Terraza Istmo

This is one of my top favorite restaurants in Oaxaca,I got the chicken mole tamal, shredded meat empanadas,with some great mixed drinks and to top it off they have the best brownie and ice cream dessert,hands down. Excellent service.

We dropped into Terraza Istmo for a quick midday bite after six days in CDMX, both with slightly upset stomachs and hoping for something gentle. We told Damián exactly that—we wanted something mellow—and he absolutely nailed it. He recommended the caldo de gallina with a side of rice, which was exactly what we needed, along with two beautifully chosen mezcal tastings that were smooth, comforting, and thoughtfully selected. We immediately noticed their extensive mezcal list and asked what time they closed. After wandering around the Zócalo for a few hours, we found ourselves right back at Terraza Istmo for a light dinner. We asked if they offered a mezcal flight—while it’s not on the menu, Damián happily curated an off-menu flight just for us. He took his time explaining each mezcal in great detail, sharing the story, the agave, and the nuances of every pour. What started as a quick stop turned into over two hours of great conversation, learning, and incredible hospitality. We even had the pleasure of meeting the owner, whose sister is a maestra mezcalera at Los Danzantes—and they proudly carry several of her varietals in-house. Damián was incredibly accommodating, never rushed us, and made the experience feel personal and special. He even walked us through the terrace garden, pointing out the different agave plants growing on-site. And to top it all off, the rooftop views are absolutely stunning, right in the heart of the Centro Histórico—an incredible place to sip mezcal and take it all in. The food is fantastic, the mezcal program is exceptional, and the service—thanks to Damián—is outstanding. For our first night here, the bar has been set very high. We will absolutely be back.

Great little place to grab a drink and good local food. Highly recommend. We came back and it’s as good as the first time. Really nice terrace. Nothing fancy. Just local good food and drinks. Get yourself a michelada, tostadas, mezcals and some empanadas. :)

Terraza Istmo is a gem! The garnachas were the best I’ve ever had—perfectly crispy, rich, and full of flavor. The pork with mole negro was absolutely incredible; I found myself practically licking the plate. The mole was deep, complex, and clearly made with care. I also loved the watermelon agua fresca—so refreshing and the perfect complement to the bold flavors. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, and the menu offers a range of authentic dishes I’m eager to come back and explore. This place is a must-visit for anyone wanting a true taste of Oaxacan and Istmeño cuisine.

We all know that iconic scene from Ratatouille where the food critic takes a bite and is instantly transported back to his childhood... and that's exactly what happened to me here! The soups, empanadas, and especially the Tlayudas are to die for. The service was astounding, and the salsa music in the background added to the ambiance. The spot is also super comfortable. You absolutely have to eat here!

Went around 7pm on a Saturday and we were almost the first ones there. My husband enjoyed his meal, the estafado Istmeño and a cocktail, but my meal, the Pollo garnachero, was very dry and bland. My mojito was also not great, tasted a bit watered down. The service was only OK. The roof top is nice though, with nice views of the Guelaguetza fireworks.

This lovely restaurant serves the best food in an ideal setting on the roof rooftop. The service was excellent. I plan to go back again soon. Update: I returned the next night, so here are more photos of the views. Yummy!

Great service, atmosphere and delicious regional cuisine- a different style than elsewhere in Oaxaca city. We tried the minilla and discovered a new favorite. Highly recommended for a lovely evening.

This is a rooftop restaurant by Plaza del Danza. It is located in a hotel. You would walk in and go up the stairs (keep walking as you pass by the seats and hotel amenities). Note: make sure you place a reservation ahead of time. We didn't but we decided to wait (the estimated wait time was 25 minutes, but we were seated within 5-10 mins). We ordered the cocktails (tasted good - the mezcal mule could have been stronger but the mezcal old fashioned was strong). Food tasted great! I loved being able to watch the kitchen work and send out food. It felt like one of those high end restaurants. There is an english and spanish menu. Staff was attentive and made sure we were good with our orders. You can also pay by credit card. The restrooms are by the kitchen.

Oh wow. We were there in mid October, sat on the terrace with a great sunset. I had a mezcal cocktail with Ancho Reyes Rojo (a chile liqueur) and the bartender's tamarind mix, which was so good. Then the istmeno pork in a reddish sauce with stunning mashed potatoes. But what really blew me away was how the cocktail related to the dish - the ancho, the tamarind. Truly outstanding!!!

Lovely unassuming spot in the center of Oaxaca. Service was good and great prices considering the beautiful rooftop experience + deliciously prepared food. Most memorable for me was the soup -- don't remember the name but the broth was delicious and has a piece of corn on the cob in it. They had the traditional Oaxacan staples but what I loved is that they rolled the Tlayuda. A good spot to add to the list while visiting Oaxaca.

Very attentive service place is away from the rain and then offered to move us again later Tamal was very good, mole not at all overpowering

Food, service and ambiance! Terraza Istmo has all three! Jerry is an expert, friendly, bilingual (Spanish/English) server who guided us to outstanding entrees, including a fine estofado, fork tender pork ribs, perfectly seasoned caldo de pollo and a delicious tamale. Best meal all week! Relaxed comfortable terrace dining, great views. We'll go back!

This restaurant is beautiful and delicious! I went there with a large group. Everyone was nice and accommodating. We got a lot of food to share at the table. The food was so delicious! We felt welcomed and well taken care of the entire time. We even got to end the night with shots on the house. It was a great experience with even better views.

Food was very good as were the drinks. I had some great meals in Oaxaca, but this one stands out. Try the shrimp - probably the best shrimp I've ever eaten.

Come for the view and stay for the food. The garnachas are very good, so don't bother with the tostadas. The empanadas are also good.

Great food, cocktails and service. The patio was pretty but you could definitely hear the traffic. Listen to their recommendations, they know the food and it was tasty.

Worst experience. Worst food. Powdered meat isn't our style, ordered "carne" tostadas and empanadas. Cheese was gross and smelled bad. Not bad like blue cheese or Gorgonzola, just foul. We couldn't eat it. Drinks mediocre. Don't waste your time, better spots.

My wife and I an three friends stumbled across Terraza Istmo tonight and were very happy that we did. Rafael recommended some drinks and the cocktails were wonderful (mezcal & cucumber, mezcal & tangerine and mezcal & tamaino?) and my Pollo Ganarchero was delicious and my wife greatly enjoyed her tamales. Our friends all got the Relleno de Puerco and said it was excellent. It was a rooftop setting which was perfect on a beautiful night and we highly recommend stopping by.

Delicious, delicioso, délicieuse! In any language this place is hidden but don't let that give you reason to doubt that this place is a must and it is definitely a hidden gem! We had tostadas, sopa de guias, and tamales de mole con pollo. The salsa they have is hot, but tasty! We had two beers, Colimita and Catorce ochenta y seis. Enjoyed them both.

This place is a hidden gem. Our waiter, Rafael, was very helpful in helping us understand each menu item, as well as the cocktails! The Mezcal & tangerine (and Mezcal & cucumber) drinks were great! The Millito de Maize soup (with pork) was so flavorful. And the Relleno de Puerco was to die for. You really need to go here!

What a great place. Unsuspecting and one of my favorite dishes in Oaxaca. Went before a concert at Guelagetza Auditorio.

Delicious food from Istmo, very flavorful and well priced. Different than anything else we have had in Oaxaca city. Every dish we ordered was enjoyable! Beautiful terrace with views of the mountain and amphitheater. Come at sunset! David had great recommendations for mezcal and dishes, and was the nicest waiter we met in Oaxaca.

Cannot go wrong here folks. Solid service. Food is delicious and highly diverse. The only setback is they have lots of mezcal and no tequila, if you can call that a setback. Music made me dance with my wife, its Super Grupo Juarez. The entry is tricky, just go straight in and up the stairs. Enjoy folks.

Absolutely delicious food, great staff, and beautiful view! If you are interested in trying AUTHENTIC istmeña food, this is the place! Drinks are tasty and strong, the staff are so friendly, and the view is unforgettable!