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Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
Mexican Restaurant and Tapas Restaurant$$$$
Penn Quarter, Washington
The experts at Eater and Washington Post recommend this place
"Be sure to come hungry - another great job by Jose Andrés"(12 Tips)
"Also a must try - the grasshopper taco ... yes, grasshopper :)"(12 Tips)
"Oyamel Cocina Mexicana in D.C. for a Salt Air Margarita"(8 Tips)
"Ceviche de chamoy is delicious and tender but very spicy - be aware."(31 Tips)
307 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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You really can't go wrong with any of the taco options here, but highly recommend the pescado Baja California, lengua guisada, carnitas estilo Michoacán, and pancita de puerco al pastor tacos.
Thomas L.April 5, 2014One dish you have to try: Enmolada De Guajalote En Mole Coloradito It was amazing, and by ordering it without asking the waiter for advice, I got a smile and was told that it was his favorite.Upvoted Mar 7
Rachel AlexanderMarch 20, 2017Keep a menu and try all different kids of tacos as you please. Churros are a sweet surprise with hot chocolate sauce to dip into. Tight squeeze but lovely decor and service is excellent.
Sandra RubinchikFebruary 15, 2016Don't fill up on overpriced guacamole and chips. There are so many yummy things to eat and try! The tuna ceviche, camarones (this pictured shrimp dish), and the shredded braised beef taco are musts.
MaxAugust 27, 2017Nicely decorated. Try the hand-made tacos all kind. Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo... is to die for! Classic hand made, in your face Guacamole. A strong selection of Mezcal. Kids frendly.
Althea StearnsOctober 11, 2019Scallop ceviche very good and super fresh. A little pricey for serving size. Brisket taco is flavorful and meat was tender, but corn tortilla fell apart. Most restaurants will use 2. No draft beer.
Yasaman MahdianAugust 29, 2018This place is better for drinking rather than dining. Food portions are small but their taste is great. Guacamole and tortilla is to die for!
Beti FajardoJuly 18, 2016Everything is great! Let the server surprise you with the best dishes. Also, ask for Mariano, the manager, he's very helpful to help you choose something that's gonna leave you speechless
Rosario DiazFebruary 2, 2014I'm originally from Mexico and I can say the food here is delicious. The ceviche tradicional is more a peruvian fusion but is incredible. Tacos are made with real hand made tortillas. Try it!
Trish TheDishAugust 18, 2014Blood orange margarita. Delicious. Brussel sprouts and shrimp were yum. Fosh taco was bathed in mayo. Dessert was not awesome (panna cotta). But I'd come here for the blood orange margs alone!
Erin MerchantSeptember 5, 2015In life, there are some things you don't always want in your mouth. That includes grasshopper and lengua. But here, you want them (in taco form) in your mouth all. the. time.
Washington PostAugust 1, 2014Details stack up: The oiled rice alongside that chicken is some of the best around, and the bartender is conversant enough with his spirits to suggest the perfect tequila -- for dessert. Read more
Everything is great! Wouldn't recommend the papas fritas (fries). Save some room for tacos. YUM! Sitting by the ceviche bar is nice if it's just 2 of you so you can avoid the wait for a table!
Mallie TAugust 10, 2014Bustling upscale Mexican spot with great heat and flavor. Extensive menu can seem overwhelming, but you really can't go wrong. Amazingly good housemade chips, salsa and guacamole.
Stefanie SpatolaJanuary 27, 2013Best dishes: tuna cheviche, brussels sprouts, camarones (shrimp), braised short ribs, chile en nogada (pablano stuffed pepper) and for dessert... de tres leches (amazing). Also get the fresh gauc.
mishmashmargieOctober 21, 2013LOVE: colorful decor, energy; authentic Mexican dishes w/ an urban twist; attentiveness of staff. Try the tuna ceviche, chicken mole, mushroom taco, cochinita (pork) taco. Have jericalla for dessert!
Audrey AOctober 29, 2012Beef tongue taco is amazingly tender! The pork belly taco and fresh guacamolemolemole is good too. Check out their Day of the Dead menu (around Halloween) for Mayan twists using seasonal ingredients!
This is one of DC's must try spots for Mexican tapas & creative cocktails. The host/hostess are super efficient at getting guests seated. Recommend a reservation if possible. Fantastic staff!
Michael ErbMay 26, 2022Any of the tacos are delicious, you can’t go wrong. The Salt Air Margaritas are fun and delicious even if tequila isn’t your thing. Please note that this is a tapas style restaurant.
Erik CintronAugust 24, 2012This place can fit right in manhattan it's trendy and bright colors made the place alive. The cocktails were great and Guacamole made in front of you. Little pricey, but great twist on Mexican food
Wayne BurrellJune 26, 2015This place is absolutely awesome! This is one of celebrity chef José Andrés' several DC restaurants and it didn't disappoint. The guacamole was FANTASTIC! I recommend the "de Res" braised beef taco!!
Excellent small plates. To start off, try the mouth watering, fresh guacamole that is prepared before your eyes at the table. Meatballs in chipotle sauce is a nice starter too. Save room for dessert.
Jastine KhoJuly 11, 2017Grasshopper tacos are worth sampling- was told the grasshoppers are imported from Oaxaca and marinated in tequila. My top recommendation though would still be the lechon quesadilla. Very delicious!
Ivana MilojevicNovember 7, 2017Atmosphere was lovely (busy in the front room, nice and quiet in the back). Freshly made guacamole and tortilla chips were amazing and you must try Chile en nogada! Highly recommend.- Washington PostAugust 1, 2014The tacos are delicious, the margaritas are the smoothest in DC and the house-made chips and salsa almost spoil my appetite every time I go there. Read more
Dennis HansenAugust 9, 2016Oh my god the tacos! We ordered a bunch of different ones. Do not underestimate how full you'll feel after sharing 4 or 5 while also eating tortillas. The tequila cocktails are plentiful and good.
SandybelleSeptember 29, 2015I enjoyed very much this place. I'm Mexican and I assure you that they've nailed it! The "Pastel de tres leches" is simply a piece of heaven on earth.
I B R A H I MApril 25, 2018Taco pollo ... ok, Lengua Guisada taco ... amazing، Taco Suadero ... amazing، Bajapescado taco ... WOW
Lindsey KimDecember 27, 2014Deliciously inspired dishes by Iron Chef José Andrés. Can't go wrong with the tacos. Also try the signature fries with mole sauce!
- José Andrés' Mexican tapas joint is a lively, vibrant scene. Don't miss the tasty mojitos, guacamole (made in front of you) and the traditional, yet complex chile en nogada, among other tasty treats.
Kapil BhatiaNovember 28, 2013The Guacamela with tortilla chips are a must have. Excellent ambience, great vegetarian options and nice service. Will definitely visit again :)- Zlata ZubenkoApril 18, 2016Ceviche de chamoy is delicious and tender but very spicy - be aware. Oyamel margarita is very sweet. Go with the smoky ones instead.
Maryann James-DaleyNovember 24, 2013love this place, but some of the bartenders are clueless. asked if I could get a mocktail; the bartender said yes and then walked away. asked another bartender, and he showed me the sodas. ?!?
Dan PullmanJuly 11, 2012Jose Andres and his team innovate at levels beyond expectation. The tapas program allows for broad taste experience. Do the tasting menu and let the servers be your guide. (4 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
Patrick McDermottMay 15, 2012The guacamole is superb, with I believe green bell pepper and quest fresco cheese on top. The mezcal and other tapas are very good too, including the chalupas with duck… (3 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
Kate KimMay 18, 2014The guacamole is a MUST! It is amazing with nachos. And try the apple basil lemonade - if it is that day's special.
- Nela LichtscheidlNovember 18, 2013This place can be a little pricey, but it's definitely worth it. I recommend going with a group of friends and sharing the bill. Get about four to five tapas and take in the zesty flavor of goodness.
Jessica LettweenMarch 24, 2013The chef's tasting menu is so worth it! We lost track of the number of courses, but was probably around ten, plus two desserts. Everything was delicious and service was great. Fun atmosphere.
CharNovember 13, 2017Omggggg those tacos are amazing. The grasshopper taco is actually really good! They make fresh guacamole for your table too! Great date location ❤️❤️❤️
Christian WarzochaSeptember 9, 2017Got the chef dinner, pricey but delicious. Tons of food so take their advice and don't fill up on chips. Oyamal margarita was great as well.
LianySeptember 9, 2016Most amazing ceviche shrimp, every plate we ordered was unique and flavorful and the dessert was amazing café de olla (a must try)- Washington PostOctober 16, 2013This Mexican playground from creator Jose Andres is a trailblazer. Thanks to recent expansion next door, it's also more comfortable than ever.
Brent GatewoodJune 27, 2017Tequila selection is amazing. Food is wonderful. I had tacos and enchiladas - delicious. Friendly and attentive staff. Will be back!
Kory KoryJune 6, 2016Omg the quesadillas and the braised beef tacos de gaudero are great! I loved the chicken enchiladas with Verde sauce as well!!!!
Lisa HanJune 17, 2017Guacamole home-made on the spot as you order. Awesome! Portions are a little bit small. Recommend to order two dishes per person.- JerryMay 19, 2019The Saudero (beef) and Cabrito Pastor (goat) tacos were excellent!!! The meat was super-tender, and the flavor was truly authentic!!!
Jane BrowneJanuary 23, 2013Very popular an for good reason, fantastic tapas style Mexican. If going after six suggest you book . Staff are great an food amazing best Mexican in DC area.
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Authentic Mexican ingredients and techniques taken to a level of creativity that you won't expect.
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Wed, Sun
- 11:00 AM–Midnight
- Thu–Sat
- 11:00 AM–2:00 AM
(202) 628-1005
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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