My top 5 Restaurants…
Oaxaca is a food destination. People come from all over the world for the delicious food and of course the Mezcal.
You hear the same places mentioned over and over again so I thought I’d tell you some of my faves that are amazing but don’t come up all the time when you search them out. The Mexican/Oaxacan/Istmo food here is incredible but sometimes I like to shake it up and when I do, these are the places you’ll find me:
Dum Cocina Asiatica
Located on the Panoramica del Fortin, this restaurant has some of the best Bao and Dumplings I’ve ever tasted.
Their ingredients are fresh and their dumplings all have distinctly different flavor profiles.
Dum caters for Vegetarians in a way that makes you feel seen! Their Jiaozi dumplings consist of mushrooms seasoned with cloves and cinnamon… they are divine.
I love the Pork Belly Dumplings but the marinated tofu comes in a close second.
Don’t get too attached though as they change their offerings every time I go… I’ve yet to be disappointed.
Another great thing about this location is the jaw dropping view over the city… grab an outdoor table on the terraza and enjoy!
After dinner I like to head across the road to Humito and catch some live music.
Adama
Craving West Asian Food? Adama can take care of you!
Located at Aldama 101 in Xochimilco this is a hidden treat that never leaves my rotation.
The best thing about Adama is that my kids also love it.
We always order a few dishes which go into the middle of the table and every digs in.
Their hummus is smooth and creamy, their jamotzim has just the right level of tang… I’m obsessed with the Fatoosh and of course you can’t go wrong with the falafel.
Everything is served with their delicious, warm, freshly made pita bread.
One of the things I love is that they don’t go wild on garlic… which is good as I can’t handle a lot of it. I never go home with that heavy garlic belly feeling: IYKYK
If you go their own your own ask about their personal platters… a little of everything to indulge in solo. (Only offered to SoLo diners!)
They’re only open Thurs - Sun which is good because that gives me 3 days of the week to go somewhere else!
OA Studio
Located in the building that hosts Origen, OA is the brunch/lunch spot that never leaves the top of my list.
There are so many great dishes on this menu that I’m pretty sure that it’s one of the few place that has something for EVERYONE!
When I’m craving a burger this is where I head… their smash burger is amazing, sizeable and filling. The meat is good quality and their house sauce scrumptious.
If you’re lucky you’ll see the dubai french toast on their specials… is it breakfast or is it dessert? Does it even matter when it’s this good?
I love that there’s always something going on at the back of the restaurant… this pic taken during brunch felt like something from Alice in Wonderland… other times they’re pinching memelitas at the comal… it always smells divine.
This is another one of those spots that kids love to go to also… probably because of the cookie display (check out their bakery Mmuak) or maybe it’s the french toast?
Either way it’s a top lunch spot and I think you need to go!
Xaok
Xoak received a Michelin accolade in 2025 but I still don’t think people are talking about this place enough!
Xaok (don’t ask me how to say it) started off in a tiny hole in the wall spot near Parque Conzatti… I would hear whispers about it - like people wanted YOU to know but didn’t want EVERYONE to know about it…
I finally made it there but everything was sold out except for 3 dishes… so we decided to stay and try them anyways… to say we were impressed is an understatement. I knew I’d just eaten something that wouldn’t stay secret for long.
Now they’re located in a beautiful but off centro location with plenty of space and the secret is definitely out.
Their dishes change seasonally and they are always so creative. There’s almost always a salad that incorporates a burrata and flavors that seem like they wouldn’t go together but impossibly marry into perfection.
I can’t tell you my favorite dish because I’ve never eaten anything there that I didn’t like.
And if you love cocktails then please don’t miss the Lio… it’s everything I love most combined into a cocktail… fresh, sweet, tart and floral. Sounds strange but like everything they do - it’s perfectly balanced. Best cocktail in Oaxaca IMO!
La Popular (Y la Otra Popular)
These two restaurants have the same menu and are located a block away from one another.
The food at La Popular is a combination of traditional dishes and some surprises.
Their ceviches are renowned - coming in flavors like almond Mole, Ash, Grasshopper and more… served in beautiful heap and topped with fresh avocado. A great dish for sharing.
Their mushroom platter (Pictured) delivers mushrooms in a variety of preparations, all of which are delicious.
I have been a lifelong hater of Pozole but theirs changed my mind… apparently it was the preparation and not the dish that I didn’t enjoy… theirs is a comfort food that I didn’t know existed.
They have tacos, tlayudas and all the traditional fare… good quality, decent portions and a price that is more than fair.
The place itself has a trendy vibe that attracts people of all ages. That said most of their clientele are locals in spite of its location close to the Santa Domingo Cathedral. You might have to wait for a table as it’s always busy… as an early diner I am usually there right after it opens (1pm) and at this time there is always a table!
So what do you think? Which one will you head to first when you come to visit us in Oaxaca?