If you love good food, great coffee, and curated drinks, then this Oaxaca food and drink guide was written for you.

As a solo female traveler over 50, I found Oaxaca not only safe and welcoming but also full of colorful streets, rooftop views, courtyard cafés, and dining experiences ranging from the most amazing tacos I’ve ever tasted to fine-dining at Michelin-rated restaurants.

EAT: Exploring the Best Food in Oaxaca

Traditional Oaxacan Food: Why Oaxaca Is Called the Culinary Capital of Mexico

If you’re wondering what food Oaxaca is famous for or why travelers obsess over this region, start with its deep Indigenous roots. Oaxaca is the proud home of the seven moles complex sauces made with toasted chiles, herbs, seeds, spices, and sometimes chocolate.

Alongside mole, you’ll find:

• Tlayudas, Oaxaca’s extra-large crispy tortilla dish
• Tetelas, masa triangles filled with beans or cheese
• Tamales Oaxaqueños, steamed in banana leaves
• Quesillo, the stretchy cheese woven into countless dishes
• Caldo de piedra, a ceremonial “stone soup” that feels almost sacred
• Chapulines, crispy-fried grasshoppers (yes, you read that right), seasoned with chili, salt, and lime, and served as a snack.  Think potato chips with legs.

You’ll find two Michelin-starred restaurants in Oaxaca, along with 18 Michelin-starred restaurants in total, recognized for excellence. So if that alone doesn’t awaken your foodie taste buds, consider the abundance of street food at a price lower than your daily cappuccino.

To help you choose the perfect dining spot, I’ve included key details for every restaurant, all in an easy-to-scan format.

And if you need help planning your trip to Oaxaca, be sure to read about all of My Guide for the best things to see and do in Oaxaca. In addition, if you want to know whether it’s safe and my recommendations for the best neighborhoods and hotels, don’t miss my post, Is Oaxaca Mexico Safe.

Modern & Traditional Dining: The Best Restaurants in Oaxaca

Expendio Tradición: My Happy Accident

I’m being totally transparent here. When I’m hungry, I open the Maps app and type in restaurants near me. Then I look at the ratings and read reviews, along with taking a look at the menu.

However, I discovered this place simply by walking past and catching a glimpse inside. Something about the colorful tiles and modern-meets-traditional décor pulled me in. I’m a sucker for breakfast/brunch foods, and my airy egg-white omelet and side salad with berries was fresh, light, and perfect for a mindful morning alone.

Details:

• Cuisine: Modern Oaxacan
• Price: $$
• Vegan: Limited
• Gluten-free: Several options
• Drinks: Coffee, juices, beer, cocktails,(lots of Mezcal-based ones)
• Good for solo travelers: Yes

Las Quince Letras: A Mole Lover’s Pilgrimage

Holy Mole! See what I did there? Sitting on their peaceful terrace, tasting mole negro and mole coloradito felt like stepping into the heart of the city’s culinary legacy. I lucked out and walked in without a reservation, but I highly recommend calling ahead and reserving a table.

Details:

• Cuisine: Traditional Oaxacan (Michelin-recognized)
• Price: $$$
• Vegan: Some
• Gluten-free: Many naturally GF items
• Drinks: Wine, mezcal cocktails
• Good for solo travelers: Yes

El Chapulín: A Meal with Meaning

Trying caldo de piedra (stone soup) here felt ceremonial. Watching a scorching stone dropped into a broth tableside, hearing the sizzle, it was like being let in on a chef’s secret. I love to cook, and witnessing the process was priceless. The portion was huge and could easily serve two people. Whether you eat here or not, don’t leave Oaxaca without trying this traditional soup.

Details:

• Cuisine: Traditional Oaxacan
• Price: $$
• Vegan: Limited
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Drinks: Mezcal cocktails, wine
• Good for solo travelers: Very

Sur a Norte Rooftop: Dinner & a Show

Sur a Norte wins the award for the most magical dining moment, as the terrace overlooks Santa Domingo’s square. If you are lucky enough to dine there on a weekend, you’ll likely witness a wedding celebration below, complete with dancers, a brass band, and giant puppets modeled after the bride and groom.

First, you are served a small shot of a drink, passion fruit, and Mezcal. Followed by a sample of their shrimp soup with minced onions, lime, and parsley. For my entrée, I had fish tacos as wedding parades passed below.

The entrance is hidden. Just look for the stairs that lead you past their beautiful bar to the terrace.

Details:

• Cuisine: Oaxacan fusion + seafood
• Price: $$
• Vegan: Limited
• Gluten-free: Some
• Drinks: Cocktails, mezcal, wine
• Good for solo travelers: Absolutely

Bravo Butchers: Modern Elegance Meets Meat Heaven

I walked in craving a salad… and nearly ordered the pigeon. The suckling pig tacos and spinach “popeye” dish were heavenly. Both dishes were large and could be shared.  The polished but warm service made dining solo feel luxurious. The wine list is extensive, and while a meat-centric restaurant, their entrees include fish, steak, chicken, pigeon, and seafood.

Be sure to grab a table at an open window. You’ll have a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Llano Park.

Details:

• Cuisine: Upscale, meat-focused
• Price: $$$–$$$$
• Vegan: No
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Drinks: Wine, cocktails
• Good for solo travelers: Exceptional service

Arte Italia: A Comforting Pause from Mexican Food

Sometimes you need a break from traditional cuisine. A great pizza overlooking Llano Park hit the spot. The setting is very stylish and classy, and the thin-crust pizza reminded me of pizzas I had in Italy.

Details:

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Vegan: Some
• Gluten-free: Limited
• Drinks: Wine, beer
• Good for solo travelers: Yes, but could also be a good date spot

Aguacate Oaxaca: Vegetarian Comfort

Bright, nourishing plates in an airy upstairs space in the Reforma neighborhood. It’s located in a complex just past a small grocery store. They are open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m., so a brunch/lunch place. Breakfast items are served until 1:00. You’ll find the usual suspects like avocado toast, hummus, falafel, salads, and bowls.

Details:

• Cuisine: Vegetarian
• Price: $$
• Vegan: Yes
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Drinks: Smoothies, juices
• Good for solo travelers: Relaxing

Agavero Cocina & Bebidas: For the View Lovers

A modern restaurant with beautiful upstairs terrace views. Come for the sunset.

Details:

• Cuisine: Contemporary, elevated Mexican, including tacos, tlayudas, burgers, burritos, and snacks.
• Price: $$–$$$
• Vegan: Limited
• Gluten-free: Some
• Drinks: Cocktails, mezcal, wine, beer
• Good for solo travelers: Yes

Casa Taviche: Comfort on a Plate

This cozy spot feels like eating at your aunt’s house, if she were a culinary goddess. Small and cozy in all the right ways. This is where I tried my first tlayuda.

Details:

• Cuisine: Homestyle Oaxacan
• Price: $–$$
• Vegan: Some
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Drinks: Aguas frescas, beer, wine
• Good for solo travelers: Very

La Petrona Café Bistro: Lite Bites, Wine & Warmth

A simple but charming café & wine bar where solo evenings feel easy and unrushed. You can find plenty of snacks, omelets, toasts, sandwiches, bowls, and coffee.

Details:

• Cuisine: Café foods + wine
• Price: $–$$
• Vegan: Limited
• Gluten-free: Some
• Drinks: Wine, spritzes, coffee
• Good for solo travelers: Yes

Restaurante Arugula: The Best Value Meal I Had

I’m not a fan of preset menus, but I decided to give it a try. You receive soup, salad, main, dessert, drink, each one fresh and beautifully presented. A nourishing break from heavier Oaxacan dishes. A very humble, healthy, and authentic place positioned in an inner courtyard.

Details:

• Cuisine: Traditional Oaxacan
• Price: $$
• Vegetarian: Yes
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Drinks: Wine, beer, cocktails
• Good for solo travelers: Great value + calm

Coyote: Best Burger

If you are hungry for a delicious burger, this is the place! A very casual place in the Jalatlaco neighborhood. They brand the buns with a coyote, seriously.

Details:

• Cuisine: Burgers, hot dogs, and wings
• Price: $$
• Vegan: No
• Gluten-free: No
• Drinks: Wine, cocktails
• Good for solo travelers: Peaceful

Nois: A Tasting Menu Worth Slowing Down For

Hands down, this was the most amazing dining experience I’ve had in a very long time. The food was literal art. If you eat nowhere else, you MUST try Nois. I went with the 5-course tasting menu; each dish arrives with intention and artistry. It’s intimate without being intimidating, refined without feeling rigid, the kind of place where a solo traveler can savor every bite without rushing.

I had a table on one of the cozy balconies overlooking the street. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself to an elevated dining experience, Nois is absolutely worth every.single.dollar.

Details:

• Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican tasting menu
• Price: $$$$
• Vegan: Limited (advance notice required)
• Gluten-free: Possible with modifications
• Drinks: Wine pairings, cocktails, mezcal
• Good for solo travelers: Yes, quiet, elegant, and immersive

🍹 DRINK: Mezcal, Wine & Cocktails With Oaxaca’s Best Atmosphere

Oaxaca is just as much a destination for what’s in your glass as what’s on your plate. The agave spirits reign supreme with mezcal leading the way. It’s smoky, complex, and deeply tied to local culture, whether sipped straight in a traditional mezcalería or shaken into inventive cocktails at stylish bars around the city. Going on a mezcal tour was one of the highlights of my time in Oaxaca. Read more in my **************post.

For my wine lovers, you may be a tiny bit disappointed in this beautiful town, but I found a few places that will hit the sweet spot when you are craving a glass of vino, like Vino & Vinyl, where you can request a spin from the hundreds of available albums while sipping a vintage.

On the other hand, my other favorite drink deserves a whole post. Coffee is its own ritual in Oaxaca, with high-quality beans grown in the surrounding mountains and brewed everywhere from humble neighborhood cafés to chic specialty spots.

Whether you’re starting the day with a perfectly pulled espresso, lingering over a glass of red, or ending the night with a mezcal cocktail, Oaxaca has it all.

Santo de Mi Devoción Mezcalería:The One I Wish I Tried Sooner

A beautiful, dark, and moody mescalería offering all 100% Mexican produced mezcal along with their own brand, they offer mezcal tastings, cocktails, beers, and artfully created bites.

Location: Calle de los Libres 606, Ruta Independencia, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, México.

Hours: Open daily except Mondays, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with later closing hours on the weekends

Vino y Vinyl: Wine & Music for the Soul

A wine bar with a selection of vinyl records. A lovely place to spend an afternoon or evening listening to your favorite tunes. They offer an extensive wine list (70 wines), and the food was so good that V&V became my favorite hangout spot. They offer tapas with each glass of wine, and I loved the build your own salad concept.

Location: Reforma 201, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., México

Hours: Open daily from 2:00 p.m. – 9:30 (Sundays) 2:00 – 10:30 (Mon. – Sat.)

Sabina Sabe: Oaxaca’s It-Girl Cocktail Bar

A great place to grab lunch or dinner and a cocktail. It’s a cozy space with traditional options.

Location: 5 de Mayo 209, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., México

Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. – very late

Mi Cielo: Heavenly Rooftop Bar

Lively, vibrant, airy space with multiple lounge areas. The feeling is upscale. Come for sunset and stay for the mezcalitas. You will walk through the hotel and take the elevator to the roof.

Location: Miguel Hidalgo 417-piso 2, Zona Lunes Feb 09, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., México

Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. daily except Tuesday

Cantinita: Jazzy Vibes

A hidden gem just off the zócalo. Cantinita pairs wine, beer, and craft drinks with a jazzy vibe with the perfect background music to set the mood. Not too loud and friendly wait staff.

Location: 20 de Noviembre 208, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., México

Hours: Typically open afternoons and evenings (2:00 pm–11:30 pm)

Viajero Oaxaca Rooftop Bar: Hostel Vibes, but All Are Welcome

A beloved rooftop bar atop Viajero Hostel in Oaxaca’s Centro, known for its relaxed yet social atmosphere, beautiful city views, and casual cocktails. Locals, travelers, and backpackers alike flock here for sunset drinks and easygoing vibes

Location: C. de Manuel Sabino Crespo 313, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., México.

Hours: Generally open in the morning through early evening (around 8:00 am –11:00 am for breakfast & rooftop terrace time; bar service tends toward afternoon/evening hours)

Tastavins Wine Bar: Great Wine and Even Better Prices

One of Oaxaca’s long-time go-to wine bars, known for its affordable wine list and a great selection of tapas. A great stop for a relaxed pre-dinner wine or a casual nightcap. This is where I met some fellow travelers for a language exchange. I was sure I was quite fluent after the 2nd glass of wine.

Location: Murguía 309, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., México

Hours: Typically mid-afternoon through evening (roughly 1:30 PM – 11:00 PM)

El Olivo Gastropub: Spanish Tapas Time

El Olivo’s Spanish cuisine menu is more than tempting, but it was the extensive list of tapas and Spanish wines that lured me back on more than one occasion. And it didn’t hurt that it was on my way back to my apartment. El Olivo’s has a beautiful dining area and rooftop terrace, but I found myself sitting at the bar, chatting with the staff and other travelers. If you enjoy wine, make sure to add El Olivo to your list of stops to visit.

Location: C/ de la Constitución 207, Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Hours: Tues–Sat 1:00 pm–12:00 am; Sun 1:00 pm–11:00 pm; closed Mon (hours may vary seasonally)

Coffee Time

While I do enjoy a glass of wine or two with dinner, and felt it only right to dip into the world of mezcal while exploring Oaxaca (Be sure to read Things to Do post to find recommended mezcal tours), my love of coffee is about equal to my love of wine, and that’s reflected in the long list of cafés I happily sampled during my time here.

Oaxaca’s café scene quickly became my daily ritual, and one I’m excited to share with you next. ☕

Jalatlaco Hotel Boutique Café

This café was all about quiet mornings and easing into the day. Set in a peaceful courtyard in the Jalatlaco neighborhood, it’s the kind of place where breakfast feels unrushed and no one minds if you linger over your coffee.

I loved it early in the morning, perfect for solo travelers who want calm, fresh air, and a gentle start before heading into the city.

Best for: 🌿 Quiet mornings · 👤 Solo travelers · 🕊️ Courtyard calm

Petricor, A Café-Market Hybrid

Part organic market, part coffee shop, it’s ideal for lingering, especially mid-morning or early afternoon. There is a sweet little courtyard where you can hang out, and if you are staying in a place with a kitchen, this is a perfect place to pick up some specialty, organic items for cooking.

Best for: 🌱 Organic vibes · 📓 Lingering · 🧠 Conscious living

Pabilo Café

This was one of my favorite places to claim a window seat and watch the city move. The coffee is solid, the space is cozy without being crowded, and it’s incredibly comfortable if you’re on your own. Best for slow mornings or an afternoon pause with zero pressure to rush.

Best for: 🪟 Window seats · 👤 Solo sits · ☕ Coffee & people-watching

Goji Café

Goji Café is a welcoming café offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s an easy place to drop in any time of day. I was first drawn in by a singing waiter, yes, really, which made me smile before I even sat down, and the fact that it was on the same block as my apartment didn’t hurt. Between the leafy courtyard, a lounging area with a large, comfy sofa, and beautiful locally sourced clothing for sale, it’s easy to spend several hours over a coffee or wine, you pick.

Best for: ☀️ Dining all day · 🌿 Courtyard seating · 🛋️ Lounging & lingering · 🛍️ Local clothing finds · 🎶 Serendipitous moments

Café Bien

Café Bien lives up to its name; it’s genuinely warm and welcoming. It’s where I met my Spanish tutor. I claim to speak really good menu. A friendly, local-feeling café where you never feel out of place on your own.

Best for: 💬 Conversation · 👤 Solo-friendly · 🧡 Local vibe

Caracol Púrpura

This was one of my first coffee stops in Oaxaca, close to where I stayed my first night, and it felt immediately comforting. Simple, quiet, and unpretentious, perfect when you’re tired from travel and just want a good cup of coffee. The space features some local artisans’ work, so a perfect place to pick a gift or souvenir that supports local artists.

Best for: 🧘 Quiet coffee · 🌅 Early mornings · 🧳 Souvenirs or Gifts

Gatto Coffee

Good coffee and brownies near Parque Llano made this an easy yes. It’s cozy, casual, friendly, and perfect for a quick stop after a walk or errand. Not fancy, but you’ll love the cute cat artwork on the coffee cups.

Best for: 🍫 Sweet treats · 🚶 Walking breaks · ☕ Quick coffee

Cafeto & Baristas

This café has one of the biggest menus in town, which makes it a great breakfast decision when you don’t want to think too hard. Spacious and reliable, it works well when you’re hungry and craving coffee. A solid morning anchor.

Best for: 🍳 Big breakfasts · 📋 Lots of options · 🌞 Morning fuel

Aareo Coffee

Aareo became my dependable work café. The courtyard is calm, the WiFi is reliable, and it’s easy to sit for a while without feeling rushed. Ideal if you need to write, plan, or simply be productive in peace.

Best for: 💻 WiFi & work · 🌿 Courtyard seating · 📓 Focus time

ME Brew Bar Coffee & Art

This café has a creative pulse; you can feel it immediately. Between the art, the people, and the thoughtfully made drinks, it’s inspiring without being distracting. A great place to sit with ideas and see where they go.

Best for: 🎨 Creative energy · ☕ Specialty drinks · ✍️ Inspiration

Pozonque Café

Strong coffee and sweet pastries make this a no-fuss favorite. It’s a quick, comforting stop when you want something reliable and satisfying. Perfect for a short break rather than a long stay.

Best for: 🥐 Pastries · ⚡ Quick stops · ☕ Strong coffee

Elefante Café

Their rosemary water alone made this place memorable. Add good coffee, a relaxed vibe, and the option to stay into the afternoon or evening, and it becomes an easy linger spot. One of those cafés that works at almost any hour.

Best for: 🌿 Infused waters · ⏳ Lingering · 🍷 Coffee-to-wine moments

Guiosto Coffee

Guiosto felt like a true neighborhood café, simple, friendly, and familiar. A tiny shop with a couple of stools, although there is an upstairs area. A little too convenient since it was downstairs from my hotel. A cappuccino and a chocolate croissant were part of my morning routine.

Best for: 🏡 Neighborhood feel · 👤 Solo coffee · ☕ No-frills goodness

Finca El Olivo

The carved wooden tables immediately drew me in. This is a warm, grounded breakfast spot where mornings naturally slow down. A lovely place to sit, sip, and ease into the day.

Best for: 🌅 Slow mornings · 🍳 Breakfast · 🪵 Cozy details

Cafeto Cacao

Come hungry; this is a real breakfast stop. The sourdough toast is hearty and filling, making it ideal before a long day of walking and exploring. More fuel than fluff.

Best for: 🍞 Hearty toast · 🥾 Big days out · 🍽️ Filling breakfasts

Once in Oaxaca

A charming cafe and art space in the Jalatlaco neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to grab some hand-painted postcards as souvenirs or artwork to give as a gift. A strong flat white paired with banana chocolate berry bread made this café unforgettable for me. Sometimes all it takes is the right combination. Simple pleasures done very well.

Best for: ☕ Flat whites · 🍌 Sweet breads · 💛 Morning bliss

Ama – Muss Café

Inside a co-working space, this café feels modern, intentional, and quietly productive. It’s easy to settle in here with a laptop or notebook while enjoying thoughtful food and drinks. Calm and very solo-friendly.

Best for: 💻 Working remotely · 📓 Journaling · 🌱 Plant-based options

Casa Blasón Coffee

Garden seating across from Llano Park makes this one of the easiest places to linger. Ideal for working, journaling, or simply watching the day unfold. A café that invites you to stay as long as you like.

Best for: 🌳 Garden seating · 💻 Work & writing · ⏳ Lingering

Wrap-Up

Oaxaca is one of those places where eating and drinking is less about checking off a list and more about following your instincts. The city is full of excellent restaurants, bars, mezcalerías, and cafés, and while I sampled a generous share of them, this list is by no means exhaustive.

I encourage you to wander, take a chance on a spot that feels right, or follow a craving; some of the best meals happen that way. And while I didn’t call out street food vendors by name, some of the best tacos I had were found late at night while walking home, purchased for just a few pesos from a stand with plastic stools and a steady local crowd, no, I didn’t get sick.

In Oaxaca, good food has a way of finding you if you stay curious and open to the experience.

🌸 For the Solo Woman Traveler: How to Feel Comfortable Eating Alone

A common issue when traveling alone as a female is getting over the stigma and fear of eating/drinking alone.

Let’s be real: even as confident, seasoned women, eating alone in a restaurant can bring up old insecurities.
Will people stare?
Will I feel out of place?
Will it be awkward?

As confident as I am on most occasions, I feel it too, especially on my first night in any new city or country.

But Oaxaca has a way of melting those fears.

I sat down anyway, ordered my meal, and realized something: No one cared that I was alone.

Here’s what helped me, and what might help you too:

💛 Choose atmosphere over anonymity

Courtyards, rooftops, cozy cafés, when a space feels good, you feel good.
That’s why places like Sur a Norte, Pabilo, Café Bien, and Bravo Butchers were so comfortable for me.

💛 Bring a book or journal (but don’t be surprised if you never open it)

At first, I held onto my book, o.k. not a physical book since I read everything using my Kindle App on my phone, but you get the idea.

💛 Ask questions of the wait staff, barista or person sitting next you. This is how I found my Spanish tutor.

A simple “What do you recommend?” is one of my favorite questions, and sometimes the feedback is exactly what is needed to feel comfortable about a menu selection or recommendations from a local.

💛 Sit at the bar or a window seat your first few times

These spots feel natural for solo diners.

💛 Reframe the experience

You’re not “eating alone.”
You’re taking yourself out.

You’re choosing yourself.
Your time.
Your story.

💛 Remember: confidence grows with practice

After a few meals, I found myself requesting the best seat in the house (for me, that’s normally in front of a window or the one with a view) without hesitation.

As Anne Lamott says:
“You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories.”

And this, eating alone in Oaxaca, can become a beautiful part of your story.

And if you really hate eating alone, I mean, who doesn’t want some company occasionally? Check out FB groups, including solo travelers, expats, or events, for whatever city you find yourself in. A couple you can check out while in Oaxaca include Expats Oaxaca and Oaxaca Community (expats and locals).

I met one fellow female traveler through a group tour and another through an online group. I’m still in touch with both, and they’ve invited me to their respective countries: Canada and France. I love making connections. It’s one of my favorite parts of traveling.

Happy Travels!

xoxo