Chichilo — Restaurant in Oaxaca

Chichilo is an ABSOLUTE MUST when visiting Oaxaca. I cannot recommend enough. This was our most memorable meal and experience while visiting.

My husband and I were lucky that we scored a table on a Monday night. Once we sat, the restaurant filled up quickly.

We both opted for the tasting of the 7 moles. It was such an immersive experience for the senses and we had such a wonderful guide, Angel, who walked us through each mole on the plate as soon as they were placed in front of us. My husband and I tried each mole in tandem, which added a layer of fun and discussion to our dinner.

We finished the night with two local mezcals recommended by Angel and the homemade passion fruit ice cream. The ice cream was a delight for the senses; it was tarte, milky, and included texture from the passion fruit seeds. I could write a dissertation on this meal, it exceeded any expectations I had.

Mole is a must try when in Oaxaca, don’t let anyone steer you otherwise. There is a mole for you!

Additionally, while dining, we had the lovely opportunity to meet and chat with Ana and Paco, the owners of Chichilo. It is clear that there is love and care in every dish that comes out of the kitchen and they care to curate an experience for every single guest that walks through their doors. I wish them all of the success. Please pay...

Do not go here. Tourist trap with misleading reviews on Google. Reviews are either fake/bought by owner or from people who sorry to say have no clue about food or running a restaurant. Here’s why this restaurant is poor value and not worth your time or money:

You’ll wait 50+ minutes for your food (even when it’s not full)

Dishes are supposedly authentic but nothing special and not traditional. I only realised because I was with my 3 Mexican friends who weren’t impressed: “you can get better quality tortillas on the street” & “did they really take this long to make a cheap version of a tlayuda which was like a tostada with mole and cheese spread”

A table of Mexicans next to us also complained about the service, value of food, time to prepare and overall experience. The rest were Americans and seemed to love it…

Despite friendly staff, they were incompetent to be honest. No communication with the kitchen to have all dishes arrive to the table at the same time. When giving constructive feedback it fell on deaf ears. And the manager/owner didn’t get involved, simply continued watching Netflix on her phone in the restaurant. She has no clue what she is doing.

The restaurant has been open 9 months and yet it is so poor.

Go at your own risk but it was...

One of the worst dining experiences I've had in Mexico so far. We (my wife, our two-year old daughter and I) passed by Chichilo in the evening and decided to go there for dinner. First we had to actively ask to order food, after which 15 minutes later the first waiter came, who had not a single clue about what there is on the menu. We then asked him to send someone else who would know more about the restaurant, so he sent another waitress, who was very sweet but also not really knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered a glass of wine, for which they took almost 20 minutes, and only served after I specifically asked for it.

Then the food came, and out of nowhere a guy shows up with a camera and stuck it into our face, taking pictures of us eating WITHOUT asking for prior consent. After I told him to get off my face, he did not do so for another 30 seconds. Absolutely unacceptable for ANY restaurant.

The food was alright, but the salad was very expensive for a tiny portion.

Lastly, I asked for a factura after I paid, and the restaurant couldn't even give us this. Which is actually against the law. Terrible place, avoid this restaurant...