43 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca, Mexico

Good value, dependable Mexican cuisine, and a prime view of the town plaza make Los Portales a wise choice for breakfast or an afternoon meal. As one of the more authentic taquerías in a resort town catering to visitors, Los Portales offers traditional tacos al pastor, grilled meats, and Oaxacan moles as well as a full menu devoted to seafood. The aguachile is tasty, especially when accompanied by a mezcal cocktail from the bar.

Luvina’s aim is to create a range of tastes, smells, and textures prevalent in Oaxaca and transform them into culinary creations. The restaurant, inspired by the works of Juan Rulfo, does just that. The elegant dining space, a few blocks away from the main city-center streets, offers just enough peace and serenity for the restaurant goer to be able to interpret and understand the complex flavors found in the local ingredients. The chef, Carlos Garcia, aims to take each diner on a culinary journey through the real and imaginary worlds of Rulfo’s writings.

Manolo is the most traditional of the Oaxacan ice-cream manufacturers, started in 1877. It’s small ice-cream museum is located on the principal city-center street and attracts both locals and tourists. Visitors can experience a wide range of traditional and exotic ice creams including mezcal, corn, and the elusive beso Oaxaqueño (made from carrot, pecan, and appple).

Local families and expats in the know come here for a seafood fix. The ceviches are delicious, as are the whole-fried-fish platters and the shrimp specials. Margaritas, too, are best-in-class, and a wonderful baked banana dessert comes with condensed milk, cream, and rummy eggnog. This, the original branch, where you can enjoy your meal out in a lovely, fern-shaded garden, is a breakfast-and-lunch-only place, closing at 6 pm. Another branch on Calzada de Porfirio Diaz isn't quite as cute.

On busy weeknights, it seems everyone in Puerto Escondido wants to eat here. Originally created to serve backpackers at the hostel of the same name, the restaurant began drawing food fans willing to make the pilgrimage across town to enjoy its winning combination of expertly prepared cuisine, good value, and fun vibe. The eco-friendly decor and contemporary menu are inspired by the music of the 1960s and '70s, so expect to see dishes such as "Groovy Chicken" or "Give Peace a Chance" (a generous portion of fresh dorado breaded with toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds and slathered with chili aioli). Sides include tabbouleh salad, crispy browned baby potatoes, and local greens. The eclectic menu has lots of vegetarian choices, pizzas, and pastas—all served with flair.

A second-story restaurant that overlooks the activity of La Crucecita's zócalo, Onix is emblematic of the high-concept development that has sprung up around Huatulco to complement its luxury resorts. Options on the ambitious menu include lobster with four butters, fragrant with local flavors such as epazote and chipotle. The wine selection is better than average.

Seafood doesn't get any fresher than at this open-air restaurant bar and grill on the beach in front of the fishing boats of Playa Principal. Each morning, owner Ludovic Tisseur, who hails from Lyon, France, sources what's freshest from local fishermen, so the menu features an ever-evolving array of seafood from decadent lobster to a delicious shrimp and fish brochette. Pascale's is also the place to go for expertly grilled T-bone steaks, classic Chateaubriand, or house-made tortellini. Attentive service matches the ultraromantic ambience of candles, white linen tablecloths, and graceful palm trees. Call ahead if you have your heart set on lobster.

Sabina Sabe is one of the newest mezcal bar–restaurants in the city, and its enviable location on the zócalo makes it a welcome addition for tourists looking to move away from the traditional tourist dining options. The menu is filled with fresh, locally sourced plates and a wide range of drink options including beers, mezcals, and cocktails. It is the perfect place to while away the late afternoon with a small plate and a drink in hand.

This open-fronted but underventilated restaurant near the main plaza is the perfect spot to learn the ABCs of traditional Oaxacan cooking. Try one of the massive sampler plates (enough for two or three people). You can go as far as nopal (cactus) soup or a side dish of chapulines, the spicy, toasted grasshoppers that locals consider a delicacy. For the less adventurous diner, any one of the chicken dishes in gently spiced mole sauce is recommended. This is also a good place for a late-night snack of tlayudas (giant open-faced tortillas with toppings) or queso fundido (a heavenly fondue).

With folding glass windows opening out onto the foliage of trees overhanging the bustling zócalo, Tres Bistro offers a classy retreat from the bustling square. You can see the glitter of the twinkling lights and hear the music of the marimbas down below. The menu offers a range of traditional Oaxacan dishes alongside contemporary pastas, pizzas, lasagna, and seafood, so it's good for people traveling with young children who might not take to some of the more traditional Oaxacan offerings, while the adults can savor some different tastes. Unlike most upper-floor restaurants, this one also has an elevator.

When you're looking for a bite to eat on your day at the beach, choose between poolside service or a table at the more upscale Pez Gallo restaurant. The latter offers inventive Mexican cuisine and great views. After, join a baby-turtle release, hang out at the swim-up bar, watch a free movie at nightfall, go for a long walk, or just lounge in a hammock at this expansive beach club set directly on Playa Bacocho. Even during peak periods, the large, free-form swimming pool never feels crowded. A playground, their own swimming pool, and a kids' menu will make little ones happy.

Arrive early to snag a prime lounger and for happy hour noon–1 daily.

This pretty little café and organic-produce shop is nestled away in Jalatlaco, one of the oldest, prettiest, and least-visited parts of the city. The store offers a wide variety of unusual vegetable and fruit products, all sourced locally, as well as a small range of vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free alternative foods. The cafeteria, located next door, is famous for its filled ciabattas, interesting teas, and friendly atmosphere. It's a great place for a midmorning breakfast or lunch.

A shabby-chic handful of wooden tables dressed in bright paisley cloths, Zandunga is the quintessential corner café. It fills up with local families who come to sample hearty and simple dishes from the istmo, the southeastern part of the state around the town of Tehuantepec. The estofado, a savory beef stew, is recommended; start off with the sampler plate of typical regional snacks, which comes with totopos (crunchy tortillas that originated on the isthmus). Daily specials may include a mole for good measure. Wash it all down with a tangy tea made from hibiscus blossoms.