Elena James All Day

Great experience at Elena James. The service was friendly and fast, and the short rib lasagna was amazing. Tender, flavorful, and easily the best dish of the night. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My group of 8 had a wonderful brunch experience. The staff is so friendly and kind - and the food delicious! We had a toddler in our group and the server even offered to bring her some fruit as soon as we sat down and offered to expedite her entree. Everyone was very attentive! Would absolutely recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came for brunch on Sunday. Milk bread french toast and espresso martini were amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Butternut Squash Pasta, Braised Short Rib

I celebrated my birthday and had great time. We tried risotto fritters and lamb spring rolls for appetizers. For main I had pasta a la vodka what was best I ever had.

Service was 10 of 10!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Upgrading my review to a better one after some good changes. EJ now has a full bar and great cocktails. They have implemented a more diverse menu that includes curries, coconut milk, chickpeas. The food is made well and the service was really awesome. The people were so nice. I do love how spacious the place is and I like the design.

Left off one star because it is still NOT allergen friendly, vegan friendly, vegetarian friendly, kosher or open to Americans of varying faiths like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Jainism, Taoism, etc that require such diets.

Recommend: a gluten free and plant based pizza option.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

$24 for this is awful😩 I’ve honestly tried to appreciate the quality and pricing but this is below subpar. Don’t get the marinated shrimp 😭

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 5

Loved everything about it. The team was so kind and attentive, the drinks were good and strong, and the food was delicious. I’ll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The bucatini was extremely salty. I’m honestly surprised this place is still open, honestly. Though I live nearby, I hadn’t been in a few months and I was reminded why ….

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

The food was excellent,the staff was friendly. Local food, a must visit if you find yourself in DC.Highly recommend. 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love this restaurant! First, they support small businesses, which we really appreciate. The menu is seasonal and always fresh, and the service is top-notch. Definitely worth a visit — we’ll be back for sure!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was our first time visiting DC, and our friends highly recommended Elena James, and we were absolutely in awe! They suggested a few dishes from the new autumn menu, and everything was incredible. The manchego + pear salad was a standout; it was our first time trying something like that, and we loved it!
Being from Europe, we also really appreciated the cocktail and wine selection - some of the ingredients and flavors felt so familiar and comforting, almost like a little taste of home. The atmosphere, food, and service all made for such a memorable evening. We’ll definitely be coming back next time we’re in DC!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had another great dinner at the restaurant! Their autumn menu was amazing! Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We were especially impressed with how they handled our dietary restrictions. Definitely one of our DC favorites!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Soup of the Day, Duck Appetizer

Went to Elena James DC last night to try their new autumn menu, and wow, it’s fantastic. We’re regulars at their sister spots Opal and Nina May, and this one keeps the bar high! The Black Garlic Marinated Pork Chop was a standout — tender, flavorful, and perfectly paired with the apple-fennel slaw, creamy polenta, and marsala jus. The whole team was so warm and attentive, as always. Can’t wait to come back soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love pasta and pizza at this place😍Coctails are always trendy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5