XO Mexican Kitchen Bar — Restaurant in New York

My wife and I had an incredible and unexpected culinary experience at XO, a New Mexican restaurant that deserves a spot on your must-visit list. The ambiance is beautifully simple, with tables and decor that create a relaxed atmosphere. The waitstaff is incredibly welcoming, making you feel right at home as soon as you step inside.

But the true star of the show is the food, freshly prepared by co-owner Roberto. His dishes are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Roberto’s unique twist on authentic Mexican cuisine sets XO apart from other restaurants, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience. We embarked on a culinary journey with a complete tasting menu, where each drink was a full-fledged experience, not a mere sample. The menu consisted of four exquisite courses.

Our culinary adventure began with a refreshing guacamole served with homemade tortillas. These tortillas required us to break them open and use them as a vessel to scoop up the guacamole. Accompanied by sopesitos, a delightful treat reminiscent of mini pizzas, Roberto presented us with a unique twist. Instead of traditional sauce and mozzarella, he used a warm tostada, a black bean puree, creama, and a hint of spicy salsa. This combination was a symphony of flavors, and I couldn’t help but crave it as a standalone main course. Chef Roberto himself took the time to explain each dish and drink, ensuring that we fully understood the culinary concepts behind them.

Next, we were presented with a beautifully crafted Poloma, a refreshing drink that perfectly complemented the appetizers. Roberto then introduced us to the white fish Aquachile and the shrimp Tostada. These dishes were presented with an artistic flair, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The white fish was incredibly fresh, while the shrimp Tostada was bursting with flavor. To enhance the dining experience, we were served a refreshing drink called the El Chicano, which featured a delightful blend of pineapple and tequila. This drink harmonized beautifully with the fish and shrimp dishes.

For our main courses, we were guided by Chef Roberto’s expertise and recommendations. We indulged in the rich and flavorful chicken mole, accompanied by tender and succulent chicken. The Birria, a dish that truly stole the show, was an absolute delight. It was the best Birria I’ve ever had, leaving our palates utterly satisfied. Both main courses were served with warm homemade masa tortillas, adding to the overall culinary experience.

As our journey came to an end, we were treated to a decadent dessert and our final drink. The Tres Leches cake was a masterpiece, and the Buneelos, reminiscent of vanilla ice cream but elevated with caramel and a crispy wafer topping. These delectable desserts were perfectly paired with an Old Cuban, a tequila-coffee drink that complemented the sweetness of the desserts.

Throughout the entire experience, we were not rushed and had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with Chef Roberto. He shared his culinary philosophy, recipes, and the rich heritage of his family, enriching our understanding of the dishes we were savoring.

The entire tasting menu journey lasted nearly three hours, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the culinary delights and savor each moment. This was this one of the best food experiences we’ve ever had and will definitely return to try some of the other menu items. Oh yes there a full menu of ala carte dishes as well. That is if you don’t want the tasting menu. Go support this awesome local business and enjoy the ambiance and pleasingly prepared food and drinks by Chef Roberto. Unfortunately, I didn’t take more photos as I decided to enjoy all the food and drinks rather than take pictures. But believe me when I say they were all equally presented as beautiful...

This was one the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. Brand new spot on Bay Street in Staten Island and I cannot recommend it enough. They have 3 dining options - al a carte, a smaller tasting menu with an optional 4 cocktail pairing, or a larger tasting menu with an optional 6 cocktail pairing. Every single dish was delicious, creative, authentic, and unique. The host and owners were extremely friendly and knowledgeable with stories to share taking us through what was a fun tasting menu adventure. We had their $55 per person smaller 5 course which was plenty. Photo below of their amazing dessert tres leeches and ice cream coated in syrup with a tequila based espresso martini - wish we took more photos of each item but we ate it too quickly! Will definitely be coming back to try everything on the menu and bringing friends! This is a restaurant...

I had an amazing experience at Xo’s mexican kitchen. The ambience and decor immediately set the tone—warm, vibrant, and inviting, with thoughtful details that made the space feel both authentic and modern. But as lovely as the setting was, the food took things to another level.

Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor, but the standout for me was the mole. Rich, complex, and perfectly balanced, it was easily one of the best I’ve ever had. You can tell a lot of care and tradition went into its preparation.

If you’re looking for a place that nails both atmosphere and incredible food, this spot should be at the top...