Award-winning

Oyamel

Name: Oyamel
Address: 401 7th Street N.W., Washington, DC, United States, 20004
Telephone: (202) 628-1005
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

9081 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana combines Mexico’s rich regional culinary traditions with modern urban fare. Guests experience an array of antijitos—traditional Mexican snack or small plates—along with authentic tacos, ceviches and an impressive selection of cocktails and tequilas. Under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés, Head Chef Omar Rodriguez takes traditional ingredients and techniques and elevates them to deliver dishes and drinks with exceptional creativity and refinement.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 114 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of operation
Mon, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:30 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–12:00 am
Phone number
(202) 628-1005
Website
https://www.oyamel.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Omar Rodriguez
Private party facilities
At Oyamel, it feels like a fiesta the moment you walk through the door. Our bright spaces and vibrant décor paired with savory Mexican bites and unique cocktails come together to create an event you’ll never forget.
Private party contact
Coleen Bendig: (202) 638-1910

Location
401 7th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20004
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Neighborhood
Penn Quarter
Cross street
D Street
Parking details
There are ample public lots in the Gallery Place/Chinatown/Penn Quarter area. Metered street parking is also available.
Public transit
Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro or Archives/Navy Memorial
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants

Experiences

New Year's Eve
$50.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 31, 2023 only
Celebrate New Year's Eve with a special menu of elevated plates and Oyamel classics. Choose from options like lobster cocktail, wagyu beef tacos, and grilled quail, plus all your favorite margaritas and beverages. Available as a five course tasting menu ($95/person) or á la carte. Please Note: $50 deposit will be applied to your final check

Popular dishes

What 9,081 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Mexican

9,081 Reviews

n
natty
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always amazing. Food & Service fabulous. A bit loud but worth it!!
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LH
LauraH
New Mexico
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oyamel is a must! The food and drinks are amazing and the option to try the chef experience and pitcher margaritas are hard to pass up!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oyamel, we had a fabulous meal at our birthday lunch! Hats off to the chef!!
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JG
JustinG
Richmond
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was exquisite - the guacamole, salsa, cocktail, and the many dishes. Even the after-dinner cafe!
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G
Greatexpectations
Baltimore
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
This restaurant, a favorite from years ago, now seems tired lacking freshness and care. One of the tacos, the mushroom one, was undercooked and overwhelmed by its sauce. My cocktail came at the end of the meal. The waiter seemed surprised and put off when we asked for the check without ordering dessert. Probably last time for us at Oyamel.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service. I also appreciate that they provide an allergy menu with many options. Food and drinks are always delicious.
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JW
JamesW
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The variety of cuisines from different regions of Mexico and Central America, and the ability to share samples of each with friends, make Oyamel an outstanding choice. People with low tolerance for spicy foods can find items such as the delicious trout and the brussel sprouts to please them. The margaritas are excellent. The expertise, advice and friendliness of the staff make Oyamel a pleasure to visit. For me personally, the noise level was too high. That can inhibit conversation, although it did not do so for our party.
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JF
JF3states
Philadelphia
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service despite a packed restaurant. Everything we ordered was delicious! You have to try the Cafe de Olla for dessert. Amazing!!
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KC
KimC
Seattle
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Every single thing we tried here was delicious from the margaritas to the guacamole to the various small plates and dessert we sampled. Our server, Rah, was exceptional. Will definitely return next time I visit DC.
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S
Sadenise
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dinner was delicious. Staff was friendly. I will certainly be going back definitely a gem!
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KD
KimberlyD
Omaha
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oyamel never disappoints. The flavors in each dish were fantastic. You must try the Oyamel Margarita with salt foam and the Tres Leches dessert. So good!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great server and lovely ambience. I will be back!
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BN
BarbaraN
Washington DC
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always Excellent! The food and the service are the best. I was there with two friends and all we happy with our meal and the restaurant.
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NZ
NupishZE
Raleigh
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great ambiance. Nice crowd and the service was excellent! Good times.
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RG
RickG
Baltimore
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been coming here for many years. Great service and ambiance. Interesting menu and food was good. My wife I split a pitcher of margaritas and realized as we left that there was little alcohol involved, we felt no effect and it was not particularly good either. For $68 won’t make that mistake again
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and the tasting menu will make you full for days. Worth every penny.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 4
The service was horrible. We had to ask for water multiple times throughout the meal. We even asked different waiters but still had issues getting it. The waiter forgot a good amount of our food. Some of the dishes were really raw and came out after everyone was finished eating. Definitely my worst experience here.
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m
megw
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best service!! Wide variety of food! Everyone left full and happy!
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s
spatzdo
Washington DC
174 reviews
vip
5.0
174 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Authentic Mexican food. We split the special which was a seafood paella, very good. Also the brussels sprouts and cauliflower veggie side dishes were great. Good selection of cocktails.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excelente sabor y servicio Hablan español e inglés
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was amazing and the ambiance was vibrant and fun!
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LG
Lookin4GreatSpots
Orlando
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a great spot. Fun, new and the menu was diverse. Would def recommend.
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g
glover
Washington DC
106 reviews
vip
4.0
106 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
It was crazy busy/noisy on Saturday night. Love having so many interesting choices, Everything the 4 of us ordered was great. We were a little stunned by the $68 price of our pitcher of Oyamel Margaritas, after we recovered from that sticker shock, we enjoyed them. Service was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and reasonably efficient given how crazy busy they were.
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MJ
MichaelJ
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Just book a table well ahead of time. Excellent food and service.
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SE
SilentElm
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
One of us had dietary restrictions, and the staff was very helpful and patient as we figured out what we wanted to eat. I also appreciated that they did not try to rush us out, as this was a semi-family reunion meal. All of us loved our food! And the ambiance was very pleasant!
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MA
MichelleA
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oyamel is fantastic. Great food, great service. Whenever I have family or friends visiting, they get to choose which Jose Andres restaurant to eat at, and Oyamel is a favorite.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
My husband and I came here for our anniversary on a Tuesday night, we had the tasting menu and it was amazing. Will definitely return with our family. The only issue that we had with the restaurant was that it's super loud. Wish there is some sort of sound absorption from all the noise, coz we practically had to yell to have a conversation.
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LL
LeopoldL
Washington DC
35 reviews
3.0
35 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I had been to Oyamel before, but came away from this meal disappointed with the decline in quality. I ordered the chefs tasting menu before a night at the theater, which was a mistake because I had to rush through all the courses – that’s on me. What’s not on me is that some of the courses were unsuccessful. I was shocked at how flavorless the guacamole was — it was like a pile of mushed avocado. Where were the onions and the garlic and the cilantro? Likewise, the steak was extremely tough. On the positive side, the Carne Asada taco is quite good, as was the quesadilla, which had a delicious five pepper sauce. The Serrano margarita was also very good, although seemed light on the tequila. The restaurant was quite noisy, which seemed to be the vibe they were going for, although it made me have to listen very with great strain to the waiter. Service was first rate.My server, Sammy G, was friendly, helpful, and efficient.
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R
Restondiner
Washington DC
65 reviews
vip
4.0
65 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Menu has been revamped since our last visit, still pretty good, but missing some of our favorites. Service was ok, but maybe harried a bit because of the influx of customers after big event on the Mall ended. All in all, pretty positive experience as usual!
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M
Michelangelo
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food, original tastes and excellent Margherita.
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A
Anonymous
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The carpet downstairs to the bathroom & kitchen was utterly disgusting & smelled terrible, Had I gone to the bathroom before eating, I probably would have left. Replace it asap. Otherwise, staff & food was terrific!
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NC
NickC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great environment and great service. We truly enjoyed our meal and will be back!
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SW
SamanthaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Oyamel is my favorite lunch spot when I’m in town for conferences and visiting friends. Fun and friendly and delicious.
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RW
RobertW
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
fantastic authentic Mexican food.... great service... reasonable prices. A must try if you are in Washington, DC.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
First, the service was excellent. We had a great server who was attentive, friendly, and professional. The food was not good. The chips, salsa, and guacamole were the best things we had. The taco meat did not taste fresh and the cheese quesadilla we ordered for my son was way too greasy. It’s too bad this place has potential but the chef needs a different approach. It was better in the past but the quality has gone down.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Some of the best guac we’ve had! Our sever was attentive and wonderful. We liked the shredded beef tacos, but did not care for the green sauce on the pork, which had a strange taste. But otherwise everything was great.
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DC
visitorfromDC
Washington DC
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful! The Oyamel margarita was delicious. The ceviche is out of this world!
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TJ
TracyJ
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had the beef, Carnitas, and fish tacos and they were so good! The signature margarita was delicious as well! We didn't have a lot of time as we were going to a show, but we will be going back to try more!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Trenton , Sadni and other were great. Thank you!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always the best guacamole and margaritas, and very fresh flavors
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Oyamel using the Order Online button. Oyamel also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Oyamel also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 628-1005.

Oyamel is rated 4.7 stars by 9081 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 114 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

401 7th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20004

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Cross street
D Street
Neighborhood
Penn Quarter
Hours of operation
Mon, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:30 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–12:00 am
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Tapas / Small Plates
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
There are ample public lots in the Gallery Place/Chinatown/Penn Quarter area. Metered street parking is also available.
Public transit
Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro or Archives/Navy Memorial
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Omar Rodriguez
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.oyamel.com/
Phone number
(202) 628-1005
Private party facilities
At Oyamel, it feels like a fiesta the moment you walk through the door. Our bright spaces and vibrant décor paired with savory Mexican bites and unique cocktails come together to create an event you’ll never forget.
Private party contact
Coleen Bendig: (202) 638-1910

Featured in

Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants

Oyamel

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants

Experiences

New Year's Eve

Popular dishes

Cochinita Kit

Guacamole

Quesadilla de Chicharrones

Menu

What 9,081 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Oyamel offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Oyamel restaurant rated?

Is Oyamel currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Washington DC's Most Iconic Restaurants