Hello, My birds! Cateria this side. Are you looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Oaxaca? Whether you’re in the mood for refined fine dining or authentic traditional flavours, this guide has you covered.
So, Curious about where to find the most exquisite mole or the freshest tlayudas? I am here to resolve all your queries about the fine dining in Oaxaca. So, you do not have to destroy your day for just a meal. Be ready to explore the 20 best restaurants that Oaxaca has to offer. Let’s dive into the culinary treasures of this vibrant city!
You may be curious about why when everyone mentions Oaxaca it is always related to food and markets. So let me tell you Oaxaca is the city of seven moles the city of amazing gastronomy. This city offers you a variety of traditional food with mind-blowing flavours. This is a heaven for food enthusiasts. They not only provide you good food it also offers you authentic cooking classes. And if you wanna know about The Best Oaxaca Travel Guide to Mexico In 2024 then give it a check once. Now we should discuss some of the best traditional and fine dining restaurants of Oaxaca according to your requirements.
Best fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca || For Families
When you decide to dine with family in Oaxaca City, it’s important to find restaurants that not only offer delicious food but also a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Oaxaca has several fine dining spots that cater to families, combining gourmet dishes with a warm, inviting environment. Here are some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Oaxaca City that are perfect for families:
1. Los Danzantes
It is a Michelin-star restaurant for families. It is famous for its beautiful setting and modern Oaxacan cuisine. Los Danzantes offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a varied menu that appeals to all ages. I would highly recommend its Yellowfin Tauna ceviche salad which is just yum and Shrimp Tlayuda wrapped with purple cabbage It is amazing trust me. I know their prices are on the higher side but they are worth it by their environment and service. Thank me later for this recommendation.
2. Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante
This is my second top choice for families, this restaurant provides an elegant dining experience with traditional Oaxacan dishes that everyone can enjoy. They also offer an open-air terrace with stunning views of the city. Their special dishes are Short Rib mole manchamanteles, fruit relish and plantain puree Beef they also have vegetarian options so don’t worry you green lovers. In their desert, I recommend this Vanilla panna cotta with tonka bean ice cream and it is gluten-free. They also have amazing cocktails in their terrace bar. Overall the experience is wholesome. It is a must-try thing in Oaxaca.
3. Origen , Oaxaca
Origen offers a fine dining experience that emphasizes local ingredients. Their relaxed, yet sophisticated setting is ideal for a family meal. I am a big fan of their seafood so, I would recommend Wheat paella, shrimp stock, black garlic emulsion, coriander aioli and soft-shell crab with red wine. They don’t have proper dessert options but have a small sweets option I would say must try their extra brut cocoa sponge cake, coffee, salted caramel cream, cherries and local stout beer sorbet.
4. El Destilado
El Destilado with a creative menu that fuses local flavours with international cuisine. El Destilado is great for families looking to try something unique and incredible. Their environment, service and taste are on point. In their aesthetic environment, I would highly recommend enjoying Tacos de oreja de Leon and rib-eye steak with a mole sauce that was delicious. And one more plus point is its prices are on the lower side.
5. La Biznaga
A casual fine dining spot without breaking the bank waiting for you guys. For budget travellers, it’s highly recommended it has a fantastic taste and a lot of variety in their menu. La Biznaga offers Oaxacan favourites, making it a great option for family dinners. Their whole menu is incredible but their tacos variety and taste is to die for. I am a bit of a spice lover so their salsa cup is heaven for me. This is my favourite restaurant, and I will pick it up daily without any hesitation.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Oaxaca || For couples
Love birds how can I forget about all of you? These recommendations gave me butterflies I have a smile on my face and a shine in my eyes while writing about them. I am emotionally connected with all of them some of you can understand. These mentions are from deep inside my heart. I hope they help you find the perfect place to make love with your loved ones. And for getting detailed info about all these check yelp.com.
1. La Azotea
Oh my god just look at this lovely vibe, It warns you never dare to forget me. And its rooftop terrace offers you a great view of the whole of Oaxaca. It’s perfect for couples because they have options for international meals on their fancy menu. Its prices justify its taste, presentation and view. You will have a perfect date here trust me. Their fish fillet is accompanied with red wine berry sauce, vegetables and potatoes and Raviolli from the country in pasta was amazing. A perfect recommendation from my heart for your perfect date.
2. Catedral Restaurant
This restaurant offers you a stunning aesthetic view of the cathedral. It is located in a historic building which attracts a lot of visitors. A romantic vibe for any of you is available here. About the menu, they are very famous for their various moles and mezcal. Me and my boyfriend try different moles and every favour is incredible. Their drinks are just fab. You must try this restaurant for an amazing perfect romantic date in Oaxaca. Believe me, it gonna be memorable. One more recommendation from the depth of my heart.
3. Casa Celia
Casa celia is famous for its authentic Oaxaca food and for its cosy environment. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy moles and mezcal in a fancy and romantic environment. One plus point it’s affordable and their service is incredible. And about taste, I would say that it’s Delicious!!! We had the paella (Sunday special), and I can say without hesitation Its perfect.
4. Asador Bacanora Oaxaca
It’s a Michelin star restaurant so prices are definitely on the higher side. But the atmosphere, the taste and the service they offer was mind-blowing. My man wanted steak and I Mexican food. This place is top-notch for both! He got a rib eye that was seasoned and cooked to perfection and I had the shrimp tacos which the sauce was so good. The quac had pieces of apple which tasted wonderful. My dessert was also awesome Macita de chocolate. This place is perfect for celebrating a memorable night together. A special shout-out to Red House.
5. Cafe Bistrot Epicuro
I am the biggest fan of their rooftop sitting area and want to die for their pizzas they are famous for their Italian servings but the overall menu is too good. And their selection of drinks and wines is also very good. It is a perfect place for pizza lovers like me i can go there many, many times without any planning for a date.
Best Traditional restaurant In Oaxaca
Traditional food enthusiasts, all these paragraphs are for you. I know some of my readers are true lovers of art and tradition. I appreciate those who appreciate art and Oaxacan traditional food is really an art. The mystery of seven moles and tacos with their mind-blowing sauce cups waiting for you. Choose a perfect option according to your requirements.
1. Restaurante Taniperla Oaxaca
This is my first-ever priority to have a traditional meal in Oaxaca. I tried it out in the Morning first time. Breakfast was so sublimely good (eggs with mole sauce, and delicious whole wheat bread) that I went back for dinner. The chicken salad was amazingly good, once again with condiments and that yummy bread. Prices could have been higher for such high-quality food! It does not have a sophisticated interior, set off on a busy street and is easy to miss, but you shouldn’t. Well located near the Templo Santo Domingo, Llano Park and the botanic garden. This place forces you to fall in love. A high recommendation from deep inside of my heart.
2. Casa Taviche, Oaxaca
Casa Tivche offers you a good but not suffocated environment. Its simplicity never bores you and its service and food never disappoint you. It’s the second-best option for tasting Oaxacs authentic meals. And you get this quality food without breaking the bank. Their desserts and drinks are highly recommended.
3. Los Pacos, Oaxaca
Los Pacos their sauces and their full portion meal omg. My mouth watering again. It’s one of the best options for taking authentic fine-dining Oaxacan food. It also offers you the best service you have ever had. They have seven different moles in their menu and they all allow you to taste the samples for free. I mean what do you want more and for what you can wait for? Just go and check this out.
4. Espacio Luvina, Oaxaca
This place is just perfect for everyone. You can have a perfect traditional Oaxacan meal in a perfect date environment. This place is way more beautiful than I think. And I stayed there for more than 3 hours because they had board games. These games make your stay more enjoyable. And what can I write about their food? What can you expect from this beautiful place? The food is also fab with good portions and an affordable price.
5. Humar, Oaxaca
This restaurant is best for Mexican seafood. This place is a comfort zone for Mexican and seafood lovers. Their menu also has gluten-free options. So, diet-conscious people don’t think twice before coming there. So what are you waiting for a comfy traditional Oaxacan seafood waits for you in Humar Oaxaca.
Best Affordable & Vegetarian Restaurants in Oaxaca
Some best affordable and vegetarian restaurants in Oaxaca are waiting for you. I know in Oaxaca it is too difficult to find vegetarian options. Oaxaca is the city that forces you to break your bank and diet plans. But here are some healthy affordable and complete vegan options for you. What are you looking at give it a check once.
1. Boulenc, Oaxaca
It’s a small cafe that I discover randomly. Here I get gluten-free options and to die for pizzas. It is a very affordable restaurant. I do prefer breakfast from there. And sorry but I didn’t care about my stomach whenever I went there. I consider their pizzas at my breakfast at 12 0 clock. I know this is not good girl behaviour but trust me it’s their pizza’s fault, not mine.
2. Casa Del Elfo, Oaxaca
I mean just look at this dreamy location. Imagine yourself in this dreamy sitting area that is covered with lush greenery and having a perfect affordable meal. Their vibe is everything. It offers you Mexican and American food with a stunning bar service. The cocktails they have are just fab. And you can easily say Delicious about their food. So what do you want more? Just add it to your must-go restaurant lists.
3. Tacos Roy
If you want a comfortable place to have an affordable authentic Oaxacan meal then this palace waiting for you. You will get simple but very delicious food here at a very reasonable price. Their Tosado and tacos are highly recommended. They have a small entrance and a below-average sitting area but their food has magic to addict you. So don’t miss it out.
4. Cafe Los Cuiles
Whenever I think about this place The quotation that flies to my mind is “The Old is Gold” I tried this place 4 years ago for the first time but I still remember the richness of their mole that I tasted at that time. The last time I tried salad here and realised that it’s still a hidden gem and still maintained their taste like the first time. It should be included in the must-try list of all of you.
5. Hierba Dulce, Oaxaca
This is a vegan restaurant in Oaxaca with excellent locally-grown food sourced directly from farmers. While not inexpensive it was worth it and if you follow a vegan diet it’s a gem for you in Oaxaca. It offers you a nice meal in a chill environment without breaking the bank. A special shout out to their almond mole and oyster mushroom tacos.
Conclusion
This is all for my birds! If you want more recommendations comment below or email me without any hesitation. This blog is written after my experience or my friends so, don’t worry about considering them at all. To check availability and book your table in advance visit Tripadvisior.com. Enjoy great gastronomy at Oaxaca My Birds!