Cielo Rojo in Takoma Park has been ranked the No. 6 restaurant in the D.C. area by Washington Post food critic Elazar Sontag as part of his list of “The 40 Best Restaurants in and Around D.C.”
Located at 7211 Carroll Ave., Cielo Rojo opened in 2019 and serves California-inspired Mexican cuisine, with a menu featuring tacos, enchiladas and a variety of shareable plates.
Owners David Perez and Carolina McCandless met in 2012 while working at Gracias Madre, a vegan Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. McCandless is originally from Takoma Park, where her parents own nearby Amano.
In his write-up, Sontag praised Cielo Rojo for being closely connected to its Takoma Park surroundings, as well as Perez’s use of fresh produce and masa. He called Cielo Rojo his “pick for the best Mexican restaurant in the region.”
Sontag highlighted dishes including the restaurant’s savory brunch waffle made with heirloom corn, enchiladas served with a variety of moles and colorful quesadillas. He also noted San Pancho, the couple’s nearby restaurant specializing in San Francisco-style Mission burritos.
The recognition is the latest in a series of accolades for Cielo Rojo. The restaurant has consistently received recognition from Eater DC, including being one of just six Maryland restaurants included on its Best of Summer 2026 list. In 2024, former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema also included Cielo Rojo among his “6 favorite places to eat in the D.C. area right now.”
