I’ve been to this place twice and I’ve fallen in love. The space, flooded with natural light through the large windows appears tiny at first, but it’s an illusion. The main level is gorgeous. Copper, green-blues and a colourful bar with fresh fruits lift my spirits. Writing about the restaurant now makes me wish it was the weekend and I was there right now. Ah… soon Caroline, soon. Leña just hits the spot in so many ways.
If there are no seats on the main level, do not fret, walk down the sexy staircase to the lower level to find lush furniture, paintings and the most gorgeous wallpaper ever! It’s like dining in a mini secret palace. I’m pretty sure they didn’t spend an arm and a leg to getting the place to looking so fab. The décor just makes it seem that way – bravo to the designers! I never make it a point to mention the restrooms, but geez… they are so lovely. The vibe on the lower level is cozy. It’s like someone’s home and we are all having brunch together. Feels quite nice. Service is a little slower on the lower level.
The first time I visited Leña it was after a long day of shopping with my mom. Grabbing a seat at the bar was the BEST thing ever… I was so tired, in desperate need of a gin martini: wet and very dirty. My mom had a tart, soft bubbly NV cava rosé, can xá, from Spain. Both cocktails work flawlessly with OYSTERS! Today, East coast oysters are sided by a surprisingly sweet-savory “nasty sauce” and a sour grapefruit mignonette.
Back again for brunch a few weeks later with my cousin. This time Leña was PACKED upstairs. So we were lead downstairs to a cute table tucked away in the corner. Great for people watching. Taking it slow I ordered a crisp NV cava, parés baltà from Spain. We order three dishes to share, all of which were very tasty: GARBANZO TOASTS: chickpea spread, smoked paprika, oven-dried tomato, avocado,
MUDDLED FRESH FRUIT COUPE: seasonal fruit, Limoncello, mint, and 12 VEGETABLE ESCABECHE: milk mayonnaise, charred & raw vegetables, tomatillo & coriander dressing (we ordered without the milk mayo to give the dish a lighter flavour).
For brunch I prefer the lower level, for cocktails and snacks the main. I can’t wait to come back.
