5 best restaurants in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a city you taste—smoky mezcal, rich moles, hand-pressed tortillas, and ingredients that feel impossibly fresh. What makes it special is how its restaurants honor tradition while adding modern creativity, so every meal can feel like the highlight of your trip. The only hard part is choosing where to start. In this guide to the 5 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca, we’re narrowing it down to five standout spots that deliver on flavor, atmosphere, and that “this is why we came” moment.
Updated: 07/23/24
5 best restaurants in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a city you taste—smoky mezcal, rich moles, hand-pressed tortillas, and ingredients that feel impossibly fresh. What makes it special is how its restaurants honor tradition while adding modern creativity, so every meal can feel like the highlight of your trip. The only hard part is choosing where to start. In this guide to the 5 Best Restaurants in Oaxaca, we’re narrowing it down to five standout spots that deliver on flavor, atmosphere, and that “this is why we came” moment.
Entre Sombras
There’s something intimate and quietly captivating about Entre Sombras. The name alone sets the tone, and once inside, the atmosphere follows through—moody lighting, thoughtful design, and a setting that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to Oaxaca’s culinary roots. It’s the kind of restaurant where dinner unfolds slowly, encouraging you to savor not just the flavors, but the entire experience.
Located in the colonia Centro, Entre Sombras places you right in the heart of Oaxaca City’s cultural energy. The space balances elegance and warmth, making it feel elevated without ever becoming stiff. Whether you’re seated indoors surrounded by refined details or enjoying the ambiance of its terrace, the restaurant creates an environment that invites conversation and lingering.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the ambiance reaches its full expression and the kitchen’s creativity truly shines. It’s an excellent choice for couples, thanks to its intimate lighting and romantic undertone. The menu highlights regional ingredients interpreted through a modern lens—expect carefully plated dishes that respect tradition while introducing subtle, contemporary twists. Each course feels intentional, designed to complement the overall sensory experience.
The average price range falls between $400–$700 MXN pesos per person, depending on your selections. For those traveling with pets, take note: the restaurant does not admit pets. Entre Sombras is a refined yet welcoming destination for anyone seeking a memorable evening rooted in Oaxaca’s evolving gastronomic scene.
Perched above the coastal buzz of La Punta, La Terraza Happy Puerto Escondido is the kind of place that turns “let’s grab a drink” into a full sunset-to-night plan. You climb the stairs and instantly get why people rave about it: open sky, palm-framed shade, and that panoramic ocean view that makes every cocktail feel like a reward. The vibe is playful and beachy—rustic textures, good music, and drinks that often arrive in fun, tiki-style glassware—so the mood stays light even when the night gets lively.
This spot sits in the colonia La Punta Zicatela, one of the most iconic corners of Puerto Escondido for surf culture, bar hopping, and effortless vacation energy. The terrace layout is built for hanging out: plenty of breezy seating, a bar that stays active, and a natural flow that lets you move from “watching the sun drop” to “staying for one more round” without thinking twice. It’s social without feeling cramped, and the ocean breeze keeps the whole experience comfortable.
It’s especially ideal for dinner, even though cocktails are the headline. Food is typically handled through the associated Fish Shack setup, which means you can pair your mezcalitas, mojitos, and signature house cocktails with seafood and fish dishes that make perfect sense by the beach. It’s also ideal for friends, because everything about the place encourages group moments—sharing plates, ordering rounds, and stretching the night out while the soundtrack shifts into party mode.
Budget-wise, it’s refreshingly accessible: the price range is $100–$500 MXN pesos per person. Another big plus for beach travelers: the restaurant admits pets, so your four-legged companion doesn’t have to miss the sunset session. If you want Puerto Escondido at its most fun—views, cocktails, and a terrace that keeps the night moving—this is a must.
Asador Bacanora
Smoke, fire, and bold northern flavors define the personality of Asador Bacanora. While the name nods to Sonora’s iconic spirit, the overall concept blends grill culture with a modern dining atmosphere that feels both upscale and welcoming. From the moment you step inside, the scent of the parrilla sets the tone—this is a place where meat takes center stage, cocktails are strong, and dinner feels like an occasion.
Located in the colonia Centro Sur, Asador Bacanora stands out for its spacious layout and polished design. The interior balances industrial elements with warm textures, creating a setting that works just as well for a celebratory dinner as it does for a relaxed night out. The bar area adds energy to the space, making it easy to start the evening with a cocktail before diving into the menu.
This restaurant is especially ideal for dinner, when the grill is in full rhythm and the menu’s heavier cuts truly shine. It’s also ideal for friends, since the concept encourages sharing—large cuts for the table, flavorful sides, and rounds of bacanora-based cocktails that keep the mood upbeat. Expect hearty portions, well-executed steaks, and a drinks menu designed to complement smoky, fire-kissed flavors.
The average price range sits between $300–$600 MXN pesos per person, depending on your choice of cuts and drinks. Asador Bacanora delivers a bold, grill-forward experience that feels generous, lively, and built for memorable nights around the table.
Colonial 213
Classic architecture, warm lighting, and a menu rooted in Mexican tradition give Colonial 213 a timeless appeal. This is the kind of restaurant that feels polished without losing its soul—where the setting invites you to slow down and enjoy the ritual of a well-prepared meal. From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense of understated elegance, making it a reliable choice for a thoughtful dining experience in Oaxaca.
Located in the colonia Centro, Colonial 213 benefits from being right in the historic core of the city. The space reflects that heritage, blending colonial-style details with comfortable seating and a calm, welcoming ambiance. Whether you’re dining inside among textured walls and soft lighting or enjoying a more open-air section, the restaurant maintains a refined but relaxed rhythm.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the atmosphere feels most intimate and the kitchen’s flavors shine. It’s an excellent option for families, thanks to its comfortable layout and menu that balances tradition with accessibility. Expect Mexican dishes that respect classic techniques while presenting them in a contemporary way—flavor-forward, satisfying, and thoughtfully plated.
The average spend falls between $300–$500 MXN pesos per person, depending on your selections. Colonial 213 offers a dining experience that feels rooted in Oaxaca’s heritage while still delivering the comfort and consistency travelers look for in a standout restaurant.
Obispo Cocina Rural
The road out of downtown Oaxaca is worth it when it ends at Obispo Cocina Rural Oaxaca—a place that feels like a breath of fresh air the second you arrive. This is rural cooking in its most inviting form: open-air seating, a calm countryside vibe, and the kind of aromas that make you hungry before you even sit down. The experience isn’t rushed or trendy; it’s grounded, warm, and proudly traditional, built around the flavors of the Mixteca and the slow, patient magic of cooking with fire.
You’ll find it in the colonia San Felipe del Agua, a quieter area that instantly changes your pace. Being outside the busiest streets makes the visit feel more like a little escape than a typical reservation. Everything about the setting leans natural and relaxed—sunlight, space to breathe, and a layout that works especially well when you want a long meal with conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear the people you’re with, and where staying for an extra round of tortillas feels completely normal.
This restaurant is ideal for lunch, when the open-air atmosphere shines and the kitchen’s specialty takes center stage. The concept is deeply rooted in tradition: barbacoa made with ancestral techniques (think horno bajo tierra), tortillas made by hand and served fresh, and a menu that celebrates hearty, comforting Oaxacan flavors without overcomplicating them. It’s also ideal for families, because the environment is welcoming, the portions feel satisfying, and the overall mood is easygoing—perfect for gathering everyone around the table and sharing what looks best.
Budget-wise, it sits in the $300–$800 MXN pesos per person range, depending on how much you order and how far you explore the menu. Another big plus: the restaurant admits pets, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged travel buddy behind to enjoy a proper comida. For a meal that feels authentic, outdoorsy, and unmistakably Oaxaca, Obispo is a standout.
Your next reservation awaits
Choosing just five spots in a place like Oaxaca is never easy—and that’s exactly the point. This city doesn’t just serve food; it tells stories through flavor, technique, and tradition. From fire-driven rural kitchens to polished dining rooms in Centro, every restaurant adds a different layer to what makes Oaxaca one of the most exciting culinary destinations in Mexico. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer food-focused trip, the right table can turn a good day into an unforgettable one. And the beauty is that no two meals ever feel quite the same.
Of course, five restaurants are only the beginning. Oaxaca’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new openings, chef collaborations, hidden neighborhood gems, and seasonal menus worth planning around. If this list sparked your appetite, there’s plenty more to discover—from brunch spots and rooftop bars to mezcalerías and destination dining experiences across the state. Keep exploring, keep tasting, and let your next reservation lead you somewhere unexpected.
