Nieves El Niagara — Restaurant in Oaxaca

There are many delicious things to discover in Oaxaca. For me, the most surprising and delightful were the creations of owner Angela at Nieves El Lirio. Nieves are not ice cream, not sorbet, not sherbet, not shaved ice, but something a little different. They are a little icy, and much lighter than ice cream, and only moderately sweet. The flavors can be very nuanced or quite bold, but it is amazing how the flavor continues to entice from the first to the last bite.

There are 7 or 8 vendors in this pretty “plaza de Nieves,” a place that felt like a childhood dream when I first discovered it. El Lirio probably has the least flashy decor and is the least “instagram ready” of them all … The owner’s and staff’s hospitality and the passion Angela puts into creating her delicious product are the reason to choose this one.

The staff recommendation to pair the “sorbete” flavor with “leche quemada” on our first visit was an eye-opener. “Sorbete” has nuanced flavors including a touch of cinnamon and cardamom, along with the subtle, almost toasted-marshmallow leche quemada was so unexpected and wonderful. Owner Angela recommended maracuya (passionfruit) with the queso flavor (think cheesecake), and the contrast of the tartness and rich creaminess was incredible. The menu also contains specialty creations, the one that is chocolate with mezcal was so eye-opening! The subtle smokiness of the mezcal enhances and deepens the experience of the chocolate.

Cuando yo sueño de Oaxaca, yo sueño de...

They call it Nieve (actually Sorbet)... it is not "Ice Cream". My Spanish speaking wife asked the young waitress if they had any Ice Cream or was it just this "Nieve"... She said; "No, but it is just the same". My wife tried to explain the differences but she...

Great flavor selections of artisan ice cream. Leche quemada (Burnt milk) flavor is my favorite. Services was friendly, atmosphere was relaxing and settled, absolutely an amazing experience at this place. There are tables and chairs to sit and you get...