A modern Mexican and Latin American restaurant in Washington D.C. that was known for its bold cocktails before its abrupt closure in February 2024. It was located inside La Cosecha DC.
Running chef
No specific running chef information was found.
Insights
Latin AmericanMexicanUpscaleDinnerCocktail BarMarket Hall
Last updated: 7/2/2026, 4:18:38 AM
Key Information
Destino was a modern Mexican and Latin American restaurant located inside La Cosecha DC. It was operated by the same team behind the restaurant Las Gemelas.
Customer Perception
Before its closure, Destino was described as a 'promising' D.C. Mexican restaurant. However, its closure was abrupt and described as 'brutal,' with staff reportedly receiving no prior notice.
Additional Details
Destino, along with its sister restaurant Las Gemelas, abruptly ceased operations on or before February 15, 2024. The closure was reportedly due to significant debt faced by the owners, and staff were not given advance notice.
A true example of fine Italian dining and definitely a hidden gem.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere and ambiance were exceptional. Every staff member was warm, welcoming, and attentive, acknowledging guests even when they were not our assigned server. The level of hospitality really stood out.
The food was outstanding from start to finish. We began with the grilled octopus, which was incredibly flavorful, along with freshly baked warm bread served with delicious olive oil. You could immediately tell the ingredients were fresh and high quality.
For the main course, I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, which was cooked perfectly al dente, exactly how I like it. My friend had the short rib ravioli, and it was absolutely amazing. We finished by sharing the tiramisu, which was easily one of the best I've ever had. It was perfectly balanced—not overly sweet—and paired wonderfully with the coffee. Even the regular coffee was brewed to perfection: smooth, rich, and remarkably free of bitterness.
The restaurant itself is beautiful. We enjoyed the perfect weather and spent some time on the patio after dinner, which was thoughtfully designed and very relaxing. Inside, the space is impressive, featuring a stylish bar area, elegant décor, and a stunning fireplace that serves as a beautiful focal point. The restaurant also offers a large banquet room, private dining spaces, and a newly renovated dining area that can comfortably accommodate large private events of over 100 guests.
A special mention goes to the owner, Danny, who was incredibly friendly and genuinely invested in his guests' experience. He made a point of visiting tables and speaking with customers throughout the evening, which added a very personal touch.
This restaurant delivers exceptional food, outstanding service, and a beautiful atmosphere. A well-deserved 5-star experience all the way. Highly recommended.
Stopped by Destino Ristorante with my coworkers after work and honestly it was such a nice place to sit back and enjoy a proper meal. The atmosphere felt polished but still comfortable, which made it great for an after work dinner. Right from the start, the servers were very, very professional and attentive, and the service throughout the evening felt smooth and well paced. We were brought hot bread to begin with and it was absolutely delicious, the kind you keep reaching for without even thinking. For the appetizer, we had the burrata, which was fresh, creamy, and a really nice way to start the meal. For the mains, we ordered the carbonara and the meatballs, and both were excellent. Everything tasted well made, rich, and satisfying without feeling overly heavy. To finish, we had the tiramisu, and it was the perfect ending to the dinner. Overall, the food was excellent, the service was impressive, and it felt like a great spot to come with coworkers after a long day.
I had such a beautiful experience at Destino. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. The aesthetic of the space is stunning, and the live pianist added a soft, elegant touch that made the evening feel even more special.
The food and drinks were just as impressive. I ordered the Mediterranean salad, the Alunia-Rita, and the short rib ravioli, and everything was flavorful and well-prepared. You can tell there’s real care behind each dish.
My waitress, Jennifer, was an absolute sweetheart. She was attentive, kind, and gave great recommendations that truly made the experience better. The rest of the staff was just as welcoming, greeting guests with professionalism and making the space feel comfortable.
Overall, it was a lovely night. Great food, beautiful ambiance, and thoughtful service. I will definitely be back.
Had a great experience at this Italian restaurant! The pasta we ordered was delicious and not runny. And you could really tell the ingredients were high quality. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. Everything came out quickly, and the portions were filling. I’ll definitely be coming back and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Italian food! Luke was so amazing !!
My wife and I stopped by today for some wonderful Italian food. The service was warm, friendly and a nice compliment to our delicious meal today. And a nice touch too... their menu has some 'old world family recipes' that we sampled today. The chicken and gnocchi dishes along with a roasted veggie plate and some fresh toasted bread. Mmmm! We will be back soon. Very generous portions too!!! You might want to bring some home!
Thanks folks!
