Terraza Istmo

"Hotel rooftops can be expensive places that make you feel bad for wearing a pair of sneakers. But Terraza Istmo, on the top floor of Hotel Casa Abuela Maria, is one of our go-to places to eat traditional Oaxacan dishes and relax with one of the best rooftop views of the city. Every night, the two sisters who run the restaurant churn out incredible plates from the Isthmus region of Oaxaca. There are creamy molotes de plátano, steaming tamales with elote or beans, and a simple but flavorful sopa de guías. Come here with a group so you can try as much as you can—it’s great during the week for a casual dinner with family or for drinks and snacks before going out. " - liliana lopez, kylie han

"Hotel rooftops can be expensive places that make you feel bad for wearing a pair of sneakers. But Terraza Istmo, on the top floor of Hotel Casa Abuela Maria, is one of our go-to places to eat traditional Oaxacan dishes and relax with one of the best rooftop views of the city. Every night, the two sisters who run the restaurant churn out incredible plates from the Isthmus region of Oaxaca. There are creamy molotes de plátano, steaming tamales with elote or beans, and a simple but flavorful sopa de guías. Come here with a group so you can try as much as you can—it’s great during the week for a casual dinner with family or for drinks and snacks before going out." - Kylie Han

"On the third floor of Hotel “Casa Abuela Maria” in downtown Oaxaca lies this hidden gem, dedicated to serving simple traditional food from Oaxaca’s Isthmus region, about six hours east of Oaxaca City. Sisters Candy and Miriam Abad opened this small family restaurant in 2019, and today you can find excellent versions of garnachas (small fried masa discs with various toppings), molotes (filled pockets of fried masa dough), and other traditional dishes from the region. A rooftop patio offers unbeatable views of the city. [$$]" - Omar Alonso