+52 951 584 8520
Located at the heart of Oaxaca de Juárez, Labo Fermento stands as a remarkable culinary destination where tradition intertwines with bold experimentation. This unique eatery masterfully blends Oaxacan flavors with an adventurous fermented twist, crafting an unforgettable dining experience that delights all the senses.
At Labo Fermento, fermentation is more than a technique—it’s an art form. From the tangy crunch of their house-made kimchi and vibrant fermented vegetables to the comforting richness of a complimentary miso soup, every bite whispers of care, depth, and culture. Their diverse menu boasts enticing highlights such as the delicate pork wontons, satisfying dumplings de puerco, and flavorful fideos con cerdo. For fans of fusion with familiar comfort, the chicken katsu and creamy queso asadero provide indulgence with a local flair, while sweet surprises like the cheesecake entice the palate towards dessert with grace and balance.
The atmosphere here is warm and welcoming—offering multiple seating options including an inviting indoor space, a sunny outdoor terrace, and cozy private areas perfect for intimate gatherings or special celebrations. The service is consistently praised for its genuine warmth and expert knowledge. Guests like Sadhana Bharadwaj recount memorable evenings enhanced by attentive staff, such as Diego, who expertly guided their journey through a curated selection of southern Mexican mezcals—transforming meals into soulful, festive occasions.
What truly makes Labo Fermento shine is the harmonious marriage of flavors and cultural storytelling on each plate. Diners repeatedly highlight the excitement and creativity coursing through each dish. Tiana Young raves that every meal felt like a “10/10” experience, particularly recommending the dumplings, wontons, and the vibrant ensalada de fideos. Damon Tighe calls it his “best dining experience in town,” lauding the clever incorporation of fermentation techniques that honor yet elevate Oaxacan cuisine.
Refreshing beverages such as the coffee kombucha further amplify the meal’s complexity, providing crisp and lively notes that cleanse and prepare the palate for the next flavor exploration. Whether you’re a local or a traveler seeking something distinct, Labo Fermento offers a rare blend of innovation and authenticity—an essential stop to savor in Oaxaca’s vibrant food scene.
In essence, dining at Labo Fermento feels like embarking on a culinary voyage where each course tells a story, each flavor invites you to linger, and every visit leaves you eager for the next. This is a place where fermentation transforms ingredients into unforgettable experiences and where the spirit of Oaxaca is both preserved and freshly reimagined.
Contact: 5 de Mayo 409, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
Phone: +52 951 584 8520
I visited this restaurant after a friend’s glowing recommendation, and I’m so glad I did! After enjoying traditional Oaxacan food throughout my trip, it was refreshing to try something so creative and experimental. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of bold, exciting flavors. The green curry was absolutely perfect — balanced, rich, and deeply flavorful. I could honestly swim in that green broth forever! The ceviche was another standout, with a bright and complex flavor profile that hit all the right notes without being overwhelming. I also tried a few of their non-alcoholic fermented drinks, which were surprisingly delicious and refreshing. I have a sensitive stomach, so I couldn’t try them all — but if you’re the same, bring some Gas-X just in case (worth it!). Overall, this place delivers a truly unique culinary experience in Oaxaca — creative, flavorful, and memorable. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore modern Oaxacan cuisine in a warm, welcoming space.
this was by far one of the best, most interesting, most exciting meals we’ve had all year. every single dish we ordered was a 10/10 and we even had to double up on some dishes. i deeply and sincerely wish you guys sold a cook book! highly highly recommend any of the dumpling/wonton dishes and the ensalada de fideos, but you can’t go wrong with anything you choose. the cocktails were also SO GOOD.
This is a very warm and welcoming restaurant. We had a wonderful evening celebrating the eve of my partner’s birthday. Our server Diego was incredibly knowledgeable about local mezcals and walked us through several delicious varieties from across southern Mexico in honor of the occasion. He was generous with everything he brought over, including a few unlabeled bottles. He made our dinner particularly memorable, and if we could give the service 10 stars, we would!! All the food was tasty and interesting. They do riffs on classic Asian and Mexican dishes while always honoring local Oaxacan ingredients. Everything we ordered was vegetarian and delicious, and my partner (who eats non veg) mentioned that he didn’t feel like he was missing anything. If you want a nice night out that isn’t too pretentious or hoity toidy, but still nice and memorable, I recommend Labo Fermento !!
4.6 for food. 5/5 Super good service and nice atmosphere with many seating areas indoor, outdoor terrace and private spaces. We enjoyed our food and drinks and definitely liked our experience; however we’re were not wowed by any of the dishes in particular (green rice, fried chicken and dumplings). The coffee kombucha was refreshing and the fermented vegetables were a nice touch. Definitely a good, innovative restaurant and worth a try.
Hands down the best dining experience I had in town. Dishes are unique, creative, and still lean into Oaxacan flavors but do so with a mix of techniques and flavors from other fermentation forward cuisines. When traveling I rarely go back to the same place twice, but after a stellar dinner we ended up back at Labo for lunch before our departure flight. Staff is superb. Friendlly, real, and very engaged with what I’d describe as the ethic of the place which is experimentation. Had the delight of tasting a few experiments in progress. The space has been well used: a classic beautiful dark wood bar greats you as you enter and then a few small tables spy out into the bar and street and behind them are to rooms with a bit more privacy. The upstairs space has numerous tables and sunlight or starlight depending on your dining interval. Adorned throughout the space are experiments in process - miso, herb extractions, etc. Pricing is reasonable and a better value than the other similarly ranked restaurants my wife drug me too.
I went to Labo Fermento with some friends whilst in Oaxaca and every single dish delivered on taste. We shared a variety or dishes and then some desserts and it was all amazing especially for the price. They have some really good cocktails on the menu too. Would definitely go again!
My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate our anniversary while traveling in Oaxaca, and the experience was absolutely amazing. The food was delicious, with unique and interesting flavors, in a romantic atmosphere —but what truly made the evening unforgettable was our server, Mani. His attentiveness and exceptional service took everything to the next level. We felt genuinely cared for and welcomed. Highly recommend!