Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Oaxaca

This little family-owned restaurant is tucked away in the residential neighborhood of San José La Noria, just south of the Centro Historico. This hidden gem serves up delicious meats of all kinds, but especially in the traditional Oaxacan style. Typical dishes include tasajo, a thin and typical cut of beef and cecina, a thin piece of pork, salted and rubbed with chile. The main attraction at El Molino, however, is steaks done perfectly, served in the typical Oaxacan style. After you're done eating, take a little time to wander around the charming and tranquil neighborhood.

The restaurant at Casa Oaxaca specializes in "nouvelle Mexican cuisine." The restaurant features two elegant dining spaces, a covered patio as well as the indoor dining room. Fresh and inventive dishes include roast meats, stuffed squash blossoms as well as a select number of the traditional Oaxacan moles.

One of the "splurge" restaurants of the city, Los Danzantes is named for the famous carved monoliths discovered at the nearby Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban. Go all out on dinner, or try the changing set lunch menu in the atrium, where the sky is mirrored into the reflecting pool. The food offered here is a modern kind of twist on traditional Oaxacan food, taking traditional and seasonal ingredients and using them in creative ways.

One of the most popular restaurants in the area, Pitiona is the place to be when seeking a scrumptious, Mexican meal. Upscale and sophisticated, expect nothing short of a highly relaxed, enjoyable experience from this marvelous restaurant. A team of highly experienced chefs work tirelessly to plan and perfect dishes that bring out the true essence of Mexican cuisine. Feast on an array of delectable Mexican meat preparations or opt for the popular wraps, that are certain to leave a imprint itself onto your memory. To complement your meal choose from a selection of exquisite wines and beers.

El Asador Vasco occupies the upstairs space of the southwest corner of the Zócalo. Specialties here are mostly Basque, including various types of fondues and other salty and spicy specialties. The upstairs location makes it great for views of the square and lots of interesting people-watching. The lively Zócalo atmosphere is a perfect accompaniment to the bold flavors of El Asador Vasco.

La Biznaga, located just a very short walk from the Zocalo and Santo Domingo, is considered one of the best restaurants in the city by both locals and tourists alike. The bar features gourmet, specialty drinks, and are especially known for their mojitos. Rather than individual menus, the food offerings are posted on large chalkboards hanging on the walls. No matter what you order, your meal is sure to be a delightful mixture of traditional Oaxacan cuisine and ingredients, mixed with modern techniques and flavor combinations, a most delightful marriage in Oaxaca's culinary scene. Although most of the time the restaurante is al fresco, the roof is convertable, so you will be able to enjoy La Biznaga's offerings rain or shine.