Wilmer Valderrama is juggling Hollywood, fatherhood, and now the restaurant world.
The NCIS star has opened Elegancia in Washington, D.C. — and one dish on the menu hit closer to home than he expected.
When Valderrama tasted the restaurant’s sancocho, crafted by Chef Jova Urriola, he says it instantly reminded him of his mother. The emotional wave was so strong, he picked up the phone and called her. The comforting soup is served complimentary at the end of the night, designed to feel nostalgic, warm, and healing.
Co-owned with Daniella Senior, Elegancia celebrates Latin American flavors, offering vibrant dishes alongside cocktails like mango martinis and rich espresso creations. Valderrama says the space was built for special moments — dates, anniversaries, and unforgettable nights out.
At the same time, he continues filming NCIS while protecting what matters most: family time. Early mornings and evenings, he says, are reserved strictly for his kids — no matter how busy life gets.