Executive chef Frank Ruta and pastry chef Ann Amernick met while working in the White House kitchen in the 1980s and decided to open a restaurant together in 2000. They now offer a seasonal menu of French- and Italian-influenced fare—such as sea scallops with chestnut purée or gnocchi with roasted endive, turnips, black truffle and shaved pecorino—complemented by comforting desserts including a chocolate-toffee torte and a lime tartlet.

Palena Information:

• American menu. Dinner. Closed Sunday. Bar. Business casual attire. Reservations recommended.