Best Places For Lunch In Oaxaca City

Oaxaca City, a place where every hour offers a new culinary delight. While evenings beckon with refined dinners and mezcal-fuelled conversations, lunchtime in Oaxaca holds its own charm. It’s a time for fuelling up after a morning of market exploration or museum visits, often with dishes that are hearty, fresh, and deeply rooted in local tradition. From bustling markets to serene courtyards, here’s our guide to some of the city’s top spots for lunch.

Authentic Flavours: Traditional Oaxacan Lunch Spots

For a genuine taste of everyday Oaxaca, these places offer classic dishes in welcoming settings:

• La Olla: A long-standing favourite, La Olla is renowned for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine served in a rustic setting in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect place to delve into rich moles, tlayudas, and traditional soups, often feeling like a meal in a local home. Their sopa de guías (squash vine soup) is particularly comforting for lunch. It’s also a healing meal for anyone not feeling their best.
• Casa Taviche: Known for its flavourful, homestyle Oaxacan cooking, Casa Taviche offers a menu del día (daily set lunch menu) that provides excellent value and a true taste of local ingredients. It’s a fantastic spot for a satisfying and authentic midday meal.
• Cabuche: Located centrally, Cabuche often offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican cuisine, sometimes with a more contemporary flair. It’s a great option for a casual yet refined lunch.
• Yegolé: Once a cosy vegan cake cafe, Yegolé have expanded their menu and reopened in a much larger warehouse-type space, giving off Australian brunch vibes. Expect to queue at weekends as locals from Jalatlaco reunite for family brunches.
• La Popular: True to its name, La Popular is often a bustling and lively spot, serving up popular Oaxacan dishes in a straightforward, no-frills environment. It’s an excellent choice for a quick, authentic, and delicious lunch.
• La Cocina De Frida – Mercado Morelos (Ocotlán): Beyond the city centre, a venture out to Ocotlán promises an incredible market experience that truly immerses you in local village life. Tucked within the bustling Mercado Morelos, seek out “La Cocina De Frida” – offering an authentic taste of market-fresh cooking. The journey to Ocotlán is worthwhile for Frida alone, not least for her superb, home-cooked moles and perfectly made tortillas. Upon your arrival, Frida typically presents a plate of the moles she has on offer that day – a delightful sample that guides your decision for the main course.

Terrace Lunches

For a more relaxed, open-air setting, a quick coffee break with food, or something a bit more modern:

• Praga Coffee Bar: Head up to the rooftop terrace for direct views of Santo Domingo or hide out in their Cuban-style bar where they provide a selection of light bites, sandwiches, and salads perfect for a casual lunch or a midday refuel.
• La Casa del Tío Güero: A classic choice for traditional Oaxacan food, offering a reliable and delicious experience for lunch, with many local favourites on the menu. During the week, they also offer a menu del día.
• La Terraza del Copal: Just a two-minute walk from ALDEA TUYA, you’ll find this local spot. This intimate terrace offers classic Oaxacan dishes and city views, providing a shaded escape from the midday sun.

Oaxaca’s lunch scene is as rich and varied as its culinary history. Whether you seek the comforting embrace of a traditional mole, the unique flavours of the Isthmus, or a modern twist on local ingredients, the city offers a midday meal for every taste. So, step out, explore, and let the flavours of Oaxaca guide your afternoon. ¡Provecho!

Stay with us in Oaxaca City

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