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I was a little concerned when we walked in here because we weren't greeted by the host or hostess and it almost felt like we were going to need to go elsewhere. They eventually took our name and told us it'd be 10-15 minutes for a table. Things got better once we weren't seated. Our server noticed we were given the brunch menu, so he got us the correct menu right away. He was so kind and accommodating. The tables are a little small for the presentation of the food and the noise level is a bit loud, but it is a pretty fun atmosphere. We appreciated they kept our water glasses filled since it was so hot and humid that day. My daughter got the tortilla soup and cheese enchiladas. She enjoyed her meal. I went with a variety of tacos including chicken, carnitas, shredded beef and barbecued pork. I steered clear of the cactus and grasshopper tacos lol! Everything was really good! Glad they were able to turn things around from the first impression.
After visiting the nearby National Museum of Art recently, we were famished and decided to enjoy an early dinner at Oyamel. Here's what I had: * warm, fresh tortilla chips + delish, smooth salsa (I would got back JUST for these, by the way.) * tacos = carnitas + pollo a la parilla * limonada [not pictured] = refreshing, especially on a scorching summer day Our waiter (Juan) was so helpful. We informed him of our food allergies and he was super attentive and cautious with the handling of our orders -- which is something we both appreciated immensely. The receipt shows a QR code to pay for your meal. You can also split the check with your table, which is even more convenient. __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish I read. @dcbook.ishh
Always enjoy the food here! On my most recent visit my server was Larissa and was super hospitable and helpful! We had two gluten allergies at the table and she made us feel taken care of and answered all our questions. My favorite dishes were the appetizers and sides, the equites, guacamole, queso, and refried beans were the best. I found the enchiladas to be a bit bland, but that was all I tried that I didn't care for.
Came on a rainy and very busy Friday night. It is very very loud in the restaurant, the music is so loud that you can't really hear the people at your table. The tables are pushed together so closely that when the waitressing staff attends to tables next to you, they are almost touching your table, which felt a bit unsanitary once our food arrived. But the waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. We got guacamole for the table, which comes with a basket of chips. Every table gets free chips and then afterwards chips are $3 a basket, so be sure to ask for your free chips with your guacamole appetizer. The hibiscus drink and the mojito drink are very pretty and tasted great but are not a strong drinks. I would suggest getting shots if you actually want to experience the alcohol here. The food was good, the beef taco was the favorite. The guacamole was also really good.
The restaurant was crowded on a Wednesday night, but we had a reservation and got seated right away. Make a reservation if you can! The restaurant was lively and the decor matched it. It was a bit loud so conversation with our larger party was difficult. The food was good but nothing memorable. Overall a fun place to with decent food. The prices aren't too crazy.
I'd say our meal was fine, just Ok, nothing great but nothing terrible either. The menu is basically small plates, something we didn't realize until we went to order and the waiter informed us of that. Of the three things we ordered, the queso fundido was our favorite and it's arguably the least interesting thing one could order at a Mexican restaurant. Still we enjoyed it and finished the whole thing. The tamal was very tart and extremely oniony from the marinated onion garnish (can't remember what they called it). I didn't eat it with much of the onion fearing how that might come back to haunt me later. The enchilada was likewise ok, nothing great. In terms of ambiance we were seated at a two top that was a very small table with two uncomfortable plastic feeling chairs, squeezed in what should have been just an empty walkway between two rows of booths. It was very uncomfortable being in the way of the waitstaff and bus staff, and seemed highly questionable if it was up to fire code. Overall I think this is one of those places that takes itself a little too seriously and the food just isn't anything great.
This restaurant from Jose Andres was one of the better elevated Mexican restaurants at which I've eaten. I wasn't super starving so I had a fish taco and the enchiladas. The taco was amazing and was some kind of fried catfish! YUM! And the enchiladas were delicious as well. The green sauce cut through the overabundance of cheesy goodness quite well. I like that you can mix and match tacos so you're not stuck with all of the same one. The menu didn't have a ton of choices, which made deciding a bit easier. They had an amazing bar staff too that was absolutely killing it mixing cocktails. The margaritas were on point and the one had a flair of "salt air" foam instead of a messy, sticky rim. Who wants a messy sticky rim, right?
Oyamel was an awesome vibe and even with great company, the small bites were enough and cocktails flowed to satisfy. Friday night we risked with no reservations and was able to snag a table. One glance at the bar it was elbow to elbow, so we dove right into our dinner. Service was quick and friendly. I chose two pescado Baja (Maryland catfish) tacos and one hongos en molito (wild mushrooms and peppers). Both were delicious and the flavors were nicely layered, however my hongos tacos fell apart on first bite. This was a bit saucy and probably better to get the sauce on the side. The chile de arbol in the pescado was so bold, mmm mmm. To compliment my dinner I chose the mezcal margarita and loved it. It hit that perfect sweet spot - bright citrus Magdala liqueur, followed by a gentle, smoky depth of mezcal that lingered just long enough. Onward to the bar to enjoy some after dinner cocktails and I chose the Estilo Ron Cooper. When I say Dua Lipa's "One Kiss" randomly played in my head as I sipped away, the flavors of this mezcal was fun and delicious. Time was fleeting but had it frozen, I may have tried a few more others and had the bartenders spin me something unique. Our bartenders for the night were very personable and engaging. I'm looking forward to coming back soon.
I was in DC with my friend to see Romeo and Prince Royce at Cap 1 arena. Since we all know that the food there is expensive and not appetizing.. We picked Oyamel which is another restaurant by Jose Andres. Since I'm a fan of Jaleo I knew that I would be in good hands. The menu is crafted to small plates. I picked taco de Lengua (beef tongue) And chicharonnes quesadillas. Both plates were delicious. I had beef tongue tacos before but not like this. Meat was tender and savory. My quesadilla was delicious. The comp chips were good, but house salsa was served warm. It was good too but the house made guac IS A MUST!! Agua fresca de pineapple ... I'm be honest was a miss... for what they charge I expected better.. No garnishes.. completely watered down. . I don't recommend. The choco flan a miss..... very dry the chocolate part very dry and no flavor. Betty Crocker quality cake. The flan wasn't what expected .. very disappointed. Service was good but a lot of the menu items can be hit or miss.. it's like a 50 50 chance you might like.it or not.
Boss pulled up and said "we're going to Oyamel" and that was the right call. Weekday lunch, Penn Quarter, reservation secured because this place does not slow down for anybody. Pitcher of margaritas for the table: smooth, rich, not too strong. Exactly what a group lunch needs without turning into a whole situation. The guacamole is terrific and they'll adjust the spice level to your liking, which is a small thing that goes a long way when you're feeding a whole office with different tolerances. The tacos are built on house-made masa tortillas and you can taste that they care. I did the Pollo à la Parrilla and the Chilito de Res. Both landed. The beef especially, slow-braised and seasoned like they meant it. This is a José Andrés restaurant, so you already know the room has energy. If you're in the District and haven't made this a regular stop, fix that.
I was excited to try this after seeing it was a Jose Andres restaurant! There was a $25 special which included two appetizers and a taco, so I ended up getting the Camarones al Mojo, Frijoles, and Cochnita Pibil taco. I loved the shrimp! This was like a sweet garlic flavor and very generous amount. The Frijoles was like a bean and squash soup which I didn't love. For cocktails, I had the Daisy Margarita. The housemade grenadine was actually pomegranate syrup, and the salt air rolling was very unique!
A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Delicious and beautifully presented cuisine,and the butterfly-themed decor added a dreamy touch. Chips and Salsa: Absolutely amazing! Worth coming just for the complimentary tortilla chips. The corn flavor was incredibly rich, with a subtle undertone; the salsa was perfectly balanced between sour and spicy, with the garlic, onion, and cilantro adding a refreshing and pungent aroma. Everything was just right. Ceviche con Citricos: The dish I was most looking forward to, but it was only so-so. The sauce, made with citrus, pineapple habanero, and Fresno peppers, unsurprisingly had a refreshing and tangy flavor, but it was slightly too sweet and lacked spiciness, significantly diminishing its vibrant and stimulating effect; the bass was also bland in terms of oiliness and sweetness. Salmon would have made it much more delicious. Julienned jicama was sweet and crunchy, which was quite interesting. My friend and I initially thought they were pears. Taco de Lengua: My first time trying a beef tongue taco , and it was definitely the most interesting taco on the menu. The beef tongue was clean and odorless, stewed until tender and juicy, with a savory flavor similar to Chinese lo shui滷水. The salsa, white onion slices, and cilantro were fresh and crisp, creating a complicated texture. The tortilla was baked perfectly, not too dry, and had a good chew. Everything was right too. Quesadilla de Chicharrones: The pork belly was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the fatty parts almost melting in your mouth. It had a rich smoky and marinated flavor, but it was a bit too salty for me. The salsa had melted, reducing its spiciness considerably; it was basically just tomato sauce. The cheese was rich and creamy, softening the flavors--the more the merrier! But that's where the problem lay; the cheese was visibly unevenly distributed. Huarache de Bistec: The bread was very hard and difficult to cut, but the simple, fresh corn aroma was irresistible; the flank steak was tender and savory, and the smoothness of the cream and sunny-side up egg contrasted beautifully with the refreshing salsa. Ladies and gentlemen, please add an egg! Tamarind Juice: Sweeter and lighter than regular tamarind juice. More suitable for a wider audience. The restaurant is very busy, so please make a reservation in advance. Also, since my friend paid the bill, and she went to the restroom while the waiter coming back for the tip and signing, I suggest that we wait for her return, but the waiter refused to wait and insisted that I sign on her behalf. Is this reasonable?
Fantastic food and margaritas! After or BEFORE checking out the National Gallery of Art, I HIGHLY recommend dropping by Oyamel for a Mexican flavor explosion in your mouth. The salsa is PERFECT! I'd suggest a Mezcal margarita to wash it down. I had 3 tacos: Nopal Asado, Pescado Baja California and the crunchy Chapulines (fried crickets). The latter might sound gross but trust me the flavor is excellent and it has lots of protein. I promise you it's not as gross as you might think. The service was perfect. Only when I needed them. Great place for a business lunch or a first date.
4 years ago
**Vegetarian review** I walked in here after a long day, and it was super busy! We got the guacamole (priced at $16!!!), 2 of the vegetarian tacos, and cauliflower fritters. The guacamole is the saving grace really - it was delicious! I still dont think its worth $16 but it was really good with feta, lemon and many types of chilies. The tacos were very disappointing, it felt under seasoned and really like canned beans just thrown in. The taco shell was freshly made it seems, but even that just broke in pieces making it very difficult to enjoy The cauliflower fritters were also very basic - deep fried with some sauces, but not super strong on flavour. I also got the margarita - again not strong and kinda sweet. I do not recommend the place. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alyssa C.
Stephanie, we're delighted you visited our vibrant Oyamel! We…
3 years ago
Jose Andres is my favorite food group. I've been to better restaurants of his, but it was still good. I really liked the guacamole, soup, brussels, and desserts. Caesar was nothing exciting. I wasn't a fan of the tortilla on the tacos. Server was nice. Well decorated restaurant. read more
4 years ago
Forgot to take pictures of the meal -- see pictures of desserts..... EVERYTHING from the staff greeting you at the door to the server who was FANTASTIC to those who took the dishes away to the FOOD -- EXCELLENT to the email THANK YOU FOR COMING ..... This may now be my favorite restaurant of all times !!! YOU GOT TO GO !!! read more
Had an awesome authentic Mexican food experience here at Oyamel! Loved the decor and minimal wait for a table! The food here is excellent! They provide unlimited chips also salsa which were very tasty and have really nice glasses for water and beverages. The food was really delicious and reasonably priced. You can do small plates or family style. We tried many of the options all really tasty and filling. Our waitress was very nice and really helpful with ordering. The watermelon mojito that was recommended was insanely cool and delicious! Overall great experience and perfect food option when you are in DC. read more
2 years ago
Restaurant Review: Oyamel Cocina Mexicana (Bib Gourmand) - Disappointing Experience I didn't think you could go wrong with Mexican food, but this was another Bib Gourmand restaurant that left me wondering why hole-in-the-wall taco spots taste way better and cost half the price. The menu seemed very vegetarian-focused, with limited meat options. We originally planned to do Restaurant Week, but the options were so limited that we ordered off the regular menu instead. Food: 3/5 Tacos (Carnitas, Beef, and Chicken) - Out of the three, the beef taco was the best, but that was only because I added the $2 habanero sauce. Without it, everything was bland, and the meat was tough. Chips & Guacamole - The chips tasted store-bought, and I'm not sure if they're even made in-house. The guacamole is made fresh at the table, which is a nice touch, but I didn't try it since I don't eat guacamole. Ambiance: 2/5 I did not like the decor--too many animal statues and wall art everywhere. Maybe it's part of the "culture," but as a Christian, it made me uncomfortable and gave off false idol vibes. Service: 4/5 The service was attentive and friendly, no complaints there. Final Thoughts: I understand how the Bib Gourmand list works, I can see that Oyamel likely made the cut for its ingredient quality and preparation, rather than bold flavors. But for me, Mexican food is all about flavor, seasoning, and authenticity, and this place just didn't deliver. I've had better tacos at small, no-frills spots for half the price, where the seasoning is spot-on and every bite is packed with flavor. If you're looking for authentic, flavorful Mexican food, I'd skip Oyamel and head to a good taco truck instead. Final Ratings: Food: (2/5) - Bland, overpriced, and tough meat. Ambiance: (2/5) - Uncomfortable decor. Service: (5/5) - Great service. read more
2 years ago
Out of towner here. For those traveling on a per diem in downtown DC make sure you skip a meal or two because this will eat at your allowance - quick. But dang, it's worth it. FYI: Happy hour is only on once side of the bar, period. I was walking back to my hotel and this place is on the corner... and had some room outside. Being curious and hungry I looked them up and found strong positive reviews. I was greeted promptly and kindly. The waiters were enthusiastic enough and not short tempered when explaining my questions. (In passive aggressive Minneapolis - I encountered this often) Flavorful for sure. Gotta ask them to spice it up if you like it spicy. Try them out but make sure your credit card is prepared. Have fun and enjoy! read more
Oyamel Cucina Mexicana is a short walk from the National Mall Area and a good choice for those who want to partake in Taco Tuuuuuesday or any other day for that matter. I ordered the special of the day - Ceviche Tuna Pacifico, then other regular menus items of chips & Guac, Pescado Baja California, Chilorio de Res and my favorite Pollo a la Parilla. Let me get to the chase, the tacos were good - well seasoned, great ingredients (mix between fresh raw veggies and the cooked protein). The Pollo a la Parilla alone is worth the visit. It's perfectly roasted exterior as well as the juicieness you get from every bite is exactly how you want your taco. These tacos aren't the largest, so order 2 or more Pollo and add 2 different type of tacos and you should be fully satisfied at the end of your meal. The other items I mentioned were good, but the Pollo as I said is SPECTACULAR! I didn't try any of their alcoholic beverages, but they do have quite the selection. Maybe I'll try the margarita the next time I come here. Try it out and let me know what you think:-) -ODL Connect with me! IG & YouTube: @AOEAT read more
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alyssa C.
Allyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your candid…
Had a really nice time at Oyamel. The ceviche verde was amazing!! Definitely some of the best ceviche in the city. The ceviche verde was served in a chilled bowl over ice which was a small touch that made a huge difference. It was bright, light, flavorful, and the fish was super tender. The avocado with it was perfect. I also had the spinach tamale, a pineapple agua fresca and a cafe olla coffee for dessert. The only downside is that the portions are pretty small but not quite tapas sized. Everything was good but the ceviche was amazing. The ceviche and tamale was good for one person. I would recommend ordering many dishes to share with the table or ordering two dishes for yourself. The service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere is very casual -- not too loud so a great place to talk. The butterfly decor is a little kitschy but in a cute way. Would definitely come back for the ceviche. read more
9 months ago
Business owner information
Alyssa C.
Mark, thank you for taking the time to share your experience at our…
I'd say it was a 4.5 stars really, but because we really enjoyed our food I put 5. We made reservations online ahead as we are from Detroit and knew we'd need them. That process is easy and they offered a deal on InKind when you buy gift card/credits ahead which was cool. It is very loud in the restaurant. Fun vibe, but hard to talk to tablemates. We loved the food and the server was friendly. Kept our waters and chips filled. We both picked out 3 tacos and a side. My husband got the refried black beans and queso (came with tortillas!) and I got a chicken tamal verde. We both loved the Baja fish taco and the chilorio beef taco. He really liked his pork taco and I liked the bean taco. The chilorio was definitely my favorite and next time I might just get 2 or 3 of them! Everything is basically a la carte for the most part so that makes it fun to pick what you want or customize. We paid using the InKind app right at the table. Super quick and convenient actually. Thanks for a delicious meal! read more
3 years ago
Oyamel makes for an elevated experience. The flavor and texture offered in the menu items are unlike any ordinary Mexican cuisine in the area. It is perfect for a light meal and/or sharing with friends. I visited during happy hour and wasn't disappointed by the items pricing. The mezcal margaritas don't taste too boozy but will definitely get you there. The atmosphere complements the experience with its chic decor and attentive service adding to the charm. read more
2 years ago
I thought this was a very solid Mexican restaurant, and I'm glad one of my friends recommended this place. Good nachos, and good food. We tried various dishes and all of them were good. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and our food came to us pretty quickly. We liked the tacos a lot (we are taco people!), and all the seafood dishes were great. The restaurant is bustling, and it was very busy when we were there, but somehow we still got pretty good service. I would return if I were ever back in the DC area! read more
2 years ago
This restaurant was delicious. My family went for Mother's Day to two Jose Andres restaurants. We ordered the guacamole with our chips because it was one of the best we had ever had, hand mashed and drizzled with lime juice. I had ordered the taco with cricket in it, to try something new. I wouldn't say I'd eat it over a chicken taco but it was good to try new things. I recommend this restaurant to adventurous eaters and the ones who have their mind set on good, authentic Mexican food. read more
Coming from Texas I wasn't expecting the food to be amazing but I was super thrown off and SHOCKED with how small the enchiladas and tacos were. They didn't even come with rice and beans which is kinda insane considering every Mexican restaurant serves rice and beans with their plates. The bill came out to be $82 for 4 tacos, 2 mini enchiladas, and salsa & chips....lol how? They need to close this establishment IMMEDIATELY lmao!! The guacamole was good though, but personally I would NEVER come back here. read more
4 years ago
It is a little hard to pick a restaurant in DC to go to because there are so many highly-rated places in the area. To be honest, the only reason why my sister and I went to Oyamel was because we heard that it was a restaurant that the Obamas frequented. We figured that it has to be a pretty darn good restaurant for the former President and First Lady to have visited multiple times during their time in The White House. Plus, it is a José Andrés restaurant. There is a very high level of attention to details with the aesthetics. The restaurant is beautiful. It is a bright and inviting space with all of the vibrant colors, marigolds, and butterfly artworks. The menu, which is in a brightly-colored booklet, is beautiful too. Even the food and plating are beautiful. The food is really good. My sister and I shared the ceviche con citricos, quesadilla de chicharrones, taco chilorio de res, taco cochinita pibíl con cebolla en escabeche, and jericalla (custard) de chocolate con maracuya. The citrus really enhanced the ceviche and gave it a bright and refreshing taste. The quesadilla and tacos were were packed with flavor. The jericalla was a nice way to end the meal. It was rich but had just the right amount of sweetness. We did not have any drinks, but there is a very extensive tequila menu. There is also the Agave Shop for those who want to purchase a bottle of alcohol. Oyamel is a really nice place with great food, but it is very expensive. The portion sizes are small, which is expected of antojitos, but I expected more for the price. While I had a very nice experience and am glad that I visited Oyamel, it is not at the top of my list to visit again. I prefer my bang for my buck, and there are plenty of other good food options that are more affordable in DC. If money is not an issue for you though, Oyamel is a great place for a meal. read more
3 years ago
Stumbled by this place and so glad I did! Cool and lively atmosphere that captured nightlife in DC. Started off with the complimentary chips and salsa; also ordered some guacamole. I was pleasantly surprised by the chips, freshly made and deliciously peppered and salted. I don't usually eat salsa but I kept going for it until all of it was gone! Salsa was not too spicy and paired perfectly with their chips. Ordered two carnitas tacos and I enjoyed them as well. They were good but I felt like something was missing. I couldn't put my finger to it but maybe some sauce? None the less,it was a good experience and I had a fun time. read more
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alyssa C.
D, gracias for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you savored…
I love Jose andres. I love his food. I love the festive vibes in his establishments. I LOVE all the staff I have ever interacted with. Busy Saturday night post massive concert on the National mall, & line out the door. Hostess stand was a well oiled machine and got us seated in 15 mins. 20 mins after that I had a fabulous skinny margarita, fresh hot chips, freshly made quac- in front of me! Did the radish salad and gf tacos . Love ! read more
The food was delicious! The drinks were good too. I came here for a get together with friends while I was traveling and I'm glad we went here. It was recommended by one of my friends and I see why they like it so much. The service was great. Our server was funny, patient, and informative! The ambiance was pretty cool. I hadn't seen this type of decor in this type of restaurant before. It felt more elevated than the average Mexican restaurant but also had a cozy feel to it. Would definitely come back here. read more
3 years ago
Whenever I'm near the Verizon Center, Oyamel is my spot for a decent margarita! If you come on a weekend afternoon or evening, make sure you make a reservation because it does get crowded. Luckily, my friend and I came with no reservation around 4:30 pm on a Saturday and were told by the hostess we had an hour to dine prior to a party coming in for a reservation. We started with margaritas with salt air. I had the Pomegranate and my friend had the Oyamel. They also make fresh guacamole in the front of the restaurant. We didn't get any this time. I ordered a fish taco and enchiladas. If you've never been, the portions aren't big. Our mains were good though my enchiladas were cold. We also got dessert which was amazingly satisfying. I had the jericalla which was chocolate sorbet, chocolate mousse and passion fruit. I'm not a huge chocolate person but this was so good! My friend had cafe de olla which had coffee ice cream that she raved about. I also had a Destino de oro, which the waiter described as a "tequila old fashioned" which was amazing if you like old fashioneds. To be told we only had an hour, everything came out very quickly! Would recommend for good eats. read more
4 years ago
This is a really cute restaurant and I get what they were going for with decor but there is a spot where there's a giant face on the wall The food was decent and dairy priced, we got two plates to share among 4 people and then a plate each . I had the quesadilla de chicharrones and it was pretty good. We shared the coliflor dish which was tasty , don't think I would recommend the refried beans. It was fine for a restaurant we stumbled upon but I don't think I'll be coming back read more
Came to Oyamel for restaurant week and I was pretty whelmed. Out of the Jose Andres restaurants that I have been to, this was just okay. While the service was excellent, I felt like the foods were either hit or misses. I did like how they provided unlimited chips and salsa which was a highlight but onto what I got for each course. I started off with the ceviche which was like a 4.5 for me. It was fresh, there was a hint of lime, some crunchiness from the onion, and it was ultimately a well-balanced dish. The spicy sauce brought a bit of heat but it was really a delightful and refreshing palate cleanser that made me excited for the rest of the meal. If only the next course could continue that trend... The next course I got was the Albondigas enchipoladas con queso double crema (meatballs in chipotle sauce). To put it simply, it was just not good. I cannot find a saving grace in this dish. The meatballs were dry, there wasn't really any flavor to it, and the meatballs were drowned by the sauce. A 1-2. I got a pork rib as my main course next (I wish I remembered the exact name). This was much better. The meat was tender and there was a nice char, but it needed a sauce to go with it. The onions on the side complimented the ribs, but you wouldn't know to combine them unless you already had a bite. A bit confusing so this was like a high 3/low 4. For the next course, I got the Chilorio de res which was a beef taco. I was not impressed with it. Definitely better than the meatballs but there was nothing special about this dish that I kinda forgot about it after the meal. The saving grace of this meal was the rum cake. Oh my god, it was a 5 from the first bite. I wish I had boughten another to take home. The 3 milks they used with it really elevate it, the caramel on it was so good, and it was lightly spiced. I thought about that rum cake for days. Ultimately, if I had the choice, I would maybe come here for a dessert but would recommend one of Jose Andres's other restaurants. They do seem to have a nice happy hour deal so maybe check it out first and then come back and let us know what you think. read more
9 months ago
Business owner information
Alyssa C.
Moniqke, we're thrilled you and your family had such a wonderful time…
My friends and I had a fabulous time at Oyamel for brunch! The restaurant serves small plates and so it's recommended that you get multiple dishes and share amongst the table. Food was delicious, presentation was beautiful, restaurant lighting was good, and service was good! You can also easily make online reservations which I always appreciate. Location-wise it was conveniently close to the National Mall. For drinks, we got the Mexican Mimosas which had blood orange juice and a real kick to them! For food, it was recommended that we get 6 small plates between the 3 of us. We shared: - Quesadilla Huitlacoche - tortilla with melted monterey jack cheese and Roy Burns Mexican corn truffles - Huevos Rancheros - Chilaquiles con salsa verde y queso - Tamal Uchepo - Local summer corn tamal with Chihuahua cheese and a guajillo chile sauce - Calabacitas con frijoles - Rancho Gordo alubia blanco beans stewed with summer squash, sweet corn and tomato, garnished with queso fresco - Col de Bruselas estilo San Quintín - Crispy Brussels sprouts with a chile de árbol sauce, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and lime Honestly, loved them all but the major stand-outs were the Quesadilla Huitlacoche, Calabacitas con frijoles, and Tamal Uchepo for me. The quesadilla was SO good. I can't really describe it but the filling was creamy, smooth, and phenomenal. The calabacitas really took us by surprise because they were very refreshing. The tamales had an interesting, almost sweet-tasting filling which was new to us. Come to Oyamel for a great time and be prepared to order lots!! read more
Gluten Free: Yes, item specific Casein Free: Yes, item specific Whenever I find myself in DC, I always make it a point to stop by and enjoy a quick meal. Highlights/Tips: + If you wish to dine during a specific time/ table setting, make sure to make a reservation, especially during Covid times. They use OpenTable. + The restaurant can be extremely loud, especially on the main level. + Staff is very friendly and helpful +They do have an allergen menu that is well marked. If you do have a gluten allergy, the chips may be GF; however, due to using the shared fryer to cook to cook them. +The food quality for price is fair. You can walk out of there not spending that much money if you stick to food only. The drinks are what will drive the price of your bill up. + The bathroom is located on the bottom level read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
My friend and I stopped in randomly after wandering around looking for a quick drink before we hit a few clubs in Dupont Circle. Oyamel delivered exactly what we were looking for! The inside is stunning with really beautiful butterfly decorations all over and thoughtfully curated decor. The bartender was kind enough to check if the kitchen was still accepting food orders and when they weren't, he hooked us up with some chips and salsa. I ordered the house margarita and my friend ordered a tequila and club soda. She requested a specific kind of tequila but the bartender recommended another tequila that was lesser known and came from a family owned distillery. My friend ended up LOVING her drink! We thanked him for his expert recommendation and he pulled out the bottle and told us a little about the company. That's how you know a bartender really loves their job! I would definitely return to try out the food and order a few more drinks. The inside is really cute, the prices are average for DC, and the service was spot on. Gracias! read more
Oyamel is conveniently located a few minutes from the metro. The restaurant had some outdoor seating which would be nice if it was too humid out. Staff was very friendly and attentive, however, food was a huge let down! Chips and salsa were ok. Guacamole felt like it was missing some ingredients and flavor wasn't there. The tapas themselves were pricey and portions were small. Honestly, the only dish I'd recommend is the ceviche which was light and delicious. Okra was fried but not crispy, sauce was bland. Watermelon salad was decent. The rice and tamale had good flavor. Fish taco I would def not recommend, no crunch in the fish so it was a bit soggy and lacked flavor. The skirt steak was tough the chew. The shrimp was flavorful but was small. Would not come here again if I wanted to get tapas as there are so many other great options for food in this area. read more
2 years ago
10 months ago
This is my second google review I've ever posted but I feel like this should be known; I mean all of this in the utmost respectful way in hopes both future diners are able to see and the restaurant can maybe try a new process. My wife and I went here for our anniversary today 1/17/26 at 2pm nearing the end of brunch. When we arrived the outside looked gorgeous and so did the inside. The hostess was very kind and immediately greeted us and after we told her we had a reservation and then almost immediately she had went over and seated us in the back right corner booth/ chair setup. It took about 5 minutes for the server to come out which was no issue as it still seemed a little busy from the brunch rush. Our server, Amayrani, came out and provided us water options as well as asked if we had any food allergies or restrictions which was very kind, and then we slowly stated to see things fall apart. She came back with water and the chips and salsa that come complimentary around 10 minutes later and then disappeared for almost 15 minutes. At this point we were ready to order and are waiting for her to come back to our table. We see her come out and take care of 2 other tables, one being right beside of us, at around the 20 minute mark of us waiting and I make eye contact with her and then she leaves and once again I am trying to be understanding as I know being a server cannot be an easy job. She then finally comes back and asks if we were ready to add drinks or maybe an appetizer but at that point my wife and I were ready just order everything together (mimosas and apps/entrees). Our food first plate comes by around 5 minutes after we order from the kitchen staff which made us hopeful but at that point we had not gotten the chance to get a refill of water or our drinks we ordered but once again understood that maybe this was treated as an appetizer. We finish our food and and wait which is around 12 more minutes with no refill or drinks brought out and then the entrees portion comes out and at this point my wife and I start growing a little frustrated since this is the final course and our server has not came back to check on us but had passed around multiple tables. My wife politely spoke to one of the other servers who was bussing the table beside of us and asked if we could get the drinks we had ordered around 30 minutes ago or even just a refill and she took about a 30 second pause and looked at my wife in annoyance and said yes and then left. About 5 more minutes go buy and our food it's starting to get cold and then our waitress comes out with the drinks we had ordered which was just a picture of mimosas and she doesn't really say anything at this point she just pours the drinks and then leaves and comes back and offers us water as well and then leaves. We finish our food and sit and wait for another 15 more minutes to order dessert but at this point we were pretty frustrated with the service so decide not to get dessert. The waitress finally comes over and asks if we'd like dessert in which we say no and we'd like the check which was brought out fairly promptly along with a complimentary glass of champagne for it being our anniversary which we were extremely grateful for but it did not make up for how poor the rest of the dining experience was. We noticed the manager/hostess had to come out and actually bring chips and salsa to a couple of other tables in our section because the had also been waiting so long but a few guests in our section were immediately taken care of and regularly checked in on by our waitress which we found a bit odd and after around 10 minutes of being there the brunch rush had died down so there were actually multiple tables vacant in our section so it would have seemed that we would get more interaction with our waitress. The only thing saving this from being a one star is the food; the food was absolutely phenomenal and with my wife and I being natives of central and South American countries we absolutely loved. I am adding my receipt in the photos for proof we were there. I am not here to bash the restaurant but I truly hope they are able to work on the service issues and to also help future patrons know the possibility ( although low) that this might occur to them read more
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Alyssa C.
First and foremost, thank you kindly for taking your time and sharing…
We wanted a José Andrés restaurant experience and were able to get two seats at the bar at Oyamel. Glad we did! Prices are reasonable. The most expensive thing we had was the guacamole and it was huge (and well worth it)! We also tried the Oyamel margaritas. They came with salt foam. Interesting in a good way. We also each ordered two tacos. I had the mushroom and the frijoles. My friend got the mushroom and the beef. We both decided we would order two mushroom tacos the next time. Bar service was friendly and our water was refilled often (which was great on that scorcher of a day). I would perhaps call for a reservation. I think we got extremely lucky. (There was a crazy Spanish TV show playing behind the bar that just captivated me. It was like Hee Haw meets Pee Wee Herman!) read more
3 years ago
I came here with coworkers (large party of 12) and chose their restaurant week $40 for 5 courses menu (4 small plates and 1 dessert). I also had an agua fresca with tamarind which was refreshing and nonalcoholic. The food was amazing and I definitely felt full by the end. The staff was very knowledgeable and organized with the menu, took all of our orders in a single round, and no mistakes. Very impressed with their service so I highly recommend them! read more
Stopped by for dinner with a few friends. The first thing to note is that the place is VERY noisy. I was sitting right across the table from my friend and could barely hear him speak. If the weather permits, I'd definitely recommend sitting outside. A plus about this establishment is the wide selection of tequila that is offered. A con about the place are the tacos. I echo the other reviews about the flaky tortillas. I tried the Pescado Baja California and Chilorio de res tacos and neither was anything special. I felt they both lacked a lot of flavor and the tortillas were really hard to dismiss. Also, I knew DC was expensive but $5 for these tiny tacos seems a bit excessive. If you are really hungry, I'd say 4 tacos is the minimum to order. Probably won't come back but if I did, I'd sit on the patio and shy away from the tacos. read more
I came here for a friend's birthday dinner and it was amazing. I loved the interior, food, and staff was so friendly! I ordered the plato de suadero and it was super filling. The brisket was so tender and the veggies surrounding it were cooked perfectly. It was quite a lot of food and would recommend getting it! For dessert, we had the cafe de olla which was super interesting as it was giving a deconstructed vibe. I think the pieces were good by themselves but when mixing them I was confused. I probably wouldn't get it again. Definitely coming back! read more
More info about Oyamel
401 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20004
Penn Quarter
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(202) 628-1005
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https://www.oyamel.com/location/washington-dc/
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Oyamel - mexican - Updated November 2026
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