Restaurante Aroma — Restaurant in Oaxaca

We stayed in Quinta Bella hotel for two nights and on our last day we decided to have a nice dinner in a more authentic looking restaurant the hotel offered. We glanced at the menu before and I have found one plate on which I set all my mind and stomach to have - that was literally the main reason we decided to go there. The staff in the Aroma restaurant was super friendly, and welcoming. All started perfectly, we were surprised with big screens inside and American rock music in speakers but we do not review that, it was just surprising to see. The waiter took our order (the plate I looked up earlier), brought us the free appetizers, and a few mins after he came back announcing that the plate I ordered was not available anymore. Honestly even at the restaurants on the beach waiters were informing us first thing what is NOT on the menu, not when we already sat down, made ourselves comfortable and ate appetizers awaiting our plates. If we knew that right away out experience would finish there and we would leave. Strongly disappointed, I ordered the seafood Tlayuda (I had that dish before in Oaxaca, and had a good feeling about it) even though the seafood one seemed like a creative invention I decided to try it. It was massive, staffed with lots of cheese, beans, avocado do not know what else definitely the pulpo was not really identifiable there - totally chopped into little chunks, then I could see there a few shrimps I think. I totally do not like the mix of the flavours, I do not eat almost anything, I informed the waiter I do not like it after first bite, but changing the plate was not possible. The plate my boyfriend ordered was just fish and chips which was nothing amazing either - totally not what you would expect to get from a Mexican restaurant. The 290 pesos for Tlayuda is quite a lot. Honestly the one from the market for 120 pesos was totally...

Made reservations for mid week, ten people in our party. Upon arrival, we greeted and escorted to our table in no time. The restaurant always looked nice with authentic Mexican decor including tables and chairs. It was festive looking. Didn't appear packed like it usually is, just ourselves and two other tables. I forgot our servers name (male, younger, and new).

Everyone liked their dish. Some ordered extra dish, some I could not remember. We were all satisfied but my partner. Her arugula pear salad had no arugula. The others that ordered same salad had arugula in their bowl. It was brought to the server's attention and all he did was try to convince her that there were. Unsatisfied with his reply, we let it be. He did attempt to offer her a couple leaves, but it was not enough. It was actually sad looking. Disappointed.

Another issue is how our bill came out. We specifically told our server (in Spanish) to separate our orders because we wanted our bill charged to our respective rooms. That did not happen. Our server reassured us of this before our orders were placed. Disappointed. Aside from this, our server was pleasant and nice, just not accommodating.

We would return to Aroma restaurant. Just have to be more careful on what we order next time is exactly what we'll be receiving and to remind the server exactly how we want...

Monday, 01Sep25; We walked across from our rental this evening and asked if we could get a table for two, the restaurant staff gladly accommodated us. F&B options: there was an English translation of the Spanish menu, and for drinks we ordered a regular Tequila & tonic & a Rum cocktail Fresca Primavera, that the missus found delightful. We split one entree, between us called the Tlayuditas con Tuetan (bone marrow)- this dish was quite amazing, two large sized split bones filled with seasoned grilled buttery bone marrow, that were accompanied by four Tlayuditas stuffed with local cheese & Sauerkraut. The whole dish was beautifully presented and very rich & flavourful. For the main course; we ordered the Lobster Risotto & the Chamorro Roastizado (braised beef shank) served on a bed of (amazing!) pureed potatoes. The food was delicious, and came in large portions. We were stuffed & could not finish our meals and doggie-bagged the rest for our next day’s brunch. The table service was very good and in summary; the whole dining experience was superb. Our complements to the Chef & staff, of Restaurante Aroma; “you folks, run a very tight ship”. We sure will be back, albeit, wearing looser fitting clothes and having fasted the night...