At Elcielo D.C., culinary artistry meets a journey through Colombian flavors right in the heart of Washington, D.C. Led by visionary chef Juan Manuel "Juanma" Barrientos Valencia, the restaurant offers an immersive dining experience that transcends traditional boundaries. Nestled on 4th Street Northeast, this establishment invites guests into a contemporary space where modern design intertwines with warm, earthy elements, creating an ambiance that is both sophisticated and inviting.

The décor reflects a minimalist aesthetic with touches of Colombian heritage—think natural wood accents, soft lighting, and textured fabrics that evoke the rich landscapes of Colombia. The open kitchen design allows glimpses of the culinary craft in action, adding an element of theater to the dining experience. Each table is set with meticulous attention to detail, enhancing the overall sense of anticipation for the meal to come.

Chef Juanma's philosophy centers on innovation rooted in tradition. He draws inspiration from Colombian ingredients and culinary techniques, reinterpreting them through a modern lens. His approach results in dishes that are both familiar and wholly original, often incorporating exotic fruits, herbs, and spices native to Colombia. Presentation is an art form at Elcielo D.C., with each plate meticulously arranged to engage the senses—vibrant colors, intriguing textures, and aromatic elements come together to create a multi-sensory experience.

The menu may feature creations that highlight the biodiversity of Colombian cuisine, such as preparations using Amazonian cocoa or Andean tubers. Interactive elements are a hallmark of the dining experience here, with courses designed to evoke memories and emotions—perhaps a dish that encourages diners to eat with their hands or aromas that transport them to a different place and time. This holistic approach reflects the chef's desire to forge a deep connection between the food and the guest.

Elcielo D.C.'s mention in the Michelin Guide underscores its growing reputation in the culinary world, marking it as a destination for those seeking an extraordinary dining adventure. Yet, the restaurant remains dedicated to authenticity, offering a perspective on Colombian cuisine that is both respectful of its roots and boldly forward-thinking. A meal at Elcielo D.C. is more than dining; it's an exploration of culture and a celebration of the possibilities inherent in merging tradition with innovation.

The Heart of elcielo

“I’m not building restaurants; I’m building a brand,” says chef Juan Manuel “Juanma” Barrientos. “We are a philosophy. We are a purpose: to bring Colombian cuisine to the world.”

At elcielo—his ambitious tasting-menu restaurant in Washington, D.C.’s Union Market District, with sister locations in Miami, Medellín, and Bogotá—Barrientos stages an 18-course showcase of Colombian heritage, techniques, and flavor.

Longtime signatures include Chocotherapy, where guests rinse their hands in liquid chocolate; the Tree of Life, yuca bread with a bubbly, crisp cheese top served on a copper “trunk”; and the Coffee Field, a coffee service with liquid-nitrogen “smoke” evoking Colombia’s misty mountain mornings.

Alongside these ever-present classics are seasonal dishes that change frequently. The restaurant also offers an à la carte menu with exclusive items, such as beeswax-aged steak with fermented fries.

Woven throughout the meal is a bounty of Colombian ingredients—lulo, an indigenous citrus; chontaduro (peach palm), which tastes like sweet potato; and aguardiente, Colombia’s cane-based national spirit. Diners will also encounter key American products, including Maine lobster, Montana bison, and Colorado lamb.

Throughout a dinner at elcielo, luxury and extravagance are front and center, so it’s no surprise that a major source of inspiration for Barrientos is high-end hotels and the visionary architects behind them. “I’m always watching what’s happening in the super-extreme one percent of the one percent to get inspired by the unique experiences they’re creating—and then figuring out how we bring them to a restaurant,” he says.

Barrientos’s unwavering focus, heartfelt intentionality, and whimsical creativity are paying off. In 2021, elcielo earned a Michelin star—the first restaurant serving Colombian cuisine to receive the honor.