50 Best Latin American Restaurants near Hillcrest Heights

“Hi everyone. At work a handful of coworkers trying to debate on what's actually good since we are using a service app. An avid coworker tells us he has service stock for the frequented place. Ok I embellished a bit, no stock, but he orders from there a lot. He usually gets chicken rice and something. I check the menu with hungry eyes on an empty stomach. To my surprise of arrival, the meal stops short of NOTHING! As you can see the other half is in the plate. It's pretty much self explanatory except I ate half of a half. This 188 lady couldn't take the pressure she gives. ok now order the same and tell me what you think. Enjoy.“

“Bri was suchhh an amazing server!! 11/10 experience. It was my first time at this restaurant and she was so patient walking me through the menu and had great recommendations for my dietary restrictions. Such an amazing experience and great food. Thank you Bri!!“

“Our dinner was a truly unique experience. The service was exceptional and loved the ambiance. We had a wonderful Chilean rose (wine) which was a nice surprise. I would wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone. Thank you for an unforgettable dinner!“

“Orders are placed via phone or you can order at the counter but the tip defaults to 22%. I’m a generous tipper but am annoyed at this, esp when our server didn’t return with sugar after being asked for it or to check up on us. Otherwise, it’s a very cozy place.“

“I went to Imperfecto for a work event and was very impressed with the beautiful decor and ambiance. The service was incredible, and the food followed suit. The truffle pasta was a highlight. I also had the eclair for dessert which was also delicious!“

“My wife and I had dinner on our anniversary and the food and service was outstanding. The menu is full of outstanding options and the atmosphere and vibe is great for date night or dinner with friends. Definitely one of the best restaurants in DC!“

“I went to Sabores with friends for Restaurant Week. We had an incredible experience from beginning to end. Everything was delicious and the servings were more than generous. We left fully satisfied, and I know I will be back again and again! I highly recommend the roasted beet salad, the churrasco, and the passion fruit cheesecake. My friends loved the pan con jamon, the bacon wrapped dates, and the arepitas. Really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu! The service was impeccable, and the ambiance was beautiful. I loved that we could hold a conversation without yelling across the table at each other. Many thanks to all the wonderful staff and the manager/owner, Ale, who took such wonderful care of us.“

“I ate my empanadas immediately upon it hitting the table so I didn't get a picture, holy god they were delicious. Get the lime (?) sauce with them as it makes them damn near euphoric. Great service from the bartender and chefs, highly recommend if you can get a seat!“

“I got the pollo frito with tostones on the side and a little pickled slaw on top. It was delicious - reminded me of how my grandma fried chicken. Crispy and flavorful. The tostones were crispy too. I just wish you got one more piece of chicken for $18. Overall, totally worth it.“

“Mama Chepas is fantastic and should be packed all the time! They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week- no easy feat! Everything I've had there has been delicious. Favorites are Pollo con Tejadas, pupusas, fajitas, birria tacos, fish tacos, and bread pudding. Even their rice and beans are super flavorful! Portions are generous, prices are fair, and taste is outstanding. And the service is fast and friendly. It's easy to order takeout online as well. Don't sleep on this hidden gem!!! Let's make sure they stay in the neighborhood for a long time!“

“I had a late lunch and ordered the churrasco (skirt steak.) What I got was a riot of delicious flavors. The steak was topped with sautéed onions and parsley with a grilled Serrano. The last is not for the faint of heart. The sides included rice, pico de gallo and a South American version of mixed vegetables with a Peruvian green sauce in the middle. Freshly fried tortillas with cilantro chutney came separately. Did I say that it was all flavorful? The only thing I didn't like was the saltiness of the rice. While rice needs salt, it should never be noticeable especially to the extent of competing for dominance. This is why I had to dock a star. I should mention that my meal was gluten-free.“

“This is a great local spot that serves yummy margaritas! They were busy, when we were seated but the service was on point. They never forgot about us, and made sure we always had full drinks and fresh chips/salsa. The steak quesadilla was delicious!“

“Super cool spot!!!!!!!! I’ve been coming here since Wilfredo first opened his doors. I’ve come to think of it as a home away from home. The food is exactly what the doctor ordered after a long days work. Karaoke Tuesdays has completely brought me out of my shell. It’s definitely become a hidden gem for the Brightwood community. I highly recommend stopping in and checking it out.“

“Bar tenders were delightful, the view of the Capitol at night was spectacular and the food was so good I went back the following night to eat the same thing again! Chef stopped at the tables to check on his guests and thank them for coming!“

“Best Tex Mex restaurant in the Alexandria - Belle Haven area. This is my go to spot when I'm craving Tex Mex. Food: If you dine in, make sure to get the steak fajitas - you won't be disappointed. The fajitas come out sizzling out, and the steak is actually of great quality and comes topped with melted butter for an added taste. Recently, I've been binging their Birria Tacos which are very tasty, and comes with great sauces. Service: the service is absolutely fantastic. I was able to chat with the owner and he is a very down to earth and authentic himself, great to support our local small businesses! Ambience: It is very clean and they do a great job of spacing our guests when it's not peak hours. They play great music, and the main area can even get lively as the night progresses. If you search Mexican food in Alexandria, a few will come up that's highly rated - but trust me, 2 Jefes is at the top.“

“While I haven't visited this restaurant in-person, my orders through GrubHub have been on point!! The chicken is flavorful and seasoned well, and juicy. The sides are filling and are also very good. I got the brussel sprouts and fries. The brussel sprouts are coated with a carmelized type of ingredient that packs a big much. The only negative about them is that they are usually pretty big which makes it hard to eat them whole like normal sized ones, so keep a knife handy to cut them smaller. The fries were also very good. I must say the sauces are probably the best I've had out of all similar chicken spots, especially the green sauce!! Oh my, my, my!!! I just had them for lunch today and I'm really contemplating on ordering them for dinner - they are just that good!“

“I’ve been eating here since I was 8 and every time I return to DC this is my first stop. No other chicken place compares. I dream about the dark meat + white sauce + Inca cola combo and would gladly have it for my last meal on earth. Beyond grateful for this epic institution ?“

“We did carry out so I can't be totally sure of the atmosphere but it seemed nice. The food is fantastic, and I say run over to get some! Absolutely everything we tried was beyond fantastic. $30 total including tip for two people, and we had some leftovers for the next day.Dietary restrictions: I am gluten free and the pupusas are GF, plus so much else. I have a ton of choices here. Also if you are vegetarian there are lots of good options.“

“El Cielo made our Valentine’s celebration a memorable experience! I wanted to surprise my husband this year and the CCO, Pedro, was very helpful when it came to helping me with last minute reservations. The entire staff was friendly, eloquent, and very professional. My husband and I are both Spanish speakers (it is our mother tongue) and we loved interacting with the staff in Spanish (this made it so much more special to us). Now, as for the food. Let me just start by saying that when I told my husband what our dining experience would be like, he was very skeptical. He is an amateur fighter, and when he is not doing “fighting camps” he LOVES to eat. When we arrived he was already making plans to go eat arepas after, to finish filling his tummy. Needles to say, arepas did not happen after, as he was extremely full from all the courses. Each meal was beautifully presented, and tasted just as divine! We loved knowing what each meal represented and they are all a beautiful homage to Colombia. The atmosphere in El Cielo, is very cozy. The aesthetics of the restaurant itself makes you feel like you are eating at a friends house. From the decorations to the music. Y para terminar, usando las palabras de mi hermoso esposo después de finalizar nuestra cena “Parce, toda esta comida estaba tan rica que te hace sentir que estás en el cielo”. El Cielo, un nombre tan propio para este encantador lugar. Nuevamente, muchísimas gracias a todos por hacer, y ser parte, de esta experiencia única e inolvidable para nosotros. Hasta la próxima!“

“I am so happy to have a restaurant of this caliber in Friendship Heights. It's the sort of dining experience I expect to have downtown but I'm thrilled to have it just around the corner from my home. We came in without reservations on a Saturday night and had no problem getting a table (again, a place like this would be packed if it were downtown or somewhere like U Street). The food, cocktails, and service were great. Jose took good care of us. They are not kidding when they say the XL plates are meant to be shared--we split the short rib sandwich and it was massive. We ordered a few appetizers and the scallops with the toasted bread was our favorite (maybe ask for more bread so you can fully soak up that excellent parmesan sauce!). And leave room for dessert! We had the ube ice cream and it was fantastic.“

“Found restaurant while looking for an affordable place near our downtown hotel within walking distance. Food was great. Wish there had been a little better description when ordering, but it likely would have caused me to order more. Wish they had fountain soda rather then cans only.“

“Saga restaurant in DC offers a delightful dining experience with its fresh vegetables and fruit, complemented by a selection of top-quality teas. The attentive staff ensures a pleasant atmosphere, adding to the overall enjoyment of the meal.“

“A perfectly small size business with a home-cooked meal type vibe. They understood the assignment on authentic Cuban food. We loved everything from the appetizers to our main dish. I couldn't finish everything. I took it in a box to go and definitely finished it before my plane ride home.“

“Nice really nice small Guatemalan restaurant in the heart of Washington DC!Service was really good (one lady show) perfect. Waiting time was short!Food was great… Guate tamales extremely good… freshly fried chicken empanadas!! Guac n chips.. guac could be a bit more, true Guatemalan flavor… and crema… good crema! Yes Guatemala crema flavor!“

“This new arrival to P St NW in DuPont is going to be a hit. There is finally a spot with good tacos in DC!Music is cool upbeat EDM and the atmosphere is clean and modern.The prices are reasonable at $15-$25 for a good sized meal.I'm looking forward to coming back with friends to try their 4:30-7:30 happy hour.“

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️I can't raive enough on how delicious this food is. Honestly, it's made with love, and not only that, the chef came out and spoke to me. I had a great conversation with him. how professional to make me feel so welcomed and at home. For anyone in the local area or in the area, I highly recommend this location.So far as I sit here, he continues to greet customers, making them feel welcomed.????????????????What I noticed is that everyone greets them like family, The food did not take long at all..To chef's where on it quickly and fresh..As you can see in my video....I'm very happy I found this place...LET'S SHOW THEM LOVE??????????????????????TRULY AMAZING??????They offer catering for parties at competitive rates??????“

“(Translated by Google) Excellent atmosphere, cordial treatment, Creole flavor. I am from South America, and although seasonings, colors and flavors differ, I go regularly because the food tastes good. Recommended.(Original)Excente ambiente, trato cordial, sabor criollo. Soy de Sudamérica, y si bien sazones, colores y sabores difieren, voy regularmente porque la comida tiene buen sabor. Recomendado.“

“I recently visited Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa in Capitol Heights, MD, and I must say, their rotisserie chicken is exceptional. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, boasting a crispy skin outside and tender, juicy meat inside. It's no wonder the restaurant has garnered an impressive **4.5-star rating** from numerous satisfied customers.The portions are generous, ensuring you get great value for your money. And it's not just the chicken that's delicious – the plantains and the green sauce complement the meal wonderfully, adding to the overall flavor profile.While some diners have mentioned the service can be a bit slow during peak hours, and a few have noted the dishes can be a tad salty, these minor points don't detract from the overall high-quality dining experience.Sardi's is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM, which is convenient for both lunch and dinner plans. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this spot has you covered. Just remember to consider the salt content if you're watching your sodium intake, and maybe plan around the busy times if you're in a rush. Overall, Sardi's Pollo A La Brasa is a must-visit for anyone craving flavorful Peruvian cuisine in Capitol Heights.“

“Such a great dinner experience: Calamari- fabulous. Was fresh, not heavy over battered no was it overcooked. It was perfect. Seaweed Salad: highly recommend. Seasoned so well. Dragon roll & Mate: the rolls were good however the dressing was VERY heavy handed. Our rolls were drowning in sauce.“

“Great food and great service! Love the chip and dips they served. I also love how servers were making sure that we had everything we needed. And when we asked for more additions toppings, they didn't hesitate to bring more! Definitely recommend the fajitas with steak! My new favorite!“

“When you need a taste of Bolivia, whether you are Bolivian or not, stop by Saya Salteña in DC. Their food is great! They have salteñas, humintas, relleno de papa, cuñapes, sopa de mani, and so much more. Oh, how could I forget, they have my favorite, mocochinchi. And to add the cherry on top their customer service is superb! A definite must have.Vegetarian options: They have vegetarian salteñas.“

“Arepa Zone has great food and service. I've tried multiple things here, and some of the entrees that I would personally recommend to people are the canosa arepa, pabellon arepa, and arepa domino. There's also the pabellon bowl, which you can choose between beef, chicken, pork, and veggie. I love how, with the beef pabellon bowl, the beef is cooked with a sort of stew flavor, while the beans don't have too much liquid, as it can be sometimes with Chipotle. There's also a good amount of basmati rice, which could use a bit more flavoring in my opinion, but the flavor of the plantain complements the beef.Overall, I highly recommend the pabellon bowls and arepas. Arepas are quite filling, so I would say that they are worth the price you receive. Pabellon bowls are fairly reasonable for being in DC.Vegetarian options: They have vegan and vegetarian arepas, and veggie pabellon bowlsDietary restrictions: They offer gluten-free options.Wheelchair accessibility: It is in Western Market, which has a ramp.“

“I've been a loyal customer of Las Placitas for over two decades! I've followed them from their old location to their new location here in Navy Yard. Their food never disappoints and it's a place you can come to whine down. Don Jose is the face of the restaurant and he's one of the main reasons I always come back! I couldn't recommend this place enough“

“Looking for an authentic Honduran food restaurant & this is it. The staff are friendly & knowledgeable about the food even though all the servers weren't from Honduras, but I was assured all the cooks are Honduran. The food was wonderful with large portions. One of the fish dishes was served as a whole fish, head & tail! It was amazing. The inside dining room is small. There is also an outdoor area.“

“Was a great comfortable vibe, loved the strawberry margarita, will be returning for one. Food was lovely as well. Definitely my new spot.Kid-friendliness: Was very sweet to my niece. Offered her a nice cup of lemonade. She was shy at first but she opened up after her lemonade lol!“

“I am home sick and just needed something tasty as comfort food. I had been craving nachos and looked up options for delivery. Lo and behold, J & J has nachos that don't break the bank and are tasty. I'm a fan of keeping simple food simple but they managed to do that while making very tasty nachos. It also included three sauces which kicked up the flavor. The delivery arrived super quick and was accurate so 10/10 for service.“

“ONE OF THE BEST In DC still can't get enough of the swirl frozen margaritas. Food is always consistent. I've been in DC at least a decade always enjoyable, small wait time for table.Parking: Have a lot but it fills quickly. Annex parking is a couple blocks away and then DC street parking will be a challenge.Kid-friendliness: Yes accommodates children well.Wheelchair accessibility: Will need assitance to get to first dinning level“

“My first time at a Cuban restaurant and it was amazing. The steak and shrimp were perfectly marinated and cooked. And the margaritas? So good! The live music and dance floor at the bar added a whole new level of fun. Loved the unique decor too - definitely a vibe!“

“I can only tell what I have seen in this place. I haven't eaten here yet. I only come here for business. But I can tell you from what I see the place is crowded and when I look around the place everybody is smiling while they're eating and that indicates they are enjoyi g the food.“

“Oh my goodness! Those arepas are ridiculously delicious! Perfectly seasoned and plenty of meat! The shredded chicken Catira was AMAZING! Also had the yuca balls. Yummy too! I purchased one of their sauces and it was delicious with just the right kick! Definitely in my top 5 favorites!“

“The guy at the front went back and gave his mother the order and she made it. A place that has the Mama working in the back spells amazing and the food was excellent and pretty darn authentic. I have not seen any Mexican restaurants in the area with the true family preparation. Generally see the commercialized sell out of a business model. This is my place.“

“This is the third time I go to maizal and the food is amazing. I always have to ask them to put more food on my plate but other than that the service is good. The only reason I gave a 3 star for the service is because the menu has a halal sign on it but when I asked the staff if all the meat provided is halal or just the chicken, the were clueless they didn’t even know what the meaning of the word halal and they didn’t even notice it on the menu on display. I had to show it to them. It was embarrassing. Other customers were looking perplexed. The place is amazing and so is the food but the staff need to be educated so they are aware about other religion and what halal is. :)“

“Hi everyone,It's been a while but I'm back. My family and I love this place. The food is very flavorful and the sides shocked me as they are as good as they look. I had only had yellow rice (arroz Amarillo.. hopefully I spelled that correctly). In Dominican Republic but this rice when smothered in sauteed onions is amazing. I'm about half way through trying everything on the menu and the only thing that wasn't what I expected was the rotisserie chicken. It wasn't bad just not as amazing as my favorite spot. Look out for its review if I haven't already. Oh and if you hablo español then you will surely appreciate this place.Vegetarian options: The veggies are seasoned very well. And I'm from the South if that matters.Parking: Shopping center provides ample parkingWheelchair accessibility: Yes it is wheel chair accessible“

“Local and authentic Pupusería. $6 for 2. Fresh and made to order, lots of options but I went with just bean and cheese and cheese. Service was friendly and fast. The restaurant is small on the inside but there's a pretty large outdoor covered patio. Definitely recommend and would be interested in their other offerings.“

“Pound for pound in terms of price, still the best Mexican restaurant I have been to on the East Coast. The selection of meats make the difference. Goat, tripe, tongue, carnitas....you want it? they've had it sitting in a cauldron of tasty sauce all day, marinated and ready for you to eat. Go for the tripe taco, the goat burrito, or the plata especial with verdes pork. Wash it all down with Horchata.“

“Went there with a group of friends late at night, when almost all other restaurants in the area were closed. The service was friendly and fast, and the food was tasty. They had great music playing and the ambiance was nice. Would definitely recommend this place!“

“My boyfriend and I live close by and we love this place. We’ve been going here for over a year now. Fantastic tacos and papusas, always delicious. The owner is really nice, always remembers us when we come in, and service is fast. Highly recommend!“

“Fantastic! I got the birria beef tacos and my husband got the birria beef fries. Definitely couldn't be happier with how delicious our meals were! Mega bonus points for kiddos eating free from their kids meal selection.Absolutely plan on going back and trying more items from the menu!“

“Fantastic food, no-frills spot and reasonable prices.The pupusa revuelta and pupusa de frijol were both generously stuffed and absolutely delicious. I loved the equally generous portion of cabbage slaw with it, which was nice and tangy, perfectly cutting through the rich and cheesy pupusa.Be prepared to speak some Spanish (as with many spots in this neighbourhood).Will definitely be back on the next rainy day for another pick-me-up.“

“My husband and I decided to give this place a try after a day at the zoo and we are glad we did. The owners and bartender were very welcoming and gave great service. The food and drinks were fantastic. Happy hour is from 3pm until 9pm. They have $5.00 margaritas and mojitos along with other adult beverages available at great prices. There is also a nice selection of food during happy hour for $10.00. The regular menu is also very reasonably priced. We enjoyed it so much, we stayed for about 3 hours chatting with the owners and our bartender. They made us feel very welcome and comfortable, almost like being at home. If we lived in D.C. this would be our regular spot. We will definitely be back every time we visit D.C. I highly recommend this place!“