Loved the interior design, the friendliness of the staff, and for sure the great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pablo Pérez de Blas
Probably one of my favorite restaurants in DC. Great place with great staff offering real Mexican platillos with that singular touch that makes Oyamel special.The chips served are singular and tasty, seasoned to surprise your palate. Ordering a guacamole, that you can see how is made right there, is always a good choice.The most recommended plate is the huitlacoche quesadillas, they are simply delicious. Tacos and enchiladas are tasty and won’t disappoint you at any level.I’ve personally been here six times, and unfortunately the last one was not the best. Chips seasoning was not correctly achieved and tortillas in some tacos were cold. But a bad day can happen to anyone, other than that the other five times were a real Mexican dining experience without a doubt.Staff are very attentive, offering recommendations if needed. And price here is very affordable. For a party of two, I recommend ordering 3-4 plates to share (quesadillas, tacos, main) and a dessert. Cafe de olla and chocolate maracuyá are extraordinary.Lastly, margaritas here are made with passion, and the perfect touch. Definitely one of the best margaritas in Washington DC.Congratulations to Oyamel team
We are at Oyamel for happy hour yesterday. While the service was fine, and the atmosphere was lovely, the tacos had almost no flavor. We mostly ate off their happy hour menu so I am not sure if this holds true for all their tacos but we were definitely disappointed by the lackluster presentation. The corn tortillas certainly came from a bag, which is fine, but at least toast them on a skillet. We had their braised beef (not HH), the chicken, and the carnitas. All of which were really lacking in flavor.I will say the drinks were excellent including the mojito and the margarita.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Oyamel Margarita
Mathuaerknedam !
Tacos were good, but the tres leches was incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tres Leches Cake
Max Dougan
Very nice! I recommend the chefs choice...6 course and you don't worry about choosing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Guacamole, Ceviche Verde, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Guacamole, Oyamel Margarita, Quesadilla De Chicharrones, Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo Negro
Marissa Collins
The food is very good, there's really no arguing that. I didn't love everything, but there was a ton of variety, even for a vegetarian such as yours truly.The service was fine — nothing to write home about, though I did appreciate one server tipping me off that at least one of the dishes under "vegetables" isn't vegetarian.The problem is with the physical plant of the restaurant. First of all, the only restrooms are in the basement (so if you have mobility issues, I hope you can put your bladder on hold). Secondly, the NOISE. The acoustics are atrocious, and no one makes an effort to get the average diner to keep their bleeping voices down. There was a large group of birthday celebrants across the room from us and they practically ruined the night, they were so loud. And the sound bounced off every surface in the place and came reverberating back to us. Awful.Vegetarian options: Make sure you ask your server if a dish is actually vegetarian or not.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
la kalman
One of my favorite restaurant in Washington DC. Cheerfull welcomed atmosphere combined with very tasty food and good service.Bravo?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Guacamole, Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Quesadilla
Lane
Probably because I grew up on authentic Mexican food, but was not very impressed. Also, waitress did not listen. Highlight was their, coffee ice cream dessert.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
Ashton Mathias
- FOOD: Ordered the quesadilla de chicharrones and three tacos (chapulines/grasshoppers, hongos en molito, chilorio de res).- The quesadilla was excellent. 2 of the 3 tacos were good but nothing spectacular - The chapulines taco was a unique experience and flavourful.- They offered us fresh chips and salsa prior to our meal which was great.- Think i ordered too much food - 1 quesadilla and 1.5 tacos would have been sufficient.- SERVICE: Excellent and very helpful.- AMBIENCE: Restaurant felt very lively and pleasant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Quesadilla De Chicharrones, Grasshopper Taco
felicia colvin
Nice downtown Mexican restaurant. Table side guacamole was great. Tacos were good. Beans, not good and not hot. Drinks were good.
For a Mexican restaurant, they treat the Mexicans themselves badly, the waiter told us that he couldn't give us service so we could leave, we weren't going to ask for a gift, very very bad experience, I don't recommend it, I recommend the mezcalero better.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
swingerofbirches
As someone with food allergies, I am so grateful for Oyamel! They are more accommodating to food allergies than any other restaurant I have ever been to. And everything is delicious!! It’s a wonderful place. Go here immediately, you won’t be disappointed. Get the enchiladas. If you have food allergies like me, ask for the allergen friendly menuDietary restrictions: The best restaurant for dietary restrictions. They are very accommodating and will make almost anything on the menu specific to your needs. I love them for that
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole
Manuel Arias
I need to be honest I was a big fan of Oyamel before but the quality of the food is really poor now , the only think that was good was the fresh guacamole ! But the tacos , the quesadilla it taste no fresh at all the services bar is as great if I’m doing this review is because is my It's my third time going there to eat and I always leave with a horrible stomach ache.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Mia C
We had a lovely time here. I ordered the white shrimp entree and the white beans dish that was pale green with asparagus and the enchilada; all were delicious. Chips and salsa was great as a free starter. We sat at this mini bar section and the 2 wait staff there gave us exceptional service. I casually mentioned something about the shrimp dish being a tad salty and they just decided to send me a less salty replacement dish and recommended a vegetable dish to complement it.Five-star Service: Very nice and attentive staff but also leave you be to enjoy your meal so was a pretty relaxed atmosphere.Parking: Better off taking the metroKid-friendliness: Ok if bringing older kids
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Albondigas Enchipotladas Con Queso Doble Crema, Classic
Loved the interior design, the friendliness of the staff, and for sure the great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Probably one of my favorite restaurants in DC. Great place with great staff offering real Mexican platillos with that singular touch that makes Oyamel special.The chips served are singular and tasty, seasoned to surprise your palate. Ordering a guacamole, that you can see how is made right there, is always a good choice.The most recommended plate is the huitlacoche quesadillas, they are simply delicious. Tacos and enchiladas are tasty and won’t disappoint you at any level.I’ve personally been here six times, and unfortunately the last one was not the best. Chips seasoning was not correctly achieved and tortillas in some tacos were cold. But a bad day can happen to anyone, other than that the other five times were a real Mexican dining experience without a doubt.Staff are very attentive, offering recommendations if needed. And price here is very affordable. For a party of two, I recommend ordering 3-4 plates to share (quesadillas, tacos, main) and a dessert. Cafe de olla and chocolate maracuyá are extraordinary.Lastly, margaritas here are made with passion, and the perfect touch. Definitely one of the best margaritas in Washington DC.Congratulations to Oyamel team
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Guacamole, Oyamel Margarita, Grasshopper Taco, Queso Fundido Con Tequila, Quesadilla Huitlacoche
We are at Oyamel for happy hour yesterday. While the service was fine, and the atmosphere was lovely, the tacos had almost no flavor. We mostly ate off their happy hour menu so I am not sure if this holds true for all their tacos but we were definitely disappointed by the lackluster presentation. The corn tortillas certainly came from a bag, which is fine, but at least toast them on a skillet. We had their braised beef (not HH), the chicken, and the carnitas. All of which were really lacking in flavor.I will say the drinks were excellent including the mojito and the margarita.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Oyamel Margarita
Tacos were good, but the tres leches was incredible.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tres Leches Cake
Very nice! I recommend the chefs choice...6 course and you don't worry about choosing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Guacamole, Ceviche Verde, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Guacamole, Oyamel Margarita, Quesadilla De Chicharrones, Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo Negro
The food is very good, there's really no arguing that. I didn't love everything, but there was a ton of variety, even for a vegetarian such as yours truly.The service was fine — nothing to write home about, though I did appreciate one server tipping me off that at least one of the dishes under "vegetables" isn't vegetarian.The problem is with the physical plant of the restaurant. First of all, the only restrooms are in the basement (so if you have mobility issues, I hope you can put your bladder on hold). Secondly, the NOISE. The acoustics are atrocious, and no one makes an effort to get the average diner to keep their bleeping voices down. There was a large group of birthday celebrants across the room from us and they practically ruined the night, they were so loud. And the sound bounced off every surface in the place and came reverberating back to us. Awful.Vegetarian options: Make sure you ask your server if a dish is actually vegetarian or not.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
One of my favorite restaurant in Washington DC. Cheerfull welcomed atmosphere combined with very tasty food and good service.Bravo?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Guacamole, Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Quesadilla
Probably because I grew up on authentic Mexican food, but was not very impressed. Also, waitress did not listen. Highlight was their, coffee ice cream dessert.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
- FOOD: Ordered the quesadilla de chicharrones and three tacos (chapulines/grasshoppers, hongos en molito, chilorio de res).- The quesadilla was excellent. 2 of the 3 tacos were good but nothing spectacular - The chapulines taco was a unique experience and flavourful.- They offered us fresh chips and salsa prior to our meal which was great.- Think i ordered too much food - 1 quesadilla and 1.5 tacos would have been sufficient.- SERVICE: Excellent and very helpful.- AMBIENCE: Restaurant felt very lively and pleasant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Quesadilla De Chicharrones, Grasshopper Taco
Nice downtown Mexican restaurant. Table side guacamole was great. Tacos were good. Beans, not good and not hot. Drinks were good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fresh Guacamole, Quesadilla
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing Mexican food and beautiful decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
For a Mexican restaurant, they treat the Mexicans themselves badly, the waiter told us that he couldn't give us service so we could leave, we weren't going to ask for a gift, very very bad experience, I don't recommend it, I recommend the mezcalero better.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
As someone with food allergies, I am so grateful for Oyamel! They are more accommodating to food allergies than any other restaurant I have ever been to. And everything is delicious!! It’s a wonderful place. Go here immediately, you won’t be disappointed. Get the enchiladas. If you have food allergies like me, ask for the allergen friendly menuDietary restrictions: The best restaurant for dietary restrictions. They are very accommodating and will make almost anything on the menu specific to your needs. I love them for that
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole
I need to be honest I was a big fan of Oyamel before but the quality of the food is really poor now , the only think that was good was the fresh guacamole ! But the tacos , the quesadilla it taste no fresh at all the services bar is as great if I’m doing this review is because is my It's my third time going there to eat and I always leave with a horrible stomach ache.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
We had a lovely time here. I ordered the white shrimp entree and the white beans dish that was pale green with asparagus and the enchilada; all were delicious. Chips and salsa was great as a free starter. We sat at this mini bar section and the 2 wait staff there gave us exceptional service. I casually mentioned something about the shrimp dish being a tad salty and they just decided to send me a less salty replacement dish and recommended a vegetable dish to complement it.Five-star Service: Very nice and attentive staff but also leave you be to enjoy your meal so was a pretty relaxed atmosphere.Parking: Better off taking the metroKid-friendliness: Ok if bringing older kids
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chips and Salsa, Albondigas Enchipotladas Con Queso Doble Crema, Classic