Known as Mexico's food capital, many of the favorite exotic Mexican recipes in the United States come from the cultural Zapotec municipality of Oaxaca. Contrary to popular stereotype, not all Mexican dishes are spicy. Some of the decent flavored Mexican fares come from Oaxaca's finest. Case in point: the tasty entrée called 'mole' is the Mexican city's staple food. Some of Mexico's finest non-alcoholic beverages, such as the 'tejate', were also brewed from its food capital.

Anyone traveling in the mountainous landlocked city while visiting Mexico should stop by its finest food establishments. These are some of the best restaurants in Oaxaca:

Catedral Restaurante & Bar

As one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca, this establishment has been frequented by tourists for its signature 'mole' and cheeses. The one disadvantage in this restaurant is that there are only a few tables, especially given the narrow opening hours between 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The average price range is between $7.39 and $14.69.

Los Danzantes

Apart from 'mole' and other signature entrees, this restaurant is also known for serving excellent 'mezcals' in Oaxaca. Los Danzantes is a luxurious establishment with a relatively high price range. The lowest cost per meal is around $15. This bistro is open from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Casa Oaxaca Restaurant

Among the best bistros in the Mexican food capital, the catchiest would have to be the city's own namesake. The prestigious hotel called Casa Oaxaca has its own restaurant which often finds itself in the top 50 of Latin America's best.  Open from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM, meals in Casa Oaxaca are often within the price range of $14.74 to $29.38.

Origen

The principal owner of Origen is known for putting innovation into Oaxaca's traditional recipes. Some of Chef Rodolfo Castellanos' signature dishes are pushing the boundaries of exoticism - examples of which include octopus salad and sweet bread 'tlayuna.' Most meals in Origen won't exceed $30.

El Destilado

Three macho chefs from the United States moved to the Mexican food capital to build El Destilado, and it is now one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca. Apart from local 'mezcal,' this restaurant is known for brewing Mexican craft beers and wines. The average pending in this restaurant would not exceed $15.