Award-winning

El Secreto de Rosita

4.4

725 Reviews

$30 and under

Latin American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

El Secreto De Rosita seeks to create great-tasting, authentic Peruvian street food, expertly crafted by Chef Kike Espinoza, that transports you to the vibrant flavors of Peru. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of your grandmother’s home, it’s a place where every bite feels like a cherished family tradition.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Home Style
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Latin American, Peruvian, Latin / Spanish
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(202) 234-8400
Website
http://www.elsecretoderosita.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Kike Espinoza
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (202) 234-8400

Location
1624 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Downtown
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

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Experiences

Nabiha
Jan 14, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
Palestinian Mezze Experience an experience dedicated to all the Palestinian grandmothers who filled our hearts and kitchens with love. No frills, just authentic, old-school goodness. Here, every bite transports you to the comforting, soul-satisfying flavors of a Palestinian grandmother’s kitchen, where tradition and warmth come together.

Popular dishes

Nikkei Wings$14.00
Teriyaki sauce / green onion / sesame seeds
Calamar Frito$16.00
Yuca flour / leche de tigre / jalapenos / garlic aioli
Gambas al Ajillo$19.00
Prawns / extra virgin olive oil / garlic / pisco / red pepper flakes / toasted bread
Choros$16.00
Mussels / roccoto and panka creamy sauce / toasted bread
Ensalada de La Casa$12.00
Mixed greens / grilled apple / walnuts / cherry tomato / cucumber / avocado / oregano dressing
Yakitori$17.00
Rib eye / green onion
Burrata Salad$16.00
Burrata cheese / beets / orange / frisée / mango vinaigrette
Anticuchos de Corazón$14.00
Grilled beef heart / tomato / red onion / green onion / red wine sauce
Grilled Octopus in Roccoto Adobo$24.00
Grilled octopus / roccoto adobo / purple potato purée / salsa criolla
Oysters Acevichadas & Salmon Caviar$21.00
Half dozen oysters / roccoto / leche de tigre / salmon caviar
Salmon Tiradito$22.00
Sliced fresh salmon / salmon caviar / mango leche de tigre / olives calamata / jalapeños
Ahí Tuna Tiradito$20.00
Seared tuna / orange / ginger / chives / sea salt / passion fruit / leche de tigre

Ceviches

Ceviche Clasico$18.00
Corvina / aji limo / red onion / lime juice
Ceviche del Mercado$19.00
Corvina / fried calamari / rocotto / plaintain chips
Ceviche Mixto$20.00
Corvina / tuna / shrimp / fried calamari / aji amarillo
Ceviche Nikkei$19.00
Ahi tuna / avocado / green onions / sesame seeds / eel sauce

Platos Fuertes

Aji de Gallina$24.00
Shredded chicken / aji amarrillo sauces / potatoes / hard boiled egg / black olives
Seco de Res$36.00
Braised short rib / beer-cilantro sauce / pinto beans / salsa criolla / rice
Pescado a lo Macho$29.00
Mahi mahi / calamari / panka pepper sauce / sweet potato / rice
Lomo Saltado$29.00
Rib eye / tomatoes / red onion / scallion / soy sauce / rice / fries
Arroz con Mariscos$31.00
Prawns / tuna / mahi mahi / mussels / squid / seafood broth / aji amarillo / panka / salsa criolla
Churrasco a lo Pobre$32.00
Angus Rib eye / fried egg / sweet plantain / fried potatoes / rice
Gnocchi Lomo Saltado$32.00
Rib eye / tomatoes / red onion / scallion / soy sauce / potato gnocchi / pesto sause
Risotto Huancaina$22.00
Arborio rice / ají amarillo sauce / parmesan cheese / seasonal mushrooms
Lamb Chops and Risotto Huancaina$40.00
Grass fed lamb chops / risotto / huancaina sauce / parmesan cheese
Warm Acevichado Dorade$34.00
Whole dorade / sweet potatoes / Peruvian corn / red onion / roccoto / aji amarillo sauce
Kamlu Wantan de Camaron$25.00
Shrimp tempura / sweet & sour sauce / snow peas / pineapple / red pepper / crispy wonton / fried rice
Arroz Chaufa
Fried rice / ginger / scallions / egg. Choice of
- Chicken$22.00
- Ribeye$26.00
- Seafood$26.00
- Tofu$20.00

What 725 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Secreto de Rosita offers a delightful fusion of authentic Peruvian flavors with a "superb service." Guests praise the "lovely atmosphere" and "delicious food," particularly the ceviche and pisco cocktails. While some patrons note occasional inconsistencies, the overall experience remains "exceptional" and "highly recommended" for a memorable dining outing.

725 Reviews

J
Johnny
Washington DC2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The service and food was amazing. The restaurant was surreal. Would 100% recommend the Lomo Saltado and the Kawaii drink
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
Los Angeles45 reviews
3.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Cocktails were a weak spot, food was fine if not exceptional. Great decor and good service but overall, seems a bit past its heyday.
Is this helpful?
A
Anthony
Washington DC10 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Great experience. 1st time diner. Date night. Food was amazing. Enjoyed the “backstory” of the dishes we had. Was seated near the door of the kitchen and endured a big party on the other side. Will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
E
Elsa
Washington DC1 review
2.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
We waited 50 minutes to put in our order. But the food is good. A bit small.
Is this helpful?
N
Nada
Washington DC5 reviews
3.0
Dined on February 27, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was very good and the drinks delicious. Lovely and cozy decor!
Is this helpful?
K
Kutoof
Washington DC34 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An incredibly unique joint. A must need in DC that showcases love for family & culture.
Is this helpful?
M
Monica
Washington DC5 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
10 out of 10 points! This is a great dating place and restaurant to eat delicious peruvian food in DC. Since you enter, you feel really welcome. They make you feel you are coming into their house and so welcome. The food is delicious, desserts as well and the coctels really good. 100% recomended to visit. Worthy the driving all the way to DC. :)
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I
Inchol
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
One of the best dining experiences that had in this area in recent years. Food was amazing and the restaurant was beautiful.
Is this helpful?
W
Wahab
St. Louis12 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We made a reservation and got seated immediately. The vibe was great! Great lighting, ambiance, decor, and not too crowded. It was definitely busy the day after Valentine's Day but the servers were attentive and we got our food pretty quickly. I loved the Churrasco Steak and the half chicken was so much food! We loved it all and would definitely come back. It looked like live music might be happening but we didn't see anything. I also appreciated seeing both menus and having the option to order Palestinian food.
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J
Jordan
Unspecified1 review
4.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Incredible vibes and the lomo saltado was to die for. I’d skip the hummus, it was good but nothing special. We sat at the bar and it was perfect, not too crowded and the bartenders were super friendly. Overall incredible time and I can’t wait to go back.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Secreto de Rosita offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 234-8400.

El Secreto de Rosita is rated 4.4 stars by 725 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 13 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

1624 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Latin American, Peruvian, Latin / Spanish
Dining style
Home Style
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Kike Espinoza
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.elsecretoderosita.com/
Phone number
(202) 234-8400
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (202) 234-8400

Featured in

Seek out these 5 unique restaurants in Washington, D.C.

El Secreto de Rosita

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Seek out these 5 unique restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Nabiha

Arroz Con Mariscos

Ceviche Classico

Ceviche Roccoto

Cositas Ricas

Nikkei Wings$14.00

Calamar Frito$16.00

Gambas al Ajillo$19.00

Choros$16.00

Ensalada de La Casa$12.00

Yakitori$17.00

Burrata Salad$16.00

Anticuchos de Corazón$14.00

Grilled Octopus in Roccoto Adobo$24.00

Oysters Acevichadas & Salmon Caviar$21.00

Salmon Tiradito$22.00

Ahí Tuna Tiradito$20.00

Ceviches

Ceviche Clasico$18.00

Ceviche del Mercado$19.00

Ceviche Mixto$20.00

Ceviche Nikkei$19.00

Platos Fuertes

Aji de Gallina$24.00

Seco de Res$36.00

Pescado a lo Macho$29.00

Lomo Saltado$29.00

Arroz con Mariscos$31.00

Churrasco a lo Pobre$32.00

Gnocchi Lomo Saltado$32.00

Risotto Huancaina$22.00

Lamb Chops and Risotto Huancaina$40.00

Warm Acevichado Dorade$34.00

Kamlu Wantan de Camaron$25.00

Arroz Chaufa

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does El Secreto de Rosita offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Secreto de Rosita restaurant rated?

Is El Secreto de Rosita currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

Seek out these 5 unique restaurants in Washington, D.C.