Delicious, bold flavorful food! My first experience with many of the dishes. Z our waiter patiently answered all of our questions menu and non-menu related and personable! Restaurants hosts were able to accommodate one of our party guests late arrival without missing a beat! Also to Richard in the kitchen. . .mojo onions. . .(insert chefs kiss here). Delicious! Thank you!! Heads up for foodies that have an opinion on dried (dehydrated) scallops, chef incorporates it into a few dishes so ask if it's not your favorite flavor!
Nana Sarfo
They. didn't welcome me well. They acted as if they doing me a favor for me to eat there. I was charged for a tomato shito
Rany
My fiancee and I came to dine at 8:15pm for valentines day. We were not informed at all about the menu only until we arrived. We are practicing muslims and the main course was pork short rib. The only substitution was vegetarian. With all due respect we were not going to pay 400+ dollars for a vegetarian substitution when we were expecting protein, so we decided to leave. Considering this is Valentine's Day, there was no other alternative and so we drove home, 1 hour and 5 minutes away. That means we spent over 2 hours in the car for a failed valentines, and paid for parking! emotionally defeated and it frankly ruined our night
Alvin
Restaurant decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with a European menu with o access to the Ghanain food which is why we came to th restaurant. I suggest calling first since this decision was either wise or stupid depending on your perspective. The food was actually excellently prepared but we wanted African food which is why we went to an African restaurant. Oysters as a first dish? Bad decision.
Circe
We went on Valentine's Day when there was a special, more expensive menu. This was a huge miss and one of the worst dinners I've had in DC. My husband does not eat seafood, the waiter said that there were substitutions available. He was served the exact same beet course twice in a row for the amuse bouche and the first course. This is insulting for such an expensive dinner. Overall the service was extremely slow, we were there over 2 hours. Multiple courses were served lukewarm or even cold. We had to ask for new silverware which is unacceptable for fine dining prices. The short rib was both fatty and dry and also served with a butter knife. Some of these things I would have been fine overlooking for a moderately priced restaurant but this was one of the more expensive meals I've had in DC so I was expecting stellar food and service, both were laughably bad.
Andre
We chose Elmina for our anniversary dinner. I understand it was Valentine's Day weekend, but the normal tasting menu was replaced by a Valentine's Day menu that wasn't noted on their website or any socials and our server's response to the shock was lethargic at best. We ordered, and I asked the server to start us with the Crab Fried Rice and Pork belly, followed by the Tomahawk and Seafood Pot. When we asked what brands of tequila the bar had the server said he needed to go find out, and returned with 2 other brands. I questioned this because he didn't mention a couple noticeable bottles I'd seen on the way in, and his lack of bar knowledge made it difficult. When the food arrived, despite my request or the fact that we had a smaller table, the Pork Belly, Crab Fried Rice, and Seafood Pot all arrived at the same time. Share plates would have been a nice to have, but we made do. All 3 dishes were amazing as they were bursting with bold bright flavors. The menu listed mussels in the Seafood Pot, but there weren't any in our dish. As we were enjoying our first course and maybe a third of the way done, our Tomahawk arrived to our already crowded table. We once again made do and inhaled the Pork Belly to make room. Again the steak was cooked perfectly with bursting flavors, but at this point my server's attention was dedicated to an Instagram personality seated nearby. Not wanting to wait we began eating our $160 steak with a butter knife. Eventually we did get his attention to get a steak knife, but by this point the frustration had boiled over. As an industry professional who has operated similar experiences, I can appreciate Elmina's top tier food. However, at this price point the staff should be professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Service should be as tangible as each dish, with coursed out delivery and proper utensils. Great food must be accompanied by great hospitality for a full experience. Unfortunately, on this night our server didn't get that memo.
Toran
We really enjoyed our time and look forward to returning to try the full menu! Looking forward to the Duck Jollof Rice!!
Tash
Absolutely incredible experience at Elmina. The staff was very attentive and genuinely friendly throughout the evening. We did the tasting menu with wine pairing, and the dishes were some of the most picturesque I've seen!! Truly stunning and they tasted just as good as they looked. The chef was especially thoughtful and noticed I wasn't eating one course (I was very full) and personally checked in, which really elevated the experience. Outstanding food, service, and attention to detail. Absolutely incredible experience!
Joakina
Having traveled to Ghana and growing up in a Nigerian American household, I am familiar with west African flavors. Chef Adjepong has beautifully captured and showcased the flavors of west Africa. The smoked plantain, okra fries, and hamachi collar were a few of our faves. My main course was the crab fried rice. It was tasty but was a bit overpriced for the portion size. Other than that, we enjoyed everything. I have never ordered jollof rice from a restaurant but plan to try it the next time we visit!
Yvette
Friends have been telling me about Elmina and I finally was able to get a reservation. The food was delicious and I look forward to coming back and trying the tasting menu!!
Amazing food and great vibe. Absolutely loved it and would recommend for everyone to experience. The only thing I would ask to improve upon is when you request a birthday celebration, it would be nice to have a few people sing "happy birthday".
Reeham
Food was mind blowing. The octopus, the spicy chicken and jollof rice were simply outstanding.
Alexis
I was expecting authentic Ghanian cuisine, however, nothing on the tasting menu was remotely close to any Ghanian or West African dishes. Our food arrived cold, there were lapses in receiving food although a tasting menu typically includes bringing out dishes in increments. The plantains were the worst of all which is pretty hard to mess up kelewele. The jollof tastes like Knorrs Mexican rice, completely spicy but no seasoning and definitely no authentic jollof seasoning. The duck arrived undone and rubbery. The manager and servers were nice about accommodating allergies and remaking dishes, but there is room to grow for service and hospitality expected at this level. The host was also very stoic and seemed bothered that we were at the bar area which was completely empty. All in all, I will not return and do not recommend to anyone wanting to experience authentic Ghanian cuisine.
Sarah
Food was delicious and creative, beautifully presented- be prepared for significant spice level. Beautiful space, lots of steps. Vegetarian friendly but dietary info not on the menu. Service was only ok, not welcoming or attentive, servers often seemed confused about orders.
Shaleena
This is our second time having dinner at Elmina the atmosphere food and service was amazing both times.My husband and I did the tasting menu on our first visit and it was great this time around we shared the snapper and it was large and flavorful. We enjoyed the jellof and ockra we will be back
Delicious, bold flavorful food! My first experience with many of the dishes. Z our waiter patiently answered all of our questions menu and non-menu related and personable! Restaurants hosts were able to accommodate one of our party guests late arrival without missing a beat! Also to Richard in the kitchen. . .mojo onions. . .(insert chefs kiss here). Delicious! Thank you!! Heads up for foodies that have an opinion on dried (dehydrated) scallops, chef incorporates it into a few dishes so ask if it's not your favorite flavor!
They. didn't welcome me well. They acted as if they doing me a favor for me to eat there. I was charged for a tomato shito
My fiancee and I came to dine at 8:15pm for valentines day. We were not informed at all about the menu only until we arrived. We are practicing muslims and the main course was pork short rib. The only substitution was vegetarian. With all due respect we were not going to pay 400+ dollars for a vegetarian substitution when we were expecting protein, so we decided to leave. Considering this is Valentine's Day, there was no other alternative and so we drove home, 1 hour and 5 minutes away. That means we spent over 2 hours in the car for a failed valentines, and paid for parking! emotionally defeated and it frankly ruined our night
Restaurant decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with a European menu with o access to the Ghanain food which is why we came to th restaurant. I suggest calling first since this decision was either wise or stupid depending on your perspective. The food was actually excellently prepared but we wanted African food which is why we went to an African restaurant. Oysters as a first dish? Bad decision.
We went on Valentine's Day when there was a special, more expensive menu. This was a huge miss and one of the worst dinners I've had in DC. My husband does not eat seafood, the waiter said that there were substitutions available. He was served the exact same beet course twice in a row for the amuse bouche and the first course. This is insulting for such an expensive dinner. Overall the service was extremely slow, we were there over 2 hours. Multiple courses were served lukewarm or even cold. We had to ask for new silverware which is unacceptable for fine dining prices. The short rib was both fatty and dry and also served with a butter knife. Some of these things I would have been fine overlooking for a moderately priced restaurant but this was one of the more expensive meals I've had in DC so I was expecting stellar food and service, both were laughably bad.
We chose Elmina for our anniversary dinner. I understand it was Valentine's Day weekend, but the normal tasting menu was replaced by a Valentine's Day menu that wasn't noted on their website or any socials and our server's response to the shock was lethargic at best. We ordered, and I asked the server to start us with the Crab Fried Rice and Pork belly, followed by the Tomahawk and Seafood Pot. When we asked what brands of tequila the bar had the server said he needed to go find out, and returned with 2 other brands. I questioned this because he didn't mention a couple noticeable bottles I'd seen on the way in, and his lack of bar knowledge made it difficult. When the food arrived, despite my request or the fact that we had a smaller table, the Pork Belly, Crab Fried Rice, and Seafood Pot all arrived at the same time. Share plates would have been a nice to have, but we made do. All 3 dishes were amazing as they were bursting with bold bright flavors. The menu listed mussels in the Seafood Pot, but there weren't any in our dish. As we were enjoying our first course and maybe a third of the way done, our Tomahawk arrived to our already crowded table. We once again made do and inhaled the Pork Belly to make room. Again the steak was cooked perfectly with bursting flavors, but at this point my server's attention was dedicated to an Instagram personality seated nearby. Not wanting to wait we began eating our $160 steak with a butter knife. Eventually we did get his attention to get a steak knife, but by this point the frustration had boiled over. As an industry professional who has operated similar experiences, I can appreciate Elmina's top tier food. However, at this price point the staff should be professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Service should be as tangible as each dish, with coursed out delivery and proper utensils. Great food must be accompanied by great hospitality for a full experience. Unfortunately, on this night our server didn't get that memo.
We really enjoyed our time and look forward to returning to try the full menu! Looking forward to the Duck Jollof Rice!!
Absolutely incredible experience at Elmina. The staff was very attentive and genuinely friendly throughout the evening. We did the tasting menu with wine pairing, and the dishes were some of the most picturesque I've seen!! Truly stunning and they tasted just as good as they looked. The chef was especially thoughtful and noticed I wasn't eating one course (I was very full) and personally checked in, which really elevated the experience. Outstanding food, service, and attention to detail. Absolutely incredible experience!
Having traveled to Ghana and growing up in a Nigerian American household, I am familiar with west African flavors. Chef Adjepong has beautifully captured and showcased the flavors of west Africa. The smoked plantain, okra fries, and hamachi collar were a few of our faves. My main course was the crab fried rice. It was tasty but was a bit overpriced for the portion size. Other than that, we enjoyed everything. I have never ordered jollof rice from a restaurant but plan to try it the next time we visit!
Friends have been telling me about Elmina and I finally was able to get a reservation. The food was delicious and I look forward to coming back and trying the tasting menu!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food and great vibe. Absolutely loved it and would recommend for everyone to experience. The only thing I would ask to improve upon is when you request a birthday celebration, it would be nice to have a few people sing "happy birthday".
Food was mind blowing. The octopus, the spicy chicken and jollof rice were simply outstanding.
I was expecting authentic Ghanian cuisine, however, nothing on the tasting menu was remotely close to any Ghanian or West African dishes. Our food arrived cold, there were lapses in receiving food although a tasting menu typically includes bringing out dishes in increments. The plantains were the worst of all which is pretty hard to mess up kelewele. The jollof tastes like Knorrs Mexican rice, completely spicy but no seasoning and definitely no authentic jollof seasoning. The duck arrived undone and rubbery. The manager and servers were nice about accommodating allergies and remaking dishes, but there is room to grow for service and hospitality expected at this level. The host was also very stoic and seemed bothered that we were at the bar area which was completely empty. All in all, I will not return and do not recommend to anyone wanting to experience authentic Ghanian cuisine.
Food was delicious and creative, beautifully presented- be prepared for significant spice level. Beautiful space, lots of steps. Vegetarian friendly but dietary info not on the menu. Service was only ok, not welcoming or attentive, servers often seemed confused about orders.
This is our second time having dinner at Elmina the atmosphere food and service was amazing both times.My husband and I did the tasting menu on our first visit and it was great this time around we shared the snapper and it was large and flavorful. We enjoyed the jellof and ockra we will be back
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