Palena - Washington D.C. Restaurants - Washington D.C., United States

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Washington D.C. Restaurants

Palena

A Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star Rated restaurant

Overview

Palena’s earth-tone interior is as much an homage to the Medieval Abruzzi town for which it’s named as it is a Mediterranean escape complete with statuesque figurines and trellised greenery, keeping the hustle and bustle of busy Connecticut Avenue at bay. The classic dining room serves a two-, three-, and four-course seasonal prix fixe tasting menu (along with a dessert) featuring dishes like the pan-roasted squab with spices, zucchini and a black currant and juniper sauce. The burgers on Palena’s café menu have been touted as the best the nation’s capital has to offer in terms of the quintessential American sandwich, probably because of the truffle cheese and housemade kaiser rolls. Others rave about the café menu’s 45-minute half roasted chicken, and either of these dishes beg to be accompanied by the restaurant’s elevated version of a side of fries: a mix of shoestring-style fries, dauphine potatoes, onion rings and Palena’s signature fried lemon slices.

What are the operating hours of Palena?

The dining room at Palena is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Its more casual Café is open Monday to Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner, and for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Adjacent to the Café, you’ll find Palena’s Market, which sells imported specialty items, as well as coffee and sweets. This gourmet spot is open Monday through Friday 12 to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.