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Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven Reviews List
Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Oaxaca Kitchen - known for its seven moles and for its one of a kind gourmet traditional Mexican cuisine. We offer real food of Oaxaca with great presentation by our celebrity chef Prasad Chirnomula. To name a few great dishes like Mixteco Mole, Fire Grilled Seafood Salad, Mole Verde, Mixteco Chipotle Pork Tenderloin, and Prawns Al Mezcal which makes a destination for all the food fanatics.
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38 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 38 reviews
5 stars
(10)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(16)
- great for outdoor dining(12)
- good for groups(11)
- neighborhood gem(8)
- special occasion(7)
- romantic(6)
Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven Reviews List
Review 1 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It's is a good place to meet friends and have taste food. There is space for huge tables."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 2 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The staff was pleasant but had to be reminded to bring utensils for each course. Then the appetizers and main meal came at the same time. The food was just good, nothing special. I ordered the lobster enchilada had such tiny pieces of lobster, it was hard to tell if it really was. Tasted good but not like lobster . My husband had the orange mole chicken which also tasted good. Both entrees came with nothing else. No beans, no rice, nothing. We didn't get any tortilla chips with our cocktails because it was Cinque de Mayo and they weren't giving them out. We also ordered Sangria which was wine with diced apples in it. I will say the margarita layer cake was delicious though. Over $100 for he 2 of us and not satisfied."
Dined on 5/05/2013
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Review 3 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
disappointing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I ate here on cinco de mayo. The management apparently didn't anticipate a crowd. Tje staff could barely keep up. No one was mamaging the door to welcome new guests. We waited for quite a while before being seated. There were empty tables because they couldn't keep up with guests leaving either. All that would have been fine, except The food was disappointing. I think they identify more as a bar than a restaurant. Had a nice drink menu, and the drinks were great. They entree menu was miniscule, and more american than mexican. The appetizer menu was good. I would suggest getting appetizers and drinks and call it quits at this spot. Not recommended for dinner."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 4 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I'd go back
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant is very small, but the food is terrific. And, it's located just across from the Shubert Theater and it's easy to park nearby."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 5 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We are not experts on Mexican
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are not experts on Mexican food and don't go out for dinner very often. However, we did expect something special given the renown of the chef who also owns the Thali restaurant. As it turned out, the dishes (which were certainly more sophisticated than in run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurants) were served tastefully but not particularly tasty. The main course was accompanied by a very ordinary serving of Mexican rice and bean sauce. The service was rather ordinary, too. The interior of the restaurant is rustic, and one does not feel cosy. The price for the three-course dinner, $32, was not exactly a bargain. One the whole, this was a disappointing experience."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
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Review 6 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Mexican with a twist
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food. Quality tequila. A nice blend of standards (taco, quesadilla, etc) in the apps, plus a good mix of quality mains with a Mexican twist (duck, chiles, chicken, etc). Would probably avoid during Reataurant Week as most New Haven eateries tend to be overwhelmed during that time. Otherwise a solid option."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 7 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Can't wait to go back!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dined here for the first time on Wednesday eve of restaurant week. We were 30 minutes early for our reservation and expected to wait, instead we were seated right away. Oaxaca Kitchen was an all around excellent experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the food was outstanding. Both my date and I started with ceviche appetizer which was amazing. I took a risk and ordered the chicken mole entree (I've had both both fantastic and terrible mole dishes in the past) and was not disappointed. Neither was my date, his enchiladas were fresh and tasty. I am not a huge dessert person, but the churros and tres leche cake we shared were also excellent. If you are in the mood for modern mexican cuisine, go here!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 8 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Meal was exotic (in a good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Meal was exotic (in a good way) and very pleasing. Certainly among the best and most imaginative around New Haven and a real find. I expect to go back much more often now,"
Dined on 04/22/2013
2004
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice food and prompt service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went early 5:15 on a Sat night -- place 1/3 full, but it was early as we had to get to a 7pm performance. Good drinks - mango margarita, Mojito and Margaritas, with solid chips/salsa and guacamole. Entrees very nice (smaller portions with shared beans/rice), but hit the spot and prompt service had us ready to go around 6:30."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went for my birthday dinner.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for my birthday dinner. The food is just fabulous!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 11 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I have been at Oaxaca before
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been at Oaxaca before and enjoyed the food. On Sat. night the service was terrible, the appetizer quesos came many minutes before the chips to eat it with- so the cheese was cold and gloppy by the time we ate it-the guacamole was unremarkable--very bland--our entres were served while we were still having the guacamole which we had to ask twice to get. Very disappointing evening."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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Review 12 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food at the Oaxaca
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"All four in our party really enjoyed the great food... We were glad to be seated in a booth, and able to create our own ambience because the restaurant was awfully quiet, even for a Tuesday evening. It was good and interesting to find a menu that offered dishes different to the usual Mexican standards such as fajitas and burritos. The hanger steak entree was particularly delicious."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 13 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Absolutely delicious, innovative
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely delicious, innovative food, inspired by Mexico but with a variety of influences."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
One of the guests asked if
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of the guests asked if a certain dish was spicy; we were told it had a slight kick. The meal came...we all felt it was spicy.
Our waitress seemed to rush us....
Not really for anyone who is not into Mexican food...very limited for the individual.
Another friend ordered the hangar steak. He felt it was tough.
I don t think we will be back."
Our waitress seemed to rush us....
Not really for anyone who is not into Mexican food...very limited for the individual.
Another friend ordered the hangar steak. He felt it was tough.
I don t think we will be back."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
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Review 15 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our party of 3 had a light
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our party of 3 had a light meal before a 6:30 show at the Shubert. Maybe it was because it was 4:30 on a Sunday or maybe it was because it was St. Patrick's Day in a Mexican restaurant, but there was hardly anyone there. So it was quiet and the service was outstanding. The food was also excellent. They were very accommodating about making modifications as requested."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 16 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A very pleasant pre-theater
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A very pleasant pre-theater meal. The soups were particularly good, as was the grilled duck..."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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Review 17 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very busy, noisy, good food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very busy, noisy, good food but small portions for the price. My kids in their 20's loved it! The parents would like a quieter restaurant."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 18 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Guacamole!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Guacamole is outstanding. Other food tasty, but in small portions. I recommend anything in a mole."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was not particularly impressed
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was not particularly impressed by anything at Oaxaca besides the ambiance. The entrees were just OK, and the waitress was nice, but not exactly super attentive despite the fact that there were only 3 tables in the restaurant at the time. By far the best thing we had was the cake with avocado ice cream -- now that was excellent.All in all, it was a positive experience, but I don't think I'll be going back any time soon, especially if I'm looking at paying ~$20 a meal for something that tastes similar to something I can get in a Yale dining hall."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
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Review 20 for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I don't like saying negative
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I don't like saying negative things about restaurants but for the price we paid, this was a disappointment. In essence, Oaxaca makes simple food complicated. Food was over spiced and salty. The chile relleno was mush and meats that we ordered were extremely salty and overcooked. The lamb (borrego) that I ordered was cold when delivered. This was our second time here and it was unfortunately a disappointment. For excellent Mexican food in an elegant setting, you are better off trying Besito in West Hartford."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Oaxaca Kitchen - New Haven
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate