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  5. Capitol Hill
Paraiso, Washington, DC

Paraiso

4.7
4.7
82 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mexican
A creative cuisine inspired by the streets & home kitchens of Mexico.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 8:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 544-4368
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Geovany Beltran
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Cross street
    11th and Pennsylvania SE
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    There is plenty of street parking available around Paraíso and our closest metro stations are the Eastern Market and Potomac Avenue stations.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 82 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Mexican

  • District of Columbia

    Mexican

82 Reviews
  1. Remi

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food—different and delicious spin on tacos and guacamole!

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  2. Kkjo

    Portland

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic food and drinks. Cool vibe. Highly recommend!

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  3. SavM

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our new favorite restaurant in Cap Hill! Amazing food and service. Great for any occasion.

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  4. Destiny

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seated quickly, very relaxing ambience with little to no noise besides the music and small conversation from our table as well as others. Our server (forgot her name) was sweet, knowledgeable of menu items, and gave excellent recommendations. The server who refilled our cups with water was nice and kept our cups full. Our food came quickly and was delicious- we ordered El Gallo burritos. Staff members (I’m assuming they were the managers) checked on us to assure we were comfortable and pleased with everything. Despite the weather being gloomy, we had the best time, and we left absolutely satisfied! :)

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Loved this place, the food was wonderful but the cocktails were very disappointing.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an amazing experience! My favorite place for all times of day

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  7. RaulAnthony

    Miami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. We really enjoyed your food and Maria’s service and attentiveness.

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  8. EmkaDC

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Paraiso had been on my list for a while and I’m so glad I finally made it down to Capitol Hill to try it! Incredibly delicious food, authentic Mexican dishes we know and love. Presentation was lovely and all staff were incredibly kind, attentive, and accommodating. Will be back for sure!

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a wonderful lunch at Cafe de Paraíso. The staff, from the hostess, to the waitress, and management, were so friendly and attentive. And the steak burrito was delicious! I was beyond satisfied and will definitely be returning to Cafe de Paraíso!

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  10. VikasMG

    London

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Paraiso is our favourite Mexican restaurant and if you like a quieter atmosphere, as we do, they will let you sit in the tea house / cafe area adjacent to the main restaurant. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. I’m vegetarian while my wife decidedly is not and they have good choices for us both.

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  11. LuisR

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The service was attentive and tequila selection satisfying.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent drinks, really good and creative food, super staff.

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  13. MG124

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Local favorite! Consistently wonderful food, always beautifully presented, welcoming and friendly waitstaff, great drinks, and an overall upbeat vibe. Lovely, modern yet cozy ambience. Acoustics can be a little loud at busier times, so if that bothers you, go at quieter times. But definitely go!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Cancun

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, delicious Mexican food! Happy Hour margs were a bonus too :-)

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  15. EleanorH

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Innovative food, elegant presentation. Attentive service, welcoming atmosphere.

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  16. JenJenDC

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We did Sunday Brunch and had a great experience. The food was fresh and the service was great. We each spent about $55 and it was pretty good for the mimosa carafe, guac appetizer and “Benedict” style egg dish. Will definitely be back!!

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  17. elliot

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, Paraiso delivers delicious food and provides excellent service. We love this place!!

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  18. Shaeod

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every time we visit, we are pleased and impressed. So far, we have only come for Sunday brunch, but are steadily working our way through the menu and everything has been delicious. While the dining room is lovely and I love to be able to watch the prep cooks work, the outdoor space offers great people watching and neighborhood interactions. Can't wait to try out the dinner menu next.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We had a nice window view to enjoy dinner and enjoyed the spicy marg!

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food in a sort of fusion Mexican and Sushi way, or you can order more traditional Mexican fare. The mezcal menu is outstanding! Brad and his staff are extremely hospitable and pay extra attention to detail. A fabulous experience. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  21. Tara

    Los Angeles

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent wait staff, delicious food and fun cocktails. Definitely will dine there again.

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  22. FakeFoodie418

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Inside atmosphere was very welcoming with all positive vibes for an early evening dinner.

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  23. MaryC

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We had another wonderful dinner at this fine addition to our Capitol Hill neighborhood. We took a neighbor who was unfamiliar with Paraiso. She was very impressed. The mezcal selections are vast and even the non-alcoholic drinks are delicious. The chicken mole reminded me of Oaxaca; the guacamole appetizers with crab or mango or tomatillo are divine; the desserts are magic. Don’t miss the caramel flan…like no other you’ve ever had.

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  24. marsha

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the portions -- even the small plates were great for sharing. The food was delicious and the service was attentive. I would go back.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything was delicious. Service was great. Our meal was expensive but I think it would also be possible to get some tacos and guacamole and have a reasonably priced meal.

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  26. DonnaB

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Upscale Mexican not TexMex food. The menu is creative, the food is very good and the service is excellent.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Paraiso is consistently delicious and reasonably priced with excellent service.

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  28. WilsonS

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gabriel was very helpful amazing. The food was delicious.

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  29. DCDad12

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Great food. Lots of options. The kids loved it. A good choice for a Father's Day celebration.

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  30. Stringer13

    Washington DC

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had an excellent Father’s Day dinner at Paraiso! The squash blossoms are such a treat - I almost felt like taking a picture. The service was excellent and everyone is knowledgeable about the menu. You can spend a lot of money at Paraiso but you don’t have to in order to have a great dining experience.

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  31. AndrewH

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful more upscale Mexican restaurants in Capitol Hill that's quickly become one of our favorites. Food is consistently good and changes seasonally (although favorites stick around). Good margaritas too and friendly service.

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  32. LolaP

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing place - the staff was super attentive and friendly and the food was incredible. Would definitely recommend

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  33. GregS

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is just great. Variety of margaritas, great guacamole/salsa, nice ambiance, and a range of tasty entrees. Give it a try!

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  34. CQboricua

    Coastal Georgia

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Good brunch option in the area. Food and drinks were good.

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  35. FrankieBev

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The drinks were great! The cornbread with the sauce from the mussels was great!

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  36. ADBrant

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place we found while staying in the Navy Yard area. Although, it's not so close, we looked at the ratings and menu and decided to make a reservation. Everything was amazing and the inside of this establishment has so much character. I'm not a picky eater so I want to try everything on the menu although we can't drive in too often but we definitely make the trek to eat here again and again

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  37. ClayN

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Some of the best Mexican food in DC, and I would also say some of the best tacos (top 5). The main dishes are pricey but excellent. Enchiladas, tostadas, chicken, steak, fish are all excellent. The drinks — especially the fancy margaritas — are also fantastic. The staff is also super friendly. This is one of our go-to restaurants in DC.

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  38. Cinjim

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Host was very rude. My senior mom was with us who has back problems so we asked for a booth table for softer seats and were told none were available because others had already reserved them. When we walked in the dining room, it was completely empty except for one table. By the time we left, 5 booths were still empty.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Loved the chicken burrito. So good!!! I will come back again!

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  40. wkt1969

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    First, this is not our first time at this restaurant. We've gone several times on different days and for different meals over the course of the past 2 years. We ordered the choice of 3 tacos. I did the Cod, Shrimp, and Cauliflower. My wife ordered Lechon, Shrimp, and Cauliflower. If my memory is correct, they used to use 2 corn tortillas per taco, as is standard practice at most places. However, these were single, very thin, blue corn tortillas. Eat them quick or they will fall apart when you try to eat them. They are also filling them too full which also makes them difficult to eat. Guac was fine, nothing special. House margaritas were the bets part of the meal We were initially seated in the bar area. The windows face west so during happy hour, the sun hits you in the face and is pretty blinding. How, after the years they've been open, do they not have some type of sun shade to help diffuse the sunlight during the late afternoon hours? They moved us to the "Chef's Table" instead. Not sure I would really call this a chef's table. It's a bar that faces the kitchen. But, you are facing a stainless steel barrier so the only thing you can see are the heads of the cooks.

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FAQs

Paraiso offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 544-4368.

Paraiso is rated 4.7 stars by 82 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Paraiso

1101 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003-2277

Additional information

  • Cross street
    11th and Pennsylvania SE
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 8:30 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    There is plenty of street parking available around Paraíso and our closest metro stations are the Eastern Market and Potomac Avenue stations.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Geovany Beltran
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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