Hotel Axolotl

This ambitious restaurant has for years set the standard for serious cooking in sunny Puerto Escondido. Open since 2013 by a husband-and-wife team, Almoraduz is Oaxacan at its core but pulls inspiration from all over. The corn tostada with confit pork jowl, creamy refried beans, guacamole and grasshoppers is a worthy order, as is the catch of the day topped with chimichurri, spinach and grapefruit segments. Whether you order a la carte or trust the kitchen with the signature tasting menu, expect attractive presentations and bold flavors. The space is equally inviting with its handsome wood tab