Amber's Reviews

Marco Polo

I don't really need to review this one since everyone will tell you to go here. It's true, it is the best place for fresh seafood, they are very careful with it, but what everyone doesn't know is that there are 2 wonderful items you might overlook. Get the chipachole soup. It is made from roasted guajillo and ancho chilies, with roasted garlic and onion. The night I went it also had shrimp in it. Also, for dessert, order the adobe oven baked plantain...doesn't sound like much but I dream about it. It is served with this wonderful crema and rompope sauce. ORDER IT! Trust me. I don't even like bananas and I crave this.

Azul

Located on Alcala next to La Calderia

This is an odd little place...some days it's good, some days it has sopa de gato on the menu...still not sure what that really is.

I recommend going one day when their comida corrida has sopa de pasta. I really liked it, like a chicken noodle soup with lots of veggies.

La Calderia

Located on Alcala on the opposite corner from Maria Bonita. Open Late.

This is my favorite later night place to eat. There is one woman running the show. She is the hostess, waitress and chef. I love her tostadas. I don't know what she puts in the beans, but it may be crack because they are so addictive. They are perfectly toasted corn shells with beans, avocado, onion, lettuce and quesillo topped with a wonderful green salsa. They are messy, get extra napkins. I was usually the only gringa in there, but an order of 3 tostadas and 2 beers totaled $15 pesos (about 1.50 USD)

Piquito

Not to be confused with Pitico (the grocery store)

This cafe is located off Reforma by the park.

What an unusual place. It seems like a normal enough cafe, but I'm not sure the people running it have read the menu. While what you get is usually good and safe, it isn't fast nor is it exactly what you ordered. I orded a strawberry and pineapple frappe and got a large glass of fruit with sparkling water poured over it. The sandwiches are more reliable, but if you order them by the name on the menu, the waitress will typically ask you to tell her what is on that sandwich. I recommend speaking pretty decent Spanish if you go here.

La Albahaca Cafe

On Porfirio Diaz close to Cosijopi

My favorite place for sandwiches, tortas and cheap salads. They are very small, cute patio, inexpensive, but unreliably open (get used to this in Oaxaca). They have the widest sandwich selection I've found.

Las Danzantes

This is about their wine shop, not the restaurant.

Located next to the park on Reforma. This is really the only place in town to buy decent wine but they know it and charge ya' double for it. They are knowledgeable but overly proud of their offerings. I say go with beer in Mexico.

La Crepa

On Alcala in the tourist district upstairs

Great vantage point from which to view the goings on in the street. You can see street fairs, dances all kinds of interesting antics thanks to its location on Alcala near Sto. Domingo. I stopped in for a sandwich during Guelaguetza and they had great jamon serrano. I've been told their crepes are good but was in a hurry and they had tables reserved for the parade, so I just stuck with the sandwich, good prices, clean restaurant, even better location.

La Olla

On Reforma in Oaxaca City

This was my most frequented restaurant in Oaxaca. They have a varied menu and decent prices. My favorite item was the Sopa Azteca which is similar to our tortilla soup. Their flavor and presentation is much better though. They bring a bowl with avocado, chili rajas, queso fresco and tortilla strips and pour into that a steaming kettle of soup. I usually accompanied this soup with the Ensalada Mixta which had fine julienes of beet, carrot, zucchini and cucumber with a mixed lettuce base and garnished with tomato wedges and avocados. It is served with a "French" Vinaigrette that has a great emulsion but lacks flavor. I'd ask for a few extra lime wedges to perk it up. Also on their menu is a sampling of traditional Oaxaqueno dishes such as Tasajo, Moles and quesillo options. I highly recommend a visit on your next trip to Oaxaca.

Comida Corrida

Comida Corrida is the way to eat lunch in Oaxaca especially if you are here as long as I am. You'll spend $3-$4 USD and get a flavored water (usually melon) and a choice of spaghetti or rice usually with some sort of carne guisada and a dessert. I really enjoy eating this lighter less expensive way, but be warned, you will catch some giggles especially if you ask for the menu...there just isn't one. You just order comida corrida and get a few choices.

Enjoy.

La Cruz de la Piedra

This is a really fun place located close to ICO that has Oaxacan food, Cuban food and wonderful owners, Norma and Luis. They've only been open a month and they really have the service aspect down. I'm going back for my birthday. I hate to say this, but they have better mashed potatoes than my grandmother. I had it with a leg of pork and my first Mezcal (on the house). They're treating me to crepes de cajeta for my birthday dulce.

Update - 7/25 - These are the nicest people I met on my journey. They opened especially for my birthday on Sunday and treated me to drinks and wonderful conversation. Please go see them and chat with them.