Cafe Arabia: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Oaxaca

Welcome to Cafe Arabia, a delightful cafeteria nestled in the heart of Oaxaca de Juarez at Reforma 117, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA. This charming spot has quickly captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, known for its exceptional brews and inviting atmosphere. With a ringing endorsement from patrons like Shay Perryman—who raves about their early breakfast service and consistently tasty offerings—you can expect a warm welcome and a satisfying meal any time of the day.

One of the standout features of Cafe Arabia is their espresso, touted by Ian R as the best in Oaxaca. Coffee enthusiasts will feel right at home in this cozy establishment, where the aroma of freshly brewed espresso intermingles with the tantalizing scent of their culinary creations. Combined with a beautifully presented fruit plate, your morning ritual is set for success at this beloved cafe.

Cafe Arabia's charm doesn't stop at coffee. As noted by Jens Peter Olesen, the atmosphere is wonderfully inviting, attracting a mix of locals and tourists alike. It’s ideally located near one of Oaxaca’s picturesque parks, making it a perfect pit stop for a relaxing experience amid nature and good company.

For those exploring the culinary offerings, the savory crepes stuffed with mushrooms and gooey gouda are a must-try. They balance flavors and textures, with a cilantro glaze that elevates the dish into the realm of delightful gastronomy. Heath Synnestvedt, another satisfied customer, has been particularly vocal about the clever twists Cafe Arabia puts on traditional ingredients, ensuring every bite is not just a meal but an adventure. His enthusiasm for the cheese in red sauce speaks volumes about the cafe's penchant for wonderful flavors and thoughtful pairings.

Each visit comes with the promise of something new and exciting. Whether it’s enjoying a selection of delightful teas—like the Rooibos chai that transports you back to South Africa—or savoring rich dishes that surprise and satisfy, Cafe Arabia offers a unique blend of experiences that stands out in Oaxaca's growing cafe landscape, as noted by Melissa Sue Ferrin.

In a city teeming with culinary options, Cafe Arabia remains a solid choice that beckons you to return. For those looking for a superb breakfast, a comforting lunch, or simply a cozy spot to sip coffee, Cafe Arabia is calling your name. Don't just take our word for it; discover this hidden gem with your own taste buds!

For inquiries, you can reach them at +52 951 515 9886. Join the locals at Cafe Arabia and taste the flavor of Oaxaca for yourself!

Shay Perryman

21/10/2025

I love this spot for breakfast, they’re open early and it always tasty.

Ian R

21/10/2025

The best espresso in Oaxaca! The fruit plate is beautiful and delicious. The seating is very comfortable. There is no need to go anywhere else.

Jens Peter Olesen

13/10/2025

We like this cafe. Nothing special but it has a wonderful atmosphere, many local visit and it is close to one of the parks.

Melissa Sue Ferrin

08/10/2025

There are so many cafe's in Oaxaca these days that it's hard to stand out. This is a good solid choice.

Heath Synnestvedt

25/08/2025

Don't judge a restaurant by its tortillas. Well, maybe if they're incredibly good tortillas it could be a safe bet, but if they're the machine-made cardboard flapjacks that work better than a serviette for de-saucing one's beard, you might be mistaken if you think the rest of the food will be lackluster. Tonight at Café Arabia i ordered two dishes and a tea, and was delighted with all of it, even asking for a second helping of the aforesaid culinary travesty when the sauce proved too much for my napkin. (I'm impervious to chagrin so i will tell you that in fact i actually ate both tuppers of tortillas, banal though these were. In my ravening i had to pay particular attention so as not to consume the plastic, nor the serviette, so little did the flavour of that victual recommend itself.) Savory Crepes with Mushrooms, Gouda, and a Cilantro glaze: These were slightly thicker than the crepes my family made on the direction of a french acquaintance, much darker due to some whole wheat flour, and just as loaded with all the right sort of detritus one would expect. Yellow sweet bell peppers figured prominently alongside the title ingredients. The gouda i was skeptical about--not because i detected anything awry--but because i've seen the processed 'cheese product' version not far from the real deal Gouda in the chic mega grocery chain here. And i'm too much of a hillbilly to honestly dislike the salty, creamy umami of the imposter, so i cannot say which it was at Arabia. The cheese in the Cheese in Red Sauce dish was unusually tasty. ...Granted my list of cheeses i don't like includes only one cheese out of the thousand i've tried. Be that as it may, the cheese had a fairly intense aroma, which is a difficult accomplishment when one is swimming in tomato sauce. I hear that's what people do to quench the stench after Pooch has been skunked, so this curd instantly gained my respect. No bland white stuff with added salt -- no no! Now about that sauce. If i had to guess i would say they use canned tomatoes. I thought i detected that taste canned tomatoes give, but we've been through this already about my palate; don't trust it. The more compelling evidence is the deep red colour, which i doubted could be the result of using the fresh (greenhouse-grown) tomatoes commonly available around here in November. Perhaps a real food critic should investigate my claims and wild speculations. If they're not picky about tortillas, they'll probably enjoy the experience. The service was superb. Nearly a full house and the young men were all moving smartly, bringing everything out so quickly i half expected the table top to melt. And the tea. What a selection! I chose a Rooibos chai. As the description said it was only (very) lightly spiced, so in a flash i was neatly transported back to South Africa, without even having to suffer the indignity of the human cattle chute in an airport.