The Best Latin American Restaurants in Washington DC

Amparo Fondita offers contemporary Mexican cuisine in Washington, highlighting the flavors of Mexico’s coastal regions. They use fresh, seasonal ingredients alongside top-quality Mexican products, creating meals that feel genuine and satisfying. The setting is welcoming and relaxed, making it a comfortable place to enjoy distinctive Mexican tastes.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Beautiful ceviche. Bodacious pozole. Awesome tacos, which the chef makes himself using corn from Oaxaca — ground in-house and stuffed with fillings including lamb braised in mole. Christian Irabien is cooking some of the most exciting Mexican food in Washington right now. And he sweats all the important details.

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Causa/Amazonia is a two-in-one Peruvian restaurant in Washington that highlights traditional flavors in a modern way. Chef Carlos Delgado’s vision brings together coastal, Andean, and Amazonian influences in a lively setting with a colorful bar and rooftop patio. It’s a comfortable spot for everything from a quick drink to a relaxed meal.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Two Peruvian standouts under one roof. Carlos Delgado says he wanted to “build a new way of Peruvian eating” and thats exactly what he accomplished with two eateries under one roof. Amazonia is a colorful bar and dining room with a jungle of a rooftop patio and snacks, including mouth-watering skewers. Causa showcases a six-course tasting menu that your waiter introduces as if it were a trip: “We’re going to touch on coastal cooking, then the Andes and finish in the Amazon.”

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Pascual is a cozy neighborhood spot on Capitol Hill in Washington, run by a husband-and-wife team who’ve honed their skills at some of the most respected Mexican restaurants. The dining room is small and simply decorated, giving it a welcoming feel that immediately puts you at ease. It’s a relaxed place where their years of expertise shine through without overwhelming the homey setting.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Walking into small corner restaurants deep inside residential neighborhoods was one of many delights during a pre-COVID trip to Buenos Aires. The stand out was a place that was an Italian coffee place in the morning, a sandwich stall for lunch, and a world-class restaurant in the evening. It was also a corner store, and while always busy, it was never packed enough to require a long wait. Many US cities have zoned out experiences like this, requiring you to head to downtown areas to eat out. And that is a shame because, in this post-COVID world where many of us work from home, downtown is usually a painful drive away. Now, on Capitol Hill, which I call home, there are some restaurants, as well as some entertainment hubs, like H Street and 8th Street, but outside them, not much. All that changed with the recently opened Mexican restaurant Pascual. When the news broke of not just a Mexican restaurant blocks away but a Mexican restaurant with the pedigree that Pascual showcases (chef Isabel Coss worked at Pujol), I was admittedly more than excited. As the renovation of a former BBQ place took shape, I regularly took detours to check if they had opened. And now, finally, Pascual is open to the public, a small, simply decorated corner place that makes you feel right at home. This just being the second week, everything looked like it had been around for years, with no mishaps. The first surprise was their mezcal selection, which, to my surprise included Neta, a brand I have enjoyed in Los Angeles many times but hadn’t come across East yet. Instead of picking one of the larger dishes, we opted for several of the smaller plates, while it looked like most people went with the lamb barbacoa. But the guacamole platter with various salsas and pickled vegetables and fruits made us quickly forget our barbacoa envy. While the ceviche was maybe a bit too saucy (yet still highly flavorful), the steak tartar was probably the most unexpected dish. The dish didn’t try to be French; it was an outstanding interpretation of this dish, served with wonderfully warm and thin freshly made tortillas. The taco al Pastor was juicy, though I would have loved to see the pineapple charred a bit for more of a smoky flavor. But seeing this taco served as a single taco was refreshing since, in most places, you have to get three tacos no matter how hungry you are. Lastly, for dessert, we shared a flourless chocolate cake served with a magical green hoja santa sauce, which was another clear highlight of the dinner. While DC’s Mexican restaurant scene is growing by the day, Pascual is in a league of its own. It is the first Mexican restaurant in DC that allows for comparisons to New York and Los Angeles. And it does so in a unique way, being not just a restaurant but also a neighbor. And next time I have to try the barbacoa.

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Benito’s Place in Washington offers authentic Latin American flavors in a warm, welcoming setting. Recommended by a local chef, it provides comforting meals that feel homemade. It’s a straightforward option for anyone seeking genuine, satisfying fare without unnecessary frills.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

Benito's Place, Washington D.C.: Authentic Latin Flavors in the Capital When venturing into the culinary landscape of Washington D.C., it's not always easy to find spots that deliver genuine flavors reminiscent of Latin America. Enter Benito's Place, an establishment that pulsates with the authentic spirit of Latino cuisine right in the heart of the city. Recommended by Tim, the head chef at The Dabney, the recommendation set high expectations. Fortunately, Benito's Place exceeded them. Here, food is stripped down to its essence: pure, homely, and satisfying. Their sweet plantains are a comforting embrace of caramelized goodness, while the popusas and empanadas transport you straight to your grandma's kitchen—a place where every dish is made with love and tradition. For a Latino away from home, or anyone craving genuine Latin American fare, Benito's Place is an essential pit-stop. It stands as a testament that simple, well-made food can be the most memorable part of any journey. It's a treasure in D.C., and a must-visit for those seeking culinary authenticity.

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Chicatana in Washington stands out by letting you watch the cooking process up close, with fresh-squeezed juices and everything made to order. It’s a welcoming spot that serves street food–inspired bites with extra flair, creating a relaxed setting that feels refreshingly down-to-earth.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

A front-row seat to sublime Mexican cooking Why go here with so many Mexican competitors nearby? Because the three young owners are doing something different - ants are sprinkled throughout the menu, for instance - and incorporating touches you tend to see in fancier places, in pricier parts of DC. Drinks are made with fresh-squeezed juices and almost everything is cooked to order, a process you can see if you park in front of the kitchen counter. Picture street food made with flair: gorditas arrive in a slender, hand-painted box and tortillas are shaped from masa harina, pressed so thin you can read through them and brushed with lard before they land on the griddle. Im a fool for tacos stuffed with beef tongue braised for hours in cloves, bay leaf and garlic.

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Imperfecto is Chef Enrique Limardo’s second restaurant in Washington, DC, inspired by a blend of Mediterranean and Latin American influences. The space embraces the idea that imperfection drives creativity, giving it a welcoming vibe while still feeling refined. Open daily for dinner and on weekends for brunch, it offers a thoughtful setting for a relaxed meal in the city’s West End.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

The second DC restaurant by Seven Reasons’s chef Enrique Limardo, this one in DC’s West End. I will admit I enjoyed Imperfecto more than Seven Reasons, the dishes were extremely fresh and light. The Burrata and Ancient Salad were my favorite dishes followed by a more Latin inspired, ceviche like, Tuna Tartare.

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El Presidente brings a vibrant slice of Mexico City to Washington’s Union Market with bold décor and a menu that puts a modern spin on traditional flavors. Friendly service and a lively atmosphere make it a welcoming spot to enjoy a relaxed meal or drinks.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Let’s be honest: DC is not a city for great Mexican food. If that is what you are looking for, you go to New York, Philadelphia, maybe Chicago, and obviously LA … or better, you catch a flight to Mexico City. But over the last 15 years, DC has seen its food scene evolve dramatically, from steak and potatoes to almost any cuisine you could think of. One of the leading faces of that change has been Jose Andres. More recently, Stephen Starr has pushed the envelope, first with Le Diplomate and then St. Anselm. One thing Starr’s places have in common is that they make you feel like you enter a restaurant designed by Disney; there is an avalanche of color or, to a degree, stereotypes (think of Le Diplomate and its many references to what Americans would think of when they think of a French bistro, no matter how much that has in common with reality). But one would be wrong to judge these restaurants by their cover (which usually are stunning, if not over the top). What Starr is able to do, is to back up the design with amazing food and experiences. El Presidente (just a block down from St. Anselm in the Union Market neighborhood) is his take on Mexico. What Le Diplomate is to Paris, El Presidente is to Mexico City. By making this more about a city than a cuisine, Starr is able to have a bit more room to experiment on the food side and not have to be dragged down the “authentic” debate. El Presidente is stunning. The colors, the decor, it all bests Le Diplomate (and I would not have thought that was possible). But as with Le Diplomate, El Presidente doesn’t end up being a nice shell; the cocktails, the tequila and mezcal selection, the service, and the food are all backing it up. Now, is it true, authentic Mexican as you would find on the streets of Mexico City? No. But that is not the point here. The point is a place that you will have an amazing time at. And the food will still be the star of the evening. I would definitely order the Salsas and Dips (a huge plate with five salsas plus guac) and the Hamachi Aguachile. The Crab Tostada is another standout. There is the Instagram-friendly Tacos Al Carbon (build your own) that can be shared by several people. But if you want a ready-made taco, I would suggest the Black Cod Al Pastor. Lastly, especially in times when many restaurants have a hard time finding staff, it says a lot that Starr is able to attract amazing staff. Silvia, our server, was amazing, as were all the other staff who helped us. While the food, drinks, and decor all make we want to come back, this is also a place where the staff is so nice that you want to go back — and that is a rare thing these days.

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Honeymoon Chicken is a casual spot in Washington, DC that’s known for its fried chicken and welcoming vibe. Locals enjoy dropping by for brunch or grabbing takeout when they want something quick and satisfying. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a comfortable choice for anyone looking to enjoy a simple, flavorful meal.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

One of the Best fried chicken in DC Super casual spot on the north side of Washington DC serving a very solid friend chicken. Excellent for brunch or take out!

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Mariscos 1133 is a welcoming neighborhood spot in Washington that highlights Latin-inspired seafood. The relaxed setting and attention to detail make it a comfortable place for both everyday meals and special gatherings. It’s a friendly choice if you’re looking for a fresh, inviting dining experience in the area.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

The definition of what it means to be a neighborhood restaurant. No part of the experience is overlooked. Here’s the definition of what it means to be a neighborhood restaurant, a place whose cooking, attention and prices encourage regular drop-ins by locals. The name underscores the restaurant’s theme — Mariscos is Spanish for “seafood” —and among the stars on the epic menu are tuna tostadas and whole fried flounder. No part of the experience is overlooked. Booths make for a pandemic-friendly dining room and two dozen wines are offered by the glass, at an average of $10. Don’t eat fish? The Mexican restaurant also excels at churrasco and birria tacos.

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Immigrant Food at Planet Word in downtown Washington is a welcome break from the usual museum café scene, offering a casual counter option by day and table service in the evening. It’s a friendly spot where you can explore globally inspired flavors in a laid-back setting.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Washington’s museum restaurants tend to be afterthoughts, designed more for refueling than reflecting. Immigrant Food Plus, neighbor to Planet Word downtown, is a novel exception. Picture international sandwiches and salads, ordered at a counter by day, and table service, top-drawer drinks and sophisticated fusion entrees at night. The biggest thrill on the menu is the $20 per person “dim sum experience,” which brings together Latin wontons, minty kibbeh and pork-filled steam buns in a three-tiered bamboo steamer.

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Paraiso – Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria in Washington, DC offers a laid-back spot to enjoy flavors inspired by the streets and home kitchens of Mexico. With its warm atmosphere and convenient location near local metro stations, it’s a welcoming place for catching up with friends or hosting casual get-togethers. The mezcal and tequila flights add an extra touch for those looking to explore new tastes.

Recommended by

Kevin Tien

Chef/Owner

I recommend all the dips and spread with the breads at Emilie's. The family styles are delicious as well. Do not skip on the desserts. The pastry chef is the best in DC.

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