Best Romantic Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Tonight was wet and windy in DC. We left our last museum at 5:30pm. Our dinner reservation was not until 7pm. We walked to the restaurant thinking at a min we could dry out and have a pre dinner drink at the bar. When we arrived we explained that we were an hour early for our reservation but without a fuss we were seated immediately. The service was faultless. Our waiter was a bartender doing double duty. He was knowledgeable about the drinks (duhh) and the food and able to answer all of our questions - and my husband asks lots of questions. He oversaw service and was attentive without being bothersome. Our food was delicious. We ordered a variety of foods and were happy with everything we ate. Highly recommended this spot for a great meal with a loved one, good friend or family.

We had an amazing evening. The food was amazing. Thank you to Fernando, who made the night unforgettable. His attention to detail and warm hospitality made us feel like we were the only people in the restaurant. He anticipated our needs, made thoughtful recommendations, and added a personal touch that elevated the entire evening. It’s rare to find such genuine service these days, and Fernando truly made us feel at home. We can’t wait to return! Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food and an even better experience.

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Lee, who was incredibly kind and took the time to personally greet everyone. The staff were just as welcoming, demonstrating excellent communication and attentiveness. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy warmth. The course meal exceeded all expectations—each dish was thoughtfully designed with exceptional taste, creativity, and a seamless flow of service. The alcohol pairing was also expertly curated, enhancing the overall experience. What stood out most was Chef Lee’s dedication to sustainability in his restaurant. I recommend visiting the website prior to your visit to understand his intent with the non-profit org. His vision is truly inspiring, and I deeply respect his ambition. Highly recommended to everyone. - Isaac

They have had since 1856 to perfect the art of service. They have not wasted a bit of that time. We had a server and he was fantastic. With that, the entire brigade worked as a fantastic machine and supported the goal of quick and perfect service for the guest. I have never had apps arrive so quickly at a restaurant before. I even threw another order in while ordering our main course and it was on the table 2 minutes later. The quality of the food is top notch as well. The roast beef sandwich had a bit of bite on it that was unexpected but definitely not unappreciated. As I was dinning with my 13 year old son tonight, I also appreciated the non alcoholic options on the drink menu. It was great to have a delicious option that wasn't a soda. Overall, this is a MUST for any visit to DC.

Letena was a winner from start to finish. The servers were friendly and helpful, the food was delicious and well-presented and the ambiance was just right. We got the veggie sampler and our granddaughter ordered the beef tips. Both were outstanding. Bravo!