Best Breakfast in Oaxaca - Cool Breakfast Spots in Oaxaca City

Posted 19/04/2024 | 19th April, 2024

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It’s no secret that Oaxaca is one of my favourite cities in the world. There are so many amazing things to do in Oaxaca, ranging from sampling Mezcals in their homeland to visiting the world-famous Heirve El Agua.

If you’re lucky enough to have an extended period in this region, I absolutely recommend visiting the fantastic beaches in Oaxaca, which can be accessed easily in just three hours.

But, what Oaxaca is really famous for is its incredible culinary scene. There are what seems to be an unlimited number of restaurants and cafes to explore. So, to ensure you have the perfect start to your mornings in Oaxaca, I’ve compiled a list of eight of the best breakfasts in Oaxaca.

Table of Contents

Itanoni (Best Traditional Breakfast in Oaxaca)

Address: Av Belisario Domínguez 513, Reforma, 68050

Opening Times: 7 am – 4 pm

Don’t worry—this article will cover all of the ‘Instagram-worthy’ boutique breakfast spots in Oaxaca. But before moving on to these, you simply have to try Itanoni for traditional Oaxacan food.

What I loved most about this spot is that you can watch the food be made from scratch right in front of your eyes. The food is distinctive and different from anything else I have tried across Mexico. Therefore, I recommend getting a few dishes for the table and sharing, allowing you to sample various flavours.

They are best known for their iconic triangle-shaped tetelas, which come in a range of flavours. What’s great about breakfast at Itanoni is that there are also plenty of veggie options (not common across Mexico!).

Make sure you also try the Agua de Jamaica. I love this drink across the country, but it is particularly delicious here.

NANA Cafe

Address: Calle de Tinoco y Palacios 209, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000

Opening Times: 9.30 am – 5 pm (Closed Sundays)

I stumbled upon NANA cafe by chance after looking for an iced latte and some shade to escape the midday sun, and thank goodness I did!

NANA might not have the grandeur of some other names on this list. But it has extremely friendly staff, a small but delicious menu, and excellent coffee!

What was unique about this place was that it also appeared to double as a second-hand clothing store—so if you’re looking to bag some vintage gems while enjoying a midday coffee, NANA is the place to go.

Chepiche Cafe

Address: De, Genaro Vásquez 6 A, Barrio de Xochimilco, 68040

Opening Times: 8 am – 9 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 8 am – 1.30pm Sunday & Monday

Chepiche Cafe is a well-known neighbourhood restaurant in the Xochimilco area. It serves an excellent range of breakfast dishes, including French toast, hotcakes and various egg dishes.

If you head here on a weekend, you should expect a bit of a wait, but this place is huge, and spaces free up quickly! Adam and I both opted for pancakes, and they were both delicious. I must note that the portions here are massive and kept us full through the afternoon!

It’s a very relaxing place to visit. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying their delicious coffee and tranquil atmosphere.

Cafe Crillo

Address: C. Palmeras 609, Reforma, 68050

Opening Times: 8 am – 9 pm

For me, Cafe Crillo was another happy accident in the Reforma area. We didn’t have the standard breakfast dishes here. In fact, I opted for a chicken salad (surprisingly good), and Adam went for a steak sandwich.

The terrace is upstairs, which removes you from the hustle and bustle of the street, creating a natural rooftop oasis.

If you’ve spent any time in this region of the world, you will know that limonada is pretty special – and Cafe Crillo knows how to do it right! The iced coffee was also fab.

Pan:am

Address: Av Belisario Domínguez 809, Reforma, 68050

Opening Times: 8am – 9pm (closed on Mondays)

Pan:am is one of the best-known breakfast spots in Oaxaca. I ate there twice during my month in the city, and it was certainly one of my favourite places for Chilaquiles.

The Reforma branch is relaxed, with friendly staff and a peaceful outside terrace.

The menu has many options that combine traditional Mexican cooking with a modern twist. Pan:am is the perfect option if you want to dip your toe into Mexican cuisine but still want some familiar flavours and textures.

Boulenc (Most Popular Breakfast in Oaxaca)

Address: C. Porfirio Díaz 207, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000

Opening Times: 8.30 am – 10.30 pm

It even pains me to say it a little because it is oh so cliche, but Boulenc was my favourite breakfast in Oaxaca.

Firstly, the setting is simply gorgeous. Beautiful exposed bricks and large plants fill the bright, open space. The menu is plentiful, featuring hotcakes, French toast, and shakshuka.

The coffees here are fab, I sampled a flat white and a latte (all in the name of writing a well-rounded blog post), and both were delicious and strong.

Honestly, not a bad word to say about this spot!

As you would expect, this place gets busy! However, it is very well organized and has a large seating area where you can wait and browse the menu.

Santa Hierba

Address: 5 de Mayo 505, Barrio de Jalatlaco, 68080

Opening Times: 8 am – 9.30 pm / 8.30am – 5pm on Sunday

Santa Hierba is the place to eat in Oaxaca if you are gluten-free. It was the only place I found that offered a wide selection of gluten-free pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, and desserts. Safe to say, I had a great time!

I opted for a waffle with peanut sauce and fresh fruit, while Adam went for the tuna sandwich, which was packed with fresh, rare tuna steak. Although this spot is probably the most expensive on the list, it certainly wasn’t overpriced for the quality and portion sizes provided.

Don’t head here expecting authentic Oaxacan food or a traditional Mexican breakfast. In fact, it’s anything but! But it’s delicious nonetheless. The service here was very nice, and be sure to sit upstairs on the terrace to make the most of the warm days in this magical city.

Memelas Doña Vale

Address: Cosijoeza, Central de Abasto, 68090

Opening Times: 7am – 12 pm (closed on Sundays)

Last but certainly not least is Memelas Doña Vale. She rose to fame after her appearance on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil and is now the best-known breakfast maker in Oaxaca.

In fact, she’s probably one of the best-known chefs in Mexico.

To sample one of the best breakfasts in Oaxaca, you’ll have to head a little out of your way to the Central de Abasto market. This isn’t a tourist market so expect to see locals going about their regular mornings – buying produce for their businesses and homes.

Once inside the market, you can’t miss the signs pointing towards the famous Doña Vale stand (I guess this is the privilege of having a Netflix special). Also, expect a queue! But don’t worry—the queue moves very quickly, as this isn’t the kind of place you linger around for hours.

Of course, you have to try the memelas here. Theres a choice of Morita or Tomate salsa (with or without eggs). If you fancy something more filling you can add fried meat to the breakfast.

And fear not, the fame hasn’t made the prices increase here, in fact, it’s one of the cheapest breakfasts you’ll find in Oaxaca!

Also, make sure you order the hot chocolate. Oaxaca is known for its chocolate, and the drink here is one of the best I have ever tasted.