El Nopalita Grill

Specialties

Seafood and Modern Latin Cuisine is our specialty and weekly specials,

and the new addition of the Tapas/​Small plates and Tequila Bar

History

Established in 2001.

Ismar Reyes-​Cruz started El Nopalito as chef-​owner with his brother Leonel Cruz a little over nine years ago with the aim of bringing a different take on Mexican food to the industry. To do so he spent time doing preliminary research in various regions of Mexico learning how to correctly prepare the traditional dishes he wanted to serve. He wanted to show that Mexican food has more to offer than burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. Before starting El Nopalito, he developed his culinary skills through an array of experiences. Ismar started his cooking career as a prep cook for Omega Restaurant in Washington D.C. and worked his way up to fine restaurants and catering companies. He came to work with distinguished chefs such as Jean Louis Paladin of Jean Louis; Mark Miller of the Red Sage and Coyote Café; Yannickc Cam of Le Pavillon; Doug McNeil of the Four Seasons Hotel and the Filomena Restaurant. Working for Ridgewell’s Catering, Federal City and being executive chef of Washington Parties g

Meet the Business Owner

ismar R.

Business Owner

Chef Owner Ismar Reyes-​Cruz is the winner of the MAHCC Mid Atlantic Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chef of the Year award 2010 More then 20 years of cooking experience Hi’s worked with such distinguished chefs as Jean Lois Paladin, Mark Miller (Red Sage and Coyote Café), Yannick Cam (le Pavellon), Doug Mcneil,(four Seasons Hotel) Filomena Restaurant, Ridgewell’s Catering and Federal City Catering