I usually venture out for breakfast occasionally when I travel; however, my habits changed when I spent a few months living in Oaxaca City.
The culinary scene here is exceptional, blending traditional ingredients with popular flavours to create excellent breakfast dishes. Furthermore, I love the energy in the colourful streets and neighbourhoods at this time of day.
12 Best Breakfast Places in Oaxaca
I usually venture out for breakfast occasionally when I travel; however, my habits changed when I spent a few months living in Oaxaca City.
The culinary scene here is exceptional, blending traditional ingredients with popular flavours to create excellent breakfast dishes. Furthermore, I love the energy in the colourful streets and neighbourhoods at this time of day.
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Whether you prefer a light breakfast of pastries and great coffee, a spicy plate of eggs, salsa and tortillas or want to try something familar but with a sprinkling of Oaxacan culinary magic, hit the streets in the morning and try some of these best breakfast places in Oaxaca.
My advice is to try the dishes listed under ‘Oaxacan Specialties’ on the breakfast menu or choose something that heroes key Oaxacan ingredients such as fresh, stringy Oaxacan quesillo (cheese), flor de calabaza (pumpkin flowers), mole (delicious sauces) or cacao (chocolate).
You can bet that many of these recommended breakfast spots also serve excellent coffee, grown right here in the mountains of Oaxaca.
The BEST French-style bread, sourdoughs and pastries I’ve eaten outside of France, this breakfast place in Oaxaca is a gem!
A bright little courtyard is where you can enjoy a range of tasty baked treats, ranging from sweet pastries such as croissants with dulce de leche, pain de chocolate, cardamon bun and almond croissants.
The savoury pastries are equally as delicious, it’s very hard to choose one! Some popular choices include ham and ricotta-filled croissants, or pesto & sun-dried tomato foccacia and smoked salmon with cream cheese.
Oh, it’s worth mentioning that Pan Con Madre’s coffee is also fantastic!
The best part is that you can see the bakers preparing all the delicious breads and baked treats the moment you walk in – this breakfast place in Oaxaca is doing so many great things; don’t miss it!
Conveniently situated in Centro, Boulenc is a European-style bakery and restaurant with a long list of regulars who can’t get enough of their tasty food. Yes, I am one of them!
While their freshly baked sourdough bread and tempting pastries are enticing, the breakfast menu steals the show.
Featuring International favourites like French toast, shakshuka, croque-monsieurs, and the classic avocado toast (the sourdough here is what makes this dish so good), you can expect a line-up if you’re hoping to dine here for a great breakfast in Oaxaca.
I love this place, and it deserves a spot on our best places in Oaxaca list!
The Organic Markets are an outdoor, covered area with large benches and tables- it invites a communal atmosphere. What I love the most about this spot is the welcoming vibe.
But, let’s remember the food on offer!
Choose from a selection of 10-15 little eateries set up here with menus posted on what food they offer, from tlayudas, memelas (pictured below), tacos dorados (pictured above), empanadas, fresh fruit juice, smoothies, cakes, and pastries.
Great space to enjoy breakfast with friendsMemela with flor de calabaza & huitlocheTejate – sacred drink of the gods
The prices here are reasonable and open during the day, too, so drop by for brunch or a late lunch.
You’d miss it if you didn’t know about the beautiful terraced rooftop here!
Muss Cafe serves excellent coffee and offers a range of International breakfast dishes to enjoy in the leafy rooftop gardens.
From fruit and smoothie bowls, veggie omelettes, French Toast, Chia Puddings and more, it’s the perfect place to bring a good book whilst soaking up the relaxed vibes.
Enchiladas Verde with Tasajo (beef)Enchladas Coloradito con polloHot chocolate & bread
I must admit that I visited this market reguarly for delicious breakfasts in Oaxaca, and I was rarely disappointed.
There are many comedors (eateries) to choose from; they all offer similar options with similar prices, too. It’s a great way to eat through the typical Oaxacan breakfast dishes such as Chilaquiles, Enmoladas, Enchiladas and memelas.
Try the most typical Oaxacan breakfast of chocolate caliente con pan (hot chocolate with bread).
The best thing about this cosy cafe, with ownership rooted in an Italian-Mexican partnership, is that it boasts exceptional espresso! The courtyard at the back of the cafe is especially appealing, and the menu features classic breakfast dishes.
My favourite, the Shakshuka (Turkish Eggs), hits the spot, or the breakfast baguette filled with ham, cheese and eggs.
You can choose lighter options such as yoghurt and chia pudding with fresh fruit, avocado toast, croissants and a selection of quality sandwiches filled with Caprese or Jamon Serrano, too.
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Pan:am, Oaxaca has two locations. The centro spot is conveniently situated near Santo Domingo Church, while the more prominent Reforma location is northeast of the city.
Both locations have a courtyard setting to soak up the morning vibes.
The breakfast-to-lunch menu features a variety of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes with unique twists, such as the incorporation of nopales in their huevos divorciados.
The sandwich selection is deeply rooted in Mexican traditions, showcasing options like house-made roasted pork leg in adobo on sourdough; it’s wonderful!
There’s an excellent hummus and vegetable sandwich packed with flavour that you need to try, and I’m a fan of the Croque Madame, too!
I love the buzz of markets at any time, but they’re incredibly vibrant in the mornings.
This market is a good place to come if you need to fill a bag of fresh fruit and vegetables purchased from the smiling vendors, or to take a seat in one of the comedors (restaurants) for breakfast.
My recommendation is to eat at Fonda Florecita. The memelas here are delicious. You can stick with the standard sencillo (beans and quesillo) for 15 pesos (USD 0.85) each or order them with a variety of local ingredients on top for 25 pesos (USD 1.44) each.
I highly recommend the memelas with huitlacoche, flor de calabaza or chicharron.
Ancestral’s menu tempts you with a selection of Oaxacan dishes featuring tetelas—triangle-shaped tortilla pockets prepared from corn masa and filled with black beans, creamy quesillo, and a choice of meat or vegetables.
My go-to breakfast favourites are the Chilaquiles de Amarillo mole and omelette with huitlacoche. Delicious!
The scene at this delightful Xochimilco brunch spot is picturesque and atmospheric, a lovely space for an enjoyable breakfast in Oaxaca.
This street-side set-up is a solid favourite! Since 1974, they’ve been dishing out speedy snacks, including tacos (the larger rolled type), and quesadillas.
My favourite empanadas are the Chicharron, or the Mole Amarillo (54 pesos USD 3.10), and the tacos de chorizo y quesillo, at 27 pesos ( USD 1.55) a piece.
Oaxacan empanadas differ from those in other parts of Mexico, as they are cooked on the comal (pictured) rather than fried.
This place is a favourite among locals and travellers; the excellent coffee keeps everyone coming back for more!
In the colourful neighbourhood of Xochimlco, Filemón offers a menu featuring homegrown specialty coffee (roasted on-premises), freshly baked bread, fantastic pastries and other indulgent delights.
Their all-day brunch selection, prominently featuring sourdough, includes tempting options like waffles, pancakes, French toast, and breakfast baguettes.
Filled with trees and tropical plants, the charming courtyard at Chepiche Cafe features some striking artwork. The breakfast menu offers a variety of egg dishes such as eggs benedict, omelettes, pancakes, pastries, fruit bowls, and some delicious local Mexican specialties.
You can enjoy the best of both worlds here as this recommended cafe is Mexican/American-owned.
I recommend ordering Chilaquiles de Fiesta or La Santa. View the complete breakfast menu here.
I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my top breakfast places in Oaxaca. This is one of my favourite food cities worldwide, and I wish you the best time here!I recommend you try these 20 best dishes to try in Oaxaca
Travel Tips for Mexico
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