Catedral Restaurant
Mexican restaurant · Oaxaca City ·

Catedral Restaurant

Mexican restaurant · Oaxaca City ·

Oaxacan moles, live piano music, rustic courtyard dining

Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null
Catedral Restaurant by null

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C. de Manuel García Vigil 105, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Get directions

$$

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C. de Manuel García Vigil 105, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Get directions

+52 951 516 3285
restaurantecatedral.com.mx
@restaurante.catedral
𝕏
@RestaCatedral

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Dec 5, 2025

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40,944 Postcards · 5,496 Cities

Women Who Travel Podcast: Do National Dishes Really Exist?

"So, it was- we- we did it the whole way, and it was kind of, like, funny, until it became very emotional, because we have so many friends and so many wonderful people that helped us, uh, with my book in Oaxaca, and they were very- everyone was extremely moved by it, and it was in the roof of a beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous view and much mezcal was drunk, and much mole was eaten."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/do-national-dishes-really-exist
Catedral Restaurant
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Elegant Dining in Oaxaca Most of Oaxaca 's better restaurants are quite new, but La Catedral has been around since 1976. It is a Oaxaca institution, and besides reliably tasty food, you can also expect a lovely atmosphere and seamless service. You can pick a spot in one of the indoor dining areas, or in the lovely back courtyard next to the fountain. The menu at La Catedral is extensive and includes Oaxacan specialties such as mole negro and mole amarillo, as well as chiles rellenos and sopa de guias (soup made with zucchini shoots), but my favorite dish is the huitlacoche crepes. They also offer a buffet on Sundays from 2 to 7 pm that is popular with well-to-do Oaxacan families."

Where to Eat Mole in Oaxaca
Catedral Restaurant
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Elegant Dining in Oaxaca Most of Oaxaca 's better restaurants are quite new, but La Catedral has been around since 1976. It is a Oaxaca institution, and besides reliably tasty food, you can also expect a lovely atmosphere and seamless service. You can pick a spot in one of the indoor dining areas, or in the lovely back courtyard next to the fountain. The menu at La Catedral is extensive and includes Oaxacan specialties such as mole negro and mole amarillo, as well as chiles rellenos and sopa de guias (soup made with zucchini shoots), but my favorite dish is the huitlacoche crepes. They also offer a buffet on Sundays from 2 to 7 pm that is popular with well-to-do Oaxacan families."

Oaxaca's Best Restaurants
Catedral Restaurant

Danielle K.

Google
The food here was SO good! We stopped in a little after 5:30pm after an afternoon of wandering the beautiful Jalalatco neighborhood, absolutely famished. People kept stopping in front of the restaurant and taking photos, and we walked up and saw that it was because of the absolutely gorgeous Día de Muertos ofrenda. The interior of the restaurant was just lovely. We ordered our food immediately -- water, because it was a pretty warm day and we were getting dehydrated, as well as the 32 Ingredients Black Mole and the Almendrado Mole. Some bread was brought out for us. The little rolls with a creamy buttery soft cheese baked onto the top under the thin crust were my favorite. So good. The moles were lovely! My almond mole with roasted chicken had a mild, nearly imperceptible spice-- perfect for me. I wished the chicken had been boneless because it was hard to find all the little bones in there while it was swimming in mole. My partner's black mole was outstanding! I wished that was what I ordered, even though I enjoyed my meal too! It was a lovely meal, though service was a little spotty. They were running around and very busy. For the price, I had hoped for a tiny bit more attention, but it was within an acceptable limit. Definitely try this place, just be ready to wait a long while. :)

Mary

Google
We were pleased to find ourselves downtown, enjoying the ambiance. The service provided was truly excellent, and we appreciated the attentive staff. Upon entering, we were greeted by the sound of live music and the sight of lush plants. It's certainly an enjoyable experience, especially since the staff is fluent in English. I would recommend making a reservation for convenience.

Natalie H.

Google
Incredible food and delicious mole, the atmosphere was so lovely and calming. The staff were very attentive and kind and very helpful explaining the dishes and local food! We had a lovely dinner!

gurhan K.

Google
I loved the ambiance of the restaurant. A beautiful red painted courtyard with a cute fountain. I had cheese omlette and a croissant. Both were ok. Hot chocolate was top.

Henry D.

Google
Absolutely stunning restaurant—easily our favourite so far on our Mexico trip. It has a true fine dining feel, with exceptional service (special thanks to Jose!), and a beautiful setting with a warm, elegant ambiance. The food was outstanding. We shared the Traditional Oaxacan Platter for two, which was packed with flavour—the tamales were the standout. For dessert, the six Artisan Oaxacan Sorbets were the perfect, refreshing way to end an unforgettable meal. We will for sure come again.

Kymberly F.

Google
I had my first taste of Oaxaca’s iconic black mole, mole negro, at Catedral, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. As a solo traveler, I was welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality by my server, Johnny, whose enthusiasm for sharing his favorite recommendations and the rich history of Oaxaca made me feel not just like a guest, but like a friend. The atmosphere is enchanting—romantic yet intimate—where even dining alone felt like a deliberate act of self-love. The rooftop opens up into a breathtaking atrium, the deep red walls radiating emotion, and the scents and flavors lingering in every bite. Each dish was a sensory journey, and the mole was a revelation—rich, complex, and deeply memorable. A surprising highlight? How they elevated a simple Topo Chico—served with fresh lemon and a salted rim, turning it into a refreshingly decadent treat. It’s the little touches that made this experience feel so special, like a gift from the city itself. I’d return in a heartbeat, and I’m forever grateful that a local pointed me in this direction. If you’re in Oaxaca, Catedral is a must—come hungry, leave with a full heart.

Oscar G

Google
The restaurant had a nice atmosphere and the food was great. I tried the chile en nogada, which was delicious. I also tried "nido de chapulines" which wasn't my thing, not because the they were grasshoppers, but because the sour seasoning made them kinda overwhelming, but as I later found out that's kind of how season them over there. The prices were reasonable, but my only complaint is that the brazilian lemonade was too expensive for what it was, especially for a mocktail. 190 pesos was too much for a relatively small lemonade frappe. There was a guy with a guitar playing some classic hits, which really added to the atmosphere. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.

N K

Google
Breakfast was ok. We were asked for a drink order 4 times from different servers. Food and pastries were good and coffee was not bad.
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Dawny M.

Yelp
Food is excellent. Dinner or breakfast. Last night we dined at Catedral. We tried their aqua chili Shrimp & Scallops. It was full of flavor although very light on spice. My husband enjoyed Sea Bass over corn with plantains. I ordered the pork tenderloin mole with a sweet potato mash and roasted apples and pineapple. We both enjoyed our meals. My only suggestion would be to increase their wine list.
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Rene A.

Yelp
This place is amazing. Must go if you're in Oaxaca. 5 star all around !!! The best authentic restaurant I've tried here.
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Farah K.

Yelp
So this is one of the best places in the world to try Mole negro. They serve it with a turkey confit. The sauce is slightly bitter and very complex, it's a 32 ingredient Mole recipe. We did end up going there for a family dinner (cousins wedding was in town). Unbeknownst to us they ended up also catering his wedding! Got to have excellent food twice! They also were able to accommodate our table of 13 diners with an hours notice. I'd recommend checking them out if in town.
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Ginger B.

Yelp
Excellent service and all the food tasted great. The mole negro was probably the best we had (tried it at three places). We arrived just as lunch service started. Lots of plates are easy to share. We ordered one of the soups and it was outstanding (can't remember which, mushroom soup was good but the other was better). The roasted beets and goat cheese got a big thumbs up.
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Jim G.

Yelp
Service, service, service! We didn't have a full meal but enjoyed some drinks and a few appetizers. The service, from putting your napkin on your lap, to setup and clearing was really up there. Worth a try and will back to try some more food options.
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Farhat K.

Yelp
Overpriced and not the tastiest food at all. It seems to be a popular but I found the food to be bland. We got the Oaxaca platter and it was okay. Nothing really stood out. Meat was not very tasty. The best item was the cheesecake for dessert (not pictured). That was solid.
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Bob M.

Yelp
Catedral is a culinary gem, offering an exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Set against a backdrop of stunning architecture, dining here is a feast for the senses. From the impeccable service to the divine flavors, Catedral delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
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Lissa G.

Yelp
Tons of people rave about breakfast and mention the fine dining aspect of dinner. Jim G and I cruise in at around 2:30, just wanting to belly up to the bar. Not sure if they don't ever have a bar or if it was just not open at that time, so they seated us at a table. Alekciev and many others were incredibly helpful and provided excellent service. We felt underdressed (having just returned from a tour) and potentially out of place, as we were just wanting a snack and some drinks. However, our service was just as excellent as if we were ordering a multi-course meal. We enjoyed some mezcal, cerveza, and a delicious passionfruit mezcal cocktail. In addition, we snacked on some delicious Guacamole con Totopo and Molotitos de Platano. The food was quite good and I wish we had more time during our trip to return for a more substantial meal. Check it out if you're in Oaxaca!
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Alex L.

Yelp
Only the main restaurant is reservation only. Without a reservation they send you to the mediocre bar seating with a completely different menu downstairs. They claim it is the same. Make reservations. Otherwise don't bother with their bar menu.
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Joey B.

Yelp
The service is excellent. The setting is lovely. The food is just so-so and so overpriced.
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Lu-Shien T.

Yelp
Familiar moles from Oaxaca, Tlayudas and Tamale in a gorgeous courtyard setting. Servers with flair, mezcal, live music. An upscale dining experience near the Santo Domingo cathedral.
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Adriana F.

Yelp
I was so disappointed with this place. I called ahead to make reservations and the employee said I didn't need too. She said you can just come in but sometimes you might have to wait a bit. So I went in and the person at the door said that they didn't have any more seating and that I wasn't allowed to wait to be seated. So I told him what I was told over the phone and then he said I could sit at the bar area and that it's still part of the restaurant. So I went up to this loft area and it was dirty and almost like they didn't really serve anyone up there. Then our waiter comes and we order 1 drink each and they were terrible. So we ask for the check and he is charging us more than what the menu price is. He says we had the wrong menu and has to charge us the bar menu prices. The wrong menu was at our table when we sat down. Horrible experience, don't come here unless you are Caucasian.

Frank S.

Yelp
Our mezcal cocktails didn't have any mezcal. BEWARE: They have two drink menus with different prices. Local menu/ gringo menu. Rip off restaurant. Stay away....
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Mario O.

Yelp
El servicio es de lo peor pero eso si le piden qué haga reservación como si fuera restaurante de lujo. Desde la carta ( menú) presentada en papel corriente hasta el mesero con actitud sangrona. El lugar es caro y no vale la pena.
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J B.

Yelp
Excellent!! The food, service and ambiance were unexpected and left us wanting more. I highly recommend. We had the salmon and creamy rice and cheese salad and we did not want it to end. Seriously one of the best meals! And they had live music during the dinner. The musician who played was amazing! My partner thought it was the radio until he realized it was live!! Top notch!
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Richard S.

Yelp
Nothing wrong with this place -- the food is excellent. Service was a little slow in the evening when we came, despite the lack of people at 7pm.

Gabrielle R.

Yelp
Great food choices. Shrimp ravioli , mole, Chile. Had desserts as well. Great wait staff- wonderful recommendations.

Victor Z.

Yelp
There can be a long wait and most often worth the wait. Parking can be tricky. The coffee is epic.

Bertha B.

Yelp
This restaurant was great for breakfast very relaxing and clean. Very good customer service. Waiters were attentive and ready to give us any suggestions. Traditional food options as well as United States options as you have in restaurants like waffles pancakes and omelets. They also have the traditional oaxacan and breakfast. You do come to another country to explore their unique cuisine. If you're looking for good waffles or good pancakes it may be best that you wait to order the in the United States of America. Los tacos de Canasta were very unique and the filling was tasty. I am used to having tacos de Canasta with the tortilla smothered in sauce however these come dry. Highly recommended this place for a quick breakfast because it will definitely satisfy your hunger.
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Christina B.

Yelp
Mole was excellent! Loved the live music perfect way to start our trip. The cocktails were strong and was a great nightcap
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Maria S.

Yelp
This is possibly the best shrimp I've had in my whole life. The sauce was delicious. And it's served with a half avocado topped with another delicious sauce. Dessert was a pastry filled with quince fruit. It was decadent. This place knows what it's doing. If I'm ever back in Oaxaca, I'm going back. There was a solo musician too.
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Barbie S.

Yelp
We tried the Oaxacan platter. Great food and service. My favorite was the corn tamale.
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Amisha S.

Yelp
Came here for lunch. Nice ambience but I would call this a $$$ restaurant. Upscale and clean. Food was good with interesting flavors. We enjoyed the guacamole, corn tamale and their house water infused with fruits. Didn't like the chicken with the black mole. Staff was polite and quick. Also knew English which was helpful. They also have a vibrant patio area but it was full when we went. We sat indoors which was also well decorated (pics attached )

Suzie C.

Yelp
This is a recommended restaurant for their moles. We tried several different meals from the menu. Meals were rated 3, ambience 5/5

Richard S.

Yelp
Went for breakfast and lunch, ordered the turkey mole with plantains, excellent. Best in class.

LJ W.

Yelp
Great food and drinks. Our server was very friendly and patient with our language skills. Loved the drinks and the food was outstanding. Only downside was our hope to have a table in the atrium area.
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Shara K.

Yelp
In a city with incredible flavors, our meal was just ok. We tried a lot of dishes and nothing stood out as particularly delicious. It has a central location, but I wouldn't go back.
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Sheila R.

Yelp
Worth the trip. Authentic dishes from Oaxaca. Wonderful ambiance and excellent service. You will enjoy your meal thoroughly.
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Yadi A.

Yelp
Super friendly staff and pretty quick with food and drinks. I had the chilaquiles with chicken and mole and it was so delicious! The pancakes were also yummmy and warm! The place was clean and staff follow Covid protocols.
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J M.

Yelp
Fantastic spot to dine in Oaxaca. Had dinner here on our first night and it was superb. Shrimp tacos are the bomb. Lovely ambience. Highly recommend. You cannot go wrong.

Asheville H.

Yelp
Lovely space and good food. Las Dazantes is better for the money but we enjoyed it! Very close to the Zocalo
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Ashley V.

Yelp
This place was fantastic! We passed it heading somewhere else but I felt the need to turn around and at least look at the menu. It was a little pricier than what we were hoping for lunch but absolutely worth it. Their aguachile, beet salad, steak and salmon were divine. The service was fantastic. The cocktails were fresh and beautiful. We will probably return every time we come honestly. Really delicious and loved the ambiance of the sweet courtyard!
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Jabba T.

Yelp
Where are all these positive reviews coming from?!?! The food was close to inedible. Prices are ridiculous. This is one of the biggest tourist traps I've ever experienced. So disappointed that I wasted a meal during my trip to Oaxaca on this dump. I can't believe they stay in business, but I guess there's no accounting for taste.
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Brenda O.

Yelp
Great ambience with live music in the courtyard. The portions are large - we had the ceviche, the corn tamal, and the octopus pasta and were stuffed (and happy!)
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Tim P.

Yelp
Very upscale dining spot that was recommended to us by a few locals. We had reservations at 7:30 and when we got there our table was ready. We were a party of five. The dining area was a courtyard with a wonderful musician playing in the background. After drinks our table ordered salads and appetizers. The beet salad with whipped goat cheese was delicious, the local soup good, and an order of fried grasshoppers, an Oaxaca speciality. I passed on the grasshoppers but a few said they were good. My wife and I ordered the Oaxaca platter for dinner. It ended up coming out with the appetizers. It was a chicken and mole tamale, grilled pork and beef, and grilled vegetables. It was ok but I wished I had ordered the short rib with yellow mole. Our friend enjoyed the shrimp tacos. More of a wonton than a tortilla. Another ordered the pasta with octopus that they liked. The service was good and the ambiance with the soft music in the background was nice.

A. G.

Yelp
We went this place because of the reviews and the fact that they served dinner late and our plane was going to land late. It's a beautiful space, but the food was definitely not a great way to start off our time in Oaxaca. The best dish was the molotitos: small, stuffed, fried corn cakes, though we have no idea what they were stuffed with. Then we had some turkey in mole negro, which was OK, but there was nothing outstanding about the mole; we've had better. A roasted beet salad was also skimpy and disappointing. The drink I ordered was not bad, but one of us got a mezcal cocktail with little or no mezcal, sent it back asking them to add more mezcal, and then had to order a shot of mezcal to add to it, just so we could tell it was there. Another drink was so thick and overpowering as to be undrinkable; that was sent back and replaced with a glass of wine. All in all, a very disappointing place.
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Kareem A.

Yelp
Amazing breakfast. They bring you bread to start. I had really good coffee, the papaya which is super fresh, and their smoked salmon which was very very delicious. My friend had the pork casserole (one of their breakfast specialties) and he said it was one of his favorite meals in Oaxaca. Truly rich and delicious. My favorite breakfast place in the city.
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Scott L.

Yelp
My partner and I celebrated our anniversary dinner here last night and really enjoyed the experience. We ate in their courtyard dining room which is open to the sky and painted all in deep red with traditional white tablecloth settings and a fountain on the back wall. Very traditional and elegant Mexican setting, in my opinion. And a solo guitarist played romantic Latin songs off in an alcove. Very romantic setting. Coupled with the setting, the service was impeccable. We really felt taken care of without it being intrusive. The menu was pretty extensive but we were only focused on the mole offerings, of which there must have been 6 to 8. Ito went with the slow roasted pork with a red mole that also had sweet potato and plantain with a side dish of rice, beans and tortillas. He loved it and I thought it had great flavor. I went with a dark mole over braised short ribs with tempura green beans, an onion casserole thingy, and potato cubes. It was delicious and fall-off-the-bone tender. We chose a rosè because I don't like red wine when it's hot weather, but it was fine with these heavy dishes. My only gripe was there pedestrian cocktail list. Both the physical menu and its contents were put to shame by the other places we've eaten at in Oaxaca. I'd eat here again, especially for a quiet, romantic meal
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Oscar D.

Yelp
Restaurant was a block from my hotel and the taxi driver told me it was good. Decide to go and they definitely have excellent service, food and a variety of drinks. All the staff is very friendly but Nilo and Enrique were our waiters for the couple of times we went and they make you feel very welcome and very helpful on recommending appetizers or main plates. Definitely recommend the place
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Yonelay M.

Yelp
Really nice restaurant near the cathedral in city center area.the small breads are warm and fragrant. Came with mole sauce.. I ordered Chichilo mole with short rib. Come with fried potato,green bean and choyote with slightly tart bitter mole sauce. My friend tried the local flavor dish with suckling pig baked dish w mashed potato and sweet mole sauce. Presentation for the dish is nice. We didn't try the desert. There is also live music. entree cost from 420-480 peso. Would recommend if you want great dinner with good ambience.
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Juan J.

Yelp
food was average. service was very slow. food was served cold. best part was the musician playing guitar.

Faisal B.

Yelp
A nice place for lunch/dinner in Oaxaca. Nice ambiance to the place with a covered courtyard. There was a gentleman singing Spanish tunes during our dinner as well. The mole negro with pulled chicken was delicious. Delicate, complex flavor with strong chocolate overtones. The Guiñadooxuba (corn) mole with roasted tenderloin was also very good. It was a light broth with hints of Chile and tomate. The tasajo (steak) for the kids was good. The aguachile and platanos appetizers were ok. Overall a good place for a romantic dinner. I'd stick to the moles as that appears to be their specialty!

Karen H.

Yelp
The food is amazing, the staff are so lovely and the setting is so beautiful. There was an excellent guitar player providing music the night that I was there.
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Elizabeth E.

Yelp
Traditional food, traditional decor. Great service. Aguachile was delicious. Pulpo was not good in my opinion and mine was burned

Mary G.

Yelp
Seriously so beautiful. Truly Oaxacan. My 3rd time in Oaxaca. First time with life time girlfriend. I wanted her to love Oaxaca. Our very first night we came to Restaurante Catedral. SO PERFECT. Delicious local food. Elegant courtyard. Live guitarist. Wonderful service. AMAZING. GO !!!

Kathy G.

Yelp
Had a wonderful time at restaurant. Great ambiance and food. The drinks where also delicious. Had a chance to try Chiles en Nogada, for the first time. The Beet salad with mouse goat cheese was amazing. This restaurant is a fine dinning experience here in Oaxaca.
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Haley B.

Yelp
I was underwhelmed by breakfast at Restaurante Catedral. Service was okay, but the food was just not too memorable. My favorite part was when they brought out these little memelas with red and green salsa. They were really tasty. My chilaquiles were mediocre. The salsa that accompanied them was kind of boring. My boyfriend liked his dish, which consisted of Oaxacan cheese and salsa. I was sort of looking forward to this meal, but it really didn't live up to the hype.
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Food D.

Yelp
Fantastic! The short rib was beyond amazing. The kind of food you close your eyes, every time you take a bite, because it's so good. I got lost in it. I highly recomend having a meal here. More of a high class type of vibe, for my taste of hole in wall amazing, but I was happy I stopped here. I'd come again, and recomend it to anyone that wants a fine meal, while in Oaxaca.
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Cynthia S.

Yelp
I became a regular at this place on my vacation, this place is absolutely outstanding-everyone has to come here! We tried the mole, tamal with cheese and cream and we also came for breakfast. The service is excellent and the menu offers a great variety of their traditional dishes, there was nothing I had that disappointed me. Enjoy a nice lunch in their courtyard or sit inside next to a window watching people while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and their traditional Mexican bread. Quiet ambiance during lunch, almost like a sanctuary with a very attentive staff. During breakfast they have someone playing piano which is a great way to start your morning :) Absolutely recommend this place.
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Andrea M.

Yelp
This place is absolutely the best, excellent service, our waiter was kind and he was making sure the whole time that we were having a great time. We got couple of dishes and all of them were mind blowing, they had this singer in the entrance that had a beautiful voice; moreover, the songs he chose were perfect for the place, thus he made the place feel comfortable and relax. I am definitely coming back!