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Oyamel Cocina Mexicana

Mexican Restaurant and Tapas Restaurant$$$$

Penn Quarter, Washington

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8.8^/10

1,128

ratings

Ranked #6 for tapas in 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)
"The Oyamel margarita with that foamed salt is amazing."(5 Tips)

309 Tips and reviews

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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
hot chocolate
pork
beef
great value
(15 more)

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Behrad EatsJuly 14, 2015
Been here 5+ times
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, 2014
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.
Upvoted Oct 20
Rachel AlexanderMarch 20, 2017
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 RubinchikFebruary 15, 2016
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.
EaterFebruary 23, 2017
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
ReserveApril 5, 2017
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
MaxAugust 27, 2017
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 MerchantSeptember 5, 2015
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 StearnsOctober 11, 2019
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 ErbMay 26, 2022
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 DiazFebruary 2, 2014
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 MahdianAugust 29, 2018
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 SpatolaJanuary 27, 2013
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.
mishmashmargieOctober 21, 2013
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!
Audrey AOctober 29, 2012
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 TAugust 10, 2014
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.
Trish TheDishAugust 18, 2014
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!
Himanshu DesaiApril 3, 2013
Been here 5+ times
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.May 5, 2013
Been here 5+ times
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 CintronAugust 24, 2012
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
Washington PostAugust 1, 2014
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
Beti FajardoJuly 18, 2016
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
Derek FromsonAugust 12, 2014
Been here 5+ times
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 HansenAugust 9, 2016
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 MilojevicNovember 7, 2017
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 KhoJuly 11, 2017
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!
SandybelleSeptember 29, 2015
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 FromsonMarch 13, 2013
Been here 5+ times
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 BurrellJune 26, 2015
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 MApril 25, 2018
Taco pollo ... ok, Lengua Guisada taco ... amazing، Taco Suadero ... amazing، Bajapescado taco ... WOW
Washington PostAugust 1, 2014
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 BhatiaNovember 28, 2013
The Guacamela with tortilla chips are a must have. Excellent ambience, great vegetarian options and nice service. Will definitely visit again :)
Nela LichtscheidlNovember 18, 2013
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.
EaterJuly 28, 2011
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
CharNovember 13, 2017
Omggggg those tacos are amazing. The grasshopper taco is actually really good! They make fresh guacamole for your table too! Great date location ❤️❤️❤️
Lindsey KimDecember 27, 2014
Deliciously inspired dishes by Iron Chef José Andrés. Can't go wrong with the tacos. Also try the signature fries with mole sauce!
Dan PullmanJuly 11, 2012
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 ZubenkoApril 18, 2016
Ceviche de chamoy is delicious and tender but very spicy - be aware. Oyamel margarita is very sweet. Go with the smoky ones instead.
Patrick McDermottMay 15, 2012
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
LianySeptember 9, 2016
Most amazing ceviche shrimp, every plate we ordered was unique and flavorful and the dessert was amazing café de olla (a must try)
Jessica LettweenMarch 24, 2013
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.
Washington PostOctober 16, 2013
This Mexican playground from creator Jose Andres is a trailblazer. Thanks to recent expansion next door, it's also more comfortable than ever.
Christian WarzochaSeptember 9, 2017
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 GatewoodJune 27, 2017
Tequila selection is amazing. Food is wonderful. I had tacos and enchiladas - delicious. Friendly and attentive staff. Will be back!
Kate KimMay 18, 2014
The guacamole is a MUST! It is amazing with nachos. And try the apple basil lemonade - if it is that day's special.
JerryMay 19, 2019
The Saudero (beef) and Cabrito Pastor (goat) tacos were excellent!!! The meat was super-tender, and the flavor was truly authentic!!!
Lisa HanJune 17, 2017
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 JrFebruary 26, 2013
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 :)
Jane BrowneJanuary 23, 2013
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.
Kory KoryJune 6, 2016
Omg the quesadillas and the braised beef tacos de gaudero are great! I loved the chicken enchiladas with Verde sauce as well!!!!

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