Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine

“Everything about this place is amazing.”

Everything about this place is amazing! Came to this place the first time with a friend tonight and we booked reservations online for restaurant a week. We notated in the reservation that I myself have a gluten allergy as well as a nightshade allergy. You might be thinking to yourself geez.. it's going to be really hard to find something to eat with the nightshade allergy. The staff were so accommodating and the chef himself was able to find things for me to eat and try! It's rare that you find the details and the passion in service these days! This place has it though! The chef checked in and served us some of our food tonight. We even got to talk to the chef before leaving! Our waitress was also extremely attentive and very kind. 100% would recommend this place to anybody! Such an amazing experience! Thank you for everything that you do!!

Brittney Edel

Jan 2026

“Brunch at Istmo was fantastic.”

Brunch at Istmo was fantastic. Started with Horchata Cordito, ended with the blueberry corn tortilla pancake that was definitely worth the wait!

Carrie Chaffee

Nov 2025

“Went here for the first time with friends for brunch and we were all really impressed.”

Went here for the first time with friends for brunch and we were all really impressed. The flavors a freshness of everything were outstanding! They had mocktail options, which I really appreciated. I started off with the Piña Tatemada, which was lovely and delicious. We shared the Tlayuda (fun fact: it’s gluten free, which our GF friend appreciated). The flavors in this dish were incredible and the tomatoes were so fresh. For my entree, I had Huevos Divorciados, which was also excellent. Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable. Can’t wait to come back!

Ash C

Nov 2025

“We came here for both a private dining event and a brunch and we were blown away both times.”

We came here for both a private dining event and a brunch and we were blown away both times. Great flavors and a wonderful staff. The chef made an effort to speak with us on both occasions and really puts a lot of effort and thought into his dishes. A new favorite and would highly recommend to anyone considering coming.

Marco Lopez

Nov 2025

“Amazing experience from start to finish, the decor, vibe, staff, service, and food were some of the...”

Amazing experience from start to finish, the decor, vibe, staff, service, and food were some of the best I've had in Chicago and I will definitely be coming back!

Keith Felker

Oct 2025

“ISTMO is a unique Mexican restaurant in Wrigley area offering Oaxacan dishes.”

ISTMO is a unique Mexican restaurant in Wrigley area offering Oaxacan dishes. Our brunch experience was exceptional, starting with refreshing drinks like the pepino margarita and michelada. The tlayuda was crispy perfection, with options like green chorizo, ribeye, or chicken tinga. But the show stopper was the blue corn pancake. Worth the 25-minute wait, this dish is a must-try. The service was top-notch, and the decor beautifully reflects Oaxacan heritage. We'll be back to try the dinner menu.

Giovanni De Gracia (Gio)

Oct 2025

“The food here was perfect.”

The food here was perfect! The flavors were rich (but not too rich) and blended well with each other. The portion sizes were great. The service was friendly and attentive. The piña tatemada was beautiful and delicious.

Vali Dugan

Sep 2025

“Everything tasted great.”

Everything tasted great! The presentation was wonderful as well. The scallops did have an odd texture, maybe not the freshest. Although the pork shank has the coolest presentation, the outer layer had nice flavor but the inside meat flavor was just ok, kinda expected with pork. Not pictured but very delicious was the short rib. Room decor is very nice, it's just a small space. Service was excellent

Rodrigo Velarde

Aug 2025

“Istmo has a modern Mexican vibe with a unique menu, friendly service, and great cocktails.”

Istmo has a modern Mexican vibe with a unique menu, friendly service, and great cocktails. I really enjoyed everything I ate (scallops with mole, cod with cabbage, and patatas bravas). My favorite cocktail was a riff on a New York Sour, made with tequila and mezcal - strong, a little sweet, and eye-catching.

Chris Bonnett

Aug 2025

“Food was great. This is upscale Oaxacan food. With that being said, yes the dishes are smaller and...”

Food was great. This is upscale Oaxacan food. With that being said, yes the dishes are smaller and more artistic. But the quality is there. The drinks are very good as well. The chef is doing great at sticking to the roots and hitting the authentic taste of Mexican food with all the spices. We went for brunch and at the beginning it was not busy, but as it got busier our waiter was not checking in on us. BUT the busers did a great job of coming and filling water as well as getting things for us. Truly enjoyed it and hope to be back soon.

Penelope Gutiérrez

Aug 2025

“Took a group of 6 here for dinner and had a great time.”

Took a group of 6 here for dinner and had a great time. We got a bunch of dishes to share with the highlight being the Shrimp entree for all of us. I also quite enjoyed the corn cake dessert. The cocktails were a surprising delight and a star of the night.

Greg P.

Jul 2025

“Giving Mexico vibes in the space from the music to the decor and I am here for it.”

Giving Mexico vibes in the space from the music to the decor and I am here for it! The potatoes and the clarified Pina colada were delicious. Corn pancake dessert was the star Service is very attentive and friendly.

Victoria Elena Nones

Jun 2025