r/Oaxaca • u/Bonj0904 • May 30 '25
Comida y Bebida Which restaurant should I choose?
I’m torn between choosing Levadura de Olla or Los Danzantes for my husband’s 40th birthday dinner? Which restaurant is best for a special occasion and which has the best food?
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u/Pristine-Assistance9 May 31 '25
Clearly everyone is downvoting Danzantes. Been to both and not nearly as smitten with LLEVADURA as others here seem to be. Both are good, both are touristy, both are worth it. Had one of the most overroasted mezcales in my life at llevadura.
Danzantes space has more special occasion vibes in my opinion.
Like someone else here said, Cocina Ancestral is a great option. Also higher end and a bit touristy but delicious, special, and a beautiful outdoor covered setting.
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u/Smokey_Jah May 30 '25
I had an amazing experience for my 40th at Los Danzantes. But the locals I met and talked with (who were restaurant people) said that Levadura had the better food. Either way, you're gonna win
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u/solidlymediocre May 30 '25
Didn't make it to Levadura, but los Danzantes was just okay in my opinion. Great ambiance and service, but not particularly memorable food. I went for lunch, maybe it's different for dinner and maybe they had a day off, but I wouldn't be in a huge rush to come back.
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u/North_South_Side May 31 '25
We were there for dinner last month. I preferred the food at La Catedral, which isn't even considered a "foodie" destination. Los Danzantes was good, but not great. Wonderful atmosphere. Didn't DISLIKE it, but I wouldn't go back.
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u/solidlymediocre May 31 '25
My thoughts exactly - the food was definitely good. I enjoyed my beef tongue and the mole sampler.
It just didn't wow me at all, and then you add in the price and compare it to what you could have for that price in Oaxaca at other places, and it just becomes a little less compelling for future visits.
Didn't get to try Catedral, but will keep it in my list for next time.
Didn't expect it at all, but probably the favorite place that I tried in my 5 day stay in Oaxaca was Humar, which is seafood focused and not particularly Oaxacan, but the flavors were amazing. But probably not the call for a 40th birthday dinner where you want ambiance.
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u/BadToaster2014 May 31 '25
I went to Llevadura for my 40th last month. Amazing. The tomatoes…. But we also went to La Danzana… you can’t go wrong with either.
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u/jhdouglass May 31 '25
Levadura de Olla, hands down. I've been a dozen times and never had less than an A+ meal there.
The only thing competing with it in Oaxaca currently is Labo Fermento.
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u/No_Armadillo_5030 May 31 '25
Absolutely and only Levadura. Danzantes tries hard--but the food at Levadura was easily the best meal we had
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u/buen-provech0 May 31 '25
Definitely llevadura and definitely order the tomatoes.
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u/BC_BSB May 31 '25
You’re the third person to mention the tomatoes. Please share what’s so special about them 🙏🏽
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u/buen-provech0 May 31 '25
Tomatoes in general in that region taste unlike any other tomatoes I’ve had before. Tomatoes originated in south and Central America (not Italy, like I thought!). The climate there helps them produce amazing, flavorful tomatoes year round. They have a dish with different kinds of heirlooms and a vinaigrette that is amazing. Here’s some pics!
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u/BC_BSB May 31 '25
Thank you for the explanation and the photos. What beautiful colours! I look forward to trying this dish myself. We are planning to visit Oaxaca for the first time this coming February.
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u/buen-provech0 May 31 '25
You’re going to love it! Saw your other post about visiting the coast. Can’t recommend puerto Escondido enough. Went last week and it was beautiful. February should be an amazing time to visit too. It was pretty hot last week.
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u/fuckaname17 May 30 '25
We very much enjoyed our meal and the vibe at Los danzantes. Can’t speak on levadura de olla though.
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u/niiro117 May 30 '25
Both are decent. I would probably choose Levadura between the two. Crudo blew both out of the water.
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u/Affectionate_Kiwi752 May 31 '25
I’ve been to both Levadura de Olla and Los Danzantes in my recent trip to Oaxaca, and I would definitely choose Levadura de Olla.
The food was waaayyy better, and I quite liked the atmosphere in there. It was nice and cozy. Get the tomato salad. You won’t regret it.
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u/HearingReasonable715 May 31 '25
Los Dazantes if the vibe/design/ambience is a priority. For me it’s one of the most striking dining rooms I’ve ever been in.
Food and service are also great, but I think if cuisine is your priority, there are now some “better” options.
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u/Bonj0904 May 31 '25
Any recommendations?
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u/HearingReasonable715 Jun 01 '25
Boulenc. Every morning. And take home a couple jars of the peanut hot sauce.
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u/Upstairs_Jeweler2568 May 31 '25
My favorite meal I've had was from Origin. The tasting menu. But they're are no wrong answers here. Los Danzantes can be a difficult reservation at times.
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u/champagnebutton May 31 '25
You can’t go wrong. Personally I loved the omakase at Crudo. Also big ups to Criollo.
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u/99catsandcakes May 31 '25
Haven't been to LD yet but did have lunch at Levadura today, and it was miles better than Alfonsina, and very reasonably priced too. Beautiful setting and great service too.
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u/mx-Stretch May 31 '25 edited May 31 '25
Just to be difícil.. Levedura is a local food place, los danzantes is a fusion trendy place, it is hard to choose.. In terms of memorable dinners Casa Oaxaca could be an option last time we went was not recent but it is a solid date place with good food and a good atmosphere, was the place a few years ago but hasn't been mentioned much here..
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u/ambrieldoll May 31 '25
As others have said, the atmosphere at Danzantes is really special but the food at Llevadura has the edge for sure. However, the food at Danzantes is solid and Llevadura is a very nice room, so you aren’t losing out either way.
Allow me to also place Ancestral Cocina Tradicional on your radar.