonable price. Afterward, they switch over to a menú del día that is consistently fresh and delicious.

It typically consists of your choice of soup, salad, or other small plates to start. The main course menu has five or six options, one of which is usually vegetarian. The menu also includes dessert and water of the day.

I chose the stuffed chile de agua which was full of flavor and shredded chicken. It was served on a small serving of pureed beans with rice and a small salad. The first course of pureed vegetable soup was quite satisfying. And even though I’m usually not big on dessert, the chocolate pudding was a perfect end to the meal.

28. Coeva

Coeva is another restaurant in Oaxaca centro with a traditional menú del día. And they also serve a great breakfast!

There’s usually only a couple of options to choose from, which are listed on the menu board in front of the restaurant. Generally they feature Oaxacan ingredients in delicious homemade dishes. 

On my first visit I enjoyed a brothy huitlacoche soup to start, estofado de pollo, and a refreshing cucumber water. Plus the dessert was light and not too sweet.

29. La Casa de la Chef

This Oaxaca restaurant with a small outdoor courtyard is run by a husband and wife team. The menú del día (1:30 pm and after) is one of the most affordable in the city. The options typically include one vegetarian option.

My lunch started with a really flavorful tomato soup. For the main course, I opted for the vegetarian hamburger which was a full portobello mushroom layered with grilled zucchini. It was served with a small salad with shredded carrots and beets, lightly dressed in creamy citrus.

Overall, I would say this is a solid affordable lunch in Oaxaca City. They have a devoted following for both breakfast and lunch. I look forward to trying this restaurant again.

Inexpensive Places to Eat in Oaxaca

There are quite a few cheap eats in Oaxaca and this list only begins to dive into them. To keep it manageable, I limited this list to restaurants, preferring to save the best street food in Oaxaca for another article.

21. Taquería Tacomer

Taquería Tacomer one of my favorite places to eat tacos in Oaxaca. Each evening they start with a fresh trompo (a vertical rotating spit) loaded with seasoned pork and topped with pineapple. The menu also includes meat combination plates, quesadillas, and a hearty pozole. 

I ordered one taco each of chorizo, bistec, and pastor. By far the best was the pastor tacos which had beautifully marbled, flavorful pieces of pork inside. Their accompaniments are also delicious – three different salsas as well as a bowl of tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, and another made of pickled onions with habanero.

32. El Apetito Buffet

There are a few breakfast and lunch buffets in Oaxaca. My first experience was the one located across from Iguana, one of my favorite hostels in Oaxaca. Note, there are two buffets in this location and the one on the left is better.

I appreciated the ability to get a plate of as many vegetables as I wanted, a little of the meat dish, and go back for seconds or thirds. But then, a fellow traveler told me about El Apetito.

The first half of the self-serve buffet consists of about 20 traditional clay bowls filled with various stews, soups, and veggies. And the second half is a salad and veggie bar with a few desserts thrown in for good measure.

The soups and stews are flavorful and varied. I actually didn’t find a lot of meat in the dishes, but for me, that was a bonus. However, I didn’t think to ask if they were prepared vegetarian.

33. Tlayudas de Ánimas

After ordering a tlayuda and cerveza, an older gentleman dropped off a small container and was delighted to announce that it was “salsa chile de agua oaxaqueña con tomate.” Intrigued, I showed my interest by asking him to repeat it and then quickly saved it in my phone so that I wouldn’t forget. 

You may have noticed that Oaxacans are proud of their regional specialties. And one ingredient prevalent on a few menus is chile de agua. It’s a complex and aromatic chili pepper that has slightly less heat than a jalapeno. It is typical of the Central Valleys of Oaxaca and is often stuffed with meat and cheese. 

Okay, back to the tlayudas. The handwritten menu consists of a variety of tlayuda fillings including tasajo or chorizo, a combination of the two, enmolada (mole negro) with and without meat, vegetarian or vegan. I decided on a tlayuda chileajo which is a variety of vegetables in a spicy, garlicky red sauce. For non-tlayuda lovers, there are also tacos, tostadas, and tortas with various fillings including cochinita pibil and beans with cheese.

This family run operation has the feeling of a street cart stand placed inside a covered patio. With the addition of a handful of tables placed in front of a large altar. In fact, it’s important to note that they are only open Thursday through Saturday evenings when the other businesses surrounding the patio are closed. 

34. Tlayudas Doña Luchita

When I arrived, my nose was greeted by the rich and smoky aromas coming from the large grill. Similar to Tlayudas de Ánimas, this tlayuda restaurant also has the feeling of a street cart placed under a large metal roof – simple and efficient. 

The menu includes the traditional Oaxaca tlayuda options like tasajo and chorizo as well as some specialties that look interesting. But it was the marinated chuleta de res that caught my attention. And it was delicious – thin, salty, and fatty beef, perfectly grilled to create crispy edges along the bone it was still attached to.

The tlayuda itself was pretty standard, but I think the best part is the use of the grill. It crisps the outside of the large tortilla, flavors the meats, and causes you to salivate while you wait for your meal to be prepared.

The tlayudas are served with pickled onion, radishes, lime, and the pungent chepiche herb. Amazingly they are available in two sizes. I happily ordered a mini tlayuda and was pleased with the size and price.

Going to the coast of Oaxaca next? Check out my picks for the best Puerto Escondido restaurants.

35. La Popular

As the name suggests, this place gets really popular, so much so that they’ve opened a second location down the street. La Popular is a solid restaurant where you can sit down and order some cheap food to soak up your night of mezcal. 

I recommend that you stick to the basics here. The cochinita pibil torta was incredible, especially with the addition of the bowl of pickled onions and herbaceous green salsa. The tacos, quesadillas, and tlayudas are also good options. 

The location is fabulous, centrally located on a corner with both doors open to the street. Every time I pass by there is such lively energy emanating through those doors.

Final Thoughts on Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

It’s easy to see why Oaxaca is considered the foodie capital of Mexico. Many of the restaurants in Oaxaca use recipes that have been passed down for generations, using the same ingredients and techniques that they learned at home.

I’ve seen travelers ask – Is it even worth going to fancy restaurants in Oaxaca City? And the answer is it depends. You’ll find some of the best food in Oaxaca at small local restaurants and mercados but you can discover innovative ways to cook with the same ingredients at some of the higher end Oaxaca restaurants.

If you’re look for the best places to eat in Oaxaca, I think you should try both!