Oaxaca is where you find the most profound flavors in Mexico. Thanks to its great variety of indigenous cultures, the result is always an amazing culinary experience.
During my days in Oaxaca I tried and tested a few food spots that I can highly recommend.
Keep reading to discover where to find the best food in Oaxaca!
Must try foods in Oaxaca
These are the must try foods you need to order while in Oaxaca:
- Tlayudas
- Memelas
- Tamales
- Piedrazos
- Agua fresca
- Empanada
- Mezcal
Los Danzantes
Location: C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4
Los Danzantes was my favorite restaurant while in Oaxaca.
This restaurant offers traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
The restaurant is located on the prettiest patio, featuring impressive walls and a koi pond.
Las Tlayudas
Location: Calle de Lic Primo Verdad 119D
Tlayudas are the most famous dishes in Oaxacas. They were even featured in the Oaxaca episode of the Netflix documentary “Street Food: Latin America”.
Las tlayudas is one of the best places in Oaxaca to try this popular dish. It’s a street stall with a few tables visited by locals and tourist, and there’s usually street performers playing tradicional music.
Tlayudas El Negro
Location: Vicente Guerrero 1029
Another spot I tried for tlayudas was Tlayudas El Negro – street food in all its glory!
Here you will get the best value for the money. They have delicious tlayudas with good prices!
El Tendajon
Location: Calle de José María Pino Suárez 409
Just blocks from the Santo Domingo cathedral, El Tendon offers a simple yet sophisticated menu, featuring traditional dishes from Oaxaca.
- Tip: try the guacamole with chapulines (grasshoppers)!
Casa Convite
Location: Calle Jesús Carranza #113
Casa Convite takes its name from the mezcal brand Convite. This space is designed to promote the mezcal culture.
They serve delicious foods in their impressive patio. I loved the ambiance here!
Besides, they feature an exhibition about mezcal and a mezcal tasting room in different spaces.
Boulenc
Location: C. Porfirio Díaz 207
Boulenc is the place to go for breakfast or brunch in Oaxaca.
For breakfast, you’ll get amazing coffee and pastries to go like croissants or something more elaborated like a croque monsier, pizza or salads. It gets quite busy, so try to get here early!
Selva Oaxaca
Location: C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4
Located on top of Los Danzantes restaurant, this rooftop is a gorgeous option for cocktails.
- Tip: combine this place with Los Danzantes for a delicious aperitif while you wait for your table downstairs.
Oaxaca City Centro rooftop
Location: Aldama 410, Jalatlaco
If you’re looking for cocktails in Jalatlaco, search no more.
The hotel Oaxaca City Centro features a really nice rooftop with a pool bar offering cocktails and of course, mezcal. It’s open to hotel guests and walk-ins.
Nieves
Location: La Soledad
Nieves are a traditional Oaxaca ice cream, available in many different flavors.
The most famous stall is the one located next to Basilica de la Soledad. Make sure to stop by while you’re in this area!
- Tip: the most famous flavor is tuna, which is a cactus fruit (don’t worry, no fish can be found in here!)
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