Creative Oaxacan-inspired spot with insect-forward dishes, great cocktails, striking ambiance, and variable service; go for adventurous flavors, not traditional comfort plates.
Templo Cocina Viva delivers a distinctive dining experience through its creative Oaxacan cuisine with bold insect-forward ingredients and exceptional historic setting with atmospheric balconies. However, inconsistent food quality—with reports of cold plates and seasoning variance—and uneven service pacing prevent it from reaching higher territory. The mezcal program and adventurous menu concept appeal strongly to intentional visitors seeking culinary exploration over comfort.
One caveat: Service lapses: slow acknowledgement or curt interactions reported occasionally