Robert Lesieur-Brooks
I stopped by the new XO Mexican Kitchen Bar on Bay Street in Rosebank (Old Bayou Location) today for a quick peek inside and ended up staying to try the brisket tacos! The brunch menu offers a few select options, and the brisket tacos did not disappoint. I also tried the hibiscus mocktail, which was light and refreshing. The staff were warm and welcoming. Definitely worth checking out!
… moreSebastián Bonilla
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 of your list.
… moreMariana Raquel
My friends and I went for lunch yesterday and I don’t know how to explain the vibe. I loved the music, the decorations and the place is really nice. Makes you feel comfortable, the service was smooth and kind. Food was outstanding, they have different options to pick from the menu. My 2 favorites were the lobster tostada and the queso birria. What I really liked the most was the love putted in every bite, every plate was detailed, not too big, not too small, not too spicy and delicious. Definitely coming back! Thank you, Roberto!
… moreRobert Kramer
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 as this photo.
… moreDanny J
We celebrated my mom’s birthday at Xo Mexican Restaurant and had a great experience. I ordered the cochinita roasted pork tacos along with a tepache (fermented pineapple) drink mixed with whiskey and tequila, plus a classic margarita. Everything was delicious. The service was impressive and timely, especially since the owner himself was serving and bartending. Really great guy. We’ll definitely be coming back.
… morechris aimetti
The whole dinner took over 2 hours which doesn’t seem bad for valentines day but we were 1 of 3 couples in there. The street corn was ok but the chips for the guacamole were stale. After the apps 30 minutes go by and I’m told the 2 different types of tacos I had ordered were sold out. We sat with no food in front of us for over 1 hour. I asked if the main dishes are in and he said yes. Another 30 minutes past and they finally arrived. The pork ribs had barely any meat on them and the chicken mole was under seasoned. The whole experience was terrible. The waiter / bartender was the only bright spot.
… moreAngie V
The tacos were amazing, you can taste the freshness of the tortillas and the meat. The guacamole delicious, the street corn was another hit. The margaritas were great! Wilber recommended a drink called Tepache Chicano which was amazing like a piña colada but without the cream which I enjoyed. Definitely will be back for more!
… moreMichael Koltosky
Just left this local gem. I drove 30 minutes from the south shore to get here and let me tell you… i would drive an hour. The food is excellent. All cooked fresh in house. I ate pretty much every taco on the menu. All the meats were delicious but the star of the show was the tortilla (as it should be, right?). My first bite of the tortilla and i knew i had to ask Wuilver (i think I spelled that right) how he made these tortillas because mine are never as perfect as these (despite decades of trying). He literally explained his process gave me some tips and BROUGHT OUT SOME MASA he had just prepped to demonstrate his points. Then (after i commented on how ridiculous the queso fresco was) he took the masa i held and MADE ME A QUESADILLA to show the difference in tortilla thickness between a taco and quesadilla and to showcase the fresh cheese and it was possibly the greatest quesadilla i have ever had in my life. He was the only front of house employee so he made the drinks sat the patrons took orders answered questions etc. everything. All him. And he STILL took the time to answer every one of my odd questions in great depth demonstrating his knowledge of the ingredients and his passion for the food. I could talk about how tender and flavorful the chorizo was, or the freshness and depth of the house made salsa tomate or salsa verde or how everything he recommended was a 10/10 or how it was clear he was using fresh fruit that he pureed to make his flavored margaritas and not some garbage syrup full of chemicals; but the real treat was enjoying the company of Wuilver aka Eric (ask him – not my story to tell lol ) who managed to treat us so well that it felt like we were visiting family. Great food. Great guy. Go eat here – even if you have to drive an hour.
Oh yea – he sent us off with a healthy taste of what I can only describe as the best tequila i have ever tasted.
Olive garden needs to retire their slogan because at XO, ¡Cuando estás aquí, eres familia! (i hope I got that right)
… moreBrian Sweis
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 you MUST try.
… moreFrank
From the moment I walked in, the service was outstanding. Wilber made me a custom Chicano cocktail, and it was fantastic.
… more