Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, United Kingdom

Red Room

New York, USA

La Esquina Brasserie

Tokyo, Japan

Don-Don

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

- you book them just for the pool

Europe's most spectacular pool hotels

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

Beaches, Clubs, Hotels & Things to Do

Ibiza 

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Discover

10 things to do in Stockholm

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Eat & Do

Hidden gems in Marbella

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Oaxaca

Diners appreciate the unique fusion of Japanese and Oaxacan flavors, the intimate setting, and the personal touch of Chef Ricardo Arellano. However, some note the limited seating and the requirement for cash payments.

Discover Crudo: Oaxaca's Unique Omakase Fusion Experience in Centro District Mexico 

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oaxaca de Juárez’s Centro district, CRUDO is a culinary gem that redefines fine dining by beautifully blending Japanese omakase traditions with the rich, bold flavors of Oaxacan ingredients. Located at Avenida Benito Juárez #309, this intimate restaurant offers a truly unique gastronomic adventure that captivates foodies, digital nomads, and trend-conscious travelers alike.

An Intimate and Innovative Dining Experience

CRUDO delivers a mesmerizing omakase tasting menu curated by Chef Ricardo and his team right before your eyes. The experience is centered around a cozy six-seat counter where the chef expertly prepares courses that marry the subtle elegance of Japanese culinary techniques with the vibrant, earthy flavors of Oaxaca — think mezcal, chapulines, corn, and fresh local seafood. Each dish tells a story through creative presentations and carefully layered, multidimensional flavors.

A rare blend of Japanese omakase style combined with authentic Oaxacan ingredients and flavors.

Chef Ricardo provides detailed descriptions of each course, making dining both educational and memorable.

Each dish presents multidimensional flavors with elegant plating and innovative twists on traditional recipes.

A small, cozy setting that fosters connection with the chefs and fellow diners.

What is the dining experience like at CRUDO?

 CRUDO provides an intimate omakase experience with a six-seat counter, where Chef Ricardo prepares and serves a personalized tasting menu, blending Japanese techniques with Oaxacan ingredients.

 Reservations can be made via WhatsApp or by contacting the restaurant directly. It's recommended to book in advance due to limited seating.

Is CRUDO suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

 While CRUDO offers some vegetarian options, the menu is primarily focused on seafood and meat dishes. It's advisable to inform the restaurant of dietary restrictions when making a reservation.

 CRUDO accepts cash payments. As of early 2024, credit cards were also accepted. It's recommended to confirm the current payment methods when making a reservation.

Guests consistently praise CRUDO for its exceptional creativity, quality, and intimate ambiance. Many highlight the thoughtful storytelling behind each course and the impressive way local Oaxacan ingredients are transformed and elevated by Japanese culinary artistry. Whether it’s the unique cactus sorbet dessert or the intriguing corn whisky pairing, CRUDO offers an experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.

In summary, Crudo represents a must-visit dining destination in Oaxaca for anyone eager to explore innovative omakase with a local twist and enjoy a warm, immersive culinary journey.

North America

Mexico

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico, CRUDO offers a culinary journey that seamlessly blends Oaxacan ingredients with innovative Japanese techniques. This restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a unique dining experience that elevates traditional flavors into a sophisticated, multidimensional palette. From the moment you step into CRUDO, the inviting aroma of freshly prepared dishes and the sleek, intimate ambiance set the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Explore reviews and more about CRUDO on Google Maps

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQak9rNhAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJB8WxCVYjx4URFm9nFEmIuo0/reviews/ChRDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQak9rNhAB

We ate here for our Thanksgiving holiday dinner.  The food and experience were fantastic.  We are food snobs and this met our high expectations.   The flavors of each dish were multidimensional.  It was impressive how the dishes were creatively designed to use Japanese style but with Oaxacan flavors and ingredients.  Our service was also great.  We really liked our chef, Regina’s detailed descriptions of each course.

We found the experience and the food actually affordable for the value of what it was and the quality of the cuisine given.

I read some of the negative reviews and I am baffled.  How anyone could rate this place low seems very unfair and maybe they just aren’t the right candidate for this level and type of cuisine.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfelBEZHJnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJB8WxCVYjx4URFm9nFEmIuo0/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfelBEZHJnRRAB

This was a unique dining experience in Oaxaca and one that was (rightly) recommended to me by a Mexican friend as a must-do. Our chef Ariel prepared all 9 sushi-esque courses in front of us, explaining each one. He was personable, attentive, and provided the explanations in English. The food was interesting and delicious. Memorable experience!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcFlmbGF3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJB8WxCVYjx4URFm9nFEmIuo0/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURmcFlmbGF3EAE

One of my favourite eating experiences I had in Mexico because of it's uniqueness.

Showcasing Oaxacan ingredients and techniques but reinventing the presentation and style to mimic a Japanese omakase is not like anywhere else I have seen in Mexico city, Oaxaca, Puebla or the Yucatán. A very unique dining experience.

The quality of food was supremely impressive. All dishes excellent, elegantly served and complete with a story and description of the ingredients and twists on the norm.

Service is phenomenal and feels very intimate in such a small restaurant. You have to call ahead or reserve to get a spot. If you don't want the full omakase, spots at the bar with an a la carte menu are available if you WhatsApp ahead.

Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Oaxaca and looking for a fine dining experience very different from anything else.

And try the corn whisky!!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfeUxIOEdREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJB8WxCVYjx4URFm9nFEmIuo0/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfeUxIOEdREAE

This was our second visit to Crudo, the first being in 2021. Though the incredible intimacy of the 6-seat original dining experience is gone, the expansion of their offerings with this large, sunny dining room is still the most unique & exciting dining experience in Oaxaca.

The omakase concept is very Japanese, but the ingredients are all truly Mexican & Oaxacan. The ability of these dishes to embrace Japanese umami through the addition of Oaxacan flavors like chapulines, corn & mezcal is truly phenomenal.

We were served 8 courses and found it a good value for the experience, but we weren't necessarily full after this meal, which was different from our 2021 visit. This definitely felt a bit more like a choreographed routine and less like the chef omakase intimacy of the private dining room. I also felt like the curated beverage list was really done a disservice, as the server was left lingering at the cooler and it was awkward to ask for drink pairing suggestions not knowing what was ahead with the menu. This concept worked well when you were sat close to the chef & sous chef to request drinks with the courses, but fizzles in the larger space. I would suggest that guests are presented with a menu for the omakase with drink pairing suggestions to get the full experience here.

Also, the pre-paid booking is clunky & complex. I absolutely don't mind providing a card to hold the reservation, but we lost 250 pesos simply because you cannot modify the number of guests on a booking and we had to cancel and rebook.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3aTQycUpnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJB8WxCVYjx4URFm9nFEmIuo0/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ3aTQycUpnEAE

The best sushi of my life! What a brilliant fusion of oaxacan flavors and traditional sushi dishes. I strongly recommend getting the tasting menu. I promise you have never had anything like this. Even the dessert was so unique. It was a cactus sorbet with fresh fruit.

Crudo: Unique Omakase Restaurant in Oaxaca, Mexico

CRUDO, located at Av Benito Juárez #309 in Oaxaca, Mexico, is an intimate six-seat omakase restaurant helmed by Chef Ricardo Arellano. The restaurant offers a fusion of Japanese culinary techniques with local Oaxacan ingredients, providing a unique dining experience that has garnered attention from both locals and visitors.

Crudo restaurant history overview in Oaxaca de Juárez Mexico 

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, CRUDO has swiftly emerged as a beacon of culinary innovation and cultural fusion. Since its inception in 2022, this restaurant has captivated food lovers with an extraordinary blend of Japanese omakase dining artistry and traditional Oaxacan flavors, crafted by the visionary Chef Ricardo Arellano.

 CRUDO opened its doors, immediately standing apart in Oaxaca’s rich dining scene. It introduced diners to a distinctive omakase experience—an intimate, chef-driven meal where each course is a carefully curated masterpiece. What sets CRUDO apart is how it seamlessly marries the subtle, refined techniques of Japanese cuisine with the bold, earthy tastes of Oaxacan ingredients like mezcal, chapulines, and native corn.

CRUDO’s innovative approach caught the attention of the international culinary community quickly. In 2023, it was spotlighted in the popular travel and food series 'Somebody Feed Phil,' during the Oaxaca episode. This exposure celebrated CRUDO’s creative fusion and introduced a global audience to its unique dining concept, blending Mexican tradition with Japanese omakase elegance.

Just a year later, in 2024, CRUDO’s excellence was formally acknowledged by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide. This distinction underscores the restaurant’s commitment to quality, innovation, and cultural storytelling through food, making it a must-visit destination for foodies, digital nomads, and adventurous travelers alike.

Today, CRUDO continues to enchant visitors with its intimate omakase setting, where each dish tells a story, infused with local Oaxacan ingredients and crafted with Japanese precision. Reservations are essential, reflecting its exclusivity and popularity. Diners can expect a meticulously choreographed tasting menu that surprises and delights with multidimensional flavors and artistic presentation.

 CRUDO opens, introducing a novel omakase dining experience in Oaxaca.

 Featured in 'Somebody Feed Phil,' showcasing its distinctive culinary fusion.

 Earns recognition from the MICHELIN Guide for its exceptional fusion cuisine.

For travelers and food enthusiasts seeking a remarkable dining adventure in Oaxaca, CRUDO offers an immersive experience that harmonizes local heritage with global culinary artistry, making it a standout destination in Mexico’s gastronomic landscape.

Dine In

Restroom

Good for Groups

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Cocktails

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Good for Children

CRUDO is a vibrant restaurant in Oaxaca de Juárez offering exquisite local cuisine in the heart of Centro. Experience unique flavors today!

CRUDO

An exclusive dining experience featuring a selection of dishes crafted by Chef Ricardo Arellano, highlighting the fusion of Japanese techniques with Oaxacan flavors.

Omakase Menu

Nestled in the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, CRUDO offers an extraordinary culinary journey that masterfully fuses the delicate art of Japanese omakase with the vibrant, earthy flavors of Oaxacan cuisine. Led by the visionary Chef Ricardo Arellano, this intimate dining experience is a celebration of fresh fish, local Oaxacan ingredients, and seasonal produce, woven together in a harmonious menu that delights both the palate and the senses.

Begin your tasting with delicate preparations that highlight the freshness of the ocean and the richness of Oaxaca’s ingredients. Expect innovative small plates featuring fresh fish prepared with precision and accented by local elements such as chapulines (toasted grasshoppers), heirloom corn, and regional herbs, setting the tone for the flavors to come.

The heart of the CRUDO experience lies in its expertly crafted omakase courses, each presenting a unique blend of Japanese technique and Oaxacan soul. From silky sashimi infused with mezcal nuances to rolls that incorporate the crunch of chapulines or the sweetness of local corn, these dishes offer a multidimensional flavor profile that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

Conclude your meal with inventive desserts that echo the menu’s commitment to local flavors and textures. A standout is the refreshing cactus sorbet paired with fresh regional fruits, delivering a bright and unexpected sweet finale that perfectly balances the meal.

Complement your meal with a curated selection of beverages that highlight Oaxaca’s rich spirit traditions. From artisanal mezcal to the region’s prized corn whisky, the drink menu is designed to enhance the complex umami flavors of the omakase. For those seeking a perfect pairing, the staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ready to recommend the ideal sip for each course.

Why Choose Crudo for Your Dining Experience

The perfect marriage of Japanese omakase technique with authentic Oaxacan flavors offers a dining adventure unlike any other in Mexico.

Every dish is crafted using the freshest fish and seasonally available regional produce, emphasizing sustainability and authenticity.

With limited seating and personalized chef interactions, each guest enjoys an exclusive and immersive meal.

An expertly curated menu of mezcal, corn whisky, and other local drinks complements the flavors of the food to elevate your dining experience.

Savor authentic Oaxacan flavors at CRUDO on Av Benito Juárez! Dive into a culinary journey that excites your palate. Book your table today!

CRUDO: Authentic Restaurant in Oaxaca Centro

Oaxaca Municipality

An intimate six-seat setting where Chef Ricardo Arellano personally prepares a series of dishes, offering a personalized dining experience.

Omakase Experience in Cuarto Privado

A shared twelve-seat experience with a menu crafted by Chef Ricardo Arellano, combining Japanese techniques with Oaxacan ingredients.

Omakase Experience in La Casa

Crudo: A unique omakase dining experience in Oaxaca's heart center of Centro district.

Nestled on Avenida Benito Juárez in the vibrant Ruta Independencia neighborhood, Crudo offers an extraordinary culinary journey that masterfully blends traditional Oaxacan ingredients with the refined techniques of Japanese omakase. This restaurant stands out as a must-visit spot for food lovers seeking a fresh and sophisticated dining adventure in Oaxaca de Juárez, Mexico.

An omakase dining experience with local Oaxacan flair

Crudo’s centerpiece is the Omakase Tasting Menu, priced at 1039 MXN. Chef Ricardo crafts a personalized sequence of courses that highlight the freshest fish and incorporate indigenous Oaxacan flavors such as chapulines (grasshoppers), corn, and mezcal. Guests are invited to savor each dish in an intimate setting where every plate tells a story, blending Japanese umami with vibrant Mexican ingredients for a multidimensional taste experience unlike any other.

To complement the omakase, Crudo offers a carefully curated Sake Pairing for 500 MXN. This selection elevates the flavors of each course, delivering a harmonious balance that enhances the overall dining experience. Beyond sake, guests can also indulge in a variety of cocktails, local beers, and wines, making Crudo a versatile spot for any occasion—whether a casual lunch, intimate dinner, or special celebration.

Crudo offers an intimate dining atmosphere with seating primarily indoors and no outdoor option. The setting is designed to create a personal connection with the chef and staff, who explain each dish with passion and detail. The dining room is bright and welcoming, accommodating groups and families, including children. The restaurant accepts credit cards and provides restroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all guests.

 masterful blend of Japanese omakase style with authentic Oaxacan ingredients.

 chefs personally present and describe each course to deepen your appreciation.

 exceptional value for the quality and creativity of the tasting menu experience.

 a memorable experience for foodies, families, and groups seeking something different in Oaxaca.

Oaxaca Region

Experience the unique fusion of Japanese techniques with local Oaxacan ingredients at Crudo in Oaxaca. Book your intimate omakase dinner today!

Crudo Oaxaca - Authentic Oaxacan Fusion & Omakase Dining

Indulge in Chef Ricardo Arellano's personalized Omakase menus in Oaxaca. Savor the fusion of Japanese and Oaxacan flavors in a private, intimate setting.

Crudo Oaxaca - Exclusive Omakase Experience & Fine Dining

Discover Crudo, Oaxaca’s acclaimed restaurant blending Japanese techniques with local flavors. Reserve now for a memorable culinary adventure!

Crudo: Unique Omakase Restaurant in Oaxaca, Mexico

Levadura de Olla Restaurante

Tika'aya

Asador Bacanora Oaxaca