dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval

We've always loved this restaurant and have had wonderful experiences in the past. Unfortunately, our recent brunch visit was very disappointing. Something must not have been prepared correctly, as our whole group became sick afterwards. Very unfortunate, especially since we've always loved coming here.

Everything was great except the hostesses and front of the restaurant management. Our party of four arrived on time and were put at a very small high top at the crowded bar where the sizzling plates were burning us and there was not enough room for our dishes. The table would have been fine for 2 not 4. All the while a party of 3 was put at a very large table after us. Another large table was empty for nearly our entire meal. A third party of four arrived after us and put at yet another large table. When asked how long the wait would be for a bigger table we were told over an hour. When we mentioned this to the manager, all he said was “ok, enjoy.” The front of the house's poor service does not match the high quality food. They can do better.

One of the best restaurants in DC. If Michelin were to look at ethnic restaurants, this would be at the top of the list. Beautiful restaurant, service that is full of information on all the exquisite dishes, and a Chef who truly knows how to prepare and present the food you want to spend time eating.

I had dinner tonight for a celebration of my wife birthday . Nothing extraordinary and didn't feel like really experience .

how can i give them a -5 for service? just awful. the wait staff and manger are incredibly rude. they served us undercooked shrimp and we had it sent back to the kitchen. we asked for the shrimp to be taken off the bill but the manager personally came to our table to accuse us of eating the whole plate. the dish was absolutely raw and had a bad smell. will never be coming back and neither will my friends.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

DLeña came highly recommended from a friend and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Sat in the downstairs lounge area which was so cute and intimate and the live music was amazing! The space was a little tighter at some of the tables and you wanna get there before the crowds so you can have your pick of seating. Bar available too. Staff were friendly, gave great food recommendations, and were checking in often. Everything we ordered off the menu (Maryland crab guacamole, bone marrow and popo/octopus, branzino, steak, oysters, wagyu empanadas, elote mac and cheese) came out in good timing, hot, and tasted amazing! Will go back again to try brunch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very disappointed with this place. After not going out for 3 years (had a baby) the experience was terrible. They paused drinks on our table because they thought we were too drunk; when honestly we weren't. We were just having a good time. & told us we couldnt buy anymore drinks smh. Therefore that's why im giving them 1 star.

The food...WOW. Absolutely delicious. I was hoping for a quieter and more intimate vibe but nonetheless there is not to complain when the food is immaculate and the service was exceptional.

DLeÑa has never failed me! I recommended glue restaurant for our team dinner, my coworkers loved it. As always the service was excellent and the food was delicious! They even honored my request for a booth! Phenomenal experience, 10/10!

My husband and I chose DLeña to celebrate our anniversary, and it exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s genuine care for our experience was unmistakable.
Our server Bri set the tone perfectly, greeting us with a warm smile and anniversary wishes before offering thoughtful menu recommendations and patiently answering all our questions. Throughout the evening, she struck that rare balance of being attentive without hovering, checking in at just the right moments.
The complimentary anniversary dessert was a delightful surprise that made an already special evening even more memorable. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is excellent. Tuna tostada, queso sampler, short rib tacos, and Oaxacan shrimp were all great, although they did miss some small details, for example they don't provide enough tortillas for the portion of queso served. Grilled green onions with the shrimp were great but impossible to cut their flatware.

Service lacked quite a bit unfortunately. Our server seemed disinterested, slow, and not very welcoming at all. Dinner service was super slow. It took over an hour to order entrees and a 2nd round of drinks and the entrees made it to the table before the 2nd order of drinks did.

Ambiance and decor overall were nice but their chairs are super uncomfortable and have no back support. We weren''t offered a bag for our to-go food. They also sent a staff member to the table next to us to inform them they had reached the time limit for the table and needed to leave. They were 4 friends celebrating a birthday and I thought that was a super tacky move by the restaurant.

They nailed the most important part, which is the food, but the overall dining experience and service are seriously lacking so I would have to think twice before returning to this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

LOVE TROY!!!! Thank you for the experience❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was a belated birthday dinner for a friend and dLena delivered exactly what we wanted: excellent ambiance, service and most definitely the food! Every dish we ordered was delicious and we could not leave without trying a couple of delectable deserts - Carajillo Crème Brulée & Mil Hojas Argentino. Flavorful dishes, thoughtful recommendations and attentive service, everything was smooth and well timed. We had a wonderful experience!

Exceptional experience, from the service to the food. Very attentive to dietary restrictions, and provided an excellent overview of the menu. Henry is very knowledgeable on the food and guided us to the stars of the menu. I highly recommend the wagyu empanadas and short rib tacos. Our new favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. Celebrated our anniversary here, and will come back for more celebrations and tell our friends/family about this place ❤️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food, ambiance, and service were exceptional. Henry our server was very attentive. I would recommend this place to others.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5