Best Latin American Restaurants in Kensington

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Java Nation - Silver Spring restaurant

1. Java Nation - Silver Spring

4.7

Exceptional(33)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Silver Spring

Booked 12 times today

At Java Nation in downtown Silver Spring, the essence of Latin American cuisine is celebrated with a flair that's both authentic and innovative. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious" Latin American staples like pupusas and empanadas, which are described as a "must try." The Chicken Avo Arepa and Blackened Shrimp Tacos also come highly recommended for their mouth-watering flavors and authenticity. The ambiance, enhanced by live music and expertly crafted cocktails, sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable dining experience. As one patron put it, "Every dish is so good that I just want to order it again the next time," highlighting the consistent quality and allure of Java Nation's offerings. This spot is a true gem for Latin American cuisine enthusiasts in Silver Spring.

2. dLeña

4.7

Exceptional(1951)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 67 times today

Welcome to dLeña, a gem in Mount Vernon Square, Washington, that redefines Contemporary Mexican cuisine. At dLeña, Chef Richard Sandoval celebrates the rustic open-fire cooking traditions of Mexico, centered around a wood-burning grill that infuses each dish with a unique smoky flavor. Patrons rave about the "fantastic" menu, highlighting dishes like the "smoky crab guacamole" and "tender short rib tacos" as must-tries. The ambiance is described as "intimate yet chic," perfect for any occasion, from casual dining to special celebrations. Reviewers consistently praise the "impeccable service" and the crafted cocktails, making dLeña not just a meal but a "top tier experience." Whether it's the vibrant flavors or the warm, inviting atmosphere, dLeña promises an unforgettable dining journey through contemporary Mexico.

A photo of El Secreto de Rosita restaurant

3. El Secreto de Rosita

4.6

Exceptional(684)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Downtown

Booked 21 times today

El Secreto de Rosita, nestled in the heart of Downtown Washington, makes a compelling case as a premier destination for authentic Peruvian cuisine. Celebrated for its "Michelin-worthy" dishes, the restaurant dazzles with specialties like the "masterclass" ceviche mixto and the robust flavors of Churrasco a lo Pobre. Patrons rave about the "harmonious marriage of zesty lime juice, fiery rocoto pepper, and fragrant cilantro" that elevates their ceviche, creating a "symphony of taste." The ambiance, described as an "eclectic hacienda," complements the dining experience, ensuring every visit is not just a meal but a "wonderful experience" filled with "elegance and amazing" moments. Whether you're a local or a visitor, El Secreto de Rosita promises a culinary journey through the heart of Peru.

4. Mita

4.9

Exceptional(50)

Price: Very Expensive

• Latin american • Washington

Booked 11 times today

Mita, located in Washington, D.C., is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of life and flavor, especially renowned for its vegetarian and vegan Latin American cuisine. Diners rave about the "explosion of taste" and the "14 course tasting menu" that transforms plant-based ingredients into a culinary odyssey. A reviewer exclaimed, "Who knew vegan could be this good," highlighting the creativity and quality that Mita brings to each dish. The ambiance, combined with impeccable service, makes every visit memorable. Whether you are a seasoned vegan or a curious foodie, Mita promises an unparalleled dining experience that leaves guests, as one succinctly put it, "blown away."

5. Botanero

4.8

Exceptional(1386)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Rockville

Booked 28 times today

Botanero in Rockville, Maryland, is a treasure trove of Latin American flavors, offering a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying their authentically inspired small plates. Diners consistently rave about the quality of the cuisine, highlighting dishes such as the "absolutely delicious" bacon-wrapped dates and the "out of this world" grilled octopus. One reviewer exclaimed, "Everything we ordered was really good," emphasizing the standout culinary experience. The attentive service complements the dining experience, making Botanero a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of Latin American cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming setting.

A photo of Buena Vida - Arlington restaurant

6. Buena Vida - Arlington

4.0

Excellent(764)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Arlington

Booked 24 times today

Buena Vida in Arlington stands out as a premier destination for authentic Latin American cuisine. Patrons rave about the vibrant atmosphere and the innovative twist on classic dishes, making every meal a delightful experience. As one diner put it, "Every dish was amazing. Their spin on Mexican street corn was dope and delicious." The restaurant is renowned for its lively ambiance and exceptional service, which is consistently praised by visitors. The unlimited dining option and the value-for-money brunch further enhance the dining experience, offering "good vibes and great food" that ensure guests keep coming back. Whether it's the flavorful tacos or the beautifully crafted margaritas, Buena Vida delivers an authentic taste of Latin America right in the heart of Arlington.

7. Rewind

4.0

Excellent(269)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Dupont Circle

Booked 4 times today

At Rewind, located in the vibrant Dupont Circle of Washington, diners experience the epitome of American cuisine through a delightful blend of comfort and innovation. This unique establishment, praised for its "superb" steak and eggs and "outstanding" comfort food, offers a retro ambiance paired with professional service that makes every visit memorable. Patrons rave about the ambiance and the staff, with comments like "the food is amazing, and the prices are unbeatable" and "the best tacos I've had in a long time," highlighting the quality and authenticity of their dishes. Rewind's commitment to providing a heartwarming and genuine American dining experience is evident, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking both flavor and atmosphere.

A photo of The Grill from Ipanema - DC restaurant

8. The Grill from Ipanema - DC

4.4

Awesome(1069)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Adams Morgan

Booked 7 times today

The Grill from Ipanema in Adams Morgan, Washington DC, stands as a beacon of authentic Brazilian cuisine, offering an unrivaled Latin American culinary experience. Patrons rave about its genuine flavors and traditional dishes, with one enthusiast noting, "This was one of the best experiences with Brazilian food outside of Brazil!" The restaurant's signature dish, "Moqueca Mista a Baiana," a delectable seafood stew, is a must-try, celebrated for its exquisite blend of palm oil, coconut milk, and fresh herbs. Visitors consistently praise the warm ambiance and the exceptional service that captures the essence of Brazilian hospitality. Whether it's the tantalizing coxinha or the robust picanha, The Grill from Ipanema delivers an authentic slice of Brazil right in the heart of DC, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.

9. Cuba Libre - DC

new

4.1

Excellent(3144)

Price: Expensive

• Latin american • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 9 times today

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is dedicated to a continued exploration of Cuban heritage, art, music, flavors and traditions. The open-air setting, tropical ambiance, vintage décor, Latin music and two-time James Beard Award winning founding Chef Guillermo Pernot's menu of classic and contemporary Cuban cuisine make the restaurant a must-see, must-experience dining destination. Enjoy a signature mojito with your dinner, weekend brunch or late night dancing (Fridays and Saturdays after 11 PM). Planning a private event? Visit Cuba Libre’s website to learn about the various event spaces, party enhancements, and customizable menus.

A photo of Scratch Kitchen & Bistro restaurant

10. Scratch Kitchen & Bistro

3.8

Excellent(5)

Price: Moderate

• Latin american • Olney

At Scratch Kitchen & Bistro in Olney, the essence of authentic American cuisine is elevated through a farm-to-table philosophy that captivates both the palate and the heart. Celebrated for reimagining American classics, Scratch Kitchen delights diners with dishes like "Overworked Mom" Nutella French toast and Atlantic lobster rolls, exquisitely crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Customers rave about their experiences, with one noting the pancakes as "the best I have ever had." The restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality shines in every dish, ensuring a culinary adventure that's both "delicious and memorable." Whether it's for a casual meal or a special occasion, Scratch Kitchen & Bistro stands out as a must-visit for genuine and innovative American dining in Olney.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
John
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Small plates only, which was fine for us. Pacing of the plates was decent. Quantities of items was not clear on the menu so complicated when dividing amongst a group - (I wish these tapas type resturants would have some scaling factor with these plates - one order too small, two is too many - but that is a general complaint). Everything we tried was very good, and the drink menu was a nice surprise. We were in what I would assume was an event space/overflow room, which was not the best space for a small group dinner, but that is being picky. Recommmended.
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BotaneroPrice: Moderate• American• Rockville
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We loved our experience! We went for a birthday and they brought this adorable music box that played happy birthday and raspberry sorbet. It made us feel very special, such a thoughtful touch. The food was spectacular; we loved the soup course, but all of them were incredibly delicious. Each bite was an experience. We would recommend MITA to anyone looking to do something special and unique in DC
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MitaPrice: Very Expensive• Latin American• Washington
•
4.9
J
Jack
Washington, D.C. Area •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Loved El Secreto de Rosita! — The food was outstanding; exceptionally excellent. — The atmosphere was sophisticated, cultured, but also fun. — The decor is great and the seats are comfortable, all in all makes one not want to leave. — Our waiters could have been a little bit more patient and poised, but still the service was a solid A. — I am excited to go back to El Secreto de Rosita!
More info
El Secreto de RositaPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Downtown
•
4.6
R
Rochellevip
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great dining experience as always. Excellent food, service, and vibes. Will continue to recommend this restaurant to others.
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dLeñaPrice: Expensive• Latin American• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
S
Sue
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 18, 2024
Great local place. Friendly ,excellent service, very tasty food and a k Large varied menu. We enjoyed our lunch with our teenage grandkids. They raved about thd chai latte and desserts after polishing the main dishes!
More info
Java Nation - Silver SpringPrice: Expensive• American• Silver Spring
•
4.7

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Best Latin American Restaurants in Kensington

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Java Nation - Silver Spring

2. dLeña

3. El Secreto de Rosita

4. Mita

5. Botanero

6. Buena Vida - Arlington

7. Rewind

8. The Grill from Ipanema - DC

9. Cuba Libre - DC

10. Scratch Kitchen & Bistro

See what locals rave about

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