Palena

well the food here is awesome the waiting sucks, at least who was waiting my table did name kia,kaia something like that. the manager a lady named kelli was the worst i heard screaming and even cursing to the employees. you should now better than to do that..cclearly not what you expect from the face of the restaurant..i had the palena burger wich was very good along with the fried plate more

By Tom Sietsema Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 Glorious understatement has always been Frank Ruta's signature at Palena. "After 10 years, it's time to do something," says the chef-owner of the beloved cafe and restaurant in Cleveland Park, which food lovers seek out for some of the most seductive salads, pastas and roast chicken in Washington. Coinciding with Palena's anniversary this month is its expansion into the former Magruder's next door, some freshening up in the original two dining areas, and a few significant cooking and service hires (the new maitre d' for the restaurant hails from the four-star Komi). If everything goes according to the script, Palena will be new and improved by the addition of a wood-burning grill and oven, 60 more seats for fans of the cafe, and a small retail market. Ruta is a chef's chef and a diner's dream. If I want to conjure summer, all I have to do is remember my last meal here: a still life of poached leeks, summer beans and shaved truffles garnished with a delicate pork fritter followed by hand-cut tagliatelle with juicy marbles of tomato and a brilliant pesto. Had I thought of it, I would have asked for a glass of Ruta's own wine , which he makes with his brother in small quantities. more

Had the famous burger and a delicious salad. The burger was sublime...words cannot describe how amazing it tasted. Just go and get it! The bartender was nice and attentive. Nice atmosphere, although a little mood music couldn't hurt. A nice time and I will try it again. more

My husband and I went last night for dinner with our toddler. We take him out all the time in DC, respectfully arrive no later than 6pm and it always works out fine. Palena, however, was extremely unwelcoming. We were greeted with a look that said "I can't believe you are trying to bring a child in here". When I asked if they had highchairs, the hostess actually scoffed at us. We were seated and he behaved very well, almost unnoticeable to the whopping 2 other diners at the time. Our server was great, the food was decent, but not worth the treatment we received. more

I've eaten here before and the food was enjoyable, but definitely not as interesting or well-prepared as other similarly priced restaurants in DC. Although I agree the ambiance is rather generic and the service was less than stellar, I thought it would be a good place for a quiet dinner. When I tried to make a reservation, however, they required a credit card and stated that they would charge $58/person if I "didn't show." I have eaten at quite a few fine dining restaurants in the DC area and elsewhere and worked in the restaurant industry for many years and I have never known of such an insulting experience. In my opinion, you would be better off going elsewhere for food that is consistently impressive and welcoming, professional staff more

One of my top favorites in DC. Wonderful service w/ an array of interesting menu options. I would give... more

One of my top favorites in DC. Wonderful service w/ an array of interesting menu options. I would give Palena a full star rating had it not been fo... more

As the number 4 ranked restaurant in Washingtonian Magazine, I had high expectations for this meal.... more

As the number 4 ranked restaurant in Washingtonian Magazine, I had high expectations for this meal. However, it was rather average, in my opinion ... more

A great mix of Italian and French cuisine, Palena is my current favorite restaurant in DC. The back room is... more

A great mix of Italian and French cuisine, Palena is my current favorite restaurant in DC. The back room is booked two weeks in advance but seatin... more