5 Best Vegetarian Restaurants To Visit In Oaxaca

Located in southwest Mexico, Oaxaca is one of the country’s most authentic, charming and captivating cities. Set in the shadow of three mountain-flanked valleys and surrounded by fields of agave and mezcal distilleries, this city is bursting with color, energy and a huge personality.

For years Oaxaca has been an inspiration for artists, makers and artisans through its vibrant, creative atmosphere, local traditions and stunning archaeological sites. The food scene is pretty captivating too with charming inns, gorgeous markets and excellent restaurants, including some great spots just for vegetarians. Check out our favorites below.

* Hierba Dulce

Set in a beautiful courtyard surrounded by cacti, Hierba Dulce is currently the only exclusively vegan restaurant in Oaxaca, and it is a treat. With homemade vegan cheese, tacos made with huitlacoche (a flowery type of fungus that grows on corn known as the ‘Mexican truffle’), and dishes cooked in coconut-based lard, vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the best elements of Mexican food. Enchiladas, avocado toast and empanadas are the stand-out options of a superb, fully vegan menu.

* Boulenc

One of the most popular spots in Oaxaca, this bakery, café and restaurant has grown from humble beginnings as a simple panaderia (bakery) to become one of the best places to eat in town. With an atmosphere that feels more Brooklyn than southwest Mexico, Boulenc’s bread is reputed to be the best in Mexico, a reputation backed up by the lines out of the door. The adjoining restaurant makes a magnificent vegan pizza, and the pad thai is an absolute dream. If you are in town for more than a day, try to come here more than once.

* Verde Vegano at Rayón Pochote Organic Market

Rayón Pochote Organic Market is a charming little organic market with a decent range of vendors selling all kinds of vegetarian and vegan treats. The gem of this place, hidden away in a back corner, is Verde Vegano, a plant-based café, and is one of the best places in Oaxaca to find a proper vegan breakfast, complete with scrambled tofu and dairy-free pancakes.

* La Matatena Pizza

Just off the Zocalo, La Matatena has built a reputation as one of the best pizza spots in Oaxaca. The menu is roughly half vegetarian options, and best of all, every pizza on the menu can be made with gluten-free dough and vegan cheese. This isn’t going to be the cheapest place to eat in town, but if you’ve got a craving for a serious slice of pizza it might well be the best.

* Zandunga

While not a strictly vegetarian restaurant, Zandunga serves up enough fabulous plant-based options to satisfy every herbivore. This charming restaurant specializes in the cuisine of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which includes dishes steamed in banana leaves, fresh seafood and lots of tropical fruit. With vegetarian mole and mushroom stuffed tlayudas (traditional grilled tortillas covered in frijoles) as well, this is an excellent spot to try some interesting culinary variations.