Coffee may be something that Oaxaca City is known for, but as a tea drinker, I quickly learned that a great café is about so much more than what’s in your cup. While Pete happily judged every cappuccino he ordered (which was 3+ per day!), I was on the hunt for flaky pastries, cozy courtyards, and places where I could relax over a pot of tea while soaking up the city’s atmosphere.
After spending weeks exploring Oaxaca in southern Mexico, these are the cafés and coffee shops I found myself returning to again and again. Whether you’re searching for expertly brewed coffee, an incredible breakfast, or simply a beautiful place to hang out for an hour, these are my favorite spots in Oaxaca City.
Planning a trip to Oaxaca City? Here are some helpful tips:
My Top Hotel Picks:
- Sauve Casa Boutique Hotel ($$), right in the heart of the city center, and where I stayed.
- Los Pilares Hotel ($$), for a great rooftop terrace
- Hotel Sin Nombre ($$), for trendy and minimalistic
- Hotel Quinta Real ($$$), for a luxury stay
- Casa Antonieta ($$$), for a relaxing boutique hotel
- Explore more of the best Oaxaca City hotels here
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Oaxaca City Trip:
Planning a trip to Oaxaca City? These are my guides that will help you experience the absolute best of the city.
- 14 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca City, Mexico
- 5 Best Oaxaca City Tours You Shouldn’t Miss
- “Best of Oaxaca City” Self-Guided Walking Tour
- The Ultimate Food Guide to Oaxaca City, Mexico
- Ultimate Oaxaca City Travel Guide: See, Do & Eat
- The Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Oaxaca City, Mexico
Other foodie Things to do in Oaxaca City (besides cafes & coffee!)
Best Cafes & Coffee Shops
Bodaega
If I could only recommend one bakery in Oaxaca City, Bodaega would be it. I visited a lot of bakeries while I was there, purely in the name of research of course, and this one easily came out on top. Everything in the pastry case looked like it belonged in a magazine, but the real challenge was deciding what to order before it sold out. My absolute favorite was the morning bun with jamón serrano, which perfectly balanced buttery pastry with savory flavors. If you spot the rhubarb compote Danish topped with hibiscus, don’t hesitate. It’s another standout.
Founded by Oaxacan baker Rafael Villalobos after training in Denmark, Bodaega blends Scandinavian baking techniques with local Oaxacan ingredients, including heritage wheat from the Mixteca region. The cappuccino was excellent, and I loved sitting at the communal table watching the bakers pull fresh pastries from the oven. Seating is limited and popular pastries disappear quickly, so I’d recommend arriving shortly after they open for the best selection.
Get Directions: Miguel Hidalgo 1203, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Nono Café
Some cafés instantly make you want to stay longer than planned, and Nono Café was exactly that kind of place for me. The real star here is the coffee. Nono specializes in beans grown in Oaxaca’s celebrated coffee regions, and the baristas are genuinely passionate about helping you discover new flavors. Pete ordered a cappuccino, but their pour-overs are one of the café’s signature offerings if you really want to taste the unique character of the beans. Pair your drink with one of their freshly baked pastries (like a delicious one with peach compote!) or a light breakfast, and you’ll have the perfect start to your day.
Get Directions: Jesús Carranza 119, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Pan Con Madre
If you’re a sourdough lover, prepare to fall head over heels for Pan Con Madre. This artisan bakery focuses entirely on naturally leavened bread, and you can taste the care that goes into every bite. While many people come for the beautiful croissants and fresh sourdough loaves, I kept thinking about the yogurt bowl. Topped with fresh fruit, crunchy granola, and cacao nibs, it was one of those breakfasts that somehow managed to feel both wholesome and completely satisfying.
The bakery uses flour from Oaxaca’s Mixteca region and follows a slow, thoughtful baking process that prioritizes quality over speed. Alongside the famous sourdough, you’ll find flaky croissants, fruit-filled pastries, focaccia, savory scones, and seasonal specialties, all baked fresh each morning. Like many of Oaxaca’s best bakeries, favorites often sell out well before lunchtime, so getting there early is well worth it.
Get Directions: C. de Quetzalcóatl 205-D, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Kiyo Café
If you’re serious about good coffee, Kiyo Café deserves a spot on your Oaxaca City list. While I didn’t get a chance to visit during my trip, it came up again and again in recommendations from locals and fellow travelers for its expertly brewed Oaxacan coffee and calm, minimalist atmosphere.
The menu focuses on specialty coffee made with locally grown beans, including espresso drinks, pour-overs, cold brew, and seasonal creations. They also serve fresh pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and light breakfast options if you’re looking for a quick bite.
With its clean, modern design and reputation for knowledgeable baristas, Kiyo is a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter café away from the crowds or want to experience Oaxaca’s thriving specialty coffee scene. It’s one I’d have at the top of my list for my next visit.
Get Directions: C. de Manuel Bravo 312, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Boulenc
Ask almost anyone where to eat breakfast in Oaxaca City, and chances are they’ll mention Boulenc. I completely understand why. Between the bakery and adjoining café, it’s one of the city’s busiest and most celebrated breakfast spots. I visited more than once during my stay because there were simply too many tempting things on the menu to try in a single meal.
My favorite was the croissant stuffed with jamón and quesillo, then topped with a perfectly poached egg. It was rich, comforting, and worth every bite. We also shared the mushroom and spinach focaccia with melted cheese and a colorful yogurt bowl loaded with fresh fruit. Boulenc is also famous for its artisan sourdough bread, flaky pastries, wood-fired pizzas, and the much-loved almond croissant. Seating fills quickly and lines are common, so I highly recommend arriving early if you want to avoid waiting. Trust me, it’s worth setting your alarm for.
Get Directions: C. Porfirio Díaz 207, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Café El Volador
Sometimes the best cafés aren’t the ones with the longest lines. Café El Volador feels like one of Oaxaca City’s hidden gems, quietly serving exceptional Oaxacan coffee in a cozy neighborhood setting. Coffee is unquestionably the highlight here. The café showcases beans from Oaxaca’s renowned coffee-growing communities, prepared as espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brew.
I would recommend ordering one of their pour-overs if you really want to experience the flavor of the local beans. Pair it with one of the freshly baked pastries, then settle in for a slow morning.
Get Directions: Plaza de la cruz de piedra, C. de Xólotl 118, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Sagrado Filemón I Pan y Café
If I had to choose the most memorable breakfast I ate in Oaxaca City, Sagrado Filemón would be right at the top of the list. I originally came for the pastries, but I left talking about the yogurt bowl. It wasn’t your typical fruit-and-granola breakfast. It was beautifully layered with housemade granola, fresh seasonal fruit, honey, and an unforgettable coffee marmalade that tied everything together. I still catch myself wishing I could recreate it at home.
Their signature Café Cacao pastry deserves just as much attention. Made with flaky laminated dough, filled with silky coffee cream, and topped with cacao nibs and sea salt, it’s unlike anything I’d had before. The café sources its beans directly from Oaxacan coffee farms, so every espresso drink and pour-over feels like a celebration of local coffee. If the rooftop terrace has an open table, grab it!
Get Directions: Ignacio Allende 218, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Masea Trigo Y Maíz
Masea quickly became one of my favorite discoveries because it’s unlike any other bakery or café I visited in Oaxaca City. Instead of focusing on coffee, the spotlight here is on corn, wheat, and traditional Oaxacan ingredients sourced from small local producers. Don’t come expecting cappuccinos because you won’t find any. Instead, come with an open mind and be ready to try something completely different.
The pastry that completely won me over was the Nido de Manzana, a flaky apple pastry that was just sweet enough without being overpowering. But if I’m being honest, it was the blue corn oatmeal cookies that kept pulling me back. I stopped four different times just to buy another one. Masea is also famous for its traditional atoles served in handcrafted clay cups, with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and guava. If you’re looking to experience something uniquely Oaxacan rather than another typical coffee shop, this is absolutely the place to do it.
Get Directions: Reforma 411, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Marito & Moglie Café
If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast or brunch spot, Marito & Moglie Café is an easy recommendation. Inspired by Italian café culture, it pairs expertly crafted Oaxacan coffee with a menu of fresh pastries, hearty breakfasts, and light lunches in a bright, welcoming space.
If I were ordering, I’d go straight for the avocado toast. I’m always a sucker for a good one, and theirs, topped with arugula, feta, pumpkin seeds, and salsa macha on sourdough, looks like the perfect balance of fresh, creamy, and just a little spicy. Pair it with one of Pete’s beloved cappuccinos (or a pot of tea if you’re like me), and you’ve got a pretty ideal way to start the day.
Get Directions: Miguel Hidalgo 1204, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Once In Oaxaca – Art & Specialty Coffee
Some cafés are memorable because of the food. Others because of the atmosphere. Once In Oaxaca managed to do both. Blending an art gallery with a specialty coffee shop, it creates a space where you can admire the work of local artists while sipping beautifully prepared Oaxacan coffee.
The café specializes in single-origin Oaxacan coffee prepared as espresso drinks, pour-overs, cold brew, and seasonal beverages. A pour-over is the perfect choice if you want to appreciate the unique flavors of the locally grown beans.
Get Directions: Curtidurías 121C, Barrio de Jalatlaco, 68080 Oaxaca de Juárez
Cafeto & Baristas
This specialty café focuses on locally grown and roasted Mexican coffee, with baristas who are passionate about helping guests discover the unique flavors of Oaxaca’s beans.
Their expertly crafted pour-overs are the standout, but you’ll also find espresso drinks, cold brew, teas, smoothies, and fresh pastries. And if you fall in love with the coffee, you can pick up a bag of locally roasted beans to bring a little taste of Oaxaca home with you.
Get Directions: Calle de José María Pino Suárez 407- B, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend using airalo for international travel. Also, book an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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