Oaxaca, Mexico

Eating out in Oaxaca, Mexico

Dining in Oaxaca is pure pleasure - the culinary excellence is world-renowned and there are so many eateries to enjoy! A taste of Oaxaca includes the subtle heat of chiles, the pungent scent of epazote (a local herb), spicy cinnamon, sweet almonds, and tart lime, most of which are central to the cuisine. This region grows delicious coffee and is also credited with bringing chocolate to the Europeans. Premium ingredients combined with the cooking traditions of hundreds of generations create a fusion sensation. Oaxaca has been hailed by Food and Wine magazine as one of the world's 20 Best Food Destinations, along with New York City, Paris, and New Orleans!.

Gourmet

Del Vitral is Oaxaca's consummate dining extravaganza, combining Oaxaqueño ingredients and techniques with global influences and a modern flair. Luxuriate in your feast among chandeliers, the soft murmur of a fountain, and live piano music. Guerrero 201 .

Highly Recommended

Las Campanas is an elegant treat with international cuisine, an open bar, splashing waterfalls, and live entertainment starring in a symphony for the senses. Enjoying a tranquil meal is easy thanks to a nanny service. Iturbide 100, San Felipe del Agua.

Local Flair

La Olla has a casual and friendly character. The restaurant doubles as a gallery for local artists and prides itself on the high quality of its entirely home-baked goods. Calle Reforma 402-1, Col. Centro.

Romantic

Marco Polo features fresh seafood specialties, and you can dine outside on a graceful patio amid a lush tropical garden. Traditional edibles are cooked in an outdoor adobe oven, and exotic cocktails are served at the bar. Pino Suarez 806, Col. Centro.

Going party in Oaxaca, Mexico

Worldly and elegant, modern and romantic are the words that describe Oaxaca nights, and there is always mariachi and marimba music floating on the breeze. There are also plenty of discotheques if you prefer dancing to modern music. This community regularly and jubilantly celebrates life, and their expression, "We are not here for a long time, we are here for a good time," is reflected in their nightlife!.

Hotel Camino Real Oaxaca

Every Friday night, the hotel hosts a smaller version of a traditional celebration, the Guelaguetza, with regional dancers displaying their heritage and costumes while you enjoy a buffet dinner.

El Sol y La Luna

This is the best-rated place for cool jazz, live music, and a general party atmosphere. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing on the patio.

Teatro Macedonio Alcala

If you want refined entertainment, this is the place for orchestra, theatre, and the occasional opera. Dress is elegant and the culture quotient is high.

Eclipse

Pounding club music from the USA gets everyone in the groove at this popular disco.

Hipótesis

This bar/café is an intimate and avant-garde gathering place for the hip coffee-house set. Live music fills the place along with the scent of fresh, strong coffee and light snacks - perfect for hanging out and chatting.

The Zocalo

In Oaxaca City's main plaza there is a green wrought-iron bandstand where mariachi and marimba bands play nightly.

Common events in Oaxaca, Mexico

Birth of Don Benito Juarez

This is a patriotic holiday celebrating the beloved 19th century President. There are dance performances from each community, sporting events, and various competitions. A grand fireworks show winds up the day. March 21.

San Vincente Ferrer Festival

This religious festival commemorates a saint and local hero with parades, special church services, and a "running of the bulls" similar to that in Pamplona. May.

Guelaguetza Dance Festival

Experience the pageantry of ancient traditional dances and exotic costumes, celebrated in honor of the Zapotec harvest goddess. July.

Food of the Gods Festival

This festival is outstanding and sells out the city every year. It's a gastronomical tour of Oaxaca's world-renowned cuisine, with lots of fun activities like lessons with master chefs and a "dine-around" of the best restaurants. October.

Day of the Dead

This is a quintessential Mexican holiday, believed to be the day when the dead return to visit the living. People have graveside picnics and there is also a generous, joyful public feast. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to participate. October 31.

Christmas in Oaxaca

December is a time of almost daily fiestas, with the energy building progressively until the last few days before Christmas. The Night of the Radishes kicks off the celebrations in earnest, when the zocalo fills with people displaying their intricately and fancifully carved radishes of enormous size. Typical events include parades, fireworks, and brightly-costumed children. December.

Fiesta de Guadalupe

Cities and villages across the nation honor the country's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, with 12 days of parades, native traditional dances, and ceremonial offerings. December.