Santa Catarina: Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcal Bar Sydney
Sydney
At a glance
Santa Catarina is an Oaxacan Mexican restaurant and mezcal bar located in Sydney's CBD, offering an immersive dining experience that captures the unique flavors and cultural richness of Oaxaca. The restaurant is a celebration of traditional Oaxacan cuisine, with a focus on artisanal dishes that showcase the depth and variety of the region's gastronomy. Guests can indulge in specialty dishes crafted with care, such as rich moles and fresh street-style tacos, all made with authentic ingredients.
The atmosphere at Santa Catarina is intimate and enigmatic, with the decor reflecting both opulence and energetic flair. Visitors can expect a sensory journey, enhanced by the extensive selection of mezcal, a traditional Oaxacan spirit. The mezcal options are carefully curated, offering some of the most sought-after varieties that are rare even in Mexico, perfect for both connoisseurs and newcomers to explore.
Santa Catarina's menu offers an array of options suitable for different dining occasions, whether one is looking for a business lunch, a pre-theatre dinner, or a lively evening with friends. The restaurant's commitment to the authenticity of its dishes is evident, providing a memorable dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and enlivened by the vibrant spirit of Sydney.
Located on Clarence Street, the venue is well-suited for individuals seeking a unique dining atmosphere and a taste of Mexico's food capital. Whether hosting a private event or simply enjoying a casual night out, Santa Catarina offers a warm and sophisticated setting that complements its culinary offerings.
Reviews
Fabulous meal! The staff was super attentive, great ambiance and the food is absolutely delicious as always. I come to this place at least once a month and it never misses. Special shoutout to Axel for taking care of us tonight and singing happy birthday to my partner so cheerfully - what a beautiful voice! Most of the menu is gluten free, very coeliac friendly. 11/10 will always recommend
Simply wonderful and what a surprise to find such an original and quality restaurant next to where I have worked for 2 yrs! It is so deceptive from the outside, but inside the vibe is fun, wonderful Mexican music playing, its cool and sltye menu is so refreshingly different. I enjoyed the best cocktail I have had in Australia….a take on a colada with Coconut foam and my partner had an Old Fashionwd with a chocolate topping Our food was bursting with flavour Crab, Octopus and then a Baramundi, broccoli and cream corn main to share. Every dish was totally original and I am happy to say this is now one of my favourite restaurants in Sydney!!!
I would say this restaurant was the most perfect experience we have ever had to start off with they space out the guests perfectly it’s not cramped and the seats and very comfortable, I very much dislike venues where you are sitting next to your partner and you have to yell this have a very nice intimate feel. S ervice wise the staff were good, I know at times I can be pretty particular about some preferences, Mariana was our main waitress and I’ve never experienced such perfect service I thought she was a part owner as she was very diligent respectful and responsive. The food taste and baseline of quality was 10/10 for every dish and drink, nothing in sydney comes close to the experience, hats off to this restaurant I hope they keep their good staff and chefs around for a long time 🥂
A really vibrant, welcoming spot with a great atmosphere, and the staff are warm and attentive without being over the top. The chargrilled octopus tacos are, without question, the best tacos I’ve ever had. Genuinely memorable. The tortillas are clearly homemade, with a slightly coarse texture that holds onto the sauces beautifully and makes every bite better. The mole tasting platter is a highlight — a fun way to experience four different flavours, paired with fresh tortillas, and it feels thoughtfully put together. The guacamole was excellent and very generous, with plenty of corn chips to go with it. The crispy crab empanada was packed with crab, not at all skimpy, and great value for what you get. This is absolutely a place worth going out of your way for — if it’s on your list, make the time to visit.
We were very pleased to have found a Oaxacan restaurant in Sydney for our wedding anniversary. The food especially the molé and masa tortillas was packed with amazing aromas and flavours. The tuna tostada, crispy squid & Angus ribeye had a generous serving & tasted great. The ambience was mellow and a nice change of pace from other cbd restaurants & their service was second to none. We tried their mezcal (try more than one if you can handle it) and asked which ones paired best with the dishes to add to our experience. Overall it was an amazing experience and we will definitely return again in the future.
