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

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

Member Reviews and Ratings

Add your own review

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip



Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.