Darna Mediterranean Eatery

Food was good but very inconsiderate about allery specification mentioned while ordering. When we were ordering we mentioned about gluten allery and whether the gluten free option for bread is available. We were said yes and we ordered the same. But we received normal bread. When we mentioned to the server about it, he did not acknowledge we were served wrong and said it was not his fault.

In a word, the experience of eating at Darna is "delight." While visiting the area, my wife, toddler, and infant and I ate at Darna's something like 4-5 times in the course of a week. After eating there the first time, spending money elsewhere seemed silly. We even went out of our way to bring family and friends by; it's just that good! Our diet omits gluten and dairy, so finding places to eat is hard. At Darna, the manager assured us when we arrived that our restrictions would be honored. We were delighted when the waiters, manager, and chef discussed our asks and modified recipes every single time we came. We were able to have more different menu items here than most anywhere else we eat. The food itself was second to none, easily comparable to some of the finest restaurants I've ever eaten in. The chefs' at Darna do incredible work. We enjoyed sitting at the kitchenside table a few times, seeing the actual wood logs being piled on to the grills. By dish Lamb shank: cooked perfectly to the bone. Even the cartilage came off easily. The seasoning permeated deeply into the meat, which was soft and flavorful. The portions was outstanding, and the rice perfectly cooked. Paella: without hesitation, the best I have had anywhere. Fresh seafood (without the seafood smell), perfectly done risotto, the commonly heavy dish sat lightly. Kafta Kabob: Perfectly grilled, balanced, rich lamb, beautifully garnished. Chicken Picatta: I had no idea that chicken breast could be this soft and flavorful. Perfect amount of wood-cooked flavor. The potatoes it comes with are very unique as well. Mediterranean Salad w/ Salmon (lunch): As with the chicken, I was awed by the amount of flavor and quality packed into the salmon. The salad itself was fresh, balanced, unique, with a perfect amount of evenly-distributed dressing. I have never been so satisfied with a salad. Lamb chops: the definition of this dish done right is Darna's rendition of lamb chops. I asked that the chef cook it to the doneness he felt was most appropriate, and his judgement was on point. Between this, the kafta, and the shank, each were a unique take on lamb, but this one stands out as my personal favorite between them. Falafel: authentic, light, fluffy, flavorful Hummus: making hummus light is an art; Darna's chefs are artists. I enjoyed the hummus as a side first, then as the base of the chicken bowl at lunch. It was outstanding and should satisfy anyone with a passion for this dish. Next, I would comment on the service. Without exception, the waiting staff presented as paragons of their profession. They knew the menu superlatively well, were prompt, shared delightful personalities, and best of all were clearly extremely passionate about the food at Darna. I had the privilege of meeting the manager and owner as well, both of whom were welcoming to my family. The whole staff puts on a show, a proper, high-star restaurant style service that exceeds to even the most demanding expectations. Finally, I must comment specifically on the chefs. They greeted us with smiles, and rose with enthusiasm to the challenge of tailoring dishes to our dietary needs. We met Josue most often, and I know him in particular to have been extremely scrupulous in preparing food for our family, double-checking anything sent to our table for allergens. Apart from this, he is an artist of a caliber rarely seen. From the presentation of his plating to his judgement on the doneness of meat, everything he does in the kitchen portrays skill. I was blown away by the quality of the dishes he made us, especially since he had to change several of them substantially to meet our needs; we would not have known they were not the original recipes. Everything he sent to our table has become the ideal standard for how my wife and I think of those dishes. It was an honor to experience his work. Summarily, eating at Darna has been a uniquely delightful experience across all elements that make a restaurant great. Darna well earns my highest unreserved recommendation; you'll love it!