Are you ready for the culinary journey of a lifetime? Oaxaca City’s food scene is vibrant and colorful, offering an array of flavors, textures, and ingredients. From fast-food stands to high-end restaurants, the city has something to offer every type of foodie.
Discovering these amazing culinary experiences is an exciting part of visiting the city. Stories are handed down from generation to generation on how certain meals are made and where they originated, revealing a large part of Oaxaca’s culture.
The following article highlights some of the top places to eat in Oaxaca City so you can experience the best of what the city has to offer.
La Biznaga
This modern Mexican restaurant brings traditional recipes from the surrounding villages to life with fresh local ingredients. The vibe at La Biznaga is sophisticated and relaxed, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner during your stay in the city. The menu features classic Oaxacan dishes such as tlayuda, a crispy tortilla topped with black beans, radish, and chorizo, a meal you will never forget.
La Biznaga is also well-known for its selection of mezcales, small-batch craft mescals available exclusively in Oaxaca City. Whether exploring the unique food scene or just looking for some delicious dishes to try in one evening, La Biznaga should be your first stop.
Los Danzantes
Los Danzantes is a fantastic restaurant and bar complex in central Oaxaca City. It’s one of the better spots to explore the vibrant food scene in Oaxaca. Here you’ll find two bustling bars, two restaurants, and even a cafe serving delicious Mexican dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Plus, they have an extensive wine list and artisanal cocktails featuring mezcal.
Los Danzantes takes cooking seriously. They prepare their food with a combination of Oaxacan moles and international flavors that is truly exceptional. Their menu features regional specialties like tlayudas (extra-large tortillas), tacos de pastor, quesillo (Oaxacan cheese), and much more.
If you’re looking for something truly special, Los Danzantes is definitely the place to go for a unique culinary experience.
Casa Oaxaca
Casa Oaxaca is an excellent place for those looking for a standout, authentic Mexican dining experience. It offers local dishes, including some of the most traditional dishes locals love. You can sample three types of moles, tamales and chapulines (fried grasshoppers) and tasty tacos.
The atmosphere there is lively and bustling with a local vibe. Decorated with colorful art and vibrant photos of the city itself, it’s a place where you can get an immediate sense of the rich culture of Oaxaca City. They also offer live music performances throughout the week that add to its festive ambiance, truly an unforgettable experience.
Humar
When you visit Oaxaca City, check out this seafood Restaurant. Every dish here is cooked with regional ingredients and follows local cooking techniques to perfection. Humar has a varied menu and vegetarian and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. But don’t worry, all of the dishes are bursting with wow.
The restaurant’s setting is unique, so if you’re looking for something special, Humar is it. Enjoy the shrimp and octopus cocktail or the tuna burger. It’s an exquisite dining experience that everyone should try at least once.
If you’re looking for local flavor and flair, Humar Restaurant is your best bet. With its fresh takes on traditional dishes, eclectic decor, and energizing and zen-like atmosphere, Humar is an unforgettable culinary adventure that’s easy on your wallet and will not soon be forgotten.
Restaurante Taniperla
Restaurante Taniperla is considered one of the most iconic eateries in Oaxaca City. The menu focuses on simple, comforting favorites that feature indigenous cuisine. Taniperla’s signature dishes include their delicious enfrijoladas, tacos de tasajo, and crunchy chalupas, and all are served with copious amounts of fresh pico de gallo.
The restaurant’s low-key ambiance is warm and inviting. With bright yellow walls adorned with colorful Mexican artwork and vinyl tablecloths draped over rustic wooden tables, Restaurant Taniperla offers an unforgettable dining experience.
If you want to sample some authentic dishes while exploring the vibrant food scene in Oaxaca City, add Restaurante Taniperla to your must-try list when you visit.
Casa Taviche
Casa Taviche is a place you have to check out. The creative menu highlights the incredible culinary culture of the region using fresh, quality ingredients. It’s a great option if you’re after authentic Mexican cuisine. Try the popular ‘crispy chanfaina,’ deep-fried pork cooked in a pib cornhusk and served with black beans, grilled tortillas, salsa roja, and sweet avocado sauce.
The tacos here can’t be missed either. They’re made with homemade corn tortillas stuffed with delicious fillings such as huitlacoche (corn smut) or pickled nopales (cactus), topped with salsa and cilantro. Casas Tabiche is also well known for their regional specialities: mole antunqueño (red mole), rajas con queso (roasted peppers & cheese) and enfrijoladas (black bean crepes). If you like Mexican cooking, this is definitely worth a visit.
Mexita
While you’re enjoying Oaxaca City, you simply have to visit Mexita. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious Italian meal just outside the main tourist area.
Mexita is a traveler’s choice housed in an antique home, which adds extra character to your dining experience. With its rustic brick walls and wooden decor, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Oaxacan abode.
The chefs at Mexita make all kinds of classic Italian dishes from scratch using fresh ingredients. The menu includes authentic pizzas, shrimp, tender beef cuts, and succulent entrees cooked using traditional wood-fired ovens. Their wine list is the best in town.
El Escapulario
El Escapulario is a must-visit. They serve up traditional Mexican dishes using the beloved moles from Oaxaca. The restaurant is small, and the menu is quite simple. Choose from two different types of soup, several choices of moles, and your favorite side dish. Of course, a meal at El Escapulario would only be complete with their famous handmade tortillas.
Their food is cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. Every bite is bursting with flavor and beautifully spiced. The Mole Rojo here is a classic that always delivers flavor and texture.
And the best part? Prices are extremely reasonable too. El Escapulario really has it all, great atmosphere, delicious food, and affordable prices, making it one of the finest places to eat in Oaxaca City.
Conclusion
Overall, Oaxaca City has something to offer for all kinds of food enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for traditional Mexican dishes, Italian-inspired fare, or a unique experience, there are plenty of options to choose from. Restaurante Taniperla, Casa Taviche, Mexita, and El Escapulario all serve up delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds. So if you’re looking for a tasty meal while in town, why not give one of these places a try?