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    El Cielo

    4.2 (168 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndLatin American, Seafood
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:30 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Recommended Reviews - El Cielo

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    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!

    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!

    Duck
    Jack G.

    The service here is always great. I love the music that plays here. The duck and rice dish was one of the best mains I've had in a while - solid execution on the rice duck and sauce. Unfortunately, I have to go 4 stars because I just wasn't impressed with the dessert, they don't seem up to Michelin star quality. For someone with sweet tooth, the mucholata was a bit of a miss with watery ice cream and not enough variety.

    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.

    White Chocolate Candle
    Joshua K.

    Overall a great Michelin-star restaurant with great service, ambiance, food presentation, and appetizers/mains. I recently went here with three friends for Restaurant Week dinner and we were seated immediately at our reservation time. Except for being a little rushed as we ate (servers coming to collect our dishes well before everyone was done), we had outstanding service from start to finish, with our server explaining every dish. The restaurant had lots of Caribbean, Colombian, and indigenous art, with plenty of natural light and wood. There are also vegetarian and pescatarian-friendly options. We each got a different dish for the three courses and shared the dishes. We also got the yucca bread service before the appetizer course. The presentation for all dishes was outstanding and Michelin-caliber. Here's a breakdown of each dish: Yucca bread service: This included a yucca flour bread stuffed with cheese, brown butter, roasted tomato sauce, and cilantro sour cream. The bread was outstanding, with tons of delicious, melty cheese. All the spreads were great and the presentation of the bread and spreads was the definition of a Michelin-star dish. Appetizers Tuna Tartare: I loved the fish-shaped corn crackers on top and the sauce added good heat. While the tuna was fresh, it was extremely salty. Corn Soup: A delicious combination of corn with different textures-puree, crunchy corn, and dumpling-like chunks. Lulo Ceviche: The star dish of the night and one of my five favorite dishes I've had this year. The hiramasa was extremely fresh, juicy, and perfectly marinated. The lime added brightness and acidity, the lulo added a unique flavor, and the quinoa added fantastic crunch. The dish was stunningly presented with great color contrasts and beautiful shapes. Entrees Rockfish: The rockfish was good, although nothing spectacular. I loved the whimsical fish-shaped presentation and the quinoa was cooked well. Yucca Gnocchi: The yucca was a delicious flavor, the gnocchi were cooked perfectly, the sauce was rich and creamy, and there were just the right amount of mushrooms to add umami without overwhelming the dish. Unfortunately, both desserts offered as part of Restaurant Week tasted bad enough that I gave El Cielo a four-star instead of a five-star rating. Although visually stunning, the Winter was astringent and acidic with the pine and eucalyptus. Additionally, the other components were tasteless. The cholao was slightly better but still extremely acidic. I was surprised that El Cielo chose not to highlight Colombian chocolate and/or coffee in their desserts, both of which would have provided ample opportunities for creativity and being true to Colombian cuisine. However, we did get a completely edible white chocolate candle to conclude our meal as we were celebrating a special occasion, and the candle was delicious-multiple kinds of white chocolate, including pop-rock-like crispies inside. Although I would not order dessert, I would still recommend El Cielo for your next special occasion!

    Shima Aji, lulo, & quinoa
    Nancy M.

    Amazing, amazing experience! Had date night here with a girlfriend and we had such a great time. Initially we had a ressy for the gastrobar, basically a la carte. Our waiter, who was fantastic, sold us on the chefs menu, the 10 course one. There is a larger one but unnecessary for us. Where do I begin? I'll just talk about my favorites, otherwise this will be VERY long. Okay first off, the staff is amazing and so professional. They truly are putting on a show for you, every step of the way. We started with the truffle buñuelo and it stuck with me the whole time. I could've had 5 of those easily! The corn broth was wild - different textures, different flavors, yet all complement each other. I love corn! The tuna is so fun! Came out with those fishies and you can create your own thing. Place a tuna on the fish shaped bread, and then add the toppings. The bison was amazing!!! So tender and juicy. And then the funnest part of all - chocotherapy. They brought out a big bowl and poured chocolate on you and then added espresso that basically exfoliated your hands. And then you guessed it, you eat/lick it! This is fun to do and a little sexual. It was delicious! Ahhh such a wonderful experience. I can't wait to bring my man here!

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    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… Read more

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    Benitos Place

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    I've only ordered this to go using the Uber Eats app, which I wish allowed the option or better…read moredescription of the items, including the various sauces packed with the order, because although generous, the 2 types of sauces provided are too spicy for me! Of the dishes I've had: champurrado (yum, except not securely packaged for delivery); chips & salsa (the salsa did not agree with my tummy); sopes carnitas (pork chunks were more fat than meat); tacos fritos de pollo (super dry despite the salad that's lauered on top -- needs sauce!), and the baleadas, my favourite is the baleadas sencillas (good portion, nice flavour, perfect texture).

    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.

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    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

    4.7(95 reviews)
    2.5 miColumbia Heights

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    This was the valentine's day 2026 stop. I had no idea it was in the area it was, but alas, we made…read morethe trek from lowly ballston anyway. After parking in the Giant parking garage (decent price), we walked the few blocks to the restaurant. We spotted it with the poster sign hanging up on the outer walls. Inside you head up the stairs and you're greeted by the host stand. We checked in and got our table, right at the window (hellya). There was a rose and a candle on the table (vday vibes) and we also received a vday specials menu. We landed on queso fundido to start and a cocktail each: prickly pear marg for her, a viva mexico for me. After fundido'ing it up, we ordered our entrees. We're simple folks it was a 2 carne asada tacos, 1 al pastor taco, 1 pescado taco, and 1 chicken quesadilla. Unfortunately we weren't bold enough to try the insectos. Food was great, drinks were great, service was great. You can pay your tab via Toast for no additional fee which was convenient. There are two, single use bathrooms in there too. Overall, solid spot.

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    La Estancia Churrasqueria - Parrillada mix to

    La Estancia Churrasqueria

    4.0(176 reviews)
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    I came to La Estancia for a family birthday celebration, and must say, they did an excellent job…read moreaccommodating a party of 17, including six children. The service was excellent and accommodating. I was impressed because I know large groups can be difficult to wait on, so was very pleased with the service and how quick they were to get our orders in and us served. We ordered a variety of appetizers, such as the the empanadas, calamari, and garlic shrimp. My favorite items were the empanadas and calamari, which were extra tasty with the accompanying sauces. We also ordered a variety of grilled meats, including the two large Parrillada meat platters and picanha . The accompanying sides we tried were the fries, cheese rice, fried yucca, and plantains. I really liked the plantains, but the cheese rice was not was I expected. It was more like grits than cheesy rice. The meats were cooked to how we requested it, and of course tastes especially good with the sauces. My favorite cuts were the strip steak, beef rib, and picanha. I didn't really care for the sweet breads, but that is a personal preference. Value wise, the Parrillada platters could easily feed 4 - 5 people, so we had plenty of leftovers. I would definitely recommend checking out La Estancia if you enjoy grilled meats!

    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.

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    Seven Reasons - Half Dozen Oyster

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    4.1(584 reviews)
    1.5 mi
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    I am a huge DC restaurant week fan as it truly provides an opportunity to experience different…read morecuisines in the area. I haven't heard of Seven Reasons before but now was as good a time as any to check them out. To start, our hostess Ayana - fantastic and she took great care of us the whole evening! A few standouts: Hamachi tiradito - bananas!!! So good we ordered it twice Bread - could miss it but the Brazilian bread was interesting Snapper ceviche - 8/10 Cauliflower peru peri - 9/10 -I didnt know where this dish was going and as a cauliflower lover, I had to try it. Perfectly fried and sauces were so good. Yellow curry rockfish - 9.5/10. I love that they arent afraid to actually use curry! The tenderloin was so tender too!! And the taro cake very interesting, in a good way. A true stand out was the guava cheesecake - absolutely incredible and nothing like you'd think it would be. I love it when restaurants are super creative with food and the play on flavors were top tier during this meail. We also ordered a bottle of the Chilean sauvignon blanc, which paired perfectly with the food and stood on its own with the tenderloin. Our meal was a pleasure and I look forward to returning to this restaurant.

    We entered and waited a bit at the stand for some help. We did have reservations and were sat. The…read moreservice was good, our waiter did come around and check in on us. They also refilled our waters constantly! In terms of food: - we did partake in drinks: I had the passion over perfection and my gf had the pina colada. I will say her pina colada tasted more like pineapple juice than anything else. I enjoyed my drink though. - we were recommended by our waiter to get around 4-6 dishes depending on how hungry we were. We opted for 7R ceviche, cheese arepitas, Latin falafel, and seafood jalea. I will say everything tasted so freaking good (with the exception of the falafel because they were on the drier side) but those portion sizes i would expect a little more for pricing - I will also add a side note they were providing sampling of a pumpkin soup. Did j like it? No. Did i appreciate it the ability to say i tasted it and didn't have to pay for it? Yes - we also were greedy and went in for desserts: banana bomb and chocolate and Ron. The banana bomb SOOOOO good! The chocolate and ron was more on the forgettable side. Despite the portions, the food was so good I'd come back in a heartbeat. I would love to see the seasonal things they come up with!

    Photos
    Seven Reasons - Main dining room

    Main dining room

    Seven Reasons - Whole Fried Fish

    Whole Fried Fish

    Seven Reasons - Great drinks

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    Great drinks

    The Royal - I got karats

    The Royal

    4.2(439 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    The Royal is one of my local go-tos! I've been able to walk in successfully on weeknights but…read morerecommend reservations for weekends. Most recently went as a party of 4 and got the crab beignets, beef arepa, masa gnocci, and parillada for two. Crab beignets were our favorite - perfectly crispy and great flavor. Masa gnocci was a little overcooked this time but still yummy. Beef arepa is a classic dish to get at the royal; two people can easily share one arepa. Parillada was a hearty entree and probably best for 2-3 people. This amount of food altogether was just nice. We probably could have ordered one more thing to be extra full. I don't typically get Latin American food but love all the flavors at this restaurant. Next time will try their breakfast menu!

    Yummy. This is my favorite burger in dc. It is toooooooo good. & the fries are fire too. Seasoned…read moreso nicely. The burger was cooked to a perfect medium rare. It had a beautiful chew with the classic burger toppings with an amazing pairing of their slaw with a garlicy aioli. The bun was very pillowy and soft with a nice crust. They also never lack on their specialty lattes. I got their carrot cake latte and it was just so fabulous. Extremely smooth espresso and perfectly steamed milk. Syrups made in house of course and you can tell. Just a perfect latte. I usually am an iced latte person but I recommend getting their lattes hot. Hits different.

    Photos
    The Royal - Beautiful bar area

    Beautiful bar area

    The Royal - Masa Gnoochi

    Masa Gnoochi

    The Royal

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    El Cielo - latin - Updated May 2026

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