May 10, 2020 georgiasmith 0Comment

Oaxaca is a culinary hotspot in Mexico. It attracts both Mexicans and tourists alike, all of whom want to indulge in Mexico’s rich food culture.

Not only can you find delicious traditional dishes but a whole array of experimental food and flavors. So, whether you are looking for a beautiful cathedral backdrop to eat your tacos or a Mexican courtyard to try vegan mole, you can!

This list contains some of my most-loved places to eat in Oaxaca. I’ve included a mixed price range, although most fall under the title ‘cheap eats’ as I’m often backpacking.

Vegan Mole Negro – Hierba Dulce

1) Hierba Dulce

This small vegan hideaway is a must-see when you visit Oaxaca. The majority of the restaurant seating is based in a beautiful and authentic Mexican courtyard surrounded by green cacti. And this natural approach reflects the food. Expect traditional Mexican cuisine such as moles and enchiladas with a vegan twist.

How Much?
(£)

Where?
Calle Porfirio Díaz 311, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Sabina Sabe Exterior

2) Sabina Sabe

The atmosphere in Sabina Sabe is electric, and luckily so is the food. Customers can expect a variety of trendy Mexican dishes alongside some not so-Mexican food. But where the restaurant really flourishes is through their drink menu, whether you want cocktails, spirits or more importantly mescal, there is no place better for choice. While the restaurant might be a little more pricey than Oaxaca’s street food, the quality is undeniable.

How Much?
(££)

Where?
5 de Mayo 209, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Food at Boulenc

3) Boulenc

This restaurant come-bakery provides the best of both worlds. Not only does it have the reputation of being one of the best breakfast spots in the city with delicious dishes such as Mexican-style pancakes and huevos ranchos, but its a local favourite for pastries and bread. And these food types aren’t always the easiest to find in Mexico. But be warned the bakeries popularity often means they run out of baked goods fast. To make sure you get a slice head over to the bakery as early as possible, doors tend to open around 8 am.

How Much?
(££)

Where?
Calle Porfirio Díaz 207, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
The Organic Harvest Market

4) Organic Harvest Market

Tucked away off of Oaxaca’s busy streets, this communal dining experience gives the luxury of choice from plenty of street food sellers. You can try the wonderful maize and cacao drink tejate, fresh juices, moles, and plenty of tamales. You can also buy regional produce here for your own cooking, and of course, everything is organic. The market’s hippy vibes attract a lot of tourists and locals alike. It’s not far off POP Brixton!

How much?
(£)

Where?
Calle Macedonio Alcalá 806, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Chocolate for Sale

5) Rito Chocolatería & Tienda

Oaxaca is famed for its high-quality artisanal chocolate. And there is no better place to go than here. You can purchase beautifully wrapped Oaxacan chocolate, cocoa nibs, and cocoa powder. Perfect for gifts or for stuffing your face on the walk back to your accommodation. Or, if you prefer, you can indulge in the shop itself by sampling the wonderful hot chocolate, coffees, and pastries. The interior is very trendy and industrial, with hanging lightbulbs and metal pipe shelves; London’s East-end hipsters should feel right at home

How Much?

(£)

Where?

68000, Calle Porfirio Díaz 708 -H, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Centro, Oax., Mexico
Taco Stand

6) Tacos De Comal Plaza Del Carmen

An Oaxacan food tour wouldn’t be complete without celebrating the delicious street food on offer. This is the true heart of Mexican cuisine and often the tastiest. At Tacos Del Carmen, you can sample their simple and delicious tacos. I recommended trying the salsa rojo with heaps of chorizo. The vendors are exceptionally friendly, even when trying to understand broken Spanish.

How Much?

(£)

Where?
Jesús Carranza 110, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Food from Pitiona

7) Pitiona

Want a meal with a view? It doesn’t get much better than Pitiona’s rooftop terrace overlooking Templo de Santo Domingo. And it’s not hard to see why this restaurant might cost you a little more than your local street vendor. Run by head chef Jose Baños Rodriguez, the food is a modern take on Mexican cuisine, with options such as cactus pasta and guacamole rolls. The dishes are artworks in themselves, so make sure you get your camera ready.

How Much?
(£££)

Where?

Calle de Ignacio Allende 114, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Mercado 20 de Novembre

8) Pasillo de Humo at Mercado 20 de Novembre


If you want to celebrate true Mexican cuisine with the locals, this is the place to go. Picking your food is an experience in itself. You start by choosing which meat you would like from the meat stall, how much you want, and how you would like it prepared. You then grab your drinks and sauces from a separate stall and find a seat while you wait for your food to be prepared. The chorizo and pork cesinas are particularly delicious. Smoky, chaotic, delicious, this market has all the authentic features of a Mexican food-hub. And Mercado 20 de Novembre is a must-visit in Oaxaca whether you are hungry or not.

How Much?
(£)

Where?

68000, Miguel Cabrera 116, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Fonda Florecita

9) Fonda Florecita

One of Oaxaca’s most popular breakfast spots has to be Fonda Florecita. Finding a seat might be a problem in this cafeteria-style food market, but the food is worth the hassle. On the menu, you can find tasty dishes such as enfrijoldas with egg and chicken, potato empanadas, and lots of Oaxaca cheese! And it’s also very cheap.
You might even get lucky and experience a live band while munching on your empanadas.

How Much?
(£)

Where?

Calle Morelos Mercado La Merced Int 37 Zona del Pan, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Food at Casa Teviche

10) Casa Taviche

Close to the Iglesia de la Merced is Casa Taviche, this beautifully decorated and cozy restaurant will calm your nerves from the busy streets outside. The restaurant’s fresh aesthetic extends to the food as well. You can find beautifully presented tlayunda and mole, but they change their menu often, so anticipate something different each time you go. They also have a great reputation for providing vegan and vegetarian food.

How Much?

(££)

Where?

Miguel Hidalgo 1111, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

I would love to hear about your experience with the delicious food in Oaxaca, and if you have any recommendations please share them in the comments!

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