Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

Name: Letena Ethiopian Restaurant
Address: 3100 14th St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20010
Telephone: (202) 733-4830
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

70 Reviews

$30 and under

Ethiopian

Top tags:

Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant serving dishes made with natural, premium ingredients. Located in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington DC, Letena is a family-owned destination centered around authentic, quality Ethiopian food.
Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her team love welcoming new and old friends to enjoy Letena’s delicious, fresh food. Their goal is to make the unique experience of Ethiopian food approachable for everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat-lovers alike.
Letena’s original Ethiopian dishes have won accolades from various publications and review platforms including Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 9, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 733-4830

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Ethiopian
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 733-4830
Website
http://letenarestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Abay Mengestu
Catering
Letena caters for all occasions, please contact us on www.letenadc.com

Location
3100 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Neighbourhood
Columbia Heights / Brightwood
Cross Street
Entrance on Park Road
Parking Details
Parking: $1.50/hr, Target/USDCA Shopping Center
Public Transit
Metro: Columbia Heights, one block
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Yemsir Wot***US$19.50
red lentils stewed in a spicy hot sauce served with tomato salad
Kik Wot*US$18.50
yellow split peas, simmered in a flavorful mild sauce served with beets & potato salad
Shiro**US$18.50
ground and spiced chickpea stew served with a side of tomato salad
Gomen*US$17.50
sautéed collard greens, onions, ginger & garlic served with a side of kik or yemsir wot
Cabbage*US$17.50
cabbage and carrot stew served with a side of kik or yemsir wot
Tofu Wot**US$18.50
sliced tofu stewed in berbere sauce served with a side of azifa
Carrot Wot**US$17.50
minced carrot stewed in savory and spicy sauce served with a side of mushroom tibs
Mushroom Dulet**US$18.50
chopped mushrooms in a spicy mix served with a side of kik wot
Mushroom Tibs*US$18.50
stir-fried mushroom with onions and peppers with a side of yemsir wot
Fasolia*US$17.50
green beans stew served with a side of kik wot

Vegetarian Samplers

Add samosa with our samplers / $3 each

Sampler 1US$19.50
yemsir wot, kik, gomen & tomato salad
Sampler 2
yemsir wot, kik, gomen, cabbage, shiro, mushroom tibs, beets and potatoes & tomato salad
- Minimum 2 PeopleUS$19.00
Sampler 3
yemsir wot, kik, gomen, cabbage, fasolia, carrot, shiro, mushroom dulet, mushroom tibs, tofu wot, beets and potatoes & house salad
- Minimum 2 PeopleUS$22.50

Seafood

Asa Tibs*US$19.50
cubed tilapia sauteed with onions & tomatoes with a side of carrot wot
Shrimp Gulash*US$21.50
shrimp stewed in flavorful tomato/berbere sauce served with a side of cabbage

Beef

Kay Siga Wot*US$20.50
beef stew in flavorful berbere sauce served with a side of cottage cheese & tomato salad
Alicha Siga Wot*US$19.50
beef stew in a mild curry sauce served with a side of yemsir wot
Gomen-Besiga*US$19.50
seasoned collard greens cooked with beef served with a side of yemsir wot
KitfoUS$18.50
freshly minced and seasoned beef served raw or cooked with a side of gomen & cottage cheese
Lega Tibs**US$20.50
cubed ribeye stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños & rosemary served with a side of yemsir wot
Derek Tibs*US$21.50
crispy pan-seared tenderloin with onions, tomatoes & jalapeños served with house salad
Chef's Signature Tibs*US$21.50
cubed tenderloin beef cooked with chef's special zest served with a side of Letena salad

All Your Meats

Chicken

Doro Wot*US$19.50
spiced chicken stew served with hard-boiled eggs, a side of cottage cheese & house salad
Chicken Tibs*US$18.50
chicken cubes sauteed in garlic, ginger and tomatoes

Lamb & Goat

Lamb Lega Tibs**US$20.50
lamb cubes, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes & garlic sauce served with a side of yemsir wot
Yebeg Wot*US$19.50
braised lamb stew in a mild onion & garlic sauce served with a side of tomato salad
Goat Wot**US$22.50
braised goat stew in a flavorful berbere sauce served with gomen

Meat Samplers

Add samosa with our samplers $3 / $4 each

Sampler 1US$22.50
doro wot, Alicha siga, gomen-besiga & house salad
Sampler 2
doro wot, alicha siga, gomen-besiga, lamb stew, kay siga served with yemsir wot & house salad
- Minimum 2 PeopleUS$22.50
Sampler 3 Letena Journey
Samosa, doro wot, lamb stew, goat stew, fish tibs, beef lega tibs, yemsir wot, fasolia, letena salad & house salad
- Minimum 3 PeopleUS$24.75

Extras & Sides

Regular InjeraUS$2.00
Gluten-Free InjeraUS$3.50
Seasoned RiceUS$4.50
Side of Veg StewUS$6.50
Side of Meat StewUS$8.50

End It with Desserts

TiramisuUS$9.50
letena's own Amaretto and cof ee flavored layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone custard & walnut liqueu
Chocolate Lava CakeUS$9.50
molten chocolate cake served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Banoffee PieUS$9.50
soft and crunchy cracker crust, soft caramel, slices of fresh banana topped with whipped cream

What 70 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Healthy
District of Columbia
Best Overall
District of Columbia
Best Value
District of Columbia
Healthy

Sort by

UN
UpperNWfoodie
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very enjoyable experience. The service was warm and helpful to my guests, who were Midwesterners having their first ever Ethiopian food. Their teenage son, who ordered the samosas and goat tibs, pronounced it the best meal he had in DC! The food was well prepared and seasoned, portions generous, and the prices were very reasonable. Highly recommended.
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SP
SandyP
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fabulous dinner for four at Letena. The wait staff helped us decide what to order and everything was delicious! Service was great, ambiance was nice, will definitely come back again.
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J
Jennifer
Los Angeles
55 reviews
vip
4.0
55 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Lots of variety on the menu. Pleasant service. Be aware, the street address leads to a small mall. The actual restaurant entrance is around the corner. Convenient to metro green line.
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B
Bstancam
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful restaurant. Our first time eating Ethiopian. The owners were so lovely and helpful. Very homey but elegant atmosphere. Great food. Even my teenage boys tried it and agreed it was “pretty good” High praise from two picky eaters!!! Definitely recommend!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was great. The server was very nice, however it took a while for the food to come out. Overall great experience and will definitely be back- very well priced too!
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M
Mike
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant. Delicious foot. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best experience, kind staff and delicious meals! They made sure we waited inside for our Lyft so we wouldn’t freeze. Even waited and watched out the window to be sure we were safely picked up. This was our first time trying Ethiopian food and we had a memorable experience. Definitely love the vibe and would go back!!!
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CD
CristinaD
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I'm told there are more Ethiopian people in DC than any other US city. We are so lucky to have a wide choice of Ethiopian restaurants. In my opinion, this one is the very best
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JM
JoshuaM
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
very great Ethiopian food and great hospitality by our server which was pleasing. Will definitely return here!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our night out at Letena was perfect. The owner has created a unique and beautiful interior space and the food is delicious- which is why I keep going back. Definitely check it out.
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P
Pablodog
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful staff; felt like we were made at home in an Ethiopian home by the staff
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing - best Ethiopian food in the area. The server is one of the kindest people we’ve ever met!
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C
Chris
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was terrific. We had the vegetarian sampler for two and loved all the dishes. The vegetables tasted fresh and were cooked perfectly. Service was very warm and friendly. We'll definitely be back.
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LT
LuisT
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. Wonderful food and very good service. Great place.
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d
domenicm
Los Angeles
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food. Great for vegetarians
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L
Lindsay
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience3
Great spot for date night or dinner with friends. First time trying Ethiopian and this place was great. Very friendly service
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B
Beth
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
THE BEST! I love Ethiopian food and make a point of finding a new restaurant when we are in DC because my hometown does not have it. I can say this was my absolute favorite ever. We had the veggie and meat sampler plate for two and an order of the Beef tibs. WOW to taste, Wow to value.
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LR
LaurenR
Baltimore
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I would give this place 10 stars if I could!! Can’t wait to go back.
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T
Travelingdiner
Minneapolis
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice variety of vegetable and meat dishes with a good Washington state Cab to go with the meal. Service was attentive and helpful.
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AV
AnnabelleV
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful and warm customer service! The food was divine - we loved every bite!
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m
marialc
Washington DC
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2020
overall4food3service4ambience4
Tasty food, nice ambiance and friendly service. I will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
TD
TDVegetarian
Washington DC
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Letena is always delicious. This is my family’s go-to Ethiopian restaurant in DC
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great dinner with kids. Did the samplers and it was a lot of fun. Delicious!
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AS
AllysonS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My young daughter and I went to dinner. The menu had a lot of different choices to satisfy us both. The spices seasoning the food were delicious. The waiter was welcoming and polite. We will be back to enjoy the food again.
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S
Susan
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Fresh, well-prepared Ethiopian classics. Veggie combo always a good idea, and the kitfo was high quality. The restaurant was in exemplary physical condition - super clean and comfortable.
Is this helpful?
LD
LilyD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a wonderful neighborhood spot. It's always a good choice anytime we dine there.
Is this helpful?
NS
NSY4
Washington DC
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always one of my favorite places!
Is this helpful?
RF
RobertF
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
I love having this as a neighborhood place. The food is good and very reasonably priced.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious, each dish had it's own unique flavor, and tea tea was amazing.
Is this helpful?
NS
NSY4
Washington DC
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is always reliably delicious and creative. A slightly different take on traditional Ethiopian food. Highly recommend it!
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TH
TomH
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Letena was an unexpected charmer. The ambience is wonderful. The food delicious. The prices reasonable. And the service great. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly, with a constant smile. I'd definitely go back again.
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KJ
KaraJ
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place! The meat and vegi platters are a great deal and delicious! Highly Recommend. You can order Gluten Free (Full Teff Flour) injera, which I always do. You have to ask for the traditional plating on the injera, otherwise the platters will come in small sides.
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CL
CatLover2
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love good Ethiopian food and therefore love Letena! The food is delicious and definitely is less oily and greasy than other Ethiopian places (yet equally tasty if not better!). We got the kik wot ("infinity thumbs up" from my daughter), lamb tibs and the kitfo dullet (which was incredible). We also love their veggie sides, like the yemisir wot, cabbage and mushroom tibs. The food is also very reasonably priced because with each main dish, you get a side dish to to with it, so you can try a lot of different dishes. The restaurant is very comfortable and the service is super-friendly. It is also very kid-friendly. It is always our go-to place when we are in Columbia Heights or nearby. Tip--it is a bit confusing but the restaurant is actually located on Park Road versus 14th Street (close to the parking garage entrance)!
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KK
KarenK
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
I love that the restaurant is woman owned!! I enjoy coming here with friends to share this cultural treat in food and in ambiance!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! Amazing service too!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
72 reviews
vip
3.0
72 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience3
The Yebeg Wot was good. The Ethiopian beer was tasty. The rest not so much.
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DS
DelaneyS
Washington DC
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2019
overall4food5service3ambience4
The food was excellent and the coffee martini was percect
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j
joblow
Los Angeles
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service. Food was delicious. Good selection of beer and wine
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Extraordinary in every way.
Is this helpful?
JR
JohnR
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific food, helpful staff, and good value! Very enjoyable. Cold Ethiopian spiced tea was a new treat for me. Entrees were excellent.
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Letena Ethiopian Restaurant using the Order Online button. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates. Letena Ethiopian Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 733-4830.

Letena Ethiopian Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 70 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 9, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 1 time today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 733-4830

Other options

Order online

Google Map for Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

3100 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010

Additional information

Cross Street
Entrance on Park Road
Neighbourhood
Columbia Heights / Brightwood
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:45 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Ethiopian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Parking: $1.50/hr, Target/USDCA Shopping Center
Public Transit
Metro: Columbia Heights, one block
Payment Options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Abay Mengestu
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://letenarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(202) 733-4830
Catering
Letena caters for all occasions, please contact us on www.letenadc.com

Featured in

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Start

Appetizers

Samosa*US$9.50

Kategna***US$10.50

Letena Salad*US$9.50

Salads

House Salad*US$7.50

Timatim Salad**US$7.50

Beets & Potatoes*US$7.50

Azifa*US$7.50

Entree

Plant Based Entrees

Yemsir Wot***US$19.50

Kik Wot*US$18.50

Shiro**US$18.50

Gomen*US$17.50

Cabbage*US$17.50

Tofu Wot**US$18.50

Carrot Wot**US$17.50

Mushroom Dulet**US$18.50

Mushroom Tibs*US$18.50

Fasolia*US$17.50

Vegetarian Samplers

Sampler 1US$19.50

Sampler 2

Sampler 3

Seafood

Asa Tibs*US$19.50

Shrimp Gulash*US$21.50

Beef

Kay Siga Wot*US$20.50

Alicha Siga Wot*US$19.50

Gomen-Besiga*US$19.50

KitfoUS$18.50

Lega Tibs**US$20.50

Derek Tibs*US$21.50

Chef's Signature Tibs*US$21.50

All Your Meats

Chicken

Doro Wot*US$19.50

Chicken Tibs*US$18.50

Lamb & Goat

Lamb Lega Tibs**US$20.50

Yebeg Wot*US$19.50

Goat Wot**US$22.50

Meat Samplers

Sampler 1US$22.50

Sampler 2

Sampler 3 Letena Journey

Extras & Sides

Regular InjeraUS$2.00

Gluten-Free InjeraUS$3.50

Seasoned RiceUS$4.50

Side of Veg StewUS$6.50

Side of Meat StewUS$8.50

End It with Desserts

TiramisuUS$9.50

Chocolate Lava CakeUS$9.50

Banoffee PieUS$9.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

FAQs

Does Letena Ethiopian Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Letena Ethiopian Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Letena Ethiopian Restaurant currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada