Oaxaca is known for its distinctive cuisine, with flavorful moles and fresh herbs, quesillo and mezcal. Many people come to Oaxaca just for the food, though of course they also enjoy the fascinating archaeological sites, colorful fiestas and beautiful handicrafts. Here are some of the best places to try Oaxacan food, both traditional and innovative.
1. Casa Oaxaca
Chef Alejandro Ruiz Olmeda serves up superb modern Mexican cuisine in an open and airy dining room. This is Oaxaca's priciest restaurant, but it's worth the expense. If you'll be celebrating a special occasion in Oaxaca, this is the place for it. Make reservations in advance.Address: Constitucion 104A
Phone: (951) 516-8889
2. Los Pacos
Moles are the specialty at Los Pacos. Be sure to ask for the mole sampler so you can try all of Oaxaca's seven moles, then you can choose the one you like best for your main course. There are two locations, one in the Centro and the other in Colonia Reforma - both are good but some swear the Colonia Reforma location is better.Web Site: Los Pacos
Address: Abasolo 121, Centro (closed Sundays) and Belisario Domínguez 108-1, Colonia Reforma (closed Mondays)
Phone: (951) 516-1704 Centro location and (951) 515-3573 Colonia Reforma location
3. Catedral
Enjoy impeccable service and excellent food in an elegant setting. Take your pick of dining rooms - my favorite is the courtyard with a fountain. The menu lists regional dishes as well as a variety of steaks and seafood, but I enjoyed the huitlacoche crepes in poblano sauce.Web Site: Catedral
Address: 105 García Vigil, corner of Morelos
Phone: (951) 516-3285
Closed Tuesdays.
4. Los Danzantes
Set in the back courtyard of the same building as Oro de Monte Alban, the gold jewelery store, Los Danzantes' distinctive decor has high adobe walls and a reflecting pool along the length of one wall. Here you'll find traditional ingredients prepared in creative, and often delightful ways. The chocolate souffle is lovely, but order it at the same time as your meal to avoid a long wait. A set meal is available on weekdays from 2 to 6 pm and includes a shot of mezcal, starter, entree, coffee and dessert for 75 pesos.Web Site: Los Danzantes
Address: Macedonio Alcalá No. 403-4
Phone: (951) 501-1184
5. El Refectorio
The restaurant of the Camino Real hotel, El Refectorio is a great place to try Oaxacan cuisine, but there are also international offerings on the menu. The rear wall of the main dining room is studded with earthenware pots that were uncovered during the 16th Century building's restoration. The buffet breakfast is unmatched in Oaxaca.Address: 5 de Mayo N° 300
Phone: (951) 516-0611
6. La Casa de la Abuela
Overlooking Oaxaca's vibrant Zocalo, La Casa de la Abuela serves traditional Oaxacan cuisine at it's best. Get a seat by the window to enjoy the view while you dine.Address: Hidalgo 616
Phone:(951) 516-3544
