Traditional Mexican | Oaxacan Cuisine Sydney
At Santa Catarina, we bring the heart of the Oaxacan restaurant, street food, and family dining culture to the city’s CBD, offering a taste of authentic Mexican food Sydney locals have likely never experienced before. Our menu is deeply rooted in the rich culinary heritage of Oaxaca, known as the food capital of Mexico. We redefine modern Mexican cuisine by embracing wild and vibrant flavours, while celebrating the exceptional quality of seasonal Australian ingredients in our delicious, shareable Oaxacan dishes. From vibrant moles to handmade tortillas, every dish is crafted with bold, earthy flavours that observe time-honoured Oaxacan cooking techniques and the vibrant spirit of Oaxacan food and culture.
Oaxacan Moles Tasting
Moles are at the heart of Oaxacan cuisine, steeped in centuries of tradition and cultural significance. These rich, complex sauces are crafted with a blend of ingredients like warm spices, sesame seeds, dried chillies, fruits, nuts, and sometimes cacao beans, creating layers of deep, bold flavours. Passed down through generations of grandmothers, moles are a culinary treasure, traditionally served with meats and tortillas.
At Santa Catarina, we proudly offer a selection of Oaxacan moles, each prepared with the care and devotion that this dish demands. From the earthy richness of Mole Coloradito to the vibrant freshness of Mole Verde, and the creamy indulgence of Mole Blanco – our moles are a tribute to the time-honoured techniques of Oaxacan cooking. Each sauce is paired with freshly pressed tortillas, allowing you to fully savour these traditional flavours just as they have been enjoyed for generations.
Oaxacan Fare at Santa Catarina
We bring the vibrant and diverse flavours that surround Oaxaca to life in the heart of Sydney. Our menu is a celebration of the region’s bold and earthy cuisine, offering an authentic Mexican restaurant Sydney diners can enjoy without having to book a flight.
Every dish is crafted with care and respect for tradition, from the rich, smoky Mole Coloradito to the indulgent Wild Mushrooms Tlayuda layered with black beans and Oaxaca cheese.
We use the finest Australian ingredients to create an experience that stays true to Oaxacan roots, while embracing a modern edge. Whether you're enjoying our signature tacos, freshly pressed tortillas, or sipping on rare mezcal, you’ll find that Santa Catarina offers some of the most authentic Mexican Sydney has to offer – capturing the rich culinary heritage of one of Mexico’s most renowned regions.
Oaxacan Cuisine
The soul of Mexico’s culinary heritage.
Oaxacan cuisine is often hailed as the pinnacle of traditional Mexican food, but it goes far beyond simple definitions. More than just a regional cuisine, it is an integral part of the cultural, ritual, and daily life of Oaxacan indigenous groups from each of Oaxaca’s eight regions, used to bring family and friends together for centuries.
While Mexican cuisine as a whole is diverse, Oaxacan food is distinct for its deep, complex flavours and its use of indigenous ingredients. Moles, such as the mole amarillo or Colaradito, are perhaps the most famous of Oaxacan creations. They are rich, multi-layered sauces made from ingredients such as dried chiles, nuts, and seeds. These recipes have been passed down through generations, each mole a tribute to time-honoured traditions.
At the heart of Oaxacan cooking is corn – hand-pressed into tortillas that serve as the foundation for dishes like tacos and tlayudas. These tortillas, often made from heirloom corn, are a staple of everyday meals. The use of chillies and spices, such as pasilla and guajillo, add warmth and depth to Oaxacan dishes, giving the cuisine its signature bold flavour.
Oaxacan cuisine is also a celebration of regional ingredients like chapulines (fried grasshoppers), hoja santa, and Oaxaca cheese (quesillo). Traditional cooking methods such as slow roasting and grinding spices by hand further enhance the authenticity of the cuisine.
At Santa Catarina, we bring these flavours to life, honouring the diversity and history that define Oaxacan food. Each dish is an exploration of bold flavours, tradition, and the spirit of a region often regarded as the food capital of Mexico.
What’s On At Santa Catarina
Lunch
Tuesday to Friday
12pm to 5pm
$1 Oysters
Fixe Menu
$49pp for up to 7pax
Happy Hour
Friday and Saturday
10pm to 12am
$14 classic and spicy margs
Live Latin Music
Saturdays
From 7pm
With Richard Valdez
Large Reservations & Private Events
Santa Catarina is the perfect venue for your next large group event or celebration. Whether it’s a private dinner, corporate gathering, or special occasion, we offer an unforgettable dining experience featuring authentic Oaxacan flavours. Our dedicated team will ensure your event is as vibrant and memorable as the dishes on our menu.