Catedral

Garcia Vigil and Avenida Morelos, just two blocks from the zocalo. This elegant yet accessible local favorite takes up the entire area of a former colonial house. Favorite dishes include the mushroom soup flavored with epazote (a pungent local herb) and the chicken in squash-blossom sauce, served with rice and a squash blossom stuffed with cheese. Enjoy the lavish Sunday lunch buffet, served from 2 to 7, ending with some of Catedral's great strong coffee. They offer 11 cuts of tenderloin, as well as a variety of regional dishes, such as caldo tlalpeño and mole poblano. Top it off with delicious walnut pie. Comfortable and attractive setting with pleasant atmosphere and attentive service in an intimate courtyard.

Marco Polo

Pino Suarez 806, facing the Parque Paseo Juarez ("Llano park"). A coastal oasis in the city of Oaxaca. Fresh seafood is flown in daily from the Oaxacan coast. Start with shrimp tacos and an ice-cold beer followed by red snapper cooked in their outdoor, wood burning, adobe oven. Full Bar Service. Outdoor garden seating is a great start to a lazy afternoon. Open for breakfast and lunch only. Specializing in Mexican Style Seafood (Oven-baked, Broiled or Fried ), Fish Fillets, Whole Fish, Shrimp, Crab, Seafood Soup, Ceviche, and Shrimp Cocktail.

Maria Bonita

Alcala 706, right in between the Santo Domingo church and the Holiday Inn Oaxaca. A pleasant 3 minute walk from the square and quietly away from the hubbub, this charming little restaurant serves authentic Oaxacan cuisine to mostly local clientele sitting at its six tables. Gloria Lilia Fernández opened her restaurant ‘Maria Bonita’ in the early 90's to share the flavors and recipes that her family has rescued and safeguarded for these past generations - handed down from mother to daughter. The results are stunning. Authentic regional cuisine prepared with care and consummate skill.

Besides running the restaurant and teaching, Gloria is also working on a cookbook to broaden the appreciation of Oaxacan cuisine. Excellent service, soft music and a gentle breeze.Moderate