Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

Authentic Mexican ingredients and techniques taken to a level of creativity that you won't expect.

8 / 10
1128
ratings
  • Phone

    (202) 628-1005

  • Website

    oyamel.com

  • Instagram

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    oyameldc

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    oyamel

  • Type

    Mexican Restaurant

Address

401 7th St NW (at D St NW) Washington , D.C. 20004 United States

Credit Cards Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi No
Outdoor Seating Yes
Menus Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Happy Hour
Drinks Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 324


Keywords:

margaritas jose andres salt air trendy good for groups good for dates tequila happy hour mezcal tres leches cake desserts spicy food quesadillas tasting menu black bean soup casual beef hot chocolate pork great value
Behrad Eats

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.

One 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.

Rachel Alexander

Keep 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 Rubinchik

Don'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.

Eater

Staying true to its Mexican roots, Oyamel’s “Chocolate Caliente” is a Oaxacan hot chocolate with sugar, cinnamon , vanilla bean , cloves and steamed milk . Order it for $4 a glass. Read more

Reserve

Stop in to Oyamel Cocina Mexicana in D.C. for a Salt Air Margarita , made with Milagro Silver tequila , Combier L’Original liqueur and fresh lime topped with foam to give it a fun and tasty texture. Read more

Max

Nicely 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.

Erin Merchant

In 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.

Althea Stearns

Scallop 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 .

Michael Erb

Any 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 .

Rosario Diaz

I'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!

Yasaman Mahdian

This place is better for drinking rather than dining. Food portions are small but their taste is great. Guacamole and tortilla is to die for!

Stefanie Spatola

Best 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.

mishmashmargie

LOVE: 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 !

Trish TheDish

Blood 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!

Audrey A

Beef 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 !

Mallie T

Bustling 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 .

Himanshu Desai

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 !

Vicki D.

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!

Erik Cintron

This 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

Beti Fajardo

Everything 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

Washington Post

Details 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

Derek Fromson

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 .

Dennis Hansen

Oh 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.

Ivana Milojevic

Atmosphere 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.

Jastine Kho

Grasshopper 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!

Sandybelle

I 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.

Derek Fromson

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.

Wayne Burrell

This 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 !!

I B R A H I M

Taco pollo ... ok, Lengua Guisada taco ... amazing، Taco Suadero ... amazing، Bajapescado taco ... WOW

Washington Post

The 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

Kapil Bhatia

The Guacamela with tortilla chips are a must have. Excellent ambience, great vegetarian options and nice service. Will definitely visit again :)

Eater

Authentic Mexican food is not one of DC's strengths, but José Andrés does it justice at Penn Quarter's Oyamel — with, of course, the chef 's signature twists. [Eater 38 Member] Read more

Nela Lichtscheidl

This 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.

Char

Omggggg those tacos are amazing. The grasshopper taco is actually really good! They make fresh guacamole for your table too! Great date location ❤️❤️❤️

Lindsey Kim

Deliciously inspired dishes by Iron Chef José Andrés . Can't go wrong with the tacos . Also try the signature fries with mole sauce !

Dan Pullman

Jose 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

Zlata Zubenko

Ceviche de chamoy is delicious and tender but very spicy - be aware. Oyamel margarita is very sweet. Go with the smoky ones instead.

Patrick McDermott

The 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

Liany

Most amazing ceviche shrimp , every plate we ordered was unique and flavorful and the dessert was amazing café de olla (a must try)

Jessica Lettween

The 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 .

Christian Warzocha

Got 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 .

Brent Gatewood

Tequila selection is amazing. Food is wonderful. I had tacos and enchiladas - delicious. Friendly and attentive staff . Will be back!

Washington Post

This Mexican playground from creator Jose Andres is a trailblazer. Thanks to recent expansion next door, it's also more comfortable than ever.

Jerry

The Saudero (beef ) and Cabrito Pastor (goat ) tacos were excellent!!! The meat was super-tender, and the flavor was truly authentic !!!

Kate Kim

The guacamole is a MUST! It is amazing with nachos . And try the apple basil lemonade - if it is that day's special.

Lisa Han

Guacamole home-made on the spot as you order. Awesome! Portions are a little bit small. Recommend to order two dishes per person.

Earl Belcher Jr

If solo, sit at the ceviche bar . And definitely get the Ceviche Pacifico (sashimi quality tuna ). Also a must try - the grasshopper taco ... yes, grasshopper :)

Kory Kory

Omg the quesadillas and the braised beef tacos de gaudero are great! I loved the chicken enchiladas with Verde sauce as well !!!!

Jane Browne

Very 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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