Amparo

noun, (ahm-pah-roh)

shelter
abrigo, albergue, amparo, asilo, cobertizo, garita

protection
protección, amparo, abrigo, blindaje, salvoconducto, recaudo

Amparo is a Mexican restaurant that explores the authentic flavors of Mexico’s diverse heritage and regions. Amparo, meaning “shelter” in Spanish, is also Chef Christian Irabién’s Mother and Grandmother’s names.

Who We Are: We are a community-driven and Mexico-forward restaurant concept in Washington, DC focusing on the education, showcasing and evolution of Mexican cuisine taking advantage of the wonderful bounty the Northeastern, mid-Atlantic area has to offer. We are a mix of old, new and everything in between. We are both North and South of the border and we create with nostalgia and child-like wonder. Always curious.

Our Reason for Being: To never stop challenging the way our country, culture and people of Mexico are perceived and to dismantle misconceptions of what Mexican food is and can be, as we believe it to be a living organism that continues to evolve through global influences of the many vast communities that shape it. We like to remind people that Mexican food in Mexico, is just that. Food.

Our Mission: To cultivate experiences, memories and connections while empowering our restaurant immigrant workers, mainly composed of BIPOC women, which compose 99% of our team, while pushing for more sustainable ways of working that create direct positive impact in our current and future generation of restaurant workers. We aim to navigate this restaurant platform as a social enterprise not only within our restaurant walls, but also within our local community.

The Food: Dining throughout Mexico has evolved beyond street food and taco carts to include some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants drawing inspiration from the diverse history of Mexico. We aim to embrace today’s dining trends while paying homage to the history of flavors and techniques that makes Mexican cuisine complex and unique. Utilizing local, seasonal ingredients and the highest-quality Mexican products, Amparo’s food is a reflection of the cuisine of contemporary Mexico, with a focus on its coastal regions and local seasonality. The menu reflects Chef’s multicultural family and Mexico’s multicultural influence.

The Beverages: Amparo’s beverage program seeks to expand guests’ familiarity with Mexican spirits while remaining approachable. Agave-based spirits (mezcal, tequila, raicilla) will take the spotlight, while tipping our hats to favorites such as gin, rum, and whiskey. The wine program will place a heavy emphasis on Mexican wines, wines produced by Mexican-Americans and will include natural wines.