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  5. Mount Vernon Square
dLeña, Washington, DC

dLeña

4.7
4.7
1091 Reviews
$31 to $50
Latin American
Welcome to dLeña, a Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria by Chef Richard Sandoval.

dLeña is derived from the Spanish word “leña,” meaning firewood. The restaurant is centered around it’s wood-burning grill - a nod to the rustic open-fire cooking techniques of Mexico’s past.

The menu transports diners to Mexico through a multi-sensory experience in every bite of the signature smoked entrées, fresh ceviches, and unique sharing plates. The expansive bar features hand-crafted margaritas, Latin cocktails, cervezas and vino.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 120 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Latin American, Contemporary Mexican, Cocktail Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 560-5999

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Owned/operated by

    Latinx or Hispanic

  • Executive chef

    Chef Richard Sandoval

  • Private party facilities

    Please email events@dlenadc.com for more details

  • Neighborhood

    Mount Vernon Square

  • Cross street

    K Street & 5th Street

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Gallery Place / Chinatown

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,091 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was a lovely experience. The staff treated me and my date kindly - very attentive. Will. Return for the live music next time
  2. JulesC

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Grilled oysters were amazing but the pulpo tacos were phenomenal. Service at the bar was great, bartenders are very knowledgeable about spirits and make great recommendations!
  3. Shola

    Washington DC

    58 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    58 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Nestled in the heart of Mount Vernon, dLeña offers an exceptional dining experience that's sure to satisfy any discerning palate. From the moment you walk in the door, you'll be greeted by the hostess with warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere that's sure to get you excited for your meal. The menu is chock-full of inventive options that showcase the best of Latin cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for crab-guac, creative grilled salads, or roast pollo, there's something for everyone here. The food is expertly prepared, with an attention to detail that really sets this restaurant apart. The flavors are bold and vibrant, and each dish is a delicious celebration of Latin culture. But it's not just the food that makes this restaurant so special. The service is truly exemplary, with waiters and hostesses who are attentive, friendly, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of perfect. They're happy to provide recommendations, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you're comfortable throughout your meal. All in all, this Latin restaurant is a true neighbourhood gem. With delicious food, inventive menu options, and exemplary service, it's the perfect place to enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for a great meal, you won't be disappointed by this exceptional dining destination. Highly recommended!
  4. JulesC

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food, service, and everything was top notch. Highly recommend the ceviche Amarillo and the tuna tartare guacamole.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoHello Jules, yes! Thank you for the wonderful review. We are so thrilled to hear that you've found some favorite dishes at dLeña. The ceviche Amarillo and the tuna tartare guacamole are excellent and we're glad to know they're a winner with you too. Here's to another extraordinary dinner in the near future. Cheers!

  5. MollyJ

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wanted to quickly give a shout out to Alex and Louis who served us in the Roja Lounge! The service was top notch. They made my birthday Dinner perfect! 10/10 Drinks, food, and knowledge of the menu. Hope to see them again soon!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing lamb shank was so delicious waiter so helpful

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoThank you for such a glowing review! We are so excited to see that you enjoyed your exquisite and flavorful lamb shank and that our servers provided top notch service. We're looking forward to another extraordinary time at dLeña!

  7. LindaS

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing. We had all small plate shareable not sure which of the tacos were the best because we liked them all. The guacamole with crab was delish.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoHello Linda, we're so grateful for your 5 star rating! We agree our tacos are a favorite option on our menu. Our plate style is great for trying different dishes, and packed with flavorful, fresh ingredients and presented to bring a smile every time you taste it ~ just like our guacamole with crab!

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, terrific service! Love the decor and the positive vibes…I will be back!

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoWe always want our guests to feel excited and enjoy themselves when they visit us. We're thrilled you enjoyed your great food, and positive vibe. Thank you for your 5 star review and for taking the time out of your day to share your thoughts.

  9. AaEe

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    dLeña was great. The food was excellent: the branzino was so good! My friends ordered the lamb shank and the wagyu fajita style and they loved their dish. It was very very busy so the service wasn't the best. The waitress was all over the place. I'd still come back though!

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoOur servers do their best to take care of you as sometimes it gets extremely busy. But don't worry - that won't stop us from making sure you have a good time as well on your next visit. Our lamb shank and branzino are some of our most popular dishes on the menu! Can't wait to have you back soon.

  10. KyleJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience, food, drinks, service and overall experience.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoHello Kyle We value your fabulous feedback about your dining experience at dLeña! Our focus is always providing the best, diverse and sumptuous dishes, perfect servings and fantastic service just for you. Thank you for helping us reach that goal.

  11. AndreaH

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Great environment ! Love the appetizers and drinks but the entrees aren’t that good. The branzino tasted burnt & the steak was ok. I love the corn empanadas & salads. It’s a great place to eat apps & drink.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoHello Andrea, We are so glad that you love our appetizers and drinks! Your feedback is important to us and we will pass along your information concerning your branzino dish. Thank you for sharing as it allows us to find ways on how we can improve in order to provide a perfect dining experience on your next visit.

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved everything about the meal, great food and atmosphere.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoOur team is thrilled to have provided you with a five star experience, and we can't wait for your next visit! Every time you come through our doors, you'll discover something new and exhilarating - so get ready for an unforgettable time at dLeña!

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday! Great food and the complimentary birthday dessert was so tasty

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoThank you for coming in to celebrate your birthday with us! We're so thrilled you enjoyed the delicious food, birthday dessert and a true dLena dining experience! Our team appreciates the 5 star rating and we look forward to more fun on your next visit with us!

  14. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience5
    Brunch… not the best brunch. Meat options are limited.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience5
    I think D’Lena has lost its touch as most restaurants do when they become “popular”. The brunch food used to be very delicious, but yesterday, it was not as good. I was telling my friend this, this morning and she mentioned that someone else had recently told her the same thing. Our server was not that great and extremely inattentive, but she surly added her gratuity. Thank goodness Troy came in and saved the day and gave us great service. I’ll probably hold off going to D’Lena for a while.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoOur brunch menu is a highlight and filled with a variety of authentic dishes, a fun lively vibe and a dedicated staff; so our team is disappointed to hear that you did not enjoy it as much on your recent visit. It is our hope that we have the opportunity to serve you again in the future.

  16. SavannahE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Troy is the best! Request to sit in his section wherever he is!

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoHello Savannah! We always want our guests to feel excited and enjoy themselves when they visit dLeña! Our team is grateful for the kind words for your server Troy! Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I came here for a birthday brunch and I am so happy I did. The food was amazing. The service was great and the ambiance was great also. Our server paid attention and made sure our orders were correct and also made sure that we were happy. I loved the the GM came to the table to ask us how everything was. I will definitely be coming back!

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoWe are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience at dLeña. We put a lot of thought into every detail and it looks like it showed with your recent visit. We can't wait to welcome you back to impress you all over again. Thank you so much for the 5 star recommendation!

  18. MayraM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Ordered our food and within minutes received all three dishes. Very skeptical on how fresh it was. Sure enough The empanadas tasted like they were microwave and not over leña.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and drinks, the tequila bar downstairs was stellar as well.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoYour feedback is spot on and we are so pleased you had such an amazing time with us. Your 5 star review of our wide selection of tasty tequila is such a great compliment. Our team can't wait to provide and create more amazing experiences in the future. Come back soon and let us wow you all over again!

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious! Every bite was flavorful. We had the oyster, crab guacamole, short rib al carbon, and lamb shank. We both loved our entrees. The ambience and cool and sexy. Great for any adult outing with friends or a date. Service was fantastic. All staff were super attentive and polite. I would definitely come again. It’s turned into one of my favorite DC spots. I hope to enjoy the lounge more in the future. The live band sounded good.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoWow! Thank you for such a fabulous review! We are so excited to hear dLeña is one of your favorite spots and that you enjoyed your time with us! Our beautiful ambience, fantastic service and the bold, flavorful and authentic presentations and dishes made a perfect setting for an extraordinary night!

  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience5
    This place is totally booked through May. But was able to book a reservation for a birthday in the afternoon. I get a call the day of letting me know that they close at 3pm so to get there on time and order before 2:45. Felt rushed ordered drinks and they take well over 25 mins . So I ask why rush me when I’m a paying customer . Other than that the food was great the ambience was awesome.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoWe were able to honor a last minute reservation for your special occasion and we're so delighted you enjoyed your overall experience. We are grateful to have provided you with great food and an awesome ambience! We apologize for if you felt rushed, it was not our intention.

  22. McKenzieD

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Delicious Mexican restaurant. The cocktails we ordered were also great.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoHello McKenzie! We're thrilled to hear about your great experience at dLeña and want you to know how much we appreciate you taking the time to leave such a wonderful review!

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Was a great experience. Food was amazing. I was disappointed with 3 things, though. 1.)the amount of guacamole. Seemed like the plate that brought out with gauacamole and chips was taken up by the chips—guacamole was a very small amount. 2.)the no free-refills thing. 3.) there supplier was screwed up and they missing my favorite items from the menu. No Diet Coke or my favorite beer. This is not a negative review—was amazing food. However, these three things was kind of a let-down.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch food accompanied by excellent service. Highly recommend you give them a try.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoWe are so delighted to hear you highly recommend us! We take pride in our team's ability to provide excellent service, so we want to thank you for sharing with us. We love hearing back from our guests, as it helps us share the dLeña experience to everyone!

  25. KingAye

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I recommend the brunch. It allows you to taste a little bit of everything on the menu, and they also have spectacular drinks.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brunch was so Good. The food and drinks were delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked and was everyones favorite. Our waitress Maritza was great. She even took the time to show us the down stairs (speakeasy style) bar area where they have live music on Saturdays. I will definitely be returning.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food, amazing drink presentation, and awesome vibe. 10/10.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Service was excellent. Everyone that we encountered were friendly and efficient. The server was knowledgeable, attentive and energetic. There was a good variety of items on the menu. The food was good but not excellent. I think some items could have used more seasoning,not just relying on the smoked flavor. The alcoholic beverages were delicious.

    dLeñaResponded 3 days agoWe're so excited that you had a great time at dLeña! We'd love for your next experience with us to be even better and more memorable. Our team can't wait to welcome you back - come by soon, we promise it'll be worth the visit!

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was good, accommodations were taken into consideration and that was very appreciated. Drinks were great! Service was also pretty good!
  30. fanofood

    Kansas City

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The food is always so amazing! My feedback though is for a slower all you can eat brunch service. They were coming out so fast and piling up on our table it felt like a marathon…we weren’t even an hour in and had gone through the whole menu. A slower service would have increased satisfaction and allowed us to really enjoy the food.
  31. IraH

    Washington DC

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great and drinks very creative and excellent. Really good service too.
  32. Pria

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance was great along with the food and service. This was my first time having churros and it was the best thing I’ve ever tasted .
  33. DNeenR

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere, drinks, and food are all delicious. The service was great as well. I would definitely recommend this restaurant. We're both ordered the Enchiladas for our entrées. We opted for the guacamole with crab meat for our appetizer.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent upscale Mexican food and atmosphere!! Will definitely be back.
  35. AsiaJ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was amazing! Thanks Troy
  36. TiffS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Tight seating but worth the food. Would go back again
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our last night out in DC before moving out of state, and we were so bummed we didn’t discover this gem sooner! Food, service, and ambiance were immaculate. Loved that the downstairs converted into a live music dance hall with carnival themed dancers. We will definitely coming back to dine the next time we visit.
  38. MattB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome food, drinks, and service. The atmosphere was also great, made me forget I was in a big city.
  39. VanessaB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Really great experience overall. Food and drinks were great, service was nice! Night time is does get quiet a bit dark and harder to read the menu but other than that the ambiance was enjoyable.
  40. Jojo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great, the food amazing, and loved the ambiance. My first time going and would definitely go back and experience it all over again.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from dLeña using the Order Online button. dLeña also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 560-5999.

dLeña is rated 4.7 stars by 1091 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 120 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
Google Map for dLeña

476 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001-2531

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    K Street & 5th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Mount Vernon Square

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Latin American, Contemporary Mexican, Cocktail Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Gallery Place / Chinatown

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Latinx or Hispanic

  • Executive chef

    Chef Richard Sandoval

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (202) 560-5999

  • Private party facilities

    Please email events@dlenadc.com for more details

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