The Ghia Old Fashioned was a great mocktail! On the other hand, La Colada was underwhelming, but I enjoyed the soft ice they utilized in the beverage. There was a nice selection for the happy hour menu. The curry sauce for the mussels was spicy, but good! And, the cornbread reminded me of ube. I definitely recommend the Platanos y Queso Cotija. However, the ceviche was overpriced and had too much citrus. They were generous with the fish, not so much with the tortilla chips, which were a great accompaniment. My brother really enjoyed the nachos with carne asada (surcharge for the meat). I expected and understood the extra charge for adding meat to the nachos, but $2 for a ramekin of sour cream was absurd. Paraiso celebrates birthdays. Lastly, we had good service, and management was hands-on.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to try the Dine in the Dark Blindfold experience, and it exceeded all expectations. From the moment I entered the restaurant, the anticipation and excitement were palpable. Once blindfolded, my senses heightened, and every bite became an adventure. The flavors were exquisite, and I found myself savoring each dish more than I ever have before. It was a delightful challenge to guess the ingredients and flavors without relying on sight. What impressed me the most was how the entire experience was seamlessly orchestrated. The staff was attentive, guiding us with grace and ensuring a safe and enjoyable evening. The surprise menu kept us guessing, adding an element of surprise to each course. Aside from the delicious food, it was undeniably a lot of fun. Conversations flowed effortlessly as we relied on our other senses to engage with the food and each other. It was a unique and memorable social experience. Overall, the Dine in the Dark Blindfold experience was not just about the food; it was a journey of the senses. It's an adventure I would gladly embark on again, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dining experience that is both tasty and truly unforgettable.

Grabbed coffee at Paraiso Cafe on a weekday morning. Service was a bit slow, but staff were very kind and attentive. I would highly recommend their food and drinks. I tried the Cafe de Paraiso, a latte made with homemade horchata, which was terrific. I'd recommend stirring occasionally as the almonds settle and it was very thick and hard to drink at the end. Also excellent atmosphere and great decore/ambiance. They have WiFi, so easy to work from the cafe! I would highly recommend this spot .

Went today for brunch and we were pleasantly surprised!! It’s such a beautiful restaurant, there was sitting available at the bar and tables. We decided to sit at the bar, amazing bartender, very attentive and nice, we had Chillaquiles without spicy (bc of allergies), French toast, and a sandwich. Delicious food, very tasty! Coffee did not disappoint! Horchata was also good. We will definitely come back!!

GUYS!… the ELOTE?? 🔥🔥🔥 It easily might be the best thing on the menu. That was the best elote I’ve ever had. It had like a cheesy, sour cream coating covered in tajin and garnishes and it was extremely delectable. The guacamole was good, nothing out of the ordinary but I did love the sides of spice & mango to enhance the flavor. The chicken quesadilla was very delicious, cooked to perfection. It had a great balance between chicken, cheese and veggies and the chips on the side added a bit of crunchiness to the meal. I also ordered a side of plantain and I LOVE the way they were cooked. I’m Caribbean and we love our plaintain well done, tender and browned. They executed it perfectly and the sprinkle of parm on top was a nice touch. I actually was in the neighborhood and stumbled across this restaurant and I’m so glad I did! From the outside you can’t tell how fancy it is but it’s BEAUTIFUL inside and perfect for date night. The art wall was so please to peak over at during my meal.

Honestly, this was quite the experience, a modern type of spin on the classic Mexican restaurant. Tapas included in their happy hour menu stole the show. The cocteles (passion fruit margarita y limonda de la muerte y seasonal sangria) were phenomenal 👌🏿. The tapas stole the show (queso fundido with house-made corn tortillas y mejillones en curry y guacamole y tostada de cangrejo), quite honestly. The whole experience encapsulated with the service received from Maria was exceptional. Having the opportunity to try their mezcal flight was amazing. The "Derrumbes" flight was quite the experience. All three mezcals was an experience in and of itself, smoky, sweet, pine notes, citrus forward, an immaculate balance of flavors across all three. Will definitely try the others when I return. I will be coming back to experience more of the menu and the service and atmosphere.

I went to Paraiso for my good friend Jake birthday. The service was awesome. Jake seemed to enjoy it which was great. The energy is elegant as well as the decor. I enjoyed my experience. The food was great tapas style portions.

Gosh we love this place — easily our favorite restaurant in Capitol Hill and probably all of DC. It’s upscale but in a foodie (not pretentious) way. Everything is always beautifully presented whether you get street tacos & guac or tuna hurache & sea bass. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed and always has a great vibe and while the food & drink is outstanding, the best part is the service. Everyone treats us like family and genuinely seems to care about making people feel welcome and getting the details right. Especially our favorite server Maria, who’s probably the best server we’ve had at any restaurant. Can’t recommend this place enough!

Amazing food! Limited vegan options but plenty of vegetarian options. Manager checked on us multiple times and also gave us extra hot chips for our guacamole. Wonderful ambiance for brunch, beautiful decor. Pretty pricey but worth it for what you get.

Before we get too far into this review, I want to highly recommend this restaurant to anyone willing to explore a well-balanced plate of food, both in portion and in palette. It's worth every cent and I will be returning to explore the rest of the menu. The atmosphere is clean, fresh, and vibrant with a bunch of invigorating artwork and statement lighting pieces throughout the main dining area. The service was top notch (allergies accommodated excellently). The General Manager, Brad, left an incredibly positive impression on our table with his cheerfulness and his clear, apparent love for the chef's menu. I'll take his food recommendations any day! With that out of the way, let's get into what was ordered! The beverages I was able to experience were La Mula and La Colada. Both are traditional drinks, but Paraiso put their own spin on the classics. La Mula is a pineapple-forward drink made with their Xicaru Mezcal, ginger, and lime. It was a refreshing drink that balanced the usual bitterness associated with agave-based liquor. La Colada is a coconut-forward drink made without alcohol per the menu, however I asked for the host's recommended coconut rum to be added. It was smooth, creamy, and the entire table enjoyed their sip before I greedily kept this gem of a pour to myself. As for the appetizer and main entree, I was able to experience the Restaurant Week menu. I selected Queso Fundido and Poblano Mushrooms served with corn tortillas (not pictured, it was gone in less than a minute!), Short Rib and Mole Verde, and the Tres Leches. The Queso Fundido and Poblano Mushrooms was a delightful starter of primarily soft, pull-able white cheeses served in a cast iron pan. It was enough to fill four corn tortillas, and everyone who tasted it, enjoyed it. The only small critique of this dish was the lack of salt to help enhance the flavors. Don't let the grease scare you, it's an attestation to the quality of cheese used for this dish! The Short Rib and Mole Verde was the main entree and it was a showstopper. This short rib was perfectly cooked, as is evident in the video included with this review. It was tender without sacrificing the integrity of the cut, and very well-seasoned. It was matched with a mole verde that packed a little heat on the back of the palette and a smooth mashed potato purée to help cool it down. The balance on this plate was incredible. Every bite, whether with one item or all, was delectable. And let's not forget the surprising star of the plate: the brussel sprouts! I was incredibly impressed by the sweet flavor packed into these mini vegetables and they added a nice crunchy texture to an otherwise softer plate. Dessert was just as much a pleasure to eat as the aforementioned. I have a history in pastry arts and I can appreciate the ability to make this unique, traditional dessert and the skill it took to plate it. It was like stepping into abuela's kitchen, sneaking a taste of the sweet dulce de leche before popping a spoonful of moist cake into your mouth. They top their Tres Leches with a toasted meringue that brings a delicate sweetness to an otherwise typically heavy dessert, and it elevates it to another well-balanced plate that had my son scraping at the plate once it was gone. Wrapping this review up, I cannot recommend Paraiso Taqueria enough. I will be returning, and this next time with more tequila-loving friends to experience their tasting menu! Thank you for an amazing meal and being so kind to my mother by accommodating her allergies. Context: Reservation was made for 7p, and we arrived at 6:50p and was seated immediately. We ordered drinks and the appetizer by 7:10p and served by 7:30p.

The food was delicious. I tried several items from the menu and all were really good. The staff was friendly a d available to answer any questions about the menu. The place was clean and in a very good location.

Amazing place first time here and everything was absolutely amazing. For appetizer we had kale salad & guacamole For dinner we had cod, cauliflower & shrimp tacos. Sweet potato enchiladas, black beans and pinto beans Drinks (2) agave old fashion (pretty strong and very delicious)

We had dinner here during a visit to DC. I love me a good margarita and Mexican food and Paraiso was perfect! Everything was tasty and the service was great. The guacamole could’ve been a little bigger for $14 but that’s ok. The Diablo margarita was delicious. We got the tres leches for dessert, huge piece but not as moist. Overall great dinner and will come again!

Came here for winter restaurant week 2022 brunch and it did not disappoint! This was our first time here and will absolutely be back. Food was excellent. Especially liked the tres leches french toast and the steak and egg dish. Beautifully decorated inside and liked the open-concept kitchen.

The food and margarita were delicious. The Diablo Margarita (cheers to Jimmy Buffett) had the right amount of heat and each of the tacos had a delicious salsa to complement the main protein choice). The only reason I marked a four on the service…I was seated outside and the staff forgot about me (and every table was empty outside and the hostess seated me in the sun). After I went in and told the hostess that I was forgotten - she reseated me in the shade and the server did a great job. NOTE: If the restaurant had been busy I would have totally understood waiting for over ten minutes…

I recently had the privilege of dining at the best Mexican restaurant I've ever experienced, and I can confidently say that it's the crown jewel of the DMV area. From the moment I stepped through the door, it was clear that this was going to be a remarkable dining adventure. First and foremost, the service was beyond exceptional. Every member of the staff greeted us with a genuine smile and made us feel right at home. The manager even took the time to check on our table, demonstrating a level of care that truly sets this restaurant apart. The ambiance and interior were nothing short of beautiful. The vibrant colors, rustic decor, and thoughtfully chosen details created an atmosphere that was both cozy and invigorating. It was the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal. Now, let's talk about the food. The guac trio was a fiesta of flavors, with three unique guacamole variations that were an explosion of taste in every bite. The mussels were fresh and brimming with a delightful sauce that had me savoring every drop. The plantains were a sweet and savory revelation, perfectly caramelized to provide an irresistible contrast in texture. The short ribs with potatoes were a true symphony of flavors, tender and rich, while the quasaladias brought a creative twist to traditional quesadillas. And oh, the drinks! They were a delight in every glass, blending the perfect balance of sweetness and kick to complement the meal beautifully. This Mexican restaurant is a culinary gem that has raised the bar for Mexican cuisine in the DMV area. The exceptional service, stunning ambiance, and a menu that takes your taste buds on a joyride make it an absolute must-visit. I can't wait to return and savor more of their delectable offerings. If you're seeking an unparalleled Mexican dining experience, look no further.

Really nice place. We went on a quiet Wednesday evening. Great atmosphere. It felt like the perfect spot for a friendly after hours meeting with a friend, date, or coworkers. Very chill and laid back. We started off with the chips and sauce trio. They were good; basic. When compared to other places (e.g. Bar Taco) with a similar offering, the sauces could have been a little richer in flavor. The bowls they were served in also could have been larger. They were also light on chips. But they were good. (I've just had better). I note this in particular because so many of my friends that I've spoken to judge many Mexican restaurants by the quality of the chips and dip/salsa/queso. I'd step it up on this one. IT WASN'T BAD, but it could work a little harder. But that's where the harsher part of my critique stops. Everything after was great. We also ordered the following from the small plates and the taco selection, all of which were excellent: - Crab Tostada - large, flavorful, delicious. There's a slight peppering of cayenne pepper that makes for a really interesting finish to every bite. The red onion offered a nice sharp contrast to the smooth flavor of the crab which was fresh and delicious. This thing was smooth and spicy at the same time. The tostada was larger than expected (which was good). If I lived in the neighborhood I'd be stopping by at least once every other week or two to get one. - Ceviche Acapulco - again, larger than expected (good), and flavorful. The slightly sour flavor of the vinegar (in a good way, not sour bad) was a great contract to the Tostada's fresh and spicy flavor. - El Camaron tacos - finely seasoned. The flavor of the shrimp is primary to the additional layors of flavor. Nice and light. - El Barracho tacos - Excellent. Just excellent. Really rich in flavor. The El Camaron taco was very good, but the El Barracho taco was even better. Our server Maria was excellent. Very pleasant and attentive. We didn't have any drinks, so I don't have a commentary for you there, but you can see from the pics that they have a well stocked bar. We'll be back.

Lovely, attentive, and kind staff. Really appreciated their kindness and accommodations. Though pricey, the tacos were pretty good (but… for $5+ each?? not sure they were THAT good)—loved that there were two vegetarian options (eggplant and cauliflower). Lovely seating by windows that feels well spaced away from other guests in this pandemic.

Love this place and food. Sat outside on a beautiful day and had tacos and a few drinks. The tacos were perfect!!! Birria tacos and then taco trio (chicken, carne asada, and wild cod) 🤌🏿; Guacamole trio (Salsa macha / mango tomatillo / tradicional) - I mean the food was incredible. Then we get to dessert, maybe just not my cup of tea but I was hoping for freshly made; the dessert tasted premade out of a refrigerator. Everything else perfect.

First, their menu has changed, so ignore some of the menu photos. Second, they’ve included sushi! At a Mexican restaurant! But dang, it’s good sushi. I had the vegan roasted cauliflower roll and it was beautiful presentation and flavor. I’m trying the Mole Verde de Pipian which sounds yummy from the menu description. And vegan. I’ll update my review once I’ve tried it. Update: spectacular dish. Lots of exotic mushrooms (not your ordinary cremini) and beautiful mole sauce. Spicy, if you don’t like spicy ask them to not add the red peppers. Enjoy!

The Short Ribs were perfection, and also some of the best Brussel sprouts I’ve had probably ever. The Sangria was also good. Really enjoyed this space.

The place is super nice on the inside, we were seated promptly and given a very nice table. Started with the queso fundido with chorizo which was very good but the corn tortillas were just ok, would’ve preferred hand made flour tortillas with this option. The other appetizer was the guacamole with tomatillos and that was very good. As for the options, they gave us a brunch menu. We had the chilaquiles which were awesome. The avocado toast which was really a huarache was super good and I ordered a Chile de árbol salsa which was amazing and spicy; the pulpo however was not very good and had a weird taste to it. My kids ordered the quesadilla, sopes, street corn and finished with the tree leches cake, all of those options were average and therefore it is a 4 star instead of 5. It seems it is a bit overpriced relative to the flavor and quality of the food served. The service was very professional and food came out well, hot and in time. Overall a very good place to eat at, with very authentic Mexican flavors.

Wonderful Dining experience for upscale Mexican. The restaurant is very clean and comfortable. Wait staff is friendly and very attentive. Easy to get to. I lucked up on a parking space right out front. Best tortilla soup I have had anywhere. Margaritas good with a nice kick. The photo is the shrimp appetizer good but quite spicy. Chips and salsa were delicious.

I visited this gem in the middle of the day with some coworkers for unch. It did not disappoint! The restaurant is beautiful and made me feel like I was visiting some place outside of DC. The staff was incredibly kind and efficient! And the lunch special is a steal! I order 3 tacos (cod, shrimp, and chicken). They were all delicious. I also had a kale salad which was equally delicious! I would definitely visit again.