Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Kensington

The staff was exceptional and very engaged! They had knowledge of the food and were proud to share backstory behind the restaurant and its history. The view of the open kitchen was fantastic! Above all, the food was exceptional!

Service was excellent. Food was ok. Everything tasted like they forgot the finishing salt. The focaccia and butter was stellar. Most of the other dishes were forgettable. High level of technique. Looks really nice but kinda stuffy.

Highly recommend the express lunch! Great food!! A Culinary Delight at Delena: A Michelin Star Experience in Washington DC Today, I had the most wonderful lunch at Delena, a Michelin-starred gem in Washington DC, owned by the renowned Chef Richard Sandoval. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm, inviting, and impeccably elegant—perfect for a midday escape into culinary bliss. I started with their signature appetizer crab pumpkin soup, which was beautifully plated and full of bold, vibrant flavors. For my main course, I enjoyed a perfectly cooked birria taco dish that was a masterpiece of both taste and presentation—each bite was an experience! The delicate balance of spices and textures showcased why Chef Sandoval’s cuisine is so highly celebrated. To end the meal on a sweet note, I indulged in a decadent oxaca corn cake dessert, which was almost too beautiful to eat. The combination of rich flavors and light textures left me completely satisfied. What truly made the experience special was the impeccable service. Every detail was attended to with care, making the lunch feel more like a personalized fine-dining experience than just a meal. If you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary adventure in the heart of DC, I highly recommend Delena for your next special occasion—or simply to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Thank you, Chef Richard Sandoval, for a truly wonderful meal! #MichelinStarExperience #WashingtonDC #ChefRichardSandoval #Delena #FineDining #CulinaryExcellence

Ordered the ahi tuna salad, portion was big and it was very tasty. Dressing had a nice kick to it. The fish and french fries were excellent too, the fish was cooked perfectly and flaky. The peanut butter ice cream was very rich and the portion was huge (size of a big slice of cake plus a cup of whipped cream!) so good to share with 3-4 persons.

Had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious and the service was great. We sat at the counter and were able to watch the chef make everything. Since we went on a Monday, wine was market price, so we enjoyed the salmon special and pork chop with a bottle of wine. Too bad they're closing the restaurant portion, because we would definitely go back. Looking forward to taking some cooking classes there though!