Washington’s Best Mexican Restaurants:
The top rated Mexican Restaurants in Washington, DC are:
- Oyamel Cocina Mexicana – ranks consistently as a top DC dining destination
- Guapo’s Restaurant – is the perfect place to grab the best fajitas in Washington
- Mi Vida – is a high-end Mexican fare in a glamorous bi-level setting
- Taqueria Xochi – is an authentic Mexican restaurant located in Washington
- Anafre DC – is a Mexican restaurant in Washington using a clay pot to cook
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana first debuted in Arlington’s Crystal City area in 2004. In March of 2007, Oyamel relocated to its new location in the Penn Quarter. Oyamel has consistently ranked as a top DC dining destination, earning a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide to Washington, DC in 2017 and 2018. José Andrés and his colleagues at Oyamel merge Mexico’s rich regional diversity with Mexico City’s bustling urban ambiance.
The dining room’s vibrancy is matched by the menu’s inventiveness and cocktail selection, which includes antojitos. Small meals from Mexico, including ceviches and tacos, as well as innovative margaritas and an amazing selection of wine, tequila, and mezcal.
Products/Services:
Mexican Food
LOCATION:
Address: 401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 628-1005
Website: www.oyamel.com
REVIEWS:
“My favorite Mexican restaurant in DC. It’s so nice to taste true Mexican food was and even if you don’t eat spicily they are very understanding and can accommodate. Our waiter was awesome and super friendly. He helped us understand the menu and choose delicious dishes. Try their tres leches cake it’s just amazing.” – Laetitia M.
Guapo’s Restaurant
Guapo’s Restaurant is a wonderful eating experience, according to Guapo’s Restaurant, begins with family. They blend a great atmosphere with courteous service and high-quality food at their restaurants. They hope that their family-owned company’s efforts are reflected in the experience their guests have and that you feel at ease and like a member of their family.
In the late 1970s, the Rincon family moved to Virginia. All four children attended Fairfax County schools and universities, and they have continued to give back to the community. They believed that their enterprises should give them the chance and pride to show their commitment to their community and the surrounding environment. Their children now have the same goals as their grandparents did when they first arrived more than 30 years ago.
Products/Services:
Mexican Food
LOCATION:
Address: 4515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 686-3588
Website: www.guaposrestaurant.com
REVIEWS:
“Great Mexican food! They have a large menu with many good options. Classics like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas are sure to please. I found that they are very fast bringing the food out too which is really nice. Plenty of indoor and some outdoor seating as well. Excellent service rounds it all out.” – Alexander M.
Mi Vida
Mi Vida the phrase “Mi Vida” means “My Life.” In Mexico, though, “Mi Vida” has a far broader meaning. Mi Vida is a phrase of endearment given to close relatives and friends to express love, care, and significance. When someone says, “Mi Vida,” they are expressing their love for someone particular. Mi Vida is how we feel about our coworkers and visitors.
It’s their interpretation of Mexican culture and cuisine as seen through Chef Roberto Santibañez’s eyes. While exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this lively and evolving cuisine, their menu is founded in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico.
Products/Services:
Mexican Food
LOCATION:
Address: 98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: (202) 516-4656
Website: www.mividamexico.com
REVIEWS:
“I went to Mi Vida in Washington, DC for lunch. The food and drinks were amazing. The staff was friendly. Our server, Xavier was excellent and very accommodating. I highly recommend this place.” – Nicole G.
Taqueria Xochi
Taqueria Xochi, Chef Teresa Padilla, a 16-year veteran of José Andrés ThinkFoodGroup restaurants who most recently worked at China Chilcano in Washington, DC, is launching a new concept called Taqueria Xochi. Chef Teresa had long hoped to bring Cemitas, Puebla-style Mexican sandwiches, and other traditional Mexican delicacies to the Washington, D.C. area.
Teresa’s hometown of San Jose Teacalco in Tlaxcala, Mexico, is honored by Taqueria Xochi, which is named after the ruins of Xochitecalt in Tlaxcala, central Mexico. Mixiotes, steaming lamb with barbacoa-like spices, Cemitas, and Tacos are just a few of the excellent and genuine items on her menu.
Products/Services:
Mexican Food
LOCATION:
Address: 924 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 292-2859
Website: www.taqueriaxochi.com
REVIEWS:
“My god these tacos are amazing and the Birria tacos that you dip in a gravy/juice are to die for. They are juicy, full of flavor, not too salty, and stuffed. These tacos are an ultimate stop in DC to satisfy those taste buds.” – Timothy D.
Anafre DC
Anafre DC, which translates as “portable oven” in Spanish, is a typical cooking clay pot. The restaurant is named after chef/owner Alfredo Solis’ mother, who grew up cooking for her family in the Mexican countryside. Because they didn’t have access to gas or electricity, the Anafre was their primary source of heat.
With meals like Queso fundido made on top of the grill on a plant leaf and slow-cooked Pollo a la Brasa, Chef Solis can further offer the beautiful grandeur of Mexican cuisine, drawing influence from traditionally prepared foods of Baja California, The Yucatán Peninsula, Acapulco, and beyond.
Products/Services:
Mexican Food
LOCATION:
Address: 3704 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone: (202) 758-2127
Website: www.anafredc.com
REVIEWS:
“This was hands down the best place I ate while visiting. The submarino was absolutely sublime, the calamari was great, and the drinks were masterfully crafted. The staff was all very friendly and exceptionally quick. I cannot recommend this place enough.” – Chris B.
Mark has lived in Detroit, MI his whole life. He has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Mark covers national and local businesses.