The food of Oaxaca is the best that I have eaten anywhere.  The moles which have simmered for hours bring the taste of spice and earth, a mouth-warming delight.  Soups look so simple, yet are amazingly complex.  Tamales and tortillas and guacamole, smokey mescal, oh and the cheese.  The freshest eggs I’ve ever had, chiles, and tomatoes and dark rich coffee.

Here are my recommendations:

• El Alquimista- This restaurant isn’t in Oaxaca City, but along the coast of Oaxaca State, and has some of the very best food that I ate in all of Oaxaca, so I wanted to include it here.  Plus, if you are going to the City, I highly recommend you visit the Coast and Zipolite Beach as well.  http://www.el-alquimista.com/es/contact.html

• La Teca- This was the best meal that I ate on my entire visit.  This would be like having a Mexican grandmother and having her cook for you.  I have a longer review on my meal here.  Don’t miss this experience! http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g150801-d2015091-Reviews-La_Teca_Restaurant-Oaxaca_Southern_Mexico.html

• Pitiona – My second favorite meal in Oaxaca was here.  Here, every detail was taken care, every course prepared with great care.  Even the plates were created by a local artist.  The food here was not only delicious but playful and whimsical as well.  I truly enjoyed my evening here.  I do recommend making a reservation.  http://www.pitiona.com/english/

• Casa Oaxaca-This was one of those meals where you are savoring every bite.  Also, Rick Bayless and his entourage were having dinner there at the same time I was.  This let me know that I had definitely chosen the right place.  Again, I highly suggest reservations here, although they had lost mine, and I was still seated.  http://www.casaoaxacaelrestaurante.com/index.html