5 best places in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you leave. The colors feel brighter, the markets buzz louder, and the aromas drifting through the streets seem impossible to ignore. But with so many incredible flavors competing for your attention, how do you decide where to eat first? From smoky mezcal bars tucked behind colonial facades to open-air kitchens serving recipes passed down for generations, Oaxaca isn’t just a place to grab a meal—it’s a place to experience food in its purest, most soulful form. If you think you’ve tasted Mexican cuisine before, Oaxaca is ready to change your definition entirely.
In this guide to the 5 Best Places to Eat in Oaxaca, we’re diving into spots that capture the spirit, creativity, and depth of this legendary food capital. Whether you’re craving rich mole negro, freshly made tlayudas, innovative tasting menus, or unforgettable street food, these destinations promise more than just great dishes—they offer stories on every plate. Ready to discover where your next unforgettable bite will be? Let’s explore the places that make Oaxaca a must-visit for true food lovers.
1. Desestresse Oaxaca
Desestresse Oaxaca is a lively and modern restaurant located in the Centro neighborhood of Oaxaca, right on the famous pedestrian walkway where the energy of the city pulses day and night. This spot stands out not only for its prime location on Calle Macedonio Alcalá but also for its engaging blend of great food, creative drinks, and fun atmosphere that invites you to relax the moment you walk in. Whether you’re just beginning your night or looking to unwind after exploring the city’s vibrant streets, Desestresse captures the spirit of Oaxaca’s culinary scene with a casual yet exciting vibe.
This restaurant is ideal for dinner and late-night outings, serving up a mix of flavorful dishes like juicy burgers, crispy wings, and shareable snacks that pair perfectly with their extensive selection of craft cocktails, mezcal creations, and cold beers. The menu leans into both classic favorites and inventive twists, making it a versatile choice for a satisfying meal before drinks or a full dinner experience. Guests often highlight the lively ambiance and happy hour promotions that make every visit feel like a celebration.
Perfect for friends and couples, Desestresse provides an atmosphere that is both social and welcoming. Whether you’re gathering with a group to share stories over plates and pitchers or enjoying a date night with handcrafted cocktails in hand, the energy here is contagious. With upbeat music—often featuring DJs—and a crowd that’s eager to have a good time, it’s easy to see why many visitors return again and again.
The price range of approximately 300–800 pesos per person positions Desestresse as a mid-range option that offers great value for the quality of food, drinks, and overall experience. While specific pet policies aren’t listed, the focus here remains on providing a memorable dining and social environment that embodies the festive spirit of Oaxaca’s center. With outdoor seating options and a setting that invites lingering conversation long into the evening, this restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy one of the city’s most dynamic food and drink scenes.
2. Bacco Zipolite
If you’re craving a meal that feels equal parts beach getaway and elevated dining, Bacco Zipolite delivers. This is one of those places to eat that instantly sets the mood: warm lighting, an easygoing coastal vibe, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Located in the Las Casitas neighborhood, Bacco fits right into Zipolite’s laid-back rhythm—close enough to the ocean energy to feel it, but cozy enough to make dinner feel like an occasion.
Bacco is especially ideal for dinner, when the day cools down and the town starts to glow. The menu leans into comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors with a polished touch—think plates designed for sharing, hearty mains that satisfy after a beach day, and options that pair beautifully with wine or a well-made cocktail. It’s the kind of spot where you can keep it simple or turn the night into a full, multi-course experience without it ever feeling too formal.
It’s also ideal for families, friends, and couples, which isn’t always easy to pull off. Couples can make it a romantic night out, friends can settle in for long conversations over drinks, and families will appreciate having choices that work for different appetites. The service and pacing encourage you to relax—no rushing, no stress, just a solid meal in a setting that feels special without trying too hard.
On budget, expect a price range of 350–1,500 Mexican pesos per person, depending on whether you’re doing a casual dinner or going all-in with premium dishes and drinks. And yes—Bacco admits pets, so your pup can come along while you enjoy one of Zipolite’s most inviting dinner spots.
3. Esencia Oaxaca Cocktail Bar
Esencia Oaxaca Cocktail Bar is one of those places to eat in Oaxaca that feels like a hidden gem—stylish, intimate, and built around flavor. Even if you come for the cocktails, you quickly realize the food is part of the experience, not an afterthought. It’s located in the Centro neighborhood (Ex-Marquezado), right in the heart of the city, making it a perfect stop when you want something memorable after wandering markets, galleries, and cobblestone streets.
This spot is ideal for dinner, especially if you like your nights with a little edge—dim lighting, great music, and a menu designed for grazing and pairing. The bites are made to match the bar’s mezcal-forward creativity: think shareable plates, bold Oaxacan ingredients, and small dishes that keep you curious from the first round to the last. It’s the kind of place where you can order “just a couple things” and suddenly your table is full of flavors.
Esencia is especially ideal for friends and couples. For a date, it’s effortlessly romantic—low-key but elevated, with that “we found the spot” energy. For a night out with friends, it’s an easy win: order a few plates, compare cocktails, and let the conversation stretch without feeling rushed. The vibe stays relaxed, but there’s still a sense of intention in everything—from the presentation to the pacing.
Budget-wise, it lands in a sweet spot: 300–1,000 Mexican pesos per person, depending on how many cocktails and plates you explore. One thing to note: Esencia does not admit pets, which helps keep the atmosphere polished and calm—perfect when you want a dinner-and-drinks plan that feels a little more special.
4. Dichoso Puerto Escondido
Dichoso is one of those places to eat that instantly feels like vacation mode—an open palapa, ocean air, and a front-row view of the Pacific while you dig into comforting Mexican flavors. You’ll find it in the Brisas de Zicatela neighborhood, a coastal area that’s perfect when you want something relaxed, scenic, and delicious without overthinking the plan. The setting is simple in the best way: natural, breezy, and built for slow mornings that turn into “let’s stay a little longer.”
This spot is especially ideal for breakfast (and brunch), with a menu centered on Mexican morning classics that feel hearty, familiar, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of place where you can start with something bold and savory, then balance it out with a coffee or smoothie while you soak in the view. The vibe matches the food: unhurried, warm, and made for enjoying the moment—whether you’re starting your day early or making breakfast the main event.
Dichoso also works beautifully for families, friends, and couples. Friends can grab a table on the terrace and catch up over a long, easy meal, while couples will love the calm, intimate feel that comes from the smaller, quieter setting. Families can settle in comfortably too—there’s space to relax, plenty to look at, and a menu that hits that sweet spot between crowd-pleasing and memorable. Bonus: the atmosphere is peaceful enough that you can actually talk (or even get a bit of work done) without battling loud music.
When it comes to budget, Dichoso stays approachable: the price range is 300–500 Mexican pesos per person. And if you’re traveling with your furry sidekick, you’re in luck—Dichoso admits pets, making it an easy yes for anyone who wants a genuinely chill, ocean-view breakfast spot in Puerto Escondido.
5. Tita Bonita Oaxaca
Tita Bonita is one of those places to eat that instantly feels warm and familiar—like you’ve been invited into someone’s home for a real Oaxacan meal. It’s a cozy, colorful spot with a relaxed pace and a comforting, “stay a while” kind of energy. You’ll find it in the Centro neighborhood, making it an easy choice when you’re exploring downtown Oaxaca and want something genuinely local without the fuss.
This is especially ideal for breakfast, when you’re craving something hearty, home-style, and full of traditional flavor. The menu leans into classic Oaxacan comfort with dishes that feel made with care—perfect for starting your day with something satisfying instead of grabbing something rushed. It’s the kind of place where the first bite makes you slow down, look around, and realize you picked exactly the right spot.
Tita Bonita is also ideal for families, because it’s welcoming, casual, and built for lingering conversations over coffee and big plates. It works beautifully for friends too—especially if you want an easy morning plan that still feels like a real experience. The vibe is calm and friendly, and the food is the main event: simple in the best way, with flavors that feel honest and deeply rooted in Oaxaca.
Budget-wise, it’s refreshingly approachable: the price range is 170–220 Mexican pesos per person, so you can eat well without turning breakfast into a splurge. And if you’re traveling with your furry companion, you’re in luck—Tita Bonita admits pets, making it a great option when you want a relaxed meal and don’t want to leave anyone behind.
Where to eat in Oaxaca is just the beginning
Oaxaca doesn’t just feed you—it changes the way you think about food. From relaxed coastal breakfasts to mezcal-forward cocktail nights and vibrant neighborhood dinners, each of these spots shows a different side of what makes this state so unforgettable. The beauty of exploring the 5 best places to eat in Oaxaca isn’t just about checking restaurants off a list—it’s about discovering flavors that surprise you, atmospheres that pull you in, and moments that stay with you long after the last bite. And the truth is, five places are only the beginning. Oaxaca’s culinary scene runs deep, shaped by tradition, creativity, and a serious love for gathering around the table.
If this list sparked your appetite, there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered. Hidden gems, rooftop views, chef-driven tasting menus, street food worth crossing town for—Oaxaca has layers, and we’re here to help you explore every one of them. Ready to plan your next reservation? Keep browsing and discover even more incredible places to eat, celebrate, and experience the best of Mexico one table at a time.