Criollo

5 Caleb Kramer - 8 months ago

We almost didn’t go because of the negative reviews, but our hotel was around the corner and were able to pop in without a reservation for breakfast. The outdoor seating was really unique, you can observe the staff preparing food, chickens are running around, meat is on the fire. We didn’t have the tasting menu they’re known for but really happy to stop in to see the space! The food we did have was excellent. I have a hunch that others complaining about service need to lower their expectations. This isn’t New York City!

4 Rebecca Matlock - 4 months ago

Lovely, peaceful spot for dinner. Great service. The rooster running around was added fun. Enjoyed how the drink pairing included local beer, Mexican wine, and mezcal cocktails.

While I wasn’t ‘wowed’ by any of the food, it’s a new menu everyday, so you may get some better dishes than I did.

I do think it was worth $95 for prix fixe food and drink pairing per person. Better than our other meals in Oaxaca.

5 Nitzan A - 6 months ago

Criollo is one of those special food experiences you have to try while in Oaxaca!

We had dinner reservations (recommended) and arrived to sit in a beautiful table in a garden. The menu included a 6 course meal but... It's a surprise! You don't know what's coming. We enjoyed every course and the anticipation of it.

They ask you if you have any allergies or don't eat something and that way they'll avoid serving you a surprise you wouldn't enjoy.

Highly recommend the food, service and decent prices for the amount of food! Take your time here ????

1 Kimberly Sue Huerta - 10 months ago

If you are looking for a testing Restaurant and don't mind paying around 50-70 US Dollars plus drinks this is your place to go. (maybe more, the price is depending on what they have on the menu)

The menu changes every night and they don’t have a range of prices upfront. I didn’t like that you don’t get to know the menu till the servers get to your table. I felt the place was not transparent with customers regardless of whether you can/can’t afford it, you don’t get an idea of the cost.
They will explain the menu out loud so, if you don’t pay attention you will not know the cost or the menu so, if you go, pay attention it’s hard to understand with the face masks.
The place is nice/minimalist.
They adapt the menu to the allergies, diet’s…the plus side.
In my experience, the food was not worth it(the 1200 pesos per meal) when in other places in Oaxaca are very recognized for less than 150 pesos, including places that made it in Netflix show for us to not known the chefs name. The dishes at the restaurant were inspired by local dishes in Oaxaca.
In my PERSONAL OPINION, If you are a person that will feel guilty for spending over 50 dollars on a meal in Mexico’s poorest state, and then see kids and people begging for food/money on the street, don’t even go. We felt awfully bad after we pay that and then saw kids eating off the floor on the streets or going through trash cans. I rather support local small businesses and help the local economy. As I said my opinion.

If this is the style you’re looking for, this is the place to go. But there are many places with way better taste.

5 Lisa S - 10 months ago

This restaurant is not just an ordinary "let's go to have some food restaurant". When we came in December 2021 it had a 6 course menu of the day for 1700$ (pesos) including the alcoholic beverages, one per course. The price of only the food menu would be around 1100/1200$ The service was 6/5 stars, the first course started straight away. The menu included a variety of high quality traditional Mexican dishes and tasted absolutely excellent. If you want some true Oaxaca-food experience of quality and don't mind to use some extra pennies, this relative newly restaurant is the place to go! Best food I tried in Mexico.

5 Darren Murphy - 4 months ago

One of the best meals had while in Mexico.

Quality service, rich and varied food served by attentive and personable waiters in a really gorgeous venue. Adapted menus on the spot to varied dietary restrictions within our party. Take time to explore the venue after dinner.

This is a tasting menu restaurant only, and a little out of town. But we came for lunch and enjoyed a long afternoon in one of Merida’s best spots! Highly recommend.

4 Mehdi - 3 months ago

The place was amazing and very beautiful. The menu with the drinks pairing was definitely good. I did put only 4 stars because I think it was slightly overpriced for what you get. The first have of the menu was incredibly tasting but it was slowly getting less great as we were moving through the second half. I lost the chef s inspiration and connection between the last dishes. However this is a constant changing menu so it happens as everything is cooked fresh from the day. I still highly recommend it!!