5 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca, Mexico

Cofetarika, on a terrace above the Danzantes restaurant in the heart of the city center, is open all day from 8 to 6, making it a perfect place for lunch. It offers freshly prepared food and a wide range of gourmet drinks in a relaxing environment.

This lively street-side café-bakery-restaurant is a hub for locals, visitors, and those passing through; everything you need to know is being passed around by word of mouth here. Almost always full but with speedy service, the restaurant is best known for its hearty breakfasts, Mexican specialties such as enchiladas and quesadillas, aguas de frutas (fruit water), and reliable Wi-Fi. Kid-friendly chow such as hamburgers and spaghetti plus sturdy high chairs make it extra appealing to families with toddlers. The daily special is an especially good deal. Popular bakery items include fruit-filled pastries, whole-wheat bread, and cinnamon buns. There's another branch—slightly spiffier but minus the view—on La Rinconada

There's no kids' menu, but you get 30% off on half orders of any dish.

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).

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 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.