In case you’re going to fall in love with a metropolis stomach-first, let or not it’s Oaxaca. I spent nearly a month wandering the streets of this cool Mexican metropolis—with one foremost aim: to eat the whole lot in sight. Pastries, market meals, road snacks, superb eating—I didn’t maintain again (and I’ve zero regrets).
In case you’re planning a visit and searching for the greatest issues to do in Oaxaca Metropolis, consuming your means by way of city has to be on the prime of the checklist. And this meals information is filled with all the perfect bites I had—no fluff, simply the mouthwatering spots which can be 100% price your time (and your urge for food).
Espresso, Pastries & Breakfast Locations
Bodaega
My favourite pastry store in all of Oaxaca Metropolis—no contest. And belief me, I did the analysis! The pastries listed below are nearly too fairly to eat… nearly. You’ve gotta strive the morning bun with jamón serrano—it’s that good combo of savory and buttery. And in the event that they’ve acquired the rhubarb compote Danish with hibiscus? Don’t even suppose twice. This isn’t the place for eggs and toast, however it is the place for a killer cappuccino and a pastry that’ll make your entire morning.
Pan Con Madre
This all-sourdough bakery is so way more than simply wonderful croissants (although, sure, they’re flakey perfection). I’m obsessive about their yogurt bowl—it’s piled excessive with contemporary fruit, crunchy granola, and cacao nibs, and looks like a kind of breakfasts that’s each wholesome and completely satisfying. They’ve additionally acquired wonderful sourdough breads, fluffy focaccia, and savory scones which can be severely to die for.
C. de Quetzalcóatl 205-D, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Boulenc
Boulenc is the breakfast spot in Oaxaca Metropolis, and it’s standard for a motive. They’ve acquired two café places, plus a bakery proper subsequent door to the one within the heart of city—and sure, I attempted all of them (within the identify of analysis, after all).
Their menu has somewhat one thing for everybody: contemporary breakfasts, loaded salads, hearty sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and extra drink choices than I may probably checklist. What did we order? A scrumptious croissant full of jamón and quesillo, topped with a superbly poached egg. Focaccia with mushrooms, spinach, and melty cheese. And a beautiful yogurt bowl with contemporary fruit that tasted simply nearly as good because it appeared. It’s protected to say—this was among the finest breakfasts we had on the town.
There’s not a ton of seating and the place fills up quick, so I positively advocate going early to beat the frenzy.
C. Porfirio Díaz 207, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Sagrado Filemón I Pan y Café
Sagrado Filemón has nice pastries, however it additionally served up the perfect yogurt bowl I’ve ever had—arms down. And no, this wasn’t your common grab-and-go parfait. It was a superbly layered bowl of housemade granola, contemporary seasonal fruits, a drizzle of honey, and the star of the present: espresso marmalade.
Additionally they make a number of the most ingenious breads on the town, utilizing native elements and daring flavors. Certainly one of their signatures is the Café Cacao—made with laminated dough, crammed with creamy espresso goodness, and topped with cacao nibs and sea salt.
Ignacio Allende 218, Ruta Independecia, Centro
Masea Trigo Y Maíz
Masea isn’t your typical coffee-and-pastry store—and that’s precisely what makes it particular. It’s half bakery and half atole bar, and all about honoring corn and the elements of small Oaxacan producers. You gained’t discover cappuccinos right here (they don’t use milk in any respect!), however you will discover superbly crafted pastries and conventional drinks which can be completely price making an attempt.
I fell in love with their Nido de Manzana—a flaky, just-sweet-enough apple pastry—and washed it down with a calming horchata. However the true star for me? The oatmeal blue corn cookies. I went again 4 occasions for these little bites of pleasure (sure, 4).
They’re additionally identified for his or her atoles, a heat masa-based drink that is available in flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and guava.
Reforma 411, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Greatest Eating places in Oaxaca Metropolis
Adamá
In case you’re in Oaxaca and end up craving one thing aside from Mexican meals (sure, it occurs), head over to Adamá. It’s tucked away on a quiet road and solely open Friday by way of Sunday, so make sure that to plan forward.
The vibe is tremendous relaxed, the service is pleasant, and the meals? Completely incredible. Chef Hagar Aviram serves up contemporary, flavorful Center Japanese dishes made for sharing—like crispy falafel with creamy tahini, juicy lamb kebabs, and heat pita. Yum!
Aldama 101, Ruta Independencia, Barrio de Xochimilco
Brío Cocina Native
Brío is about on a terraced hillside overlooking a church within the coronary heart of Oaxaca Metropolis, however the wood-fired grill is actually the star of the present right here. Each dish appears to come back out with a touch of the flames, and the flavors are subsequent stage. I began with the roasted beet salad—topped with an area herb combine, burrata espuma, chamomile honey, and somewhat chili dip. However the true showstopper? The grilled pork chop with peanut mole. I’m not exaggerating once I say my entire group talked about that pork chop for the relaxation of the journey.
Additionally price making an attempt: the wood-fired octopus with roasted cauliflower and chimichurri.
Calle de Armenta y López 300, Centro
Casa Mook
We initially discovered Casa Mook as a result of my good friend was on a mission for the perfect pozole in Oaxaca—and this place completely delivered. Their conventional pozole was so good, I had to return yet one more time earlier than leaving city.
However truthfully, we got here for the pozole and stayed for the whole lot else. The memelas with asiento, beans, and cheese have been easy however so flavorful, and the remainder of the menu is filled with all of the Oaxacan staples—issues like huitlacoche, squash blossoms, and herbs you most likely haven’t cooked with at dwelling. And sure, there are many house-made tortillas to scoop up the whole lot.
The house itself is gorgeous too—like half restaurant, half artwork gallery, with items that nod to Oaxaca’s deep meals tradition.
Vicente Guerrero 417, Zona Feb 10 2015, Centro
Casa Taviche
Casa Taviche is somewhat gem tucked simply outdoors the hustle and bustle of Centro, and it’s completely well worth the brief stroll. The eating space is about in a candy little courtyard, giving it that relaxed, away-from-it-all really feel that’s good for a gradual lunch or early dinner.
The menu is small and all the time altering, however the whole lot we tried was so good. We had the avocado and tomato salad, a tlayuda with chorizo, chia-crusted tuna, and the guava tart for dessert—and I’d fortunately order each single dish once more. The meals is hearty and unfussy, however the presentation is gorgeous (flower petals and all!).
Oh—and no matter you do, save room for dessert!
El Chapulín
El Chapulín doesn’t appear to be a lot from the road—only a quiet little doorway. However when you climb the three flights of stairs (sure, three—don’t hand over!), it opens as much as a breezy rooftop terrace.
The menu is filled with Oaxacan taste, from basic moles to contemporary seafood. However the standout right here—the rationale to make the climb—is the caldo de piedra (stone soup). This conventional Chinantec dish dates again to pre-Hispanic occasions and is as a lot an expertise as it’s a meal. They really warmth up river stones and drop them into the broth proper, cooking the fish and aromatics in entrance of you.
Miguel Hidalgo 507-B, Zona Lunes Feb 09, Centro
Las Quince Letras
Mole takes heart stage right here, particularly the mole negro—smoky, wealthy, and so deep in taste it barely wants the rest. However don’t miss the molotes de plátano—crispy fried plantains full of savory meat and topped with candy purple mole.
We additionally cherished the garnachas istmeñas, piled excessive with shredded beef and pickled cabbage, and the sopa de guías, a comforting squash vine soup served with a tlayuda and a slice of tasajo. And in the event you’re craving one thing hearty, the tasajo a la oaxaqueña with mole enchiladas and melted quesillo is a should.
C. de Mariano Abasolo 300, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Levadura de Olla
The dishes listed below are rooted in ancestral strategies however elevated with considerate, seasonal touches. We had the prettiest guacamole I’ve ever laid eyes on—made with a trio of native avocados and served with crisp blue corn tostadas.
The barbacollita tamal (made with cracked corn, hen, pork, and chilies) was pure consolation. The plate of native tomatoes with beetroot purée and fruit French dressing was nearly too fairly to eat. And the native zucchini with pipián and mint? So easy, so vibrant, so good.
Undoubtedly make a reservation prematurely—this spot is particular, and it fills up quick.
C. de Manuel García Vigil 304, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Los Danzantes
This was my birthday splurge night time—and it was so price it. A bunch of my pals booked this Michelin-recognized spot for a particular dinner. The entire expertise, from the dreamy open-air courtyard to the insanely artistic dishes, felt like a celebration from begin to end.
We began with the crispy leaf salad—grilled figs, hibiscus dressing, roasted cauliflower, pecans, barley… principally, a backyard occasion on a plate. The yellowfin tuna ceviche with mango and morita pepper sauce was contemporary and daring, and the ancho chile full of huitlacoche over tamala pumpkin purée was a kind of dishes I didn’t wish to finish.
And sure, we completely discovered room for the guava cheesecake with pixtle cream (price it, irrespective of how full you’re). Their cocktails are top-notch too, made with their very own house-distilled mezcal.
➞ Make reservations effectively prematurely—we booked two weeks forward and I’m glad we did.
C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Pisto al Pesto
Pisto al Pesto serves the BEST wood-fired pizzas topped with connoisseur issues like prosciutto and eggplant, plus nice wine and a comfortable backyard-style vibe that looks like eating in somebody’s dwelling. We actually sat at a desk in what appeared like a driveway. We got here for pizza and left somewhat bit obsessed—particularly after the complimentary tomato bruschetta!
Av. José María Morelos 109, Calzada Madero, Centro
Tacos Chemita
In case you’re searching for a fast, no-fuss lunch in Oaxaca, Chemita Tacos is the place. This native taqueria, simply steps from our lodge, is all about high quality—and their al pastor tacos are the star of the present. You may actually watch the meat slowly rotating on a spit proper from the road (discuss nice advertising!), getting completely crispy and juicy because it cooks.
Additionally they serve suadero, tripa, and steak tacos, all cooked with that very same care and taste. And if you would like one thing somewhat greater, strive the chemita alambres—a fajita-style dish loaded with pastor, chile de agua, avocado, onions, peppers, bacon, and cheese.
FYI: The vibe is tremendous informal—plastic chairs, checkered tablecloths—however don’t let that idiot you. It’s actually good!
C. de Manuel García Vigil 215, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Zandunga
First, the setting of Zandunga is gorgeous—proper within the coronary heart of Centro, only a five-minute stroll from the Zócalo. The open courtyard has an enormous tree within the heart and feels fashionable but welcoming.
What we cherished? The contemporary pico de gallo with shrimp, a hearty tlayuda loaded with all the good things, the zesty ceviche, and that unforgettable tamal de mole negro. Only a heads-up: parts listed below are beneficiant, so sharing is unquestionably the best way to go.
C. de Manuel García Vigil 512-E, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Oaxaca Metropolis Road Meals
Tacos del Carmen
You will see that Tacos del Carmen on a busy nook within the coronary heart of Oaxaca, with contemporary corn masa tortillas slapped onto a coal-fired comal proper in entrance of you. The scent alone will reel you in, however it’s the flavour (and worth!) that’ll preserve you coming again.
You may order your tortilla rolled up like a taco or folded right into a quesadilla (both means, you may’t go fallacious). Fillings vary from gooey quesillo and earthy mushrooms to spicy tinga and my private favourite: the chile relleno.
It’s tremendous informal with a number of stools, a little bit of shade, and costs so low you’ll really feel such as you’re getting away with one thing—tacos are below two bucks.
Jesús Carranza 110, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Tlayudas La Chinita
La Chinita is the spot for a late-night tlayuda repair—and it’s greater than only a meal, it’s a full-on road meals expertise. Come opening time at 8:00pm, a small crowd gathers in entrance of the family-run road stand made well-known on Netflix’s Road Meals: Latin America. And sure, the meals is nearly as good because the hype.
Run by Doña Chinita and her household, this no-frills stand seems a number of the greatest tlayudas on the town—big, crispy tortillas layered with asiento (pork fats), beans, quesillo, cabbage, salsa, and your alternative of meat, then folded and grilled till smoky and excellent. Every part is roasted proper there, in plain sight. You may select tasajo, cecina, chorizo—or get adventurous with the tripe.
Esquina, nuño del mercado y 20 de noviembre, C. de Nuño del Mercado 209
Chefinita (tostada’s, pozole y tacos)
In order for you some tacos with a critical kick, Chefinita is the place. it felt just like the sort of road meals Anthony Bourdain would’ve raved about. This late-night taco stand close to the 20 de Noviembre market doesn’t simply serve nice road meals—it serves it with a aspect of fireside, due to their legendary habanero salsa. (Contemplate your self warned: it’s spicy in one of the best ways.)
The tacos are nice, however what is going to actually shock you is the pozole.
20 de Noviembre 32-416, Centro
The place to Get Cocktails
La Cueva
Simply steps from the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Defensa, La Cueva is strictly what it seems like—a moody, cave-like bar. We stopped in for a pre-dinner drink and ended up lingering longer than deliberate due to the comfortable environment, dwell music, and a few really glorious cocktails.
Their craft beer choice is stable, however in the event you’re extra of a wine particular person (like me!), you’ll be completely satisfied to know they’ve acquired a number of nice glasses on the menu too. The employees is tremendous pleasant, the lighting is low and atmospheric, and the entire place looks like a cool little hideout from the thrill of the town.
Sabina Sabe Cocktails
The bar at Sabina Sabe could also be small, however it’s one of many prime locations to get a cocktail in Oaxaca, and it’s even made the checklist of the World’s Prime 50. There is likely to be somewhat wait (it’s cozy inside), however it’s completely price it.
I went straight for the Paloma Margarita—a mixture of Espolón blanco, Campari, Aperol, citrus, and a splash of grapefruit—and it was delish. The Guayabo Verde is one other fave: mild, natural, and refreshingly distinctive with mezcal, guava, basil, and tonic.
Additionally… there’s this one piece of artwork on the wall I couldn’t cease looking at. In case you go, inform me if it catches your eye too—I’m genuinely curious if it’s simply me!
5 de Mayo 209, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Selva Cocktail Bar
You’ll discover Selva on the second ground with a terrific view of Santo Domingo. It’s the right spot for a pre-dinner cocktail, particularly in the event you’re at Los Danzantes, which is true downstairs..
The vibe is mid-century cool meets Oaxacan soul—lush vegetation, heat lighting, and inventive touches that remember the area’s roots. The cocktails are next-level, constructed round native flavors and elements. The signature Selva (mezcal, hoja santa, chile liqueur, basil, and extra) one way or the other tastes like Oaxaca in a glass. How’s that doable?
C. Macedonio Alcalá #403-int. 6, Ruta Independencia, Centro
Suggestions for Eating in Oaxacan Eating places
Reservations: If there’s a spot you actually wish to strive—make a reservation. Even for lunch. Some standard spots do settle for walk-ins, however I realized fairly shortly that having a reservation (particularly for dinner) saves you from lengthy waits or lacking out utterly.
Tipping: Tipping is frequent in Oaxaca, and it’s a candy method to say “gracias” for nice service. That mentioned, the tipping tradition is somewhat completely different from the U.S. Most eating places will immediate you with tip choices beginning at 10% (generally even 5%). I often tipped 10%, and it felt acceptable for sit-down meals.
Costs: This was such a nice shock—meals in Oaxaca are typically 40–50% much less than what I’d pay again dwelling in California. You may eat actually effectively with out breaking the financial institution. Right here’s an actual instance of what we ordered at Zandunga for 2 folks:
- 1 Pico de gallo
- 1 Tlayuda (Oaxacan pizza)
- 1 Fish Ceviche
- 1 Tamal de mole negro (giant tamale)
- 2 Modelo Especials
- Complete: $42 USD
The Greatest Meals Excursions & Cooking Lessons
Cooking Class Dos Corazones
This was hands-down among the finest experiences we had in Oaxaca. Chef Aubrey welcomed us into her dwelling with massive hugs and even greater tales about her grandmother’s cherished recipes.
The category began with a steaming cup of conventional Oaxacan sizzling chocolate and a tasting of regional fruits like zapote negro and pineapple mango. Aubrey confirmed us the right way to squish it between our fingers till it was mushy, then chew the highest and sip the juice inside earlier than consuming the fruit.
After snacking on roasted nuts and plantains, we tied on conventional aprons and started working. Our group of seven made chileajo, chile relleno full of hen picadillo, and two forms of salsa. All of us took turns chopping, stirring, and laughing. Bonus—mezcal and beer flowed freely the whole time.
Each single particular person in our group mentioned this was the spotlight of their journey—and I completely agree.
➞ You may e book the precise class I took right here: Conventional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma’s Recipes
Oaxaca Market & Tasting Tour
This was not your common touristy taco crawl. This tour took us deep into the large Central de Abastos market—so native that we have been actually the one non-locals there. It felt like getting a behind-the-scenes go to Oaxacan every day life.
And sure, we ate (so much), however what actually made it particular was how a lot we realized. Each chew got here with a narrative—about tradition, historical past, custom. We constructed our personal taco campechano utilizing elements we hand-picked, sipped tejate (a pre-Hispanic cacao and maize drink), and tasted enmoladas dripping in wealthy mole.
Different highlights? Quesadillas from Comedor Conchita, salty-sour chapulines (I attempted them!), juicy native fruits like mamey and pineapple with honey, and sips of conventional fermented drinks like pulque and tepache.
➞ You may e book the identical tour as me right here: Immersion Tour and Oaxaca Markets
Listed below are a pair different meals excursions that I like to recommend
Mezcal Tour
If you wish to really get mezcal, you’ve gotta transcend sipping within the metropolis bars and head straight to the supply—a palenque out within the countryside the place this iconic Oaxacan liquor is made by hand.
I did my palenque go to with The Mezcal Journey tour. We walked by way of each step: from roasting agave hearts in underground pits (old-school type), to crushing them with a horse-drawn stone wheel, and distilling by hand. It’s fascinating stuff—and completely eye-opening in comparison with tequila, which solely makes use of one kind of agave, whereas mezcal may be made out of dozens of sorts.
We even stopped at an agave area and took photographs straight from the leaves. Again on the store, we tasted almost a dozen forms of mezcal—I used to be positively maintaining depend.
➞ You may e book this tour right here: The Mezcal Journey.
In case you are searching for extra details about excursions, see my picks for the 5 prime Oaxaca Metropolis excursions you shouldn’t miss.
Conventional Oaxacan Meals to Eat
Mole Nego: Probably the most well-known of Oaxaca’s seven moles, this deeply wealthy sauce is made with over 30 elements—together with dried chiles, chocolate, and spices—and sometimes takes days to arrange. Nearly each restaurant serves it!
Tlayudas: Nicknamed the “Oaxacan pizza,” this crispy, outsized tortilla is piled with beans, cheese, cabbage, salsa, avocado, and grilled meats like tasajo or chorizo.
Chapulines: Toasted grasshoppers seasoned with garlic, lime, and chile are a crunchy, tangy snack locals eat like popcorn—and also you’ll spot them in all places from markets to cocktail bars.
Memelas: These thick, griddled corn tortillas are topped with asiento (pork lard), black beans, crumbled cheese, and spicy salsa—good for a fast breakfast or noon chew.
Tasajo: Skinny, salted beef grilled over open flames, tasajo is smoky and tender, typically served with tlayudas or beans and greatest loved with a chilly beer or mezcal.
Enmoladas: Assume enchiladas, however as an alternative of salsa, these tortillas are smothered in wealthy mole sauce and topped with queso fresco.
Molotes de Platano: Mashed plantains are full of cheese or beans, then fried to golden perfection for a sweet-and-savory snack standard in Oaxaca’s Isthmus area.
Tejate: A frothy, barely earthy drink made with toasted corn, cacao, fermented cacao beans, and flor de cacao—historically sipped from purple clay cups.
Nieve Oaxaqueña: Oaxaca’s model of ice cream is available in distinctive flavors like leche quemada (burnt milk) and tuna (prickly pear); strive it at Jardín Sócrates or Benito Juarez Market.
Sopa de Guías con Chochoyotes: This seasonal soup blends squash vines and blossoms with chewy corn masa dumplings referred to as chochoyotes—a basic from Oaxacan dwelling kitchens.
Oaxacan Sizzling Chocolate: Created from stone-ground chocolate discs and whisked till frothy, this wealthy drink is greatest loved sizzling with a aspect of candy pan dulce.
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Sources for Reserving Your Journey!
E book Your Flight
Expedia is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you may simply discover the perfect fare offers. It’s also possible to choose ‘Watch Costs’ to get an e-mail alert when the costs change.
E book Your Lodging
I exploit each Reserving.com and Expedia for accommodations, as a result of every presents a pair completely different lodge decisions and I like to match the opinions on every one. When you’ve got a bunch or are searching for extra of a house environment, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, residences and even only a room for hire in each worth vary.
E book Your Rental Automobile
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I all the time e book with RentalCars.com (it’s a part of reserving.com) for the perfect costs and prime model choices.
E book Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to search engines like google and yahoo for cool bucket checklist experiences! Every one can have completely different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Neglect Journey Insurance coverage
Journey may be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an harm, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed below are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Record Journey Amazon Retailer to search out all my favourite journey necessities. Every part from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling footwear.
*Lastly, verify journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security data.
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