El Escapulario
A hidden gem in Oaxaca offering authentic Oaxacan flavors and a cozy, home-like dining experience with a remarkable variety of moles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
El Escapulario
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in Oaxaca offering authentic Oaxacan flavors and a cozy, home-like dining experience with a remarkable variety of moles.
"The food was so good! One of the most authentic restaurants in Oaxaca!"
Mole Tasting Menu
Try the tasting menu of 5 moles to sample a variety of flavors. A highly recommended experience.
Lunchtime Visit
For a quieter experience, visit during lunch around 1 PM. Ideal for a more relaxed meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican (Oaxacan)
Price
Mid-range
Address
C. de Manuel García Vigil 617, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diverse Mole Selection
Experience a wide array of authentic Oaxacan moles, from classic negro to unique estofado verde. A must-try for mole enthusiasts!
Authentic Oaxacan Home Cooking
Savor traditional dishes in a cozy setting that feels like dining in a family home. Truly an authentic taste of Oaxaca.
Adventurous Flavors
Beyond moles, explore unique Oaxacan ingredients like chapulines (grasshoppers) and huitlacoche for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Mole Tasting Menu
Try the tasting menu of 5 moles to sample a variety of flavors. A highly recommended experience.
Lunchtime Visit
For a quieter experience, visit during lunch around 1 PM. Ideal for a more relaxed meal.
Beyond Moles
Don't miss their delicious homemade soups and other traditional dishes.
Scenic Views
Request seating by the window for stunning mountain views.
Tips
from all over the internet
Mole Tasting Menu
Try the tasting menu of 5 moles to sample a variety of flavors. A highly recommended experience.
Lunchtime Visit
For a quieter experience, visit during lunch around 1 PM. Ideal for a more relaxed meal.
Beyond Moles
Don't miss their delicious homemade soups and other traditional dishes.
Scenic Views
Request seating by the window for stunning mountain views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Escapulario is lauded for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine, particularly its impressive variety of moles and homey atmosphere. Many praise the adventurous dishes and the owner's attention to detail, making it a memorable dining experience. However, some reviewers noted issues with the facilities, such as small and unkempt bathrooms, and occasionally slow service, though most agree the food's quality makes the wait worthwhile.
"Amazing little gem in Oaxaca, diverse selection of moles. Location is also perfect, super central. Will come back here for sure!"
MUSEUM HAUS
"The restaurant is a modest setting like being in someone’s home for dinner, very cozy and we were lucky enough to sit by the window getting a great view.
The staff were very friendly and very patient with us while we spoke broken Spanish. (Thank you!!)
Finally, the food!! It was so good! One of the most authentic restaurants in Oaxaca! It’s so good that even locals were expecting us to have eaten there when we spoke with them!
The menu even included traditional items like Chicatanus, which is seasonal (June-July) but a little tricker to find (at least it was for us) for those more adventurous!"
Ben Ryan
"Went here to try manchamental and chichilo (both very hard to find), and it was incredible! The chichilo was duely somber, hearty, and mostly simple in flavor, with only very subtle complexity, and the vegitables and dough pieces complimented the tone of the dish brilliantly - enjoyable but not so pleasurable as to be inappropriate for a mourning family.
The manchamantel was very lively, fruity, rich, bright, fun, and fairly spicy for a mole. And again, the other items in the dish complimented the mole brilliantly.
The manchamantel is now my favorite of the 8 moles of Oaxaca, and the Chichilo is my significant other's favorite.
The food was absolutely amazing, but do bear in mind, you will likely be waiting a while for your food. In my opinion though, it is well worth the wait! The decor is also fairly plain."
Eric
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The diverse mole selection is highly recommended, especially the tasting menu. Adventurous eaters should also try the chapulines (grasshoppers).
Yes, the restaurant offers a variety of traditional and vegetarian dishes on its menu.
The atmosphere is cozy and reminiscent of dining in a family home, offering a warm and intimate experience.
For a quieter dining experience, it's recommended to visit during lunch around 1 PM.
Yes, requesting seating by the window may offer stunning views of the mountains, enhancing your dining experience.
Absolutely. El Escapulario offers unique traditional items like chapulines (grasshoppers) and huitlacoche, providing an adventurous culinary experience.
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When it comes to the best Oaxaca restaurants of them all, El Escapulario is a real hidden gem. And you’ll rarely find anyone who complains about the food here because it is that good!. Now, the interior of El Escapulario is cozy and reminiscent of a family home that is well outfitted with gorgeous blue floors and simple white walls that make it the ideal place to enjoy a meal.
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This local spot is one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca for traditional food made with heart and soul. If you want to sample a bunch of different moles at once, they have a mole degustation where you can sample several in a single dish. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy one of their exceptional moles with chicken or pork.
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El Escapulario is best known for traditional Oaxacan food, particularly its variety of moles. But you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. One of my local friends is a big fan of the tlayudas while another swoons for the homemade soups.
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Dan and I were wondering where to eat in Oaxaca to enjoy one more lunch meal?. Some fellow travelers recommended El Escapulario, and I am thrilled they did!. Here, Oaxaca’s aromatic, spicey, and traditional flavors come together.
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El Escapulario $$ – a great local restaurant for trying traditional dishes. Fun items on the menu include huitlacoche, or corn smut, and their delicious mole negro. Lots of opportunities to try chapulines, or grasshoppers, here.
Oaxaca Foodie Guide: Oaxacan Cuisine and the Best Restaurants In Oaxaca
With a quaint and homey atmosphere, you'll be happy to stay for lunch or dinner. Don't leave without trying their tasting menu of 5 moles.
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