Ometeo is an upscale Tex-Mex restaurant at the Capital One Center in Tysons, Virginia. The concept’s name combines the Nahuatl words Ōme (“two”) and teōtl (“God”) to create Ōmeteō, a word referencing the dual inspiration of Texas and Mexico which is referenced throughout.

The restaurant’s design is a delicate, culturally sensitive fusion of Texan and Mexican cultures, steering clear of stereotypes, and evading clichés. The task wasn't just about combining architectural elements; it demanded a thoughtful balance, navigating the intersection of two distinct cultural identities with heightened awareness to create a cohesive and respectful visual narrative. Ultimately, the space represents a genuine Tex-Mex destination, celebrating traditional processes and aesthetic nuances through thoughtful material selection and respectful design choices.

The space references the dual inspiration throughout the cuisine, décor, and overall guest experience. Expansive dining rooms are decorated with antique, vintage, and handmade artisan goods, reflecting a commitment to longevity and mindful consumption. The restaurant includes multiple dining areas, a large outdoor bar, and a second-floor mezzanine lounge with private dining capabilities.

Exiting the vestibule, guests are greeted by an expansive, double-height space. A fountain heightens the feeling of a rancher’s horse trough, adding an authentic touch. Acoustic panels in yellow, cream, orange, and purple, reminiscent of heritage corn kernels, seamlessly incorporate core ingredients into the visual language. An expansive tile archway leads to a raised dining platform adorned with custom, hand-painted wall tiles, and integrated basket lights.

The middle of the main dining room is home to the lower-level bar, featuring overhead shutters and raised booths with custom light fixtures carved from old, knotted wood—further demonstrating a dedication to responsible resource usage. Moving into a single-height dining room, the rustic aesthetic remains reminiscent of a gate at a Texas ranch, complete with mounted longhorn cow horns displayed above a dedicated tortilla-crafting station.

Upstairs, the upper mezzanine level boasts a private speakeasy and flexible lounge space. Eclectic furniture curated from vintage antique dealers, terracotta accents, and indigenous-inspired wall cut-outs enrich the ambiance. A glowing bar in the back corner provides a focal point within the space, and a dedicated terrace with a railing allows guests to overlook the action below.

Outside, the hacienda-style area features woven accents, terracotta, and ceramic lights, complemented by flora from Texas and Mexico. Custom patterned table tops featuring the restaurant's logo tie the outdoor space's visual identity to the interior and brand image. The establishment stands as one of the area’s most authentic Tex-Mex locations, inspired by a broad range of traditional processes and aesthetic cues to provide a genuine experience for guests.