2025 brought many surprises to Oaxaca, and its gastronomy and beautiful locations were clearly the stars once again, positioning the state to win prestigious awards.
Specific places like Puerto Escondido and several restaurants received nominations for the 2025 Food and Travel Reader Awards, the most important recognitions in the country within the gastronomy and tourism sectors.
What makes these awards special is that the winner is chosen by the public, giving them authentic validity based on people’s opinions and what they enjoyed most during the year.
First, it’s important to clarify that the state of Oaxaca as a whole was nominated for Best Gastronomic Destination in Mexico, while Puerto Escondido is among the nominees for Best Destination in Mexico. Below is a list of the places that stand out for their delicious food and the travel experience they offer.
Bodaega Taller de Trigo: Best Gourmet Space in Mexico
This is one of the most outstanding artisanal bakeries in Oaxaca City. They fuse traditional Copenhagen, Denmark-style breadmaking with ingredients from Oaxacan culture, using organic and sustainable products like wheat.
Alfonsina: Best Restaurant Outside of Mexico City
Alfonsina is a haven for corn and cuisine rooted in the traditions of Oaxaca’s villages. Many critics consider it one of the most fascinating restaurants in Mexico. Located in San Juan Bautista La Raya, its menu focuses on dishes made with heirloom corn and house-nixtamalized corn.
Costa Pesca: Best Producer or Promoter of Sustainable Products
The same chef behind Alfonsina, Jorge León, is revolutionizing the industry with this project, which operates under an ethical trade system. The goal is to eliminate intermediaries in the sale of fish so that fishermen receive fair pay and consumers get fresh product.
Alambiq: Best New Restaurant in Mexico
Its cuisine is inspired by the food eaten by the families of mezcal masters during the production days. They offer dishes with an explosion of flavors from the Oaxacan countryside. On their menu, you’ll find octopus tostada with grasshopper béchamel, bow tie soup with bean broth and chorizo, as well as moles and meats.
Hotel and Gallery Azul de Oaxaca: Best Boutique Hotel in a Magical or Colonial Town
It stands out for its suites designed by legends like Francisco Toledo, in a 19th-century mansion. People love it for its artistic inspiration and central courtyard, offering a gallery experience in the heart of Oaxaca.
Terrestrial Hotel: Best Boutique Beach Hotel
It’s a sustainable gem in Puerto Escondido. The entire place was designed by acclaimed architect Alberto Kalach. The hotel runs 100% on solar energy and is notable for its “interconnected villas”, which are made of materials such as bricks, sand and mud.
Source: oaxaca.eluniversal
