Fine Dining Restaurants in Oaxaca

Although it is famous for its vibrant culture, pretty downtown plaza and food markets, there are many fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca that offer exquisite fine gastronomic experiences.

Nestled in the heart of this picturesque Mexican City rich with cultural heritage, these restaurants feature not only meals but culinary journeys that showcase the depth and diversity of Oaxacan cuisine.

From traditional dishes reimagined with contemporary flair to innovative fusion creations, here’s a guide to fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca that includes a couple of Michelin Star establishments.

Fine Dining Restaurants in Oaxaca, Mexico

1. Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante

Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, Casa Oaxaca is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic yet elevated Oaxacan dining experience. Helmed by Chef Alejandro Ruiz, this restaurant is celebrated for its sophisticated. This celebrated for its sophisticated take on traditional Oaxacan dishes. 

The menu features local ingredients such as mole, mezcal, string cheese, “chapulines” – roasted grasshoppers – and others, with international touches. Every dish is presented with an artistic touch, as they put special attention to their presentation.

As for drinks, they have a very respectable wine selection, as cocktails prepared with mezcal, a Mexican spirit made from the agave plant famous for its strong, smoky taste that is very popular in Oaxaca. However, as with the culinary menu, you will find international options too.

• Location: Constitución 104-A, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 516 8889 or Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante

2. Catedral de Oaxaca

Catedral de Oaxaca is an iconic venue when it comes to fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca, famous for its warm, friendly ambiance, impeccable service, and delicious cuisine. Only a few steps from the Zócalo and Santo Domingo Cathedral, it opened its doors in 1977.

The restaurant offers a top quality experience rooted in Oaxacan traditions, with a menu featuring regional classics like mole negro, tlayudas, and a variety of mezcal-based cocktails. You can also enjoy Mexican cuisine classics from different regions like enchiladas, chilaquiles, and aguachiles. Their Sunday Brunch is fantastic, with a great variety of dishes.

The elegant interior design, adorned with local artwork, adds to the charm, making Catedral a perfect spot for special occasions. The charming outdoor seating arrangement is recommended for a nice breakfast, lunch, or dinner experience.

• Location: C. de Manuel García Vigil 105, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 516 3285 or Catedral de Oaxaca

3. Levadura de Olla

This gastronomic gem in Oaxaca has not only gained attention for its dedication to preserving and celebrating traditional cuisine, but it also garnered a Michelin Guide Star in the first edition that took place in Mexico this year. Said Michelin star highlights its commitment to quality and deep cultural significance that can be found in their menu.

The restaurant, led by Chef Thalía Barrios, is deeply rooted in the flavors and techniques of the state of Oaxaca, particularly those from her hometown San Mateo Yacutindoo. The name “Levadura de Olla” reflects the restaurant’s focus on fermentation, a key process in many traditional Oaxacan dishes.

This fine dining venue in Oaxaca is also recognized for its use of local, seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from indigenous farmers and local markets in Oaxaca. The menu is a careful blend of recipes passed down through generations, with a contemporary twist that embraces the present and future of Mexican cuisine while honoring the past. Dishes like mole negro and tlayudas are fine examples of this culinary philosophy, whereby the complexity of flavors is presented in innovative ways.

As for cocktails, their coriander Mojito is a must-try. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, designed to make visitors feel welcome while experiencing the richness of Oaxacan tradition.

• Location: C. de Manuel García Vigil 304, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: Levadura de Olla

4. Pitiona Cocina de Autor

Located a few steps from Oaxaca’s vibrant Zocalo, the main plaza in the downtown area of the city, Pitiona is among the best of the city’s gastronomic offerings.

Helmed by Chef Jose Manuel Baños, who trained under highly recognized chefs like Ferran Adriá, crafts a menu that celebrates the region ‘s rich biodiversity. His love for the eight regions of his home state is reflected on every dish in the menu, while the name itself refers to “pitiona”, a local herb used in some traditional dishes and teas for generations, which he has managed to include in some designer cocktails too.

The dishes at Pitiona seamlessly blend traditional Oaxacan flavors with modern global influences. Their tasting menus are very popular, as they provide a curated journey through the Mexican state´s culinary landscape. Their desserts are simply delightful, and cocktails are well-served, whether you choose mezcal novelties or tried-and-true traditional mixes.

Don’t miss the rooftop seating, which offers a refined yet relaxed ambiance, as well as splendid vistas of the charming city.

• Location: Ignacio Allende 114, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 514 0690 / Pitiona Cocina de Autor

5. Origen

Led by Chef Rodolfo Castellanos, Oaxaca´s first winner of Top Chefs Mexico show, Origen is a culinary proposal that combines tradition with innovation, resulting in a unique menu that honors Oaxacan heritage while using modern techniques from other regions of Mexico and the world to reinvent the classics. 

Here you can savor a diversity of dishes like risottos, ceviches, and meat cuts prepared with endemic products that give them a new identity. Ingredients at Origen are sourced from local producers, guaranteeing the freshest flavors in every dish, making it a favorite among fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca with locals and tourists alike since it opened its doors in 2011.

The restaurant’s minimalist aesthetic design allows the food creations to take center stage while harmonizing with the setting.

• Location: Miguel Hidalgo 820, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 471 3432 / Origen

6. Los Danzantes Oaxaca

Los Danzantes is not only a well-established venue, but also one of the two restaurants in Oaxaca to get a Michelin Star in the first batch of 18 stars awarded in Mexico in 2024.

Housed in a beautiful restored colonial building in downtown Oaxaca,this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that elegantly blends contemporary Mexican cuisine with flavors from Oaxaca.

The menu at Los Danzantes honors the diversity of Oaxacan ingredients, creating innovative dishes that hold a strong connection to local culinary traditions. From the use of moles and chiles as well as regional ingredients like mezcal, each dish  is crafted with an eye for detail and authenticity. Signature dishes include their range of moles, as well as unique takes on classic Oaxacan dishes like the tlayuda.

The restaurant’s interior is as impressive as the food, featuring high ceilings, rustic wooden beams, and an open-air courtyard with a relaxed atmosphere that enhances the experience.

• Location: C. Macedonio Alcalá 403-interior 4, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 501 1184 / Los Danzantes Oaxaca

7. El Destilado

Offering a modern twist on Oaxacan cuisine, El Destilado offers a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting. Chef Julio Aguilera’s dishes are a delightful blend of contemporary techniques and traditional flavors, served in a contemporary and relaxed setting that reminds of a Spanish neighborhood bar.

El Destilado is known for its three multi-course tasting menus, although you can order a la carte too. The menus change depending on the availability of local ingredients, which are at the center of the culinary proposal.

As the name suggests, the restaurant features a laid-back atmosphere and an extensive crafted cocktail selection, which make it a great spot if you´re aiming for a relaxed but equally fine dining experience in Oaxaca.

Be aware that they open from Thursday to Monday, closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Location: C. 5 de Mayo 409, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 516 2226 / El Destilado

8. Criollo

A collaborative project by world-famous Mexican Chef Enrique Olvera and Chef Luis Arellano, Criollo is a testament to the region´s rich culinary heritage and one of the top fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca.

Set in a wonderfully designed space that combines modern architecture with traditional Oaxacan elements, Criollo´s gastronomic proposal centers on a seasonal menu that highlights the best local ingredients.

The dishes are simple yet refined, putting a special focus on Oaxaca’s produce and showcasing a well-rounded journey that explores Oaxacan cuisine in a single meal.

Ask about their special Sunday brunch and special taco events, which are served in an intimate space located at the end of their property inside their own vegetable patch.

• Location: Francisco I. Madero 129, Santa María del Marquesado, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 320 0709 / Criollo

9. Casa Crespo

Casa Crespo is not only a restaurant but also a culinary workshop and school, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in Oaxacan cuisine. This fine dining restaurant in Oaxaca is rooted in tradition and authenticity, with a menu that features a variety of moles, freshly-made tortillas, and locally sourced meats and vegetables.

The intimate setting and the chance to participate in cooking lessons, makes Casa Crespo a unique venue that offers a memorable experience.

They also have a speakeasy bar, and you can arrange for a food tour as well as the cooking classes.

• Location: Reforma 808, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca
• Reservations: 951 119 1910 / Casa Crespo

Fine Dining Restaurants in Oaxaca: Conclusion

Oaxaca’s dining scene mirrors the city’s rich cultural tapestry and deep respect for tradition.These fine dining restaurants in Oaxaca not only serve succulent meals but also provide a window into the heart of the region’s culture.making them essential stops for anyone looking to experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer. 

Whether you’re savoring a modern take on a classic dish or indulging in a multi-course tasting menu, Oaxaca’s fine dining venues promise an unforgettable culinary adventure.