Just opened in Hudson Yards, Oyamel grabs inspiration for both its eclectic menu and upbeat interior from Mexico City, specifically the energy of a Mexican street festival. The restaurant from José Andrés debuted in April and is the New York City version of the successful Washington, D.C. original, which opened in 2004. Situated just below the High Line, Oyamel is the perfect spot to enjoy an elevated-yet-approachable lunch or dinner—then stroll it off with a scenic walk as you take in NYC’s skyline and river views in the perfect spring-to-summer weather.
Elevated Mexican Fare
The colorful dishes start off with guacamole and salsa, ceviche bar options, and soups and salads, including a Caesar salad that calls out to the dish’s origin in Tijuana. Small plates spotlight creative takes on quesadillas packed with pork belly or Roy Burns Mexican corn truffles, a queso fundido featuring Monterey Jack cheese flambéed with tequila, elevated empanadas, and more. A selection of street tacos includes house-made tortillas stuffed with beef tripe and trotters, confit pork, or crispy masa tempura-battered seasonal fish.
The Mexican Fiestas section of the menu is meant to be shared, making it perfect for an intimate dinner or date night. Choose from dishes like a pollo al mole, poached chicken over mole poblano, served with rice, avocado, frijol refrito, and fresh corn tortillas, or order the lamb barbacoa, which comes with two lamb shanks that have been marinated in herbs and slowly cooked in a wood oven with mixed chiles and vegetables before being served with fresh corn tortillas, salsa verde, and rice. End your meal with sophisticated takes on Mexican desserts, such as fluffy churros covered in cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate sauce, or corn flan with Mexican caramel sauce, whipped cream, and sweet popcorn. Or, try the unique Pina Tequila, featuring pineapple compressed with lime, tequila, and brown sugar, and served with chile pequin and salt.
Playful Drinks
Pair your meal with inventive drinks, such as José Andrés’ famed margarita—the Salt Air Margarita featuring “Salt Air,” Milagro Blanco, Magdala, and lime (available by the glass or pitcher!), or the Pineapple Habanero, featuring habanero-infused Rosaluna Mezcal, caramelized pineapple “leche de tigre,” a Tajin rim, and salt air. Agave and mezcal flights are also available, as well as Mexican wines and beers (and the option to make any beer a Michelada).
An Inspired Interior and Backstory
Oyamel is brightened by neon signs and lush greenery, reminiscent of a Mexican street festival at night. The restaurant takes its name from the oyamel tree, a sacred fir tree native to central Mexico. Around the winter months, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico to escape the cold and settle in the oyamel trees, giving off the appearance that the trees are draped in gold. The butterflies flapping their wings to stay warm give off an ethereal “shhh” sound. Since the butterflies appear around Day of the Dead, locals believe the butterflies are the spirits of those who have passed. Nods to Monarch butterflies appear around Oyamel—on the logo, on the menu, and in decor seen throughout the restaurant.
Whether you’re planning a business lunch, date night, or group dinner, Oyamel is the reservation worth making this season. Oyamel is open Monday through Friday, 12 to 10 PM and Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 10 PM. 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
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