Tamayo

I'm not sure why we put ourselves through the experience with all the other options on Larimer. Would have done better at Teds for a fraction of the price. The staff is poorly trained and rude. As we entered there was a small mob of staff at the front of the restaurant, ignoring us...the CUSTOMERS. I don't know why I have this wild expection that we should be noticed when we walk in the door. I felt invisable...and there were so few other customers in the restaurant, I just don't understand why a restaurant would not train staff to fall all over customers in this type of economy. I always expect good service, but especially these days! You can tell when a restaurant puts service first. The wait person is attentive and is focused on you not gossiping with his fellow worker. If I wanted that treatment I would go to Safeway and let the checker ignor me. I wanted another glass of wine, but by the time we could get someones attention, I was too frusterated to bother and wanted to go. We went 20 yards away to Teds and finished the evening.

Food? Give me a break. The king has no cloths. There is nothing special other than the fact that you are paying too much Mexicanish food. I dine out 3x per week and will not return.

My prediction....they close in the next 6-8 months.

Pros: The decor...I'm trying hard to find something positive.

Cons: Way over priced and poor service

Posted 11/11/09

Eating here was a real treat. My wife chose to bring me here and we had a delightful experience. People say cheap mexican food is horrible mexican food, but this place will turn that thinking around. Will be back soon!

Pros: Food

Posted 10/18/09

Upon entering the restaurant from the bustling atmosphere of Larimer Square, we were immediately greeted by a brightly smiling and very friendly hostess who made us feel welcomed and promptly escorted us to our table on the rooftop. The sun was just beginning it's descent behind the mountains, and we were treated to a truly glorious sunset.
The staff was immediately attentive and remained so throughout the dining experience, without being intrusive. Our server (Matt) was prompt in greeting us and full of helpful information about the menu items, right down to the specific details of the spices and varieties of chillies used in each. He was very successful in reading our need for his presence and when we wanted to be left to our own devices. Dining with Matt was an experience unto itself.
We started with the flautas, which were crispy and drizzled in a bright and flavorful three chili sauce and cool cream fresca: a great way to start when you're really hungry.
Our guacamole was average, however ask your server for a small side of habanero sauce and it can really make it a standout dip.
My entree was the slow roasted pork shoulder... a great cut of meat that was cooked to absolute perfection...spiced perfectly and served atop a roasted corn puree that lent a balancing sweetness to the spice in the meat. On other occasions which I've dined at Tamayo, I've been impressed with the smoked and grilled duck and the adobo halibut... however the pork is the dish that has impressed me the most.
We heard rumblings of dessert, but couldn't begin to think about eating another thing... but I hear they're great.
While the food was great, the true inspiration for me to write about this place was the service and ambiance. For a raucous night out, an intimate date, or anything in between, you'll be handled properly if you entrust yourself to Tamayo's staff.

Pros: Unique food preparation, service, ambiance

Cons: Don't come here looking for tacos or burritos

Posted 09/30/09

I've walked by Tamayo so many times on my way to UCD campus for school and saw their cool little salsa dip that so many people ordered. I decided to try it for my birthday on a Saturday. Big mistake. Reservations for the big party was unsure because Cirque de Soleil was in town so they couldn't guarantee us the reservation. My friend even had to give a credit card number to them to secure our spot.

The service started out good. The guac, salsa, and chips they brought out were delicious. I got there later than some of my friends and was informed that the server just asked my friends if they wanted chips and salsa. We didn't know the guac costs $9.50 for a small bit of guac!! If we had known that we would have just asked for chips and salsa with NO guac! We had a big party so they ended up giving up 5 of these.

The seating was nice, we got the rooftop patio. One of my friends is preggo and will not eat any undercooked food so she had to send her beef tacos back to the kitchen to get cooked. The meat still came back pink. I was there when she informed the waitress that she had lost her appetite and did not want the tacos anymore. The waitress seemed indifferent and did ask if she wanted anything else and when my friend said "no" the server just asked "are you done?" and whisked away her plate. She had even explained to the waitress that she is preggo and cannot eat undercookd food. Another friend had a custom meal which consisted of a steak and mashed potatoes which cost $32 dollars!

I ordered the lobster crepes because everything else seemed overpriced and didn't sound appetizing. The presentation was great but the taste was absolutely bland! I ate it all because I didn't want to waste it. It cost $15 for 2 small crepes and I didn't even taste the lobster. I also ordered the calamari which was not bad, it had flavor but it was probably fried and sauteed with the sauce it came it so it is "wet".

My friend wanted to make it special for me so she bought a cake for use. It costs $5.00 to cut one piece of cake!! It would have cost us almost $90 for that! But the guy who cut said he would waive the fee for us which was very nice. I was even supposed to get a "free" dessert but we were never asked if we still wanted it.

The bill came out to be $500 dollars including tip because we had about 17 people. The waitress forgot to take off the entree my friend could not eat and had to re-fix the bill, luckily we checked the entire bill to make sure they didn't cheat us. Just because we are a big party doesn't mean we should get bad service. We felt like the waitress could care less because she was getting her 20% anyway. I barely ate anything and I'm pretty sure that everyone else left hungry as well which is bad news for a restaurant. How did we spend $500 and leave hungry?!?!! I don't know if I would give this place a second chance. Tamayo would really need some work in customer service and food for their prices.

Pros: Good guac, nice presentation, roof top patio is awesome

Cons: over priced, bad service for big parties

Posted 09/07/09

My wife and I dined here for Valentines Day and it was by far one of the best meals we have ever had. They had a special menu for the holiday, and everything was delicious. The service was impeccable and the food was wonderful. I did find the dessert to be a little small, but when I mentioned it to our server, he brought out another piece for us to share. This was our first time at Tamayo, but it will surely not be our last.

Pros: Great all around

Cons: The upstairs dining room was not our favorite, but the service and food was well worth it

Posted 02/17/09

Who says that you have to spend under $20 for good Mexican Food? You have to be kidding, when you go out to a RESTAURANT of this caliber, don't expect Tex-Mex, it's REAL mexican cuisine.
The service is always great here, been here more than 30 times and I have never had a bad experience.
Awesome location as well, when you go to the theatre or to a concert at the Pepsi Center.

Pros: Great Location/Great outdoor Terrace/great food

Cons: Parking

Posted 02/10/09

Don't be fooled by these pretentious, overpriced restaurants. Mexican dished should NEVER exceed $20, I don't care how amazing your head chef is, it's outrageous. El Taco De Mexico has this place beat.

Posted 02/02/09

There is something very alluring about this place. I, too, have travelled to Mexico and realize that authentic Mexican does not consist of gargantuan portions. Also, comparing Tamayo to Taco Bell is not apt. This IS an upscale Mexican restaurant, albeit one with service issues. But try the rooftop bar when it's warm out and have some appetizers. There is no question that a full meal is expensive but the food is definitely authentic, fresh and imaginative. The service is another story and can be eratic. Also, it is very often the case that the rooftop bar is closed for a private party and that has soured my boyfriend and me from returning in the last year. Still, I would give it another chance.

Pros: Pleasant atmosphere, fresh, innovative food

Cons: The service is eratic and sloppy, sometimes even dismissive

Posted 01/06/09

i agree with dave. i passed by this restaurant many times and had wanted to try it out for some time. the place is way over priced for the amount of food you actually get. i think the food is tasty but not worth the price. also, the management should work on the service. for upscale dining, it should be immaculate, but its not and you won't be satisfied.

the soup consisted of pureed corn chowder and pureed black beans. when did baby food become gourmet? and to top if off, you will only get 3 tbsp for $9.00 ( i'm not exaggerating, unfortunately). The appetizers are really tapas. the tacos are bite-sized and the flauntas are even smaller. i walked out STARVING. come on, at least feed me for the money i'm choosing to spend at your place!

i went from being excited and curious to try out high end mexican cuisine, to completely disappointed and in total disbelief. i really wish my experience was different.

barbara, good for you for liking the place. that's your opinion and your money. but in this case, i agree with dave below. i will never come back and i will never recommend this place to my family or friends. taco bell does actually sound better after my experience!

Pros: gorgeous presentation

Cons: quality and quantity of food, service

Posted 12/26/08

Dave you are an idiot! This is a great restaurant! My husband and I have frequented Tamayo for years, and have never had a bad experience. The service is fantastic and the food is delicious, unique Mexican cuisine . I hate when people go out and do not know how to dine. If you are upset about something speak up, and have the situation fixed, not that you will need to here. If you are looking for sloppy, cheap family fare, go to Taco Bell.

Pros: GREAT!

Cons: Parking not included

Posted 12/25/08

I have been frequently attending restaurants downtown for most of my adult life. I am very easy going when it comes to dining and during a night out with the family, I thought I would try Tamayo. Unfortunately the only good part of my experience is the laughter I had when I saw how ridiculously small the portions were compared to the price. To top off the meal, was a nice $67.00 dollar bottle of wine added to our bill which we never ordered. I would rather not waste the rest of my time explaining what a joke this restaurant is. :(

Pros: A Good Laugh, Bus Boy Service

Cons: Everything Else!!!

Posted 12/22/08

I went there for lunch to celebrate a collegue's retirement and we had the best experience. The drinks were fantastic, the food was amazing, and the service was great!! Our waiter was great at answering all our questions and accomodating my vegetarian co-worker's requests. He also brought out an amazing empanada dessert for our table after noticing that we were giving our collegue a gift - we didn't even need to ask! Tamayo really exceeded our expectations!

Posted 11/20/08

We were just ordering our food when we overheard an employee tell another employee a completely innapropriate joke at the host stand. Come to find out, the employee's name was Mike and he was a MANAGER?!? We asked for the check for our drinks and the server looked confused. We explained why and the server made it seem like it was no big deal. Never again will we go to Tamayo, Zengo, or any of the other foo-foo 'Modern Mexican' franchise crap-holes.

Pros: Terrible food and service.

Cons: Oh wait, terrible food and service is all they had to offer.

Posted 11/07/08

It has been a long time since I've had dinner with such ambience and sophistication. This is one restaurant you've got to try. Our party of four had appetizers and entrees that were so special. But to top that was our waitress. She was freindly and professional all the way (not just as she presented the check as I find in many restaurants). We were all pleased with the portions, presentations and prices. Every bit as good as the original Tamayo's in San Francisco.

If you are expecting gobs of food such as burritos, enchiladas and a plate smothered in cheese and sauce this is not the place for you. This is delicate cusine prepared by a master chef who cares about quality, taste and presentation. If you are the person who loves good food, this is the place for you.

Pros: Quiet, Ambience, Service, Presentation, Menu, Taste, Quality

Cons: NONE

Posted 09/10/08

Just got back from Tamayo where we had a party of 8 for my wife's birthday. The location could not be better. The interior's neatly decoed, but tight & noisy when busy. Great views from the patio lounge and bar. The service was gracious and friendly if not a bit informal for a 5 star restaurant.

Now, as to the food, I've traveled throughout many parts of central and coastal Mexico including Puebla - the home of Mole Poblano, so for a guerro/havacho/gringo - I've eaten my share of authentic Mexican food. The food at Tamayo shows that a lot of thought has gone into the unique creations like the corn and huitlacoche dumpling soup to twists on old favorites like a shrimp and scallop stuffed relleno. That being said, this restaurant's food shows it's East-Coast roots with it's lack of salt and spicy punchiness. The guacamole has no garlic while the spicy version isn't very spicy. The mole sauce could use more salt and please, NO cream. The mole's flavor was actually close to what I remember eating with the Reyes family I stayed with in Puebla Mexico in 1984, but was lost in the heavy cream they plashed over it. My wife's chicken Yucateco was actually very tasty, but nothing I couldn't re-create on my backyard grill with some orange/ancho chilli marinade. The two types of ceviches were OK, but a little salsa-esque ... they didn't come close to the snapper ceviche we shared on South Padre Island for a fraction of the price.

If you have a special occasion, hot date, or just want to hang in the patio with some friends while slamming $40 Tequila shots - Tamayo is a must. However if all you're looking for is some salty, spicy, greasy, authentic Mexican food - try a road-side Mexican catering truck instead - what with a $4 plate of al pastor, $2 taquitos al carbon or bistec ranchero with a habanerro salsa, trucks are hard to beat INDEED - especially when considering the prices you will pay at Tamayo for albeit unique and artful dishes but with no exclamation point....

Pros: Unique Dishes in an airy atmosphere. Great views from upstairs lounge.

Cons: Tight quarters ... food could use more flavor ... pricy

Posted 06/06/08

Even after reading all the poor reviews, decided to give it a chance. Sat on hold for like 10 miuntes to make a res. It's midafternoon and they can't even take a reservation. Just hung up!!! Whatever

Posted 06/01/08

My husband and I are new to Denver, we just moved to the area from NYC. What a nice surprise to see that Chef Richard Sandoval also has a restaurant here. We love Maya in NY and Tamayo is very similar. However I must say the Sangria is much better at Tamayo. We did have to wait about 40 minutes for a table, but the Manager, (Mike?) made it up to us by treating us to guacamole. The service was good, the noisy level was a bit high, but then it was a Saturday night. We will be back for more empanadas and Sangria!!

Posted 05/26/08

What an amazing dinner. It was our anniversary and we decided to try the highly recommened Tamayo restaurant. What a delight! The service was amazing, the staff really knows the menu and the wine list paired perfectly with the dishes. We enjoyed the evening on the terrace, the view is breathtaking.
We have travled to Acapulco many times and I must say this is as close as you can get without buying a plane ticket. Keep up the good work!

Posted 05/26/08

I am terribly suprised by that last comment saying how over priced Tamayo is, it is by no means a rip off! When you want fine cusine, excellent service and a beautiful restaurant this is the place. Tamayo never dissapoints. If you are worried about paying more than $20 for you dinner then I am sure that the Chipotle on 16th Street Mall would love to have you stop by.

Pros: The best authentic Mexican Food!

Cons: My stomach isn't big enough

Posted 05/26/08

I concur with the last posts, I had a great experience at Tamayo just this weekend. My husband and I dined there before a show at Comedy Works. Their terrace is the place to be. I am constantly looking for great outdoor seating and Tamayo hands down has the best seat in town overlooking the mountains. The food is amazing, drinks are great and I highly recommend the banana empanadas to finish off the meal. Tamayo is a great spot for a romantic night out or get a group of friends together. Make sure you make a reservation though-- the place fills up!

Posted 05/26/08

Bottom line, this restaurant is way overpriced. The good things: awesome patio, a few decent entrees (i.e. TAMPIQUE?A, CREPAS DE HUITLACOCHE). Besides that this place is highway robbery!! At least 50 % markup on what they are serving, both drinks and food. I say boycott this place until they readjust the pricing. If no one goes they will have to. Plus, they had an incident reported for health issues by Tom Martino. Supposedly it was corrected. Upscale my butt!!!

Pros: Desert , some menu items, patio

Cons: the price is a joke!

Posted 05/19/08

I honestly don't know why there are so many negative reviews about this restaurant. My husband and I ate at Tamayo for the first time recently and had a great experience. We started with the Tacos de putas de filete appetizer and it was delicious. We then both had the Tampiquena steak and it was prepared exactly as we requested. We had reservations and were seated exactly at the time our reservation was. The server we had was excellent. Our drinks were promptly refilled and the specials explained. I really enjoyed coming here and hope to return in the near future. They have great mojito's as well.

Pros: Lovely setting, great food and service

Cons: No valet parking

Posted 04/13/08

We went to Tamayo to meet some friends after the garden show. After an ok, but pricey meal (the lamb shank is much better at Table Mesa in Littleton), we were asked to leave to free up the table for another reservation. This came as quite a shock as there were some empty tables around. We stayed a bit after finishing because we enjoyed the place. If the manager needed the table to join it with another, he cold have done a few things handle it better like explaining the situation more clearly, offering us a different table, or even inviting us to the bar. Still in shock from having been asked to leave a restaurant, I mumbled to the manager on the way out "we wont' be back". He was as shocked as I was. I hope so. $200 for 4 deserves better than that.

Pros: locatoin

Cons: food, service, price

Posted 02/22/08

Having seen Tamayo nicely situated on the corner of 14th and Larimer, I thought this is a place I would love to try. Finally, joined by my fabulous boyfriend, we visited there for a Saturday evening dinner. We were ushered to our table very quickly and passed off to our server who took our drink orders with a look of apathy. Soon after a bus boy came and set down a two-tiered platter containing guacamole and chips. The quacamole had more onion in it than avocado and the chips were very greasy. But we thought, oh how nice to be given this as a starter! Our server returned with our drinks and asked for our order. She made no recommendations, offered no specials, and really acted as if she was just doing her job. We ordered the mahi-mahi ceviche to start-It came to us as a soupy non-distinct concoction with a side of corn nuts. For dinner I ordered the chicken mole with plaintains. The mole was bland and flat. I did like the taste combination of the plaintains and the mole sauce, but even this combination was not enough to call the dish successful. My boyfriend ordered the sea bass on a bed of cole slaw and a taco bell-esque sauce swished over the whole thing. We honestly believe it was not bass, but perhaps a low grade tilapia. It was stiff and overfryed. The sauce should be given back to Taco Bell. There was no chance we would have ordered dessert and called for the bill instead. Shocking and disappointing to receive a bill charging us for guacamole we never ordered, food that was tasteless and lackluster. During our exit, I brought my disappointment to the attention of the manager who graciously apologized and vowed to make it right on our next visit. Seriously? Another trip back to Tamayo? No thanks, Taco Bell has better hours.

Pros: Great location

Cons: the food, the service, the food, the food, the food

Posted 11/04/07

I get the impression from reading some reviews on this site that people expect their lives to be changed by a restaurant meal or to be provided with manna from heaven after they place their order. Most restaurants won't provide this, and Tamayo is no exception. However, the food is solid and the menu creative. There are a few disappointments mixed in (fried yet limp calamari, unimaginative meat preparations) but for the most part you'll get a fine meal here. The guac is very good with the perfect spice to it, the rice and beans are perfect, and the banana empanadas are truly delicious. Also, Tamayo has the most beautiful upstairs patio/ bar area I've found in Denver. The mango mojito is fantastic, and the sangria is very good as well. This is a fantastic place for drinks, guac, and desert. . . less so for a big entree-laden meal.

Pros: ambience

Cons: parking, handicapped unfriendly

Posted 08/23/07

If you go here for nothing else, just have a mango mojito. Its one (or more like four) of the best I've ever had! I went in for the purpose of talking to the chef about using a dish as a PR shot for marketing purposes, but I came out completely stuffed and happy. We started with the tasting of ceviche which was nice, but by the end of the meal, it was the least tasty of all our dishes. Then the chef brought out a dish that isn't on the menu but should be!! Polenta, topped with chorizo, topped with scallops and pineapple. I swear it was the one of the most flavorful things I've had in a long time! Our entrees arrived next--the beef skewers and the leg of lamb. Both were paired with interesting flavors and plated beautifully. The servings sizes were large enough that neither of us were disappointed. For dessert we tried the empanadas and the key lime pie. The crust of the pie was a bit tough and hard to cut, but the empanadas were wonderful if you like the flavor of bananas.

I'll be back---but only when my wallet recovers from this trip. :)

Pros: Taste, mojitos, good serving size--they don't skimp on entree size

Cons: Prices, slow drink service

Posted 07/01/07

My wife and I have have traveled extensively in Mexico, so first off: know that the menu is not Mexican. Oh, they do have passable guac ($9 for a small dollop), but it pretty much ends there. But OK, not Mexican, but also terrible? Yes. First, it came to the table in about - literally - 3 minutes. The server came out with the plates piled high, almost dropped them on the floor, then unceremoniously dumped it on the table, (which was not quite big enough for one person and beer, let alone a meal.) The calamari was cooked to an unrecognizable crisp, the ceviche was so-so (at best), and in the quesadillas...was a rubber band. Yes, just a mistake in the kitchen, but it was handled so poorly by the wait staff we were shocked. It was almost as if the rubber band was supposed to end up in my wife's mouth, which it did. And anyone familiar with restaurant service - just watch them bus the tables. It is downright embarrassing.

Oh yes, and everything is extremely over-priced. To a silly degree. Just don't go.

Pros: Nice ambiance

Cons: EVERYTHING ELSE (it is a bit like being robbed on a very nice street. Although, at least if you're robbed you don't have to taste the food at Tamayo)

Posted 06/30/07

Have never had a bad meal here. Always consistent. Always innovative. Best service in town. You can?t go wrong here. This is the place where I take out of town friends to show off Denver. They RAVE! Love this place. Not cramped. Atmosphere is outstanding.

Pros: Food ...Service ...Freshness...PERFECTION!

Cons: No cons. GREAT PLACE!

Posted 05/26/07

After hearing so many rave reviews from my friends about this place, I thought it would be a great place for a special treat for some out-of-town guests. However, I was very disappointed. Tamayo has echoes of a great restaurant, but I think the kitchen has gotten lazy and the attention to detail is just not there. The guacamole wasn't bad, but it wasn't memorable either. The sauce on my ceviche was too sweet, and totally overpowered the delicate fish. My chicken tortilla soup had potential, but was terribly salty and overseasoned. My pan-fried red snapper was crisply cooked and actually very good, but my companions' dishes were not. The pork dish was swimming in a thick, cloying over-sweetened sauce. The baked red snapper dish was undercooked and had a strange, unbalanced tartness. The empanadas for dessert had a deflated greasy crust that probably didn't come fresh out of the fryer--totally mediocre. Tamayo may have once been a great restaurant, but somebody is asleep at the switch these days. Overseasoned food happens when the chef isn't paying attention.

Pros: Roof deck looks cool.

Cons: Totally overrated food.

Posted 04/09/07

I love this plce!! Great flavored margaritas and perfect food. They are really busy on Fri and Sat.

Posted 02/12/07

I am a little disappointed in Tamayo. Though the food and service was good, it was nothing exceptional. Exceptional is what I expect when spending $100+ on a meal for two. Our meals were brought to our table too quickly after ordering, we did not have time for much conversation. I had the feeling they just wanted us out so the next couple could have the table. Our dinners were good, but nothing exceptional. My steak was slightly over cooked. A major complaint, the tables are too close to each other. This restaurant was not full on Friday night at 7:00 - they should move the tables apart a little so the guests they have do not feel as if they are eating at an elementary school cafeteria. If my memory serves me, the last time I visited Tamayo, they had a better table arrangement allowing for more privacy. Our waiter was decent but again, not great. The coffee stopped flowing after the bill arrived. I probably will not go back.

Pros: Great Larimer Square location

Cons: Over priced average food and service

Posted 12/16/06

The food here was just average, and the drinks were very disappointing. They can't make a good mojito and it cost an arm and a leg.
Our entrees were average, & those too were overpriced.
We had the lemon and mango upside down cake for dessert. I know it sounds good-but the only thing good was the mango sorbet-the cake was dry and tasteless ,and got stuck in my throat. Was like sawdust.
We won't be returning here. It really isn't that great of a restaurant.

Posted 12/13/06

We had a conscience server, unlike the previous reviewer, and enjoyed the food and the roof deck. The servers have to run up and down the stairs to bring food to the deck, so that may be why there we a lack of enthusiasm for the previous reviewer. Overall, the food was very good, would like to see a greater variety of salsa, but the chips were hot and fresh.

Pros: Cool deck!

Cons: Not enough salsas

Posted 09/05/06

Tamayo has absolutely stunning food. Every course is excellent, and the service is impeccable. I have enjoyed everything I have eaten there, but the butterflied filet is my favorite main course. It is absolutely to die for! The corn soup is delicious as well, but it is a bit rich. For desert you can't beat the bananna empanadas. The bartenders here mix up wonderful drinks as well.

Pros: Delicious food and great drinks.

Cons: Can be crowded at times.

Posted 07/28/06

Top notch atmostphere, margaritas, service, and ambiance. I would go here again. Great location too!

Posted 07/25/06

First, let me start with the good, (that won't take anywhere near as long as the bad) the ambience and restaurant itself is great.
Now for the bad. The service and food is nowhere near as good as you would expect for a resturant charging as much as they do. The server didn't even ask for our drink order untill we had been sitting for almost 15 minutes. When we finally did recieve our drinks (overpriced margaritas), they were very small portions and had very little, if any, tequila in them. The food matched the service - terrible. Steak had no flavor whatsoever and I think you can get better guacamole from Chipotle (at half the price). Don't waste your time!!

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Service, Food, Price.

Posted 06/20/06

Service was horrible!! Asked for chips and salsa three times, took for ever to get Margaritas that were overpriced and small, food took a really, really, long time. Asked for hot sauce and recieved it after I was finished eating. The food was overpriced and service was horrible.

Posted 04/25/06

My girlfriend and I stopped in before going to see a play and after "losing" a reservation at another restaurant. They seated us immediately, the service was great, and the food was very good. The pork tenderloin was exquisite, as was the Ceviche. The Margaritas were also very good, although expensive. We highly recommend this restaurant.

Posted 03/10/06

I was really looking forward to eating here - I'd heard great things. I was completely disappointed. I ordered the special. It was totally bland and tasteless. The vegetables were limp and overcooked. The fish had no flavor at all. Yuck! The dessert was worse, though. It was completely inedible - the crepes hit you in the face with the overpowering goat cheese and the cinnamon ice cream tasted like Big Red ice cream. The service was slow and totally inattentive. I won't be back.

Pros: Bar area

Cons: Food, Service

Posted 01/03/06

I went to Tamayo for the first time last week with 3 girlfriends and absolutely loved it! The service was prompt and friendly. The atmosphere was warm and elegant, but it did get a bit noisy when the tables filled up. I was not impressed by the margaritas (the size or the price), but was floored by the fantastic food. I had the sliced filet mignon with mole sauce and it was cooked perfectly. We shared a plate of the calamari which was the best I've ever had. Each person in my group was thrilled with what they ordered and we all agreed that we would come back again, but next time, we'll order beer instead of the margaritas.

Pros: Food quality, Comfort, Close to parking

Cons: Noisy, Small pricey margs

Posted 12/04/05

The food at tamayo is absolutely fantastic. Not only is it beautifully presented it is savory to even a modest account. The service staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, guiding you through the menu- not missing a thing. I have read some users review and the comment about not walking out felling full- maybe you are used to the blackeyed pea or chils where the portions are over the topand want to go into a food coma. The lobster is my favorite dish and there is not only 2 shrimp and 1oz of lobster for $39. Instead it is succulent, beautifully presented and just enoughfor $28-leaving room for their delicious empanadas and crepes.

Posted 08/14/05

this restaurant impressed me way more than i had anticipated. The food was not typical mexican so i was forced to try something new. i had the filet mignon in mole sauce, and i loved it. The desert also rocked, it was some sort of fried banana empanadas. it was a fun restaurant and it is in a great part of town.

Pros: location, guacamole

Posted 07/10/05

After hearing great things about Tamayo, we went and unfortunately had bad experience. The food was decent, but overpriced. The service was terrible - our food took more than an hour to come out and our waitress was very rude. Not sure if we'll be back.

Pros: Ambiance, Drinks, Menu

Cons: Service, Pricing

Posted 02/26/05

horrible service. I have never been treated like that before. The bartender was rude from the begining and then proceded to ingnore us as we had our meal. Horrible. I was so dissapointed and will not be back again.

Posted 02/24/05

I very rarely have something so negative to say about a dining experience, but this place brought out the worst in me. Overpriced everything, specials are a joke- I had 2 pieces of shrimp and a 1 oz. lobster tail for $39. Service is slow and condescending. Someone's laughing their way to the bank on this place. Take my advice and skip it, the decor is tasteless too.

Pros: Gaucamole

Cons: , Price, Service

Posted 12/17/04

* Be yourself: Write like you?d talk to a friend. Are you a burrito expert? Was this your first massage? Say so.
* Think local: Mention the neighborhood and nearby attractions.
* Play fair: Don?t hold burger joints to the same standards as four-star restaurants.
* Be specific: ?Perfectly crisp crust? is more helpful than ?tasty pizza.?
* Give details: Specialty menu items? Unique spa treatments? Get the word out!

Pros: close to The Market

Cons: Service, Service

Posted 12/09/04

I would like to preface this review by saying that this is not a typical "mexican" restaurant. If you're looking for a good burrito and a side of nachos, you should probably try somewhere else.

We had an outstanding meal here last Friday night. The pork loin with roasted corn was simply amazing. The shrimp special that night was also outstanding. Even the guacamole was good and I don't usually like guacamole.

The service was excellent and the prices were reasonable for the quality and presentation of the food we received. This haut mexican-inspired cuisine is a must-try if you're into serious dining.

Pros: Excellent dishes

Posted 02/29/04

Being in the mood for mexican, tamayo looked good from the citysearch ratings but when I asked the 3 guys behind the reception desk if they could recommend a mexican restaraunt they all exclaimed at the same time Tamayo. Truthfully, I was blown away by the dish I had. It was the filet mignon sliced on an augratin potato stack served with guac, cheese tortilla with the best mole sauce I have ever had (I dont ever remember even liking mole). It was amazing. Great presentation. It was absolutely one of the most memorable mex dishes I have ever had. I will be back!

Pros: outstanding food

Cons: a little spendy

Posted 10/06/03

Tamayo was a pleasent surprise. If you think Larimer Square is getting stuck in the rut of ultra-trendy and attitude ridden, you will be pleasently surprised by the superb service of Tamayo. The service was impeccable and so was the food. The margauritas are great, with just the right blend and a killer bite. Mix and match appetizers for an entree or go for any of the various entrees offered. The sauces compliment the food tremendously and it's a great value. Go!

Pros: Great food, Great service, Great price

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/17/03