dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval Menu (2025 Update)
Introducing dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Washington, DC. This vibrant venue showcases a menu that artfully fuses Mexican culinary traditions with contemporary flair. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, from the Tahini & Tahini Crudo to the standout Tomahawk, which is dramatically mezcal-flambeed tableside.
- Flavorful Highlights: Delight in the Baja Fish Tacos and Short Rib Tacos, impressive for their bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
- Brunch Spectacle: The renowned bottomless brunch offers a feast of inclusive prix-fixe options, featuring steak and eggs and birria tacos.
- Decadent Desserts: Treat yourself to Churros and the indulgent Carajillo Crème Brûlée finished at your table.
The inviting atmosphere and attentive service ensure that every visit to dLeña feels exceptional. Whether you're dining solo or with friends, this restaurant promises an unforgettable experience.
Guacamole
Traditional Guacamole**
avocado - tomato - onion - cilantro - lime
Tuna Guacamole* **
sushi grade tuna - chile de arbol salsa-macha - jicama salad - chipotle mayo - charred tostada
Maryland Crab Guacamole**
smoked jumbo crab - sundried chili salsa - old bay mayo - scallion - crispy tlayuda
Habanero Pepita Salsa**
pepita - charred tomato - habanero - crispy tlayuda
Tuna Tostada* **
oaxacan tlayuda - habanero mayo - avocado - queso fresco - radish - spicy black bean puree - cherry tomato - salsa macha
Queso Fundido
melted cheese - tomatillo salsa cruda - caramelized onion - corn tortillas; choice of : cecina, chorizo, or mushroom (vegetarian)
Ostiones a la Lena*
half dozen grilled oysters - smoked trout caviar - creamy crab - bacon relish - pickled habanero salsa - chipotle mignonette
Pork Belly**
chipotle glaze - peanut red pipian - watercress - pickled vegetables
Empanadas de Wagyu**
beef tenderloin - truffle manchego - oyster sauce - almond - guajillo chili - chimichurri
Corn Empanadas**
sweet corn - aji amarillo - manchego - chimichurri
Hot Stone Wagyu* **
sliced beef tenderloin - citrus chili toreado - truffle soy shishito pepper - charred tlayuda - smoked grape chimichurri
Bone Marrow & Tuna Chicharron**
crispy tuna - panela - guacamole - xni-pec salsa - pickled vegetables - charred serrano - blue corn tortillas
Para la Mesa
Ceviche y Aguachile
Ceviche Amarillo* **
hamachi - yellow aguachile - aji amarillo - mango - orange
Aguachile Campechano* **
octopus - shrimp - fish - leche de tigre - cucumber - onion - mango - tomato - avocado - cilantro - tortilla chips
Snapper Tiradito*
charred habanero mayo - achiote ponzu - radish - cucumber - cilantro - yuzu avocado cream
Ensalada de Kale
smoked manchego - baby kale - fig - caramelized pumpkin - agave almond - honey applecrisp - pomegranate seeds - orange balsamic vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato & Burrata
grilled compressed watermelon - caramelized golden beet - lemon vinaigrette - toasted pepita seeds - sorrel - morita balsamic reduction
Crab Pumpkin Soup
smoked jumbo crab - green apple - butternut squash - caramelized pumpkin seeds - creme fraiche foam
Ensaladas y Sopas
Wood Burning Grill
Tomahawk*
mezcal flambeed tableside - bone marrow butter; choice of two sides
14oz 30 Day Aged Boneless Ribeye*
herb wagyu butter - chimichurri - shishito - charred lemon; a la piedra style: pepper, onion, salsa, guacamole & tortilla (dairy)
Medio Pollo al Carbon**
grilled half chicken - guajillo achiote marinade; criolla sauce - grilled broccolini
Short Rib**
chile de arbol peanut sauce - salsa verde cruda - flour tortillas
Camaron**
breaded shrimp - jicama tortilla - chili powder - pickled onion - chipotle mayo
Pulpo al Pastor**
adobo octopus - onion - cilantro - grilled pineapple - avocado salsa verde
Birria de Hongos**
grilled truffle manchego - braised guajillo mushroom - bean puree - cilantro - pickled onion
Tacos
Especialidades D'lena
Wagyu Steak a la Piedra* **
australian grade #9 - crema fresca - guacamole - fajita pepper mix - molcajete sauce - corn tortillas
Short Rib al Carbon
smoked short rib - bibb lettuce - tres salsas - pickled vegetables
Dlena Mar y Tierra* **
wagyu filet mignon - seafood enchiladas - crispy onion - requeson cheese sauce - dried chili gastrique
Carnitas Pork Shank
salsa verde cruda - molcajete - pickled vegetables - bean puree - tortillas
Zarandeado* **
branzino - citrus slaw - charred marinade - grilled half avocado - corn salsa
Grilled Oaxacan Shrimp
charred garlic marinade - guava mole - grilled onion - roasted corn esquites - corn tortillas
Seafood Enchiladas**
shrimp - maryland blue crab - crema fresca - creamy guajillo sauce - greens
Coliflor a la Lena**
charred cauliflower - chimichurri - red pipian - creamy requeson sauce - roux
Zanahorias al Carbon
roasted heirloom carrot - pepita pistu chimichurri - cashew tofu aioli - aji amarillo honey
Papa al Horno**
wood-fired baked potato - crispy pork belly - aji amarillo tartar - chive
Broccolini
grilled - smoked chili - olive oil - sea salt
Roasted Corn Esquites
baby corn - bacon - cotija - epazote - lemon - spicy mayo
Para Acompanar
Postres
Carajillo Creme Brulee
licor 43 - espresso - served tableside
Mil Hojas Argentino**
crepes - warm cajeta caramel - carmelized almond - whipped cream - strawberry - salted caramel ice cream
Creamy Corn Cake**
hibiscus mezcal glaze - popcorn gelato - vanilla cookie crumble
Honey Vanilla Cheesecake**
honeycomb - blood orange -citrus berry blend - tuile
Sorbets & Gelatos
seasonal flavors