Enter this vibrant space and feel Hugo Ortega’s passion for the richness of Oaxacan culture. The menu is inspired, the service is warm, and the drinks are incomparable. Try this: Treat yourself to a mezcal cocktail; our fave was the Oaxacan Old Fashioned—perfect with our crudo of flash-seared tuna thinly sliced atop a smear of mole adorned with citrus slices, leek ringlets, radish, and tropical mangosteen. We raved over our memela, a toasted masa pancake loaded with fire-roasted pork rib meat and bright guacamole with dollops of crema. The day’s special proved to be an abundant plate of goodness: slow-roasted, fork-tender lamb shank smothered in red mole, with crisp-skinned roasted potatoes and sautéed greens. Seafood is handled with equal aplomb: grilled shrimp perched atop a pyramid of rice dotted with squid and mussels was a celebration of traditional cuisine. Pro tip: Patio seating allows for a view of Discovery Green.