Palena

Review by cbuki on September 28, 2007

Maybe most over-rated restaurant in DC, a very over-rated restaurant town. Mouth feel of every dish was soggy. Flavors were excellent, to be fair. But the softness was ridiculous. Flavors not bold at all, but not nuanced either. Depth of finesse in kitchen on some fronts obvious, on others less so. Presentation nice. Kitchen and clientele pretty pretentious. Can not in good conscience recommend. If you're looking for a good meal and are willing to spend this kind of money, try Bastille in Alexandria and enjoy a more relaxed setting. Bottom line: Palena is for the wanna-be-like NYC dining set, and falls way short.

Review by Caroline on May 3, 2006

Review by amidey on November 9, 2004

NOT worth the price. The service was horrible. I was tempted to get up and serve myself water and bread. The back room was steaming hot...we asked many times for them to turn the air on...finally a member of my group did it herself. I so wanted Palena to be as good as an Obelisk, but it was not even close. I will never be back.

Review by Charissa on August 19, 2004

Palena is hands down the best restaurant in DC and among the best in the US. The cooking is world class-bar none the best in DC. No gimmicks here just great execuction and ingredients. The summer salad sounded like a boring option but it rocked with a pig's ear croquete, coddeled egg and a big hit of truffle-awesome. Slightly mushy tomatoes in the tomato salad were more than over compensated for by an unbelievably rich tomato gelee- it's been two weeks and I am still in awe of it. I have never had a meat more perfectly cooked than the breast of pigeon at Palena. The gallantine of chicken and rabbit were also mind blowing. If you want great food go to Palena.

Review by ddunlap on June 21, 2004

Palena came highly recommended, but it definitely lives up to the hype. The atmosphere was sophisticated, but not stuffy or pretentious. Our server was very knowledgable and responsive. Everyone in our party thought that their dish was the best. Many of the items were homemade-from the salami in the antipasto salad to the caramels for dessert. I particularly enjoyed the melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi with pancetta and the Napoleon puff pasty- a three-tiered skyscraper of flavor. Big ups to the nice waiter who hailed a taxi for my mom!

Review by RCK on May 17, 2004

Palena has two sections: the front bar for casual dining and the more formal back room. We have eaten many meals in both areas and have found the quality of the food to be excellent. The service is always solid even though the kitchen can get backed up if too many people order Frank Ruta's special roast chicken. On my last visit, I had squab and it was spectacular. For dessert, think Napoleon and you will get something very different from the goo that is served in most places.

Review by bigdoug on April 24, 2004

Excellent prix fixe menu, staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Portions are appropriately small, food was lovely and the desserts, well they are amazing.

Review by dstultz on February 26, 2004

Palena has the most sumptuous seasonal food in all of DC. All of it creative and delicious, and I would even say heady. The service is friendly, but not chummy. The decor is lovely. This was our third time there, and would go there again at the drop of a hat. For an expensive, fancy meal, this restaurant has knocked all the other restaurants off our radar. Also, they are very nice about bringing your own wine.