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dLeña, Washington, DC
Award-winning

dLeña

4.7
4.7
2148 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 79 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
dLeña is a vibrant restaurant in Washington D.C. that invites you to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. Step into a warm space illuminated by wood-fired ovens and adorned with Latin American art. Savor a culinary journey with fresh, local ingredients, starting with their signature guacamole, a blend of avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. Continue your adventure with ceviches, aguachiles, and wood-fired specialties like Tomahawk steak and Wagyu Steak a la Piedra. dLeña's menu caters to all tastes, featuring pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian options. Pair your meal with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're after a romantic dinner, a lively brunch, or a late-night gathering, dLeña's trendy ambiance and attentive service promise an unforgettable experience. Join them for a taste of Mexico's vibrant culture and culinary artistry.

Additional information

  • Location
    476 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001-2531
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Phone number
    (202) 560-5999
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00–15:00 Mon 17:00–19:00 Tue–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Richard Sandoval
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct

Featured in

Menu

dLeña's menu was last updated 2025-02-01.

Guacamole

  • Traditional Guacamole**USD 16.00

    avocado - tomato - onion - cilantro - lime

    • Tuna Guacamole* **USD 22.00

      sushi grade tuna - chile de árbol salsa-macha - jicama salad - chipotle mayo - charred tostada

      • Maryland Crab Guacamole**USD 23.00

        smoked jumbo crab - sundried chili salsa - old bay mayo - scallion - crispy tlayuda

        Para la Mesa

        • Habanero Pepita Salsa**USD 21.00

          pepita - charred tomato - habanero - crispy tlayuda

          • Tuna Tostada* **USD 21.00

            oaxacan tlayuda - habanero mayo - avocado - queso fresco - radish - spicy black bean purée - cherry tomato - salsa macha

            • Queso FundidoUSD 21.00

              melted cheese - tomatillo salsa cruda - caramelized onion - corn tortillas; choice of : cecina, chorizo, or mushroom (vegetarian)

              • Ostiones a la Leña*USD 25.00

                half dozen grilled oysters - smoked trout caviar - creamy crab - bacon relish - pickled habanero salsa - chipotle mignonette

                • Pork Belly** ^USD 17.00

                  chipotle glaze - peanut red pipian - watercress - pickled vegetables

                  • Empanadas de Wagyu** ^USD 24.00

                    beef tenderloin - truffle manchego - oyster sauce - almond - guajillo chili - chimichurri

                    • Corn Empanadas**USD 17.00

                      sweet corn - ají amarillo - manchego - chimichurri

                      • Hot Stone Wagyu* **USD 31.00

                        sliced beef tenderloin - citrus chili toreado - truffle soy shishito pepper - charred tlayuda - smoked grape chimichurri

                        • Bone Marrow & Tuna Chicharron**USD 26.00

                          crispy tuna - panela - guacamole - xni-pec salsa - pickled vegetables - charred serrano - blue corn tortillas

                          Ceviche y Aguachile

                          • Ceviche Amarillo* **USD 20.00

                            hamachi - yellow aguachile - ají amarillo - mango - orange

                            • Aguachile Campechano* **USD 22.00

                              octopus - shrimp - fish - leche de tigre - cucumber - onion - mango - tomato - avocado - cilantro - tortilla chips

                              • Snapper Tiradito*USD 21.00

                                charred habanero mayo - achiote ponzu - radish - cucumber - cilantro - yuzu avocado cream

                                Ensaladas y Sopas

                                • Ensalada de Kale^USD 17.00

                                  smoked manchego - baby kale - fig - caramelized pumpkin - agave almond - honey applecrisp - pomegranate seeds - orange balsamic vinaigrette

                                  • Heirloom Tomato & BurrataUSD 19.00

                                    grilled compressed watermelon - caramelized golden beet - lemon vinaigrette - toasted pepita seeds - sorrel - morita balsamic reduction

                                    • Crab Pumpkin SoupUSD 15.00

                                      smoked jumbo crab - green apple - butternut squash - caramelized pumpkin seeds - crème fraîche foam

                                      Wood Burning Grill

                                      • Tomahawk*USD 150.00

                                        mezcal flambéed tableside - bone marrow butter; choice of two sides

                                        • Serves TwoUSD 150.00

                                      • 14oz 30 Day Aged Boneless Ribeye*USD 63.00

                                        herb wagyu butter - chimichurri - shishito - charred lemon; a la piedra style: pepper, onion, salsa, guacamole & tortilla (dairy)

                                        • Medio Pollo al Carbon**USD 34.00

                                          grilled half chicken - guajillo achiote marinade; criolla sauce - grilled broccolini

                                          Tacos

                                          served by 3 pieces

                                          • Short Rib** ^USD 22.00

                                            chile de árbol peanut sauce - salsa verde cruda - flour tortillas

                                            • Camarón**USD 18.00

                                              breaded shrimp - jicama tortilla - chili powder - pickled onion - chipotle mayo

                                              • Pulpo al Pastor**USD 24.00

                                                adobo octopus - onion - cilantro - grilled pineapple - avocado salsa verde

                                                • Birria de Hongos**USD 19.00

                                                  grilled truffle manchego - braised guajillo mushroom - bean purée - cilantro - pickled onion

                                                  Especialidades D'lena

                                                  • Wagyu Steak a la Piedra* **USD 60.00

                                                    australian grade #9 - crema fresca - guacamole - fajita pepper mix - molcajete sauce - corn tortillas

                                                    • Short Rib al CarbonUSD 45.00

                                                      smoked short rib - bibb lettuce - tres salsas - pickled vegetables

                                                      • Dleña Mar y Tierra* **USD 65.00

                                                        wagyu filet mignon - seafood enchiladas - crispy onion - requeson cheese sauce - dried chili gastrique

                                                        • Carnitas Pork ShankUSD 45.00

                                                          salsa verde cruda - molcajete - pickled vegetables - bean purée - tortillas

                                                          • Zarandeado* **USD 44.00

                                                            branzino - citrus slaw - charred marinade - grilled half avocado - corn salsa

                                                            • Grilled Oaxacan Shrimp^USD 45.00

                                                              charred garlic marinade - guava mole - grilled onion - roasted corn esquites - corn tortillas

                                                              • Seafood Enchiladas**USD 32.00

                                                                shrimp - maryland blue crab - crema fresca - creamy guajillo sauce - greens

                                                                • Coliflor a la Leña** ^USD 23.00

                                                                  charred cauliflower - chimichurri - red pipian - creamy requesón sauce - roux

                                                                  Para Acompañar

                                                                  • Zanahorias al Carbon^USD 12.00

                                                                    roasted heirloom carrot - pepita pistu chimichurri - cashew tofu aioli - ají amarillo honey

                                                                    • Papa al Horno**USD 12.00

                                                                      wood-fired baked potato - crispy pork belly - ají amarillo tartar - chive

                                                                      • BroccoliniUSD 12.00

                                                                        grilled - smoked chili - olive oil - sea salt

                                                                        • Roasted Corn EsquitesUSD 12.00

                                                                          baby corn - bacon - cotija - epazote - lemon - spicy mayo

                                                                          Postres

                                                                          • Carajillo Crème BruléeUSD 14.00

                                                                            licor 43 - espresso - served tableside

                                                                            • Mil Hojas Argentino** ^USD 14.00

                                                                              crêpes - warm cajeta caramel - carmelized almond - whipped cream - strawberry - salted caramel ice cream

                                                                              • Creamy Corn Cake**USD 14.00

                                                                                hibiscus mezcal glaze - popcorn gelato - vanilla cookie crumble

                                                                                • Honey Vanilla Cheesecake**USD 14.00

                                                                                  honeycomb - blood orange -citrus berry blend - tuile

                                                                                  • Sorbets & GelatosUSD 9.00

                                                                                    seasonal flavors

                                                                                    Last updated: 1 February 2025

                                                                                    What 2,148 people are saying

                                                                                    dLeña reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                    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
                                                                                    • 4.6Service
                                                                                    • 4.8Ambience
                                                                                    • 4.4Value

                                                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                                                    Loved For

                                                                                    • Washington, D.C. Area

                                                                                      Mexican

                                                                                    • District of Columbia

                                                                                      Mexican

                                                                                    Review summary

                                                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                    dLeña delights with its "amazing food and service," offering a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The "short rib tacos" and "wagyu empanadas" are crowd favorites, while the innovative cocktails receive high praise. With a "chic setting" and "friendly staff," it's a must-visit for both locals and visitors.

                                                                                    2,148 Reviews

                                                                                    1. Donna VIP

                                                                                      Washington DC2 reviews

                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                      2. Food 3
                                                                                      3. Service 2
                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                      It was good but they asked us to leave said the table needed to turn. We were only there 2 hours and ordered plenty of food and rounds of drinks.

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                                                                                    2. KristieW VIP

                                                                                      Las Vegas6 reviews

                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      Amazing food! Amazing ambiance! Attractive crowd! Would def recommend

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                                                                                    3. Brionna

                                                                                      Washington DC1 review

                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      Service, food and the drinks were 10/10! Chefs kiss.

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                                                                                    4. Amy VIP

                                                                                      Washington DC40 reviews

                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                      3. Service 3
                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                      The place is nice and has a great menu. I enjoyed the food and presentation. Our server was good but I felt like somebody was trying to take my plate constantly. I think I must have had to tell various people that I wasn’t finished eating or drinking at least five times. They took my companion’s plate while I was still eating without asking if we wanted the plate removed. Good service should not feel like rushed service; there is no need for a constant string of people coming over to clear the plates. Even after I expressed strongly that I wasn’t finished, someone new would come by and ask if I was done. Very annoying and unclear if this how staff is being trained, but I hope this is looked at for a better overall dining experience.

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                                                                                    5. Annie

                                                                                      San Diego2 reviews

                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                      Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      Wonderful place, the food was amazing! We got the short ribs and grilled shrimp and both were really good. I did think the short ribs weren’t very filling compared to the shrimp though. The presentation was really good and the atmosphere was wonderful. I also really enjoyed the drinks. I would totally go again, just would probably eat at the speakeasy below for the quieter more intimate vibes.

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                                                                                    6. angelaw VIP

                                                                                      Washington DC9 reviews

                                                                                      2.0

                                                                                      Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 2
                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                      3. Service 1
                                                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                                                      Brunch was a bust. Very poor customer service & a rushed experience. Paid over $300 for brunch & left feeling rushed & hungry.

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                                                                                    7. Brittney

                                                                                      Seattle1 review

                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                      Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      This was my first time there and it was awesome! Me and my sister were seated quickly and our server was very attentive. The food was AMAZING! Definitely coming back.

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                                                                                    8. Avita VIP

                                                                                      Chicago1 review

                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      Amazing brunch! Flavorful food, great drinks and Troy was fantastic!

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                                                                                    9. Ericka

                                                                                      Washington DC1 review

                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                      Dined on 4 March 2025

                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      Came here for a birthday celebration, food and drinks were great. The ambiance and decor of the restaurant was amazing. I did make the reservation a month in advanced and had requested a table underneath the chandelier, however that request was not fulfilled. Our server Alexandra was very sweet, but we had to flag her down a few times to keep ordering.

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                                                                                    10. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                      Washington DC1 review

                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                      Dined on 4 March 2025

                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                      i finally went back and this time for dinner. my first solo birthday dinner, actually. it was a really nice experience, although i cried a lot between eating. :) i had the empanadas wagyu, broccoli and a mercado and a mango margarita. i enjoyed the hibiscus drink they give you at seating. the ambience is always great, however, because i was a solo diner i was placed by other people, a booth nowhere in sight. i hoped to be seated in a booth like another solo diner but idk, guess not. my waiter was funny and kind but the people around me were so loud. maybe because i wasn’t talking to anyone? not sure because i dine out solo a lot and never really experienced that much interference while eating. literally their volume distracted my thoughts. anyway, it was a nice experience but i did not enjoy the broccolini at all; too tough.
                                                                                      dLeñaResponded 1 day ago
                                                                                      Thank you for sharing your thoughtful review and for choosing us to enjoy a wonderful visit. It means a lot to us that you spent your solo birthday dinner with us, and we're so glad to hear you enjoyed dishes like the empanadas, Mercado, and mango margarita. We’re especially happy to know you appreciated the hibiscus drink and that your waiter was kind and brought some humor to your evening. We’re grateful for your candid feedback and hope we’ll have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another memorable meal in the future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly when planning your next visit—we’d love to make it extra special for you.

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                                                                                    FAQs

                                                                                    You can order delivery directly from dLeña using the Order Online button.

                                                                                    dLeña is rated 4.7 stars by 2148 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                                    Make a booking

                                                                                    2 people
                                                                                    7:00 pm
                                                                                    Booked 79 times today
                                                                                    Google Map for dLeña

                                                                                    476 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001-2531

                                                                                    Additional information

                                                                                    • Award-winning
                                                                                      1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
                                                                                    • Phone number
                                                                                      (202) 560-5999
                                                                                    • Price
                                                                                      $30 and under
                                                                                    • Cuisines
                                                                                      Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Cocktail Bar
                                                                                    • Hours of Operation
                                                                                      Mon–Thu 11:00–15:00 Mon 17:00–19:00 Tue–Thu, Sun 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00
                                                                                    • Dress code
                                                                                      Business Casual
                                                                                    • Parking details
                                                                                      Street Parking
                                                                                    • Payment Options
                                                                                      AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                    • Executive Chef
                                                                                      Chef Richard Sandoval
                                                                                    • Delivery & takeout
                                                                                      Order direct

                                                                                    Featured in

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