Elcielo Restaurant Washington D.C.

We went to celebrate a friend's birthday and absolutely loved it. The food kept coming and each course presented a take on Colombian cousine from various parts of the country, accompanied by a bit of history and suggestions on how best to enjoy it. Their wine selection is unique and I was happy to see some excellent reds at down-to-earth prices for a restaurant of this caliber (mind you, there's also the other kind). Hard to pick a favorite course, but if I had to, I would say I enjoyed their coffee the most. It was just something special and absolutely delicious, not to mention such an important part of their culture that can only be enjoyed if prepared right. Besides, it gave everyone a bit of extra energy to carey on celebrating afterwards. All in all, a truly wonderful experience, not just from a dining point of view but educational as well.

Elcielo really hit. I left full and satisfied, which is not something I usually say after a tasting menu. The Tree of Life was unreal — one of those dishes that sticks with you. The pacing all night was smooth, no drag, no rush. And the service was genuinely impressive. They explained each dish with real personality, not a script, and they even stepped in to help when they noticed my coat kept trying to slide off the back of my chair. Little things like that go a long way. Unlike an actor who’s had a little work done, this menu had zero filler. Every course was worth it. This is the first Michelin-star spot where I wouldn’t cut a single dish if I came back. I want the whole lineup again exactly as it was. Elcielo earned that star. 5/5 Vibranium