Comedor Jaguar — Restaurant in Oaxaca

Comedor Jaguar in Teotitlán del Valle is an unforgettable dining experience, combining the rich tradition of Oaxacan cuisine with the expertise of Isabel, a skilled gastronomic chef and teacher. This isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s an invitation into the heart of Oaxacan culinary heritage.

Isabel’s kitchen, known as a cosina de humo (smoke kitchen), fills each dish with a depth of flavor that’s impossible to replicate elsewhere. Every morning, she starts her day making mole from scratch—a process that speaks volumes about her dedication and the authenticity of her cooking. The mole here is a masterpiece, crafted with fresh ingredients meticulously chosen for their quality. The aroma alone hints at the labor of love behind every meal, blending spices and flavors that dance on the palate and leave you savoring each bite.

Beyond her skill as a cook, Isabel is a generous teacher. I had the pleasure of taking a cooking class with her, where I learned how much care, technique, and tradition go into each step. Watching her prepare traditional dishes and explain each ingredient’s role was inspiring. Her classes are as much about storytelling as they are about cooking, providing insight into the cultural significance of the dishes and her pride in keeping these traditions alive.

The meals at Comedor Jaguar are a celebration of Oaxacan culture. Isabel serves dishes that are far from what you’d find at a typical taco stand—this is the real deal, offering food that’s rich in heritage and bursting with flavors that honor the region’s culinary roots. Each plate feels like a carefully crafted gift, drawing you into Oaxaca’s history with every bite.

During my stay, I was also fortunate enough to visit during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and joined Isabel’s family at the cemetery—a deeply moving experience that added a cultural depth to my visit. Comedor Jaguar isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience that brings together food, culture, and community, all led by Isabel’s welcoming spirit and culinary artistry.

If you’re in Teotitlán del Valle and want to experience Oaxacan food at its finest, don’t miss Comedor Jaguar. It’s a place that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over, a true gem that captures the essence of Oaxaca through...

Leaving this as a warning to other travellers. I feel bad leaving this review because this seems like a nice family run business, and I want them to succeed, but I got food poisoning after eating here. I had already been in Mexico for 9 days in case that matters, and everything had been fine. I ordered the black mole chicken and my girlfriend had vegetarian quesadillas. She did not get sick. All of our other meals were identical/shared that day and the previous day, so it's very likely the chicken is what did it.

The food tasted okay (not worth what it cost, in my opinion, however options are few in this area). But after we had eaten, we were grossed out after we used the bathroom and found there was no running water (couldn't flush, taps dry). Hand-washing had to be done using a bucket of water with a sign over it, so clearly this issue was known to the establishment. No idea if the kitchen had running water, or if the staff had a separate washroom, but I doubt it. It called the hygeine and cleaning capability of the kitchen into question. After I got sick, it was extremely obvious that this kitchen served me the contaminated food.

Just be careful if you eat here, you don't want to have your trip ruined. Check if they have running water before you eat. Hopefully the lack of water was a temporary issue, and nobody else gets sick. Sorry to the owners but I felt it was important to let people know...

Such an amazing experience the cooking class with Isabel. It was part of a tour booked with Zapotec travel by Lilly which helps and sustains indigenous culture in the area, and it has been literally perfect.

Isabel showed us how to make the delicious sauce called Mole using traditional indigenous methods. We took part on the preparation where she was explaining the different ingredients to use and how they need to be prepared and combined together.

As final result we ate what we made (free-range chicken with mole, rice and vegetables) accompanied with a fresh guava juice, everything was so delicious!

A very local and authentic experience for those who want to get to know more the Zapotec culture and support the indigenous women.

Muchas...