Home Destinations USA District of Columbia Washington, D.C. Restaurants Palena

Palena Review

Read our Washington, D.C. restaurant reviews. Or post your own.

Find more restaurants in Washington, D.C. »

Palena

Address: 3529 Connecticut Ave. NW, Cleveland Park, Washington, DC, 20008 | Map It
Phone: 202/537-9250

Price range: $$-$$$
Cuisine: New American
Location: Cleveland Park

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

Chef Frank Ruta and pastry chef Ann Amernick met while working in the White House kitchens. At their contemporary American restaurant, the French- and Italian-influenced menu changes seasonally. Sometimes Ruta and Amernick team up, as for an appetizer of crisp puff pastry with fresh sardines and greens. Ruta goes it alone with chervil-and-morel soup, a veal chop with a barley-stuffed pepper, and a pork chop with flavorful baked beans. Comforting desserts such as a sprightly lemon-caramel tart or a chocolate torte are a perfect match for the earthy cooking. Reservations are not accepted for the equally fabulous lounge, where the inexpensive menu includes a cheeseburger with truffles, a hot dog made in-house, and an extravagant platter of fries, onion rings, and paper-thin fried Meyer lemon slices.

Keep in mind: Reservations essential.
Credit Cards: AE, D, MC, V
Closed: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
Metro: Cleveland Park