Best restaurants near me in Columbia Heights / Brightwood, DC

I follow Chef Matt on social media and have tried a few of his recipes. As soon as he posted about his new restaurant, I booked a table. No way I was going to miss the soft opening. I live about 5 hours away, currently visiting family, and was not going to head home without making it to this new spot. About the restaurant - It's in a prime location in the heart of DC. If you're lucky, you can find parking on the street, but there are other parking areas within walking distance. The food was AMAZING - My parents enjoyed the gumbo with a side of asparagus and the Coco curry cauliflower steak. My mom just gave me a look that confirmed how good the food was; my dad (who can be picky and doesn't hold back) made sure the staff knew how delicious the food was... he even said that the asparagus was the best he's ever tasted. Me? I like to sample a lot of menu items in one visit, so ordered the deviled eggs appetizer, French onion soup, gumbo, Mac n Cheese, garlic noodles with short rib, bread pudding, creme brulee, and cheesecake. Every bit of it was tasty! Every layer of the dishes was seasoned perfectly. I can't wait to eat my leftovers. Service was great too. Although there were a couple of hiccups (which anyone would reasonably expect on the first night of a soft opening), the staff and manager didn't get flustered and made up for it. That is why it did not impact my rating. I plan to go back Ina few days to try more items from the menu. If they keep up the quality service and food, I have no doubt that the restaurant will thrive! Congratulations!

Truly one of the best dinners we've ever had. We went as a couple for Valentines' Day. We haven't had much Persian food before, so didn't know what to expect, but this blew us away. The eggplant was incredible, as was the chicken (comes with incredible horseradish-pickled onions and rice)! The drinks were also delicious (the vodka/lemon/lavender one was particularly good). We met the owner, Yahya, at the end of the meal and he was incredibly gracious and welcoming. We will be returning and bringing our family here when they are in town. So delicious!

Letena was a winner from start to finish. The servers were friendly and helpful, the food was delicious and well-presented and the ambiance was just right. We got the veggie sampler and our granddaughter ordered the beef tips. Both were outstanding. Bravo!

Delicious! Loved everything we ordered. Doubles, roti, chicken, spinach, plantains.