Labo Fermento

Restaurant · Oaxaca City ·

Labo Fermento

Restaurant · Oaxaca City ·

Oaxacan & Asian fusion, fermented dishes, unique flavors, rooftop

Information

5 de Mayo 409, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico Get directions

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"You won’t find another restaurant in Oaxaca quite like this one. Chef-owner Joseph Gilbert and his team are obsessed with fermentation and go to great lengths to make their own kimchi, shoyu, miso and more. Asian flavors course through the menu in the form of plucky pork wontons glossed in chili oil, Chinese barbecue pork buns and soothing dashi. One can’t-miss item is the fried chicken that’s marinated in shoyu, garlic and ginger and comes with a clever lemon aioli made with sardine stock. This is the kind of food best for sharing in a space that’s sunny, breezy and high-energy thanks to an open-roof and an edgy playlist.A shop in the front sells many of their sauces already bottled, as well as specialty teas and ceramics made by local artisans." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/oaxaca/oaxaca-de-juarez_2056768/restaurant/labo-fermento

Labo Fermento

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

2024 Mexico MICHELIN Bib Gourmands

"A shop in the front sells many of their sauces already bottled, as well as specialty teas and ceramics made by local artisans. You won’t find another restaurant in Oaxaca quite like this one. Chef-owner Joseph Gilbert and his team are obsessed with fermentation and go to great lengths to make their own kimchi, shoyu, miso and more. Asian flavors course through the menu in the form of plucky pork wontons glossed in chili oil, Chinese barbecue pork buns and soothing dashi. One can’t-miss item is the fried chicken that’s marinated in shoyu, garlic and ginger and comes with a clever lemon aioli made with sardine stock. This is the kind of food best for sharing in a space that’s sunny, breezy and high-energy thanks to an open-roof and an edgy playlist." - The MICHELIN Guide US Editorial Team

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/michelin-guide-star-ceremony-mexico-bib-gourmand

Labo Fermento

John E.

Google

Very interesting restaurant in the heart of the Centro District. The food is a mix of Asian and Oaxacan all prepared with some sort of fermentation process. Standouts include: Dumplings with melted queso, pork wontons with black vinegar, and the veggie aquachili. The cocktails were spectacular. We sat at the little bar near the street and it was the perfect setting for the dinner. Must try!

James T.

Google

An absolutley fantastic meal. Excellent service, truly exemplary cocktails and equally wonderful food. Often fusion resturants can serve unbalanced, uncomplementary flavours or dishes that dont quite "land". That is not the case here...it is just exquisitely balanced and well considered food. The plantano cremeux is probably the best dessert I have ever eaten in my life. I would not be surprised to see this place recieve a michelin star in the near future. The only slight moderate feedback i would have is the music...the food is so wonderful, the space is so cool, the staff are great but I'm not sure anyone needs to hear "careless whisper" while they eat. Such a great resturant deserves better more happening music; not a "greatest hits of the 80s/90s". Either way its a minor/personal point, im sure others might like that style of music more than me. Either way we had a wonderful memorable meal and i would happily return many times.

Shefali I.

Google

I visited this restaurant after a friend’s glowing recommendation, and I’m so glad I did! After enjoying traditional Oaxacan food throughout my trip, it was refreshing to try something so creative and experimental. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of bold, exciting flavors. The green curry was absolutely perfect — balanced, rich, and deeply flavorful. I could honestly swim in that green broth forever! The ceviche was another standout, with a bright and complex flavor profile that hit all the right notes without being overwhelming. I also tried a few of their non-alcoholic fermented drinks, which were surprisingly delicious and refreshing. I have a sensitive stomach, so I couldn’t try them all — but if you’re the same, bring some Gas-X just in case (worth it!). Overall, this place delivers a truly unique culinary experience in Oaxaca — creative, flavorful, and memorable. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore modern Oaxacan cuisine in a warm, welcoming space.

Sofia S.

Google

A wonderful, creative, and absolutely delicious experience. A must-try in Oaxaca if you are interested in innovating cooking! Staff is incredibly versed in the art of fermentation!! The quesillo costra dumplings, curry, teriyaki chicken, and mescal were showstoppers

Emily T.

Google

I went to Labo Fermento with some friends whilst in Oaxaca and every single dish delivered on taste. We shared a variety or dishes and then some desserts and it was all amazing especially for the price. They have some really good cocktails on the menu too. Would definitely go again!

Sadhana B.

Google

This is a very warm and welcoming restaurant. We had a wonderful evening celebrating the eve of my partner’s birthday. Our server Diego was incredibly knowledgeable about local mezcals and walked us through several delicious varieties from across southern Mexico in honor of the occasion. He was generous with everything he brought over, including a few unlabeled bottles. He made our dinner particularly memorable, and if we could give the service 10 stars, we would!! All the food was tasty and interesting. They do riffs on classic Asian and Mexican dishes while always honoring local Oaxacan ingredients. Everything we ordered was vegetarian and delicious, and my partner (who eats non veg) mentioned that he didn’t feel like he was missing anything. If you want a nice night out that isn’t too pretentious or hoity toidy, but still nice and memorable, I recommend Labo Fermento !!

Tiana Y.

Google

this was by far one of the best, most interesting, most exciting meals we’ve had all year. every single dish we ordered was a 10/10 and we even had to double up on some dishes. i deeply and sincerely wish you guys sold a cook book! highly highly recommend any of the dumpling/wonton dishes and the ensalada de fideos, but you can’t go wrong with anything you choose. the cocktails were also SO GOOD.

Riddhi J.

Google

This average. I went cause I read good things about the vegetarian options, and they do have options. Honestly not too thrilling, especially in comparison to some of the other meals I’ve had in Oaxaca. The terrace has nice views, and the staff was friendly. The wontons were really okay, and the dipping sauces really didn’t work for me.