Oaxaca

Barbacoa Obispo Cocina Real

Comfortable outdoor dining room serving authentic Mixtec barbacoa that's at once familiar yet unique in its traditional flavor profile. Order the "paquetes". Awarded a star in the 2025 Michelin Guide, yet the food is affordably priced and served in an everyday humble style, making it an outstanding value for the cash-strapped gourmet.

Tue-Sat 09:00 - 21:00, Sun 09:00 - 17:00, closed Mon·M$300

Basílica de la Soledad Plaza

Plaza de Nieves

The plaza in front of this church is filled with stores selling nieves (snows), frozen sorbets flavored with any number of fruits. The most classic flavoring is tuna, the fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

Boulenc

Should you tire of the traditional Oaxacan fare and desire something more familiar, this is the place to go.

Daily 08:30-22:30

Cabuche

A pleasant little restaurant with fresh-tasting Oaxacan cuisine and an understanding of vegetarian/vegan requirements.

Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00

Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante

If you're looking to splurge on a meal that you won't be able to find in other restaurants in Oaxaca, Casa Oaxaca fits the bill. Ask for a rooftop table and enjoy the 5-course tasting menu for US$32/person. Treat yourself to corn mushroom soup, fresh fish with tomato marmalade and succulent sorbets. The wine list is decent with some excellent Spanish wines and good local options. There is another Casa Oaxaca restaurant, in the same location as Casa Oaxaca Hotel.

Mon-Sat 13:00-23:00, Sun 13:00-21:00

Casa Oaxaca Reforma

Traditional Oaxacan cuisine by chef Alejandro Ruiz Olmedo of Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante, but at slightly more affordable prices.

Mon-Sat 07:45-19:00, Sun 10:00-18:00

Comala

Serves a good selection of Oaxacan fare, and international favorites including burgers and sandwiches. Has a good comida corrida.

Mon-Sat 08:30-24:00·M$80 (comida corrida), M$85-120 mains

Itanoní

Non-GMO corn-based quesadillas, tacos and tamales are prepared fresh to order on an open comal.

Mon-Sat 07:00-16:00 Sun 07:00-14:00

La Biznaga

Dine in a covered courtyard surrounded by art and wireless web surfers. Prices are reasonable for creative Oaxacan cuisine, and the people watching is a bonus.

Mon-Thu 13:00-22:00, Fri Sat 13:00-23:00

La Capilla

Excellent place to eat, They have mole and various typical meals worth the trip to Zaachila.

La Casa de la Abuela

Offers a good selection of regional cuisine, with great views from the balcony.

Daily 10:00-23:00

La Casa del Tío Güero

Typical Oaxacan cuisine. A good deal with good food, all made with purified water.

La Red Marisquerias

Serves fabulously fresh seafood for lunch fixed in dozens of different styles. Another location is just south of Merced Market.

Daily 12:00-20:00

La Toscana

It is best to take a taxi to this restaurant because of the out of the way location. They serve the best martinis in Oaxaca and delicious seafood with Italian flair.

Mon-Wed 14:00-00:00, Thu-Sat 14:00-00:30, Sun 14:00-18:00

Las Quince Letras

Offers a wide selection of moles, including three-mole combination plates and varieties not easily found elsewhere.

Mon-Sat 09ː00-22ː00, S 09ː00-19ː00

Levadura de Olla

Astounding restaurant whose menu is a veritable tour through the mountain villages of southern Oaxaca where centuries-old cooking techniques of the Zapotec people and unusual ingredients from a harsh climate combine to make intensely flavorful regional dishes. Although not a vegetarian restaurant, vegetable dishes are the chef specialties. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. Reservations strongly suggested.

Tue-Sat 13:00 - 21:00, closed Sun-Mon·M$500

Los Danzantes Oaxaca

A comfortable and authentic mix of Oaxacan and modern restaurant, food is great. It's a beautifully designed restaurant. Awarded a Michelin star. A bit pricey but definitely worth it for the atmosphere and food quality. Great to have a drink at night as well.

Sun-Wed 13:00-22:00, Thu-Sat 13:00-23:30·Mains M$145 and up

Marco Polo

Famous for its seafood, Marco Polo is a local favorite. Try the ceviche and the beer with chiles.

Wed-Mon 08:00-12:00, 13:00-18:30

Mercado 20 de Noviembre

A market the size of a city block, filled with breakfast and lunch food stalls. Food stalls also line the streets outside the market serving up hot, savory tlayudas and tostadas. Local women offer up chapulines (grasshopper), and you'll find countertops inside that serve up moles, soups and desserts. There are 4 entrances, at the center of each street that surrounds the market. The east-side entrance, facing C. Cabrera, has the Pasillo de Humo, a narrow hall filled with smoke from the meat vendors who cook your purchase for you right there; arguably one of the best deals on ready-to-eat meat in town.

Mercado de la Merced

Mercado de la Democracia

There are several excellent eateries in this traditional market. La Güerita, located on the northeast side of the market, is well-known for its memelas and huitlacoche, but has only a few seats. La Florecita (no. 37), with many more seats available, is particularly popular for its tlayudas and hot chocolate.

Restaurante María Bonita

Serves traditional Oaxacan dishes, and offers 2-day cooking classes. Free Wi-Fi available.

Tue-Sat 08:30-21:00, Sun 08:30-17:30·M$70 (comida corrida)

Restaurante Terranova

Pleasantly situated, with outdoor seating downstairs as well as indoor seating upstairs, this reliable restaurant offers a range of traditional Oaxacan dishes. Excellent service.

Mon-Thu 08:00-22:00, Fri Sat 08:00-01:00, Sun 10:00-22:00·M$75 comida corrida