Cancel

Open app

Search

El Cielo

4.2 (174 reviews)
Ultra High-EndLatin American, Seafood
Closed • Closed

El Cielo Photos

Business Info

EL CIELO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - El Cielo

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Drink Menu
Nessa R.

Michelin Star me PLEASE! I'm a foodie and when I told my friend I was one, he asked how many Michelin Star restaurants I'd been to. I chuckled, because honestly I'm not a foodie snob but perhaps I need to be. Pre Bday dinner before heading out of the country he chose El Cielo to celebrate me first! Located in Union Market, El Cielo hides in plain sight on the corner. Parking is always a win at Union Market hence why I am always there! Ambiance: dimly lit, reservations only, couples galore, and definitely an intimate atmosphere. Service: TOP NOTCH this is why you pay the big bucks! Nothing was amiss! My friend has experience with high‑end restaurants, Michelin star restaurants to be exact so his perspective added a helpful benchmark with what to order. He took the lead and ensured I tried all the top favorites! *They do offer an À la Carte Menu, or traditional Pre-Fixe menu* Let's get into it! Tree of Life - Yucca bread, Brown butter, Cilantro sauce - Such a cute presentation! Butter is amazing! Ensaladita Caliente - Grilled Romaine letuce, Parmigiano, Hearts of Palms, Kumquats - Soooooo Good! Yes to this dish! Catch of the day - SeaBass Buttermilk reduction, Green oil, Chontaduro - Perfectly cooked! Loved it! Yucca Gnocchi Pecorino cheese, Shitake mushrooms, Sweet plantain, Added Truffle - VERY YUMMY! Flan - Vanilla, Salted caramel - Fantastic! Mucholate - Rum Ice Cream - I mixed both this and the Flan! Loved it!

Flan
Ailun H.

My friend and I dined at El Cielo this past Monday evening to experience their Restaurant Week (Winter 2026) three-course meal for 65pp. We were able to select a starter, entree, and dessert each. There were plenty of upgrading options, but we decided to stick to the basics. Both of us enjoyed a glass of wine each, and I tried their current rosé offering for 18 per glass. I don't drink alcohol often, so I can't comment too much on flavors -- I did enjoy the fruity and bubbly wine throughout my meal. -- STARTERS -- TUNA TARTARE A deep red tartare topped with peanuts drizzled with an earthy, smooth paste that had the consistency of ricotta along with a single chicharrón. There was a bit of cilantro mixed in, but surprisingly, I didn't notice it as much as I thought. The tuna tartare was light in flavor, but fresh and enhanced by the toppings. The crispy chicharrón paired well with it. Solid tartare, no complaints. Only wish we had more chicharrón to enjoy the tartare with. BEEF TARTARE The beef tartare had a golden egg yolk perched on top and came with a few small arepas on the side. The tartare was very flavorful, with a lot of pungent aromatics from the raw onions and miso, yet silky smooth with the yolk mixed in. The arepas were nicely charred, but a bit too burnt for my liking. -- ENTREES -- DUCK BREAST & ATOLLADO RICE My first bite was the atollado rice, and wow, it was smoky and warm in the best way possible. It was incredibly creamy and rich, definitely cooked with a fair amount of spices to get that deep flavor. The duck was cooked perfectly -- each bite was tender and juicy. The calamansi sauce on the side provided a sweet and surprising tanginess. Solid entree, definitely a richer and more savory option. CATCH OF THE DAY The catch of the day was black cod, which was cooked to perfection -- soft and buttery with a mildly sweet flavor. There was a green salad on the side that was a bit bitter when eaten alone, but was a harmonious combination when eaten with the cod along with the two different sauces (buttermilk and a mildly sweet brown-colored reduction). This is the entree we'd recommend if you want a more delicate and lighter option. -- DESSERTS -- MUCHOLATE The dessert would've been better without the rum, though rum-forward desserts just aren't our thing. The chocolate bark was a nice touch, but I didn't really like the white chocolate one. The ice cream was smooth, and the chocolate crumble was delicious. The mousse(?) on the side was nice, too. FLAN Silky and smooth flan -- texture-wise, this is as perfect as it can get. It sat on top of a caramel-based reduction, which was a bit too sweet for our liking. Given how thin the flan was, we thought there was too much reduction. Overall, the food was fantastic, with only a couple critiques on the two desserts. The portion size isn't the most generous, and I was ready to snack once I got home after dinner. However, we enjoyed a fancier dinner out and got to taste Colombian fine-dining! It's also a bonus that El Cielo was on inKind, which helped us save quite a bit on our meal.

Tuna tartare
Victoria M.

I snagged a reservation do restaurant week and was happy with the results. The seating was prompt and it felt very warm and welcoming walking into the restaurant. I started with the tuna tartar (without the chicharon ) and it as delicious. The flavors were very interesting and oh so flavorful. The next was the gnocchi which I opted to top with the truffle. It was okay, not my favorite. It was served on the colder side which was I didn't find too tasteful. My dessert was the flan and it was amazing. It was my second favorite dish and that's saying a lot. It was wonderful! I will take a moment to hype the tree of life. It had the consistency of cloud bread but a bit more textured and firm on the outside. The butter that accompanied it was amazing. Very good and I would order again i opted to go back, I will sat there was a pretty big hiccup with our drinks. I had ordered a wine flight and my friend ordered a cocktail. After waiting thirty minutes and having our first course, including watching tables after us order drinks and get theirs, we realized they must have forgot. It was hard to grab our servers attention and we ended up finishing our first course sans drinks. This kind of ruined the wine pairing. When we did get his attention he made note that there was an issue at the bar, but the wine wasn't served at the bar, so it seemed sit was just forgotten and they were speeding to make them happen. We were comped a glass of wine which was nice, but my friend didn't drink wine and wanted her cocktail. When we both ended up with our orders drinks, we were happy. It wasn't too big of an issue in the end, but put a damper on the excitement we had for this meal since it almost took until our main/second to get it our drinks.

Hand towel
Kimberly S.

TLDR: Warm ambiance, great service, flavorful elevated Colombian dishes. Absolutely worth visiting for their extended restaurant week menu. Perfectly warm lighting, professional yet comforting service, and truly delicious food. Located right next to Union Market, it is an easy and convenient choice. As soon as I saw they extended their Restaurant Week offering through March 30, I made a reservation. You really cannot go wrong with any of the options. The duck was incredibly tender, and the beef tartare with arepas delivered impressive depth of flavor. The rice was a complete flavor bomb and tied everything together beautifully. This is a reliable spot for elevated Colombian cuisine, and I left feeling very satisfied and comfortably full. My only small notes are that the miso egg yolk on the tartare was slightly too salty for my taste, and I wish the duck breast skin had been a bit crispier. Overall, a lovely dining experience that I would happily return to.

Hannah C.

We reserved the last table of the night, and wow what an immersive experience. Every dish was a visual moment. Presentation across the board was a solid 5/5. What I loved most was how intentional everything felt. You're not just eating, you're learning about Colombian culture through the ingredients, the storytelling, and the progression of the meal. The most memorable dish of the night was the Coffee Fields. Absolute standout. Make sure you have your camera ready for that one. I actually had to ask where the beans were from because it was that good.

Just beautiful!
Paul H.

This was truly a wonderful and memorable experience for me. I fancy myself as a foodie with plenty of experience in fine dining and I believe this meal was on par with Alinea in Chicago as well as other multi Michelin Star experiences I have enjoyed. The quality of the ingredients, the originality of the experience, the knowledge and presentation of the staff, and the value for the experience was superb. My favorites were washing my hands in chocolate, the feeling of clouds as I sipped freshly brewed Colombian coffee, the tender bison, the crispy quail, and the beautiful presentation of bread that was truly a meal in itself. Also, the venue itself is beautiful, modern, and was very comfortable. I look forward to going back soon and hosting an event with friends and family there before year end. It's only a matter of time before this venue earns another Michelin Star.

Edible birthday candle and birthday cocktail
Luisa G.

What a treat to have been taken here for my birthday. Being Colombian myself, I had to try the only Michelin star Colombian restaurant in the states and it did not disappoint. From beginning to end the experience was a surprise to the palate. It was almost like being taken on a tour of my beloved motherland. The attention to detail and hospitality by the servers was also unmatched. The interiors were beautifully decorated, the music was just loud enough to set the vibe but also allow you to hold a conversation. I 100% recommend El Cielo for the experience for a special occasion, you will not regret it. Won't post pictures of the dishes bc it's so nice to be surprised.

Matthew W.

Easily the most unique (and expensive) dinner I've ever had! Highly recommended! Staff, meal, presentation and ambiance was 10/10!!

Pantone
Min Z.

Back to El Cielo-the only Michelin-starred restaurant we're eager to revisit. Once again, it delivered an unforgettable experience. While our beloved Tree of Life and Yucca Gnocchi never disappoint, the Truffle Buñuelo completely stole the show with its explosive flavors. We'll definitely be back!

Tania A.

My husband and I were very excited to get a reservation at El Cielo on the very last day of DC's Winter Restaurant Week! As many of the other reviews have commented, getting reservation was not the easiest - but that is to be expected with a Michelin Star restaurant during a busy week!! Needless to say, all of my persistent and efforts to get a reservation were WELL WELL worth it! The experience was amazing. From the minute we walked in to the restaurant, it felt as if we were teleported to Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos' Medellín escape in Washington DC. The decor is such that you really do feel the personal touches that have been added, that not only make you feel the fine dining experience - but also with a touch of homeliness. The Restaurant Week menu offered 3 amazing courses, with three options to choose from for each course. My husband and I also went for the cocktail pairing to ensure the full experience ! I was definitely blown away by the vast array of flavours, textures, preparation and all round vibrancy with each of the courses as well as the cocktails. I can truly say that each course during was one of a kind - and stimulated all of the sense. The service -- as one would expect from a Michelin Star restaurant was impeccable!! From the help when choosing what to order, through to the changing of cutlery and delivery of each course throughout the meal. The execution of the service was skillful and polished. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, treat yourself for a small or big accomplishment, or have been curious to try El Cielo - go for it! You will not be disappointed.

Amanda H.

We came to El Cielo with low expectations. We weren't very big fans of Colombian cuisine, nor did we have much experience in it aside from trying local shops and Mita (very disappointing). Wow, we were blown away! Every dish was presented with finesse and flair. Each bite was great and it had enough Latin American influence in the food to be recognizable but also wasn't so immersed in that style that it would be daunting for less adventurous diners. I really enjoyed their truffle bite as well as the raw tuna and fish arepas. While expensive, it was a worthy experience and better than many other Michelin restaurants we have been to. Pay for the extra Birthday experience-it's a nice addition to the meal.

Sour sap cocktail - delicious
Mickey D.

I went there with friends for their restaurant week experience for a birthday. The restaurant is modern and nicely decorated. Staff is very welcoming and we were immediately seated. The food was delicious, from the chefs complimentary offering to the bread to the entree, everything was fresh and made with thoughtful ingredient. The cocktails were also delicious esp the sour sap one. The highlight for me was the duck and the bread. Tuna tartare was good but I feel it was missing the spark, something about it felt less fresh or flavorful. Our server was amazing and attentive. They even brought a fun complimentary dessert at the end, which pops in your mouth like a cracker lol. See pictures attached.

Flan
Lauren F.

I went to Elcielo for Restaurant Week and I ended up having a wonderful meal! The appetizer I selected was beef tartare. It had a delicious zesty sauce, a confit egg yolk on top, and some little arepas to eat it with. I thought it was delicious and very rich. I wonder if a crispier side (plantain chips?) would have been better to mix up the textures, but the flavors were all lovely. The main I went with was yucca gnocchi with shiitakes mushrooms ina very rich cream sauce covered in Parmesan with a few dots of plantain honey. It was so rich and filling and delicious. Things got a bit salty on the right side of the bowl with the sheer volume of Parmesan, but that's a minor thing and the sweetness of the honey was so good in with it. I especially liked how the shiitakes tasted in the sauce. Again, I think maybe some little crunchy topping would have been nice, but I really thought it was a standout dish and would recommend trying it for sure. For dessert, it felt too cold for their rum ice cream, so I went with flan. I was surprised at how classic it was. The sauce was a bit too sickly sweet for me, and I think maybe a darker/saltier caramel or one infused with something like coffee would have cut through more. The texture was absolute silky perfection, though, and I'm always happy with a good flan. Service was kind and attentive. Presentation was beautiful. I definitely want to come back and try some of their a la carte items like the cheesy yucca bread, but the price point is definitely very high. I was grateful to get to try the menu for Restaurant Week and I appreciated that they offered their full, regular tasting menu where others often skimp. I would definitely return to try it again this summer and order the dishes I didn't get this time!

White Chocolate Candle

See all

Photo of A. J.
0
76
1

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mr. F.
0
16
0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Andrea G.
246
14
0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

It was a great experience. I had over 10 courses in one sitting. The dishes are quit unique but very tasty. I recommend people to try it.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ana C.
41
2
0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 5 of 5

El Cielo Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Cielo

What is the dress code? Should men wear jackets?

There is no need to wear a jacket. You can wear one if you like but it is not required. I just wore jeans and a nice shirt. Some people are dressed up while I saw someone wearing a t-shirt

Where's the closest place to park or do they have complimentary valet?

La Cosecha as a whole (where El Cielo is) has a parking garage adjacent to it. It's free for the first three hours, no validation needed, and after the 3 free hours, it's a $15 flat rate.

Can they do vegetarian friendly tasting menu? Is it still good/worth it?

They do a vegetarian friendly tasting menu, just call to let them know. I did it and it was worth it!

Are you still hungry after this experience?

Definitely not. I was forcing myself in the end. You'd think you're going to be hungry but they certainly fill you up as the dishes continue.

Is there an A la carte menu in addition to the "Journey" and "Experience" tastings, or do you have to do a tasting menu?

Yes there is! You don't have to do the experience to enjoy the food.

Is this place kid-friendly?

I would not bring kids. The experience is more for a date, business, fun adult time. Now if you want to spend 300$+ for your kid to eat go for it. I would say 16+ I go there… 

View All 8 Questions

You might also consider

Benitos Place - Pastelitos

Benitos Place

4.7(176 reviews)
1.5 mi•Shaw, Downtown
•$$

Humble restaurant with delicious Honduran dishes. We had three different dishes. All of them are…read moreflavorful. Goood portions. Staff is all friendly and helpful. Not a fancy place, but clean and not noisy. Definitely will come back here.

Freezing, I walked along 11th street on a Tuesday evening searching for Benito's Place. An old…read morefriend had suggested it but..I couldn't find it. I walked a little back and forth, but.. no. Across the street, I saw another Mexican restaurant on the corner, but it looked closed, or even shut down. Maps told me it should be there. Looking across the street my eyes were drawn to the second floor, and a series of neon lights for a tarot card reader and psychic. Taking this as a sign, I crossed. That's when I found Benito's and realized that it's neon sign was out. Walk too fast and you might miss it. A narrow door aside a bay window lit from inside. It's a small place with a warm, cozy feeling. Benito's is very much a neighborhood Central American restaurant, but FYI: no alcohol. Started with guac and chips, usual fare, delicious but nothing that singled it out. I ordered the Pollo a la Plancha and it was rather good. The chicken was grilled through but not tough, it still had moisture and you could cut it. Rice, greens, etc. and the small 2oz solo of black beans, all standard fare. The corn tortillas were interesting, not your usual thin tortillas, so it took my mind a moment to consider what I was holding. It had the thickness of a pancake, maybe a sope base, and reminded me of thick, handmade tortillas when you don't have the press. Curiously, the tortillas were not the same that my friend got with his Mole Poblano, which were thin. Granted, it was a cold Tuesday evening, but in two hours only two other individuals came in to eat. Seems like they do brisk take away business. I expect on a warmer night with higher foot traffic this place fills up quickly. The service was great, did not want for anything. We were served with two containers of sauce, green and orange. Ostensibly green chili, and habanero, I did not learn specifically however. When I dine in DC I can't help but confront the blunt question: Was it worth it? Yeah, it's good food, good people, and a good place. You'll feel comfortable there and leave full. But the price of dining out is too damn high, and this meal is on the higher side of what, ten years ago, would have been $15. I fear that prices will continue to be pushed higher and places like Benito's might disappear, so get over there because the food excellent, the people are nice, and it's just a warm space to hang out for an hour or so talking to an old friend.

Photos
Benitos Place - Inside

Inside

Benitos Place - Ribs, Pupusas

Ribs, Pupusas

Benitos Place - Entrance

See all

Entrance

Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

4.6(102 reviews)
2.5 mi•Columbia Heights

I like this new location for Chicatana. It's just down the road from my place and I enjoy the…read moreoutdoor patio with the colorful paintings in the background. I had dinner here recently and I enjoyed the casual nature of the spot. I've gone to their previous location, which had a fire, and I like this current location much better even if it doesn't seem as popular as before. The food remains the same. Good, but not the best mexican. Though, I was spoiled living in california previously. The tacos and dips are the winner here. The quesadillas are heavy with the thick corn meal outer coating. It's just not to my taste. Overall, it's a great spot though. If it's nice weather, this is a go-to to sit on the deck. On my visit, they didnt have a liquor license but they now have it!

Spicy passionfriut margs! Delicious…read more Plantain w/ brisket: Excellent starter! The whole thing was amazing and the brisket was phenomenal. Tacos - Overall quite generous portions of filler. Rajas: This was my wife's favorite by far. Al Pastor: Far and away my favorite taco. Carne Asada: Tasted great and was what we wanted. Suadero/Carnitas/Pollo: These were fine. They lacked the intense flavors of the other tacos and while none were bad, I wouldn't get them again. Shrimp: My wife did not really like this one. Passionfruit Flan: Very subtle and not too sweet. The price was great and it was larger then expected. We enjoyed this. We enioyed our dinner on the upper outside patio and the service was great. The guy who delivers the food is so cheerful and our server gave great recommendations.

Photos
Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine
Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine - Bunuelos

Bunuelos

Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine - Illegal old fashioned

See all

Illegal old fashioned

El Secreto De Rosita - Donuts

El Secreto De Rosita

4.2(267 reviews)
2.1 mi•U Street Corridor
•$$$

We came by for a quick drink but eventually realized they actually have music on Saturday nights so…read morewe stayed! They had a DJ tonight. Google hours are incorrect - they do not close at 11pm! Really great pisco drinks - I've tried a few variations which have been great but really need to actually try the original pisco sour. I'll be back for sure to try their food!

I had high hopes for El Secreto De Rosita given the unique concept of blending Palestinian and…read morePeruvian cuisine, but the experience fell well short of expectations. The food was average at best and significantly overpriced for the quality. We paid $30 each for ají de gallina and arroz con pollo--both dishes lacked depth and were nowhere near worth that price point. The ceviche ($27) was bland and underwhelming, missing the brightness and flavor you expect from a staple like this. Even the chicha morada felt like a stretch at an extra $10. The issues weren't limited to Peruvian dishes. The kafta sandwich was dry and completely lacking flavor, and a simple salad my wife ordered came with poorly seasoned dressing. Overall, the kitchen seemed to miss the mark on both sides of the fusion concept. To make matters worse, two classic Peruvian dishes--anticuchos and jalea mixta--were unavailable. The explanation given was that they had run out after Saturday night service, which is hard to justify when we visited at 1:30 PM on a Sunday. The restaurant was nearly empty at that time, which in hindsight should have been a warning sign. All in, we spent $225 for a family of four including tip, which is more than double what the experience was worth. I would rate this place 2 out of 5 stars and would not return.

Photos
El Secreto De Rosita
El Secreto De Rosita - Outdoor setting area.

Outdoor setting area.

El Secreto De Rosita - What is this "Michelin Star" doing on the menu?

See all

What is this "Michelin Star" doing on the menu?

La Estancia Churrasqueria - Parrillada mix to

La Estancia Churrasqueria

4.0(177 reviews)
11.8 mi
•$$

Looking for a good steak in an unknown area, we were lucky to have found La Estancia; the pictures…read morewere enough to convince us. The service was 10/10. They were not very busy when we arrived but remained attentive during our entire visit. The food was fresh, well-seasoned, and delicious. We got a parrillada mixta, which means mixed grilled meats. It was superb! My husband had a cup of coffee, which was also good. Usually, restaurants go for generic coffee, and it's always overcooked. This was fresh and delicious. The restaurant is nicely decorated, music is playing, and there is a bar. It would be a great hang-out spot.

1 Star is too much -- Very disappointing experience…read more We were really excited to try this restaurant because we were hoping for an authentic Argentinian dining experience. Unfortunately, it was nothing like what we expected, and the food was extremely disappointing. Then I found out the owner is Bolivian not even Argentinian. The chimichurri was red and had a very different taste than what we expected. The green hot sauce was basically like eating raw jalapeño--extremely overpowering. The mashed potatoes were watery and very salty, and the broccoli was literally sitting in so much water that almost half of the bowl was full of it. The rice tasted like microwave rice, and the French fries were just ordinary fries. The biggest disappointment was the meat. It was extremely fatty, chewy, and had almost no flavor. The chicken was overcooked and tasted like leftovers that had been reheated. For an Argentinian restaurant, the quality and preparation of the meat should be one of the highlights, but unfortunately, it was the complete opposite. Honestly, we could barely eat our food and ended up leaving most of it. What made the experience even worse was that, despite barely being able to eat the food, we were still charged half of the meal. The total bill was over $85, and that included $5 for a small cup of what tasted like microwave rice. Just in case the food looks half-empty in the pictures, we did put some of the food onto our plates to try it. Unfortunately, we couldn't eat it, so that's why some of the containers look partially empty. As someone who was genuinely looking forward to trying Argentinian food, this experience was incredibly disappointing. In my opinion, this restaurant does not represent the quality or flavors that people expect from Argentinian cuisine. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this restaurant, and I would not return.

Photos
La Estancia Churrasqueria
La Estancia Churrasqueria - Menu, as of January 2023

Menu, as of January 2023

La Estancia Churrasqueria

See all

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Bread - Hard & tasteless

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

3.5(2.1k reviews)
1.5 mi
•$$

I was in Washington, D.C., a few days before a work event and spent the day exploring the city…read more After miles of walking, I stopped into Cuba Libre, and it turned out to be the perfect place to recharge. I ordered the El Cuban sandwich, and it was outstanding. It came with black bean soup, a salad and tropical chips. I'm not usually a fan of beans, but the black bean soup completely changed my mind--it was rich, flavorful and one of the highlights of the meal. The drinks were also excellent, the service was friendly and attentive, and the whole experience was exactly what I needed after a long day on my feet. If you're looking for great Cuban food in D.C., Cuba Libre is absolutely worth a visit.

The food was good but for the amount of money we spent we had the worst service ever…read more They tagged on the gratuity per check and that's understandable. We were a big party 16 and they agreed to split our checks. When I went to speak up all of a sudden some girl who wasn't even our server had the audacity to say that doing so was a courtesy. Not only that, she then proceeded to raise her voice at me and a few others requesting our checks to be paid. That chick's name who wasn't even our server name is Telmar and has a horrible attitude, not only her . Not only that the manager on duty was then supposed to call me and never did. Hopefully they fix their attitudes.

Photos
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Interior

Interior

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Pineapple Guacamole Cubano

Pineapple Guacamole Cubano

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - Interior

See all

Interior

Seven Reasons - Half Dozen Oyster

Seven Reasons

4.1(590 reviews)
1.5 mi
•$$$

Awesome food and great service. I had the trout which was cooked to perfection. I had the…read moreold-fashioned drink. It wasn't a typical old-fashioned with bourbon. I think it might have had Scotch and another alcohol in it, but it was delicious. The service was great and it was a very nice ambience.

I'm sure food and ambiance is awesome here. But staff competence is poor based on a simple request…read morethat went badly awry. Again I must preface by saying I didn't dine here or experience the place. I was invited to a dinner here that I couldn't attend, and as a birthday surprise I wanted to send that table a bottle of champagne. I intended to order a Dom Perignon (for which they charge ~$400 per bottle). But the staff was on amateur hour -- instead of taking my order, they altered the reservation, then alerted the birthday person who made the reservation (ruining any potential for a nice surprise gift), and said they would have to cancel the original reservation because the number of people changed. Birthday person had to call them and me to smooth it all over. Then, another person called me to get my email address to send me a PDF to fill out (which I had to then send them on WhatsApp) for my order - a comically silly added bureaucratic/administrative load. Just take the credit card over the phone on the first call/request, like 99% of businesses around the world. This place takes 3-4 steps just to order something... This person had absolutely zero idea that I made the request as a surprise, so it suggests there is pretty poor coordination and communication amongst staff. I'm sure people come here regularly and have great meals and great times. But at their prices, wine/champagne mark-ups, and promise of an 'elevated' experience -- staff need to get their act together.

Photos
Seven Reasons - Main dining room

Main dining room

Seven Reasons - Whole Fried Fish

Whole Fried Fish

Seven Reasons - Great drinks

See all

Great drinks

El Cielo - latin - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...