DISCOVERING OAXACA
A Journey Through Culture, Craft, and Creativity
Nestled in the heart of Mexico, Oaxaca is home to a unique blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a thriving artisan community. From the rugged Sierra Madre mountain ranges, to the serene beaches along the Pacific coast, its natural beauty has served as an endless source of inspiration for artists, designers, and creatives throughout history.
During my visit last year, I was so in awe of the traditional craftsmanship - from the intricate textiles to the stunning ceramics - and how every piece tells a story, reflecting the artistic heritage that has been passed down through generations. As a designer, this was one of my most memorable and inspiring trips, and I already can’t wait to go back.
Oaxaca Centro is a beautiful and historic city, its cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries and delicious restaurants at every corner. We spent our days exploring the city, shopping the local markets, and visiting the nearby artisan villages to learn more about the local crafts. Among those were Teotitlán de Valle, known for traditional textiles, Santa Maria Atzompa, one of the many traditional pottery villages, and Santiago Matatlan - home to our favorite spirit, Mezcal!
Now pour yourself a mezcalita (or spicy mocktail), and get ready to take some notes for your next trip to Mexico…
Local Design & Craftsmanship
rrres Studio: For those interested in sustainable and minimalist design, rrres Studio is a beautiful place to visit. Started by Javier Reyes, a graphic designer originally from the Dominican Republic, rrres Studio develops textile products heavily inspired by place and minimalist design. Javier’s studio is a collective work between people, places, cultures and heritage that are all proudly made in Latin America. Instagram / Website
Casa Cruz: Visit local craftsmen and view their natural artistic practices at Casa Cruz. Fidel Cruz Lazo from Casa Cruz is a weaver of “tapices'' and an expert in natural dye techniques from the village of Teotitlan, near Oaxaca City. Fidel Cruz and his wife, Maria have developed an exotic array of natural dye colors which we were able to experience as they demonstrated this process for us. Instagram
Fe y Lola: Another must-visit in Teotitlan de Valle is Fe y Lola’s gorgeous showroom where you can find beautiful rugs and textiles. We went to their workshop for a firsthand look at their weaving and natural dye processes. Instagram
Xaquixe: An artisanal glassblowing workshop that offers the most gorgeous handblown glassware using recycled glass. They have a boutique in Oaxaca City that sells glassware, barware, mezcal bottles, decorative and art glass pieces, or if you’re up for an adventure you can visit their glassblowing workshop to see the process firsthand. Instagram / Website
Taller Coatlicue: Taller Coatlicue is a ceramic studio in the pottery village of Santa Maria Atzompa. Each piece is a work of art, featuring a raw, unglazed exterior that showcases the natural colors and textures of clay, and a natural color glazed interior. Then, they hand-polished them with crystals which closes the pores of the clay. Elevate your home with the stunning handmade clay art of Ana María Hernández from Taller Coatlicue and learn more about their practices by visiting their studio. Instagram
A Culinary Haven
La Cocina de Humo: Tucked away in a small alleyway, this traditional “smoke kitchen” is a feast for the senses. From the chef behind another of Oaxaca’s other standout restaurants, Levadura de Olla, Thalia Barrios García brings old world culinary customs to the city. This meal was one of my favorite experiences, featuring wood-fired cooking on traditional stoves and comales, with dishes like mole tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and fresh handmade corn tortillas. The restaurant is not only a gastronomic experience, but also has beautiful artisanal design and a shop featuring pottery from the rural nearby communities. Instagram / Website
La Atoleria: A stunning space nestled below Restaurant Tierra del Sol, La Atoleria exclusively celebrates one of Oaxaca’s favorite treats, Atole. You’ll find this traditional corn and cacao drink served throughout the region, however nothing is quite as special as tasting the variety of flavors and combinations that La Atoleria has crafted with seasonal native ingredients. Instagram / Website
Criollo: Enrique Olvera, renowned for his acclaimed restaurant Pujol, has collaborated with chef Luis Arellano and architect Javier Sánchez to introduce his culinary expertise to Oaxaca's vibrant food scene. Criollo prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients to craft authentic Oaxacan cuisine. The ever-changing seven-course tasting menu, featuring snacks, a salad, catch of the day, and desserts, showcases the region's rich flavors. Housed in a stylish, bohemian UNESCO heritage building, guests enter the courtyard dining area through the kitchen, where tortillas are freshly made in one of four wood-burning ovens. Among the comforting classics are tamales filled with Oaxacan cheese and homemade mole. Instagram / Website
Gracias a Dios Palenque: If you’re up for an adventure, take a day trip to visit Santiago Matatlan, “World Capital of Mezcal,” and schedule a tour at Gracias a Dios Palenque. Here you can witness the entire production process of this beloved Mexican spirit - from harvesting the agave to burning and distillation. With a focus on sustainability, Gracias a Dios grows their own agave, plants wild agave species, and uses 100% recycled glass bottles and eco-corks. You can learn all about the different types of agave and their flavor profiles during the tasting at the end of the tour. Instagram / Website
Selva Cocktail Bar: With inventive craft cocktails made with local ingredients and gorgeous interior design, it’s no surprise that Selva was named one of the best bars in North America in 2024. The cocktails are inspired by the world-traveler and naturalist Alexander Von Humboldt, nodding to his research and curiosity about the interconnection between flora and fauna. The adventurous menu and lush design take you on a journey the moment you step inside. Instagram / Website
Boulenc: Boulenc is the perfect place to start your day with brunch or freshly baked artisanal pastries. The trendy restaurant is tucked away in a lively courtyard, featuring dishes like shakshuka and brioche french toast for breakfast, or sandwiches and salads for lunch. Next door, you can find a variety of sweet and savory breads, pastries, and coffee drinks at their cafe. Instagram / Website
Enjoy you travels!
x
