Where I’m Eating: Ocopa

[ 0 ] April 23, 2015 | Johnna

Ocopa Conchas ©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood

Over the past 15 years, I have visited almost every restaurant in Washington, D.C. Unbelievable right? With that being said, it is easy to see how I could get bored with the scene and welcome new, fresh ideas with open arms. Heading to Ocopa offered a feeling of excitement for what was to come. The restaurant is located in the 13^th block of the H Street corridor and boasts an authentic Peruvian menu. Disclaimer: I have never visited Peru. I have not visited Peru, but based on what Ocopa offered me on this Spring afternoon, I will not need to spend the $1K+ money to travel to get that Peruvian flavor.

From start to finish, Chef Carlos Delgado (native of Peru) presented dishes blended with limes, fresh seafood and quinoa. I now have a new appreciation for quinoa and the diversity that it offers where Ocopa has a black quinoa on its menu. Black quinoa is only found in Peru and Ocopa takes pride in the fact that it imports it directly from Peru for guests to get that true authentic flavor. What would I suggest you try on your visit?

Conchas: Served in a wine glass, this dish is an introduction of what is to come, which includes fresh citrus flavor mixed with seafood.
Yogurt con quinoa: I think everyone should try black quinoa. The experience expands what you already think you know about the diversity of food. This dish is more like a palate cleanser so squeeze in between your ceviche but before your hot dish.
Pollo a la Brasa de la PTM: Chicken breast, egg, yucca, cauliflower and chimichurri combine to make this dish a winner. No need to use a knife, the chicken is so tender, your fork will do the trick.

Yogurt con Quinoa @ Ocopa ©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood

Ocopa is looking to open their outdoor patio soon with up to 40 additional seats (the indoor part of the restaurant has 24 seats). Honestly, I cannot wait for the expansion because I know once folks start finding out about this spot, the easy breezy seating arrangement I had on my first visit will be no more. Another reason I will practically skip here for brunch, lunch, dinner: The music. Where else can you get Andean music and Tribe Called Quest in the same shuffle rotation??

Tags: open for business, Peruvian, washington dc

Category: restaurant reviews, Reviews, Washington D.C.

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.