Best Bars and Restaurants in Oaxaca City: Top Places to Eat and Drink in 2025
Mexican food is in my top 3 favorite cuisines, and I knew that Oaxaca serves up some of the best food in this world, but I was not expecting it to be THIS good.
Oaxacan cuisine is a category all it’s own and truly stands out as some of the best Mexican food I have ever had. From street food to fine dining, and everything in between, Oaxaca City is pretty unbeatable when it comes to food diversity, and all at really amazing prices on the tourist dollar.
As an added bonus, Oaxaca City cocktails bars are top notch, with everything from Mezcal tastings to local beer to curated cocktails.
These were some of the food highlights from my 5 days in Oaxaca City.
Bodaego
🗺️Miguel Hidalgo 1203, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Daily 8a-5p
💵$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
There is only one word needed to describe Bodaego Oaxaca: YUM.
You can smell this bakery before you can see it because everything is made fresh in hose and you can taste that in every scrumptious bite.
There is a wide variety of sweet and savory pastries and coffee drinks available and a lovely community table to dine in and enjoy, or carry out is available.
Pan Con Madre
🗺️C. de Quetzalcoatl 205-D, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️ Mon-Sat 8a-8:30p, Sun-Closed
💵
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly
I was heading toward Sagrado Filemón I Pan y Café when I passed Pan Con Madre and the smell of fresh baking bread drew me across the street. I considered just grabbing something from the bakery, but wanted a proper breakfast so I joined the waitlist (less than 10 minutes) to dine in.
I am so glad I did! The bread alone was enough reason to come in, but my breakfast and coffee was so tasty. The setting is lovely and bright, and the service (though a bit slow) was friendly.
Their reviews rave about their pizza, which based on the bread alone it probably fantastic.
Sagrado Filemón I Pan y Café
🗺️Ignacio Allende 218, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Wed-Mon 7:05a-9:30p, Tues-Closed
💵$-$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🏳️🌈LGTBQ+ Friendly
My only regret about this Oaxaca restaurant is that I went on my last full day and missed the opportunity to go back and try more of their menu.
If you told me the best chicken and waffles I would ever have would in Mexico, I would have laughed at you… until I had these.
While I would strongly recommend Sagrado Filemón I Pan y Café for their breakfast/brunch, after looking at the menu and plates around me, I am confident they serve up incredible food all day long.
Sabina Sable
🗺️5 de Mayo 209, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Mon, Wed-Sat 1p-12a, Sun 1- 11:30, Mon-Closed
💵$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ Friendly
I passed Sabina Sable when I was walking around on my first day in Oaxaca and thought it was super cute and added it to my Google map. The next day, on my walking tour, both guides raved about it and said it was a must for a cocktail.
I hit it off with another solo traveler on my tour and we ended up going after the tour.
Our tour guides were not wrong: the cocktails were incredible. I also ordered some veggie tacos that were super fresh and delish. My companion ordered beef tacos that I didn’t try, but she raved about.
Gret for just a cocktail, or a meal, I absolutely recommend Sabina Sable while in Oaxaca City. This popular Oaxaca restaurant does get quite busy, so I recommend reservations or getting there at opening time.
Restaurante Taniperla
🗺️Av. de la Independencia 208, Zona Lunes Feb 09, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Dail 8a-10pm
💵$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
This local Oaxaca City restaurant was recommended by my Airbnb host, and he was right about the food and price point being spot on. The service was warm and welcoming, the food was super fresh (those fresh tortillas were impeccable), all at a very budget friendly price.
Los Danzantes
🗺️C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Daily 1p-10:30p
💵$$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Los Danzantes was my one “treat yourself” meal in Oaxaca and it was well worth the budget travel splurge. I wasn’t able to get a dinner reservation, but had an amazing lunch here.
It was no surprise the service was impeccable, the food was fresh and perfection, and the cocktail I had was a work of art.
If you are able to snag a reservation, make sure to get to Los Danzantes while in Oaxaca.
Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante
🗺️Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante
🕰️Mon-Sat 1p-11p, Sun 1p-9p
💵$$-$$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Everything about my experience at Casa Oaxaca el Restaurante was a happy accident.
I ended up here when I was unable to get in to somewhere else, because there was something on the menu I wanted… but then they didn’t have it, so I went for what looked like the next best thing, which ended up being so good.
The service here was incredible and it really gave an upscale feel without being stuffy, or overly expensive (but be careful of the bottled water at $6!).
This was a great solo spot, but would also make a great date night spot.
Casa Taviche
🗺️Miguel Hidalgo 1111, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Thurs-Tues 8a-10p, Wed-closed
💵$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Casa Taviche was my first meal in Oaxaca and really set the tone for an amazing foodie experience. The service was top notch (some of the bet I had in Oaxaca) with attentive and friendly staff. I tried a traditional dish, which I enjoyed, but definitely had food envy over plates I saw pass me by.
I would definitely return to Casa Taviche to try some other dishes. This Oaxacan restaurant is also frequently recommended for brunch.
Selina Hostel Bar
🗺️5 de Mayo 217, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️
💵$-$$
🏳️🌈LGBTQAI+ Friendly
I LOVE a good hostel bar. They are usually chill, have a good crowd, and great prices, and Selina Oaxaca delivers on all of them, plus amazing cocktails.
With a 2X1 happy hour, this is a great place to pop in to for a cocktail in Oaxaca. The service was friendly and accommodating and the little bar is very cute and cozy.
Via jero hostel Rooftop Bar
🗺️C. de Manuel Sabino Crespo 313, Centro
🕰️Daily 8a-11a, 2p-11p
💵$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🏳️🌈LGBTQAI+ Friendly
Another amazing hostel bar, Via jero Rooftop Bar offers amazing views, top notch service, and amazing cocktails (at fantastic prices).
With a happy hour that starts at 7p, this Oaxaca rooftop bar has the most budget friendly drinks I found in the city. I also had an amazing falafel burger that far exceeded by expectations, especially for the price.
I met a new friend here, but this is also a great place for solo travelers to socialize, groups to hang out, or a cute budget-friendly date night overlooking the city.
Sobrio, by Mezcal Speakeasy
🗺️C. Porfirio Díaz 310, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68040 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Daily 4p-11:30p
💵$$
I am so grateful for the bartender at Sobrio, Mezcal Speakeasy for letting a new friend and I run in just before closing and making us some beautiful mezcal cocktails.
I would have loved to have been able to sit and enjoy this cute little Oaxaca Speakeasy and taste all the drinks on their interesting menu, but am glad to been able to have at least one.
I highly recommend Sobrio, Mezcal Speakeasy in Oaxaca for some tasty and unique Mezcal offerings… but make sure you get there before 11:00p.
⭐Levadura de Olla Restaurante
🗺️C. de Manuel García Vigil 304, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Tues-Sat 1p-9p, Sun-Mon Closed
💵$$
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
I am adding Levadura de Olla Restaurante to my list, even though I didn’t actually get the chance to eat at this Oaxaca Michelin Star restaurant because I wasn’t proactive in making reservations.
Several fellow travelers that I meant raved about Levadura de Olla, and I did try to get a walk in/waitlist table on my last night in Oaxaca, but it just wasn’t in the cards for me, but will be my first stop when I go back to Oaxaca.
If you make it to Levadura de Olla, be sure to get the tomato salad (per: everyone).
Cooking Class
One of the best meals I had in Oaxaca, was one that I very actively participated in. Taking a mole cooking class in Oaxaca was a bucket list item for me, and EtnoFood really delivered on making it an amazing and immersive experience.
I cannot recommend this experience enough and highly recommend adding it to your visit to Oaxaca.
Etnofood
🗺️Xicoténcatl 609, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Restaurant Hours Mon-Sat 8a-10p
💵Mole cooking class $57.00
🥬Vegan & Vegetarian Friendly
EtnoFood is a culinary haven in Oaxaca. They offer immersive and informative cooking classes and also have full restaurant and bar that receives rave reviews for their vegan and vegetarian options.
If you are planning a trip to Oaxaca City, make sure this Oaxcan Mole Cooking Class is on your agenda.
Book your experience here
Markets
Oaxaca is an absolute Mecca of street food. It can be found throughout the city, but the best way to try multiple things and really immerse in the street food experience is to head to one of the many food markets in the city.
The best way to experience the markets, especially if you do not speak Spanish, or are unfamiliar with the local cuisine, is with a local guide.
This small group Oaxaca Food and Market Tour is a fantastic option
On the map below, you will find several Oaxaca food markets, and I wish I had been able to visit all of them, but these are the markets I made it to and can recommend.
Mercado 20 de Noviembre
🗺️20 de Noviembre 512, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Daily 7a-7p
Famous for it’s “meat corridor” with endless stalls of vendors selling grilled meats, Mercado 20 de Noviembre is popular among locals and tourists. This Oaxaca market has much more than just grilled meat to offer, with several small restaurants and stalls serving up a vast array of local food.
The market can be quite busy, and a bit overwhelming, so I do recommend a guided tour if you want to truly experience this market and all it offers.
Mercado Benito Juarez
🗺️Las Casas S/N, OAX_RE_BENITO JUAREZ, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Mon-Fri 9a-5p, Sat-Sun Closed
I stopped in here on a walking tour to try a raspado (10/10 recommend) and take a quick walk around. The sights and smells were so intoxicating, I went back again the next day to walk around and try a few bites.
Mercado Benito Juarez market, in additional to Mercado 20 de Noviembre, is on most Oaxaca Food Tours, and for good reason.
Mercado de La Merced
🗺️Av. José María Morelos 1522A, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Centro, Oax., Mexico
🕰️Daily 6a-6p
This market, popular among locals, is filled with fresh fruit and veggie stalls, small restaurants, cheese and meat vendors.
It is definitely worth a stop in for some fresh and delicious eats.
Whether you are a budget traveler or balling out, a meat eater or vegan, love traditional or modern/fusion food, you will absolutely not go hungry in Oaxaca City.
There is truly something for everyone in this city and I hope this guide helps you find some amazing bars and restaurants to dive in to on your trip to Oaxaca.
Use this interactive map to plan your culinary and gastronomic adventures in Oaxaca City!
