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  5. Columbia Heights / Brightwood
Letena Ethiopian Restaurant, Washington, DC

Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

5.0
5
78 Reviews
$30 and under
Ethiopian
Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant serving dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington DC, Letena is a family-owned destination centered around authentic, quality Ethiopian food.
Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her team love welcoming new and old friends to enjoy Letena’s delicious, fresh food. Their goal is to make the unique experience of Ethiopian food approachable for everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat-lovers alike.
Letena’s original Ethiopian dishes have won accolades from various publications and review platforms including Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Ethiopian
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 733-4830
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Abay Mengestu
  • Catering
    Letena caters for all occasions, please contact us on www.letenadc.com
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia Heights / Brightwood
  • Cross street
    Entrance on Park Road
  • Parking details
    Parking: $1.50/hr, Target/USDCA Shopping Center
  • Public transit
    Metro: Columbia Heights, one block
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 78 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

5.0
5 based on recent ratings
  • 5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Best Overall

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Best Food

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Best Value

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Neighborhood gem

  • District of Columbia

    Best Overall

  • District of Columbia

    Best Food

  • District of Columbia

    Best Value

  • District of Columbia

    Neighborhood gem

78 Reviews
  1. DebbieS

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a trip to DC and decided to check this place! It did not disappoint! Excellent food and service! The owners were so kind.

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  2. YolandaO

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My Letena experience was wonderful! I went for dinner with colleagues and we got the vegetarian and meat sampler. It did not disappoint: the flavors and presentation created that family gathering nostalgia you wish you could experience daily. Ethiopian coffee and the dessert choices of chocolate lava cake and banoffee pie will float your tastebuds to an amazing place.

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  3. KarenG

    Atlanta Metro

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delightful! The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the ambiance was lovely.

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  4. MayaW

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an amazing restaurant and so affordable! Can not recommend highly enough!

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  5. JAM123

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had never eaten Ethiopian until this week. All of the recommendations we received from the gentleman working were perfect! We had a sampler of the vegetables and the meats. The three of us were full, but content. Will definitely be back!

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  6. ECDC

    Washington DC

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great Ethiopian food, huge portions. Each dish was uniquely spiced so a table full of flavors. We had the vegetation sampler for 2 (3 of us eating) and we ended up taking home leftovers. Spiced shrimp and a lamb main course were delicious. Attentive service, great value, we’ll spread the word and will be back!!

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  7. Larry

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I highly recommend this restaurant. Great food and service.

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  8. ElaineM

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our first experience eating Ethiopian food. Staff helpful. Food was delicious.

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  9. UpperNWfoodie

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable experience. The service was warm and helpful to my guests, who were Midwesterners having their first ever Ethiopian food. Their teenage son, who ordered the samosas and goat tibs, pronounced it the best meal he had in DC! The food was well prepared and seasoned, portions generous, and the prices were very reasonable. Highly recommended.

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  10. SandyP

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a fabulous dinner for four at Letena. The wait staff helped us decide what to order and everything was delicious! Service was great, ambiance was nice, will definitely come back again.

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  11. Jennifer

    Los Angeles

    56 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Lots of variety on the menu. Pleasant service. Be aware, the street address leads to a small mall. The actual restaurant entrance is around the corner. Convenient to metro green line.

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  12. Bstancam

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful restaurant. Our first time eating Ethiopian. The owners were so lovely and helpful. Very homey but elegant atmosphere. Great food. Even my teenage boys tried it and agreed it was “pretty good” High praise from two picky eaters!!! Definitely recommend!

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food was great. The server was very nice, however it took a while for the food to come out. Overall great experience and will definitely be back- very well priced too!

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  14. Mike

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant. Delicious foot. Highly recommend!

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best experience, kind staff and delicious meals! They made sure we waited inside for our Lyft so we wouldn’t freeze. Even waited and watched out the window to be sure we were safely picked up. This was our first time trying Ethiopian food and we had a memorable experience. Definitely love the vibe and would go back!!!

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  16. CristinaD

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I'm told there are more Ethiopian people in DC than any other US city. We are so lucky to have a wide choice of Ethiopian restaurants. In my opinion, this one is the very best

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  17. JoshuaM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    very great Ethiopian food and great hospitality by our server which was pleasing. Will definitely return here!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our night out at Letena was perfect. The owner has created a unique and beautiful interior space and the food is delicious- which is why I keep going back. Definitely check it out.

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  19. Pablodog

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful staff; felt like we were made at home in an Ethiopian home by the staff

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is amazing - best Ethiopian food in the area. The server is one of the kindest people we’ve ever met!

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  21. Chris

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was terrific. We had the vegetarian sampler for two and loved all the dishes. The vegetables tasted fresh and were cooked perfectly. Service was very warm and friendly. We'll definitely be back.

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  22. LuisT

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Wonderful food and very good service. Great place.

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  23. domenicm

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. Great for vegetarians

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  24. Lindsay

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    Great spot for date night or dinner with friends. First time trying Ethiopian and this place was great. Very friendly service

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  25. Beth

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    THE BEST! I love Ethiopian food and make a point of finding a new restaurant when we are in DC because my hometown does not have it. I can say this was my absolute favorite ever. We had the veggie and meat sampler plate for two and an order of the Beef tibs. WOW to taste, Wow to value.

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  26. LaurenR

    Baltimore

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I would give this place 10 stars if I could!! Can’t wait to go back.

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  27. Travelingdiner

    Minneapolis

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice variety of vegetable and meat dishes with a good Washington state Cab to go with the meal. Service was attentive and helpful.

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  28. AnnabelleV

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful and warm customer service! The food was divine - we loved every bite!

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  29. marialc

    Washington DC

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2020

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Tasty food, nice ambiance and friendly service. I will definitely be back!

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  30. TDVegetarian

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Letena is always delicious. This is my family’s go-to Ethiopian restaurant in DC

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great dinner with kids. Did the samplers and it was a lot of fun. Delicious!

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  32. AllysonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My young daughter and I went to dinner. The menu had a lot of different choices to satisfy us both. The spices seasoning the food were delicious. The waiter was welcoming and polite. We will be back to enjoy the food again.

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  33. Susan

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fresh, well-prepared Ethiopian classics. Veggie combo always a good idea, and the kitfo was high quality. The restaurant was in exemplary physical condition - super clean and comfortable.

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  34. LilyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a wonderful neighborhood spot. It's always a good choice anytime we dine there.

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  35. NSY4

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always one of my favorite places!

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  36. RobertF

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I love having this as a neighborhood place. The food is good and very reasonably priced.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, each dish had it's own unique flavor, and tea tea was amazing.

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  38. NSY4

    Washington DC

    38 reviews

    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is always reliably delicious and creative. A slightly different take on traditional Ethiopian food. Highly recommend it!

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  39. TomH

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Letena was an unexpected charmer. The ambience is wonderful. The food delicious. The prices reasonable. And the service great. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly, with a constant smile. I'd definitely go back again.

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  40. KaraJ

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place! The meat and vegi platters are a great deal and delicious! Highly Recommend. You can order Gluten Free (Full Teff Flour) injera, which I always do. You have to ask for the traditional plating on the injera, otherwise the platters will come in small sides.

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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Letena Ethiopian Restaurant using the Order Online button. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 733-4830.

Letena Ethiopian Restaurant is rated 5 stars by 78 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 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

3100 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Entrance on Park Road
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia Heights / Brightwood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Ethiopian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Parking: $1.50/hr, Target/USDCA Shopping Center
  • Public transit
    Metro: Columbia Heights, one block
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Abay Mengestu
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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