The Lafayette
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Best hollandaise sauce I've seen from coast to Coast. Executive chef is creative and very successful at executing with his staff. Perfect menu!! For what they charge for breakfast, I would expect everything to be 100% and it was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is where you eat if you want to be at the heart of Washington DC in the morning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very beautiful and romantic venue.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the beginning the host collects your coats and you are lead past pianist playing soft dinner must to our nicely spaced table by the window.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have an excellent selection of wines by the glass and many bottles of all types and price points. The service was top notch. I started with the French onion soup it was delicious and perfect to warm up on during a cold DC evening. The amuse Buche was delightful and super light but packed with flavor. For my main dish I had the butter nut squash gnocchi. To be honest I was disappointed. It had large chunks of squash and the sauce wasn't that flavorful but salty. I did appreciate that the gnocchi was hand made. I would definitely give this place. Another try as everything was perfect except for my main dish.
Would highly recommend. Food service and ambience were all fantastic. There was live piano during dinner, homemade bread and a free appetizer to start.
Disappointed in afternoon tea. From the making of a reservation there were issues. The staff on the phone at the restaurant were incredibly standoffish and rude. I called to confirm my reservation and was met with the same apathetic and disgruntled tone ( a reservation confirm call FROM them would also be appreciated) [[HIGHLIGHT]]We had a dirty glass on seating and 2 of our menu folders were empty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was poor, VERY POOR. Sandwich bread was rock hard as was the pastry case for the mini lobster, all lacked seasoning. The deserts were average to say the least. We were served 2 types of scones but no butter or preserve. No finesse to the rock hard gingerbread house either. We ordered a bottle of champagne but had to wait a considerable amount of time to have it brought to us and once the initial sips were poured our glasses were never refilled. Also our water was never refilled. The children's tea was unavailable that day and the server earned both of the stars in this review for his efforts to make things right- but a let down nonetheless. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The piano playing the background created a nice atmosphere BUT I would not recommend or happily return here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For great service, delicious freshly prepared food and a true experience in customer care I would go to the four seasons in George Town.
I went here for brunch not to long ago after (shamelessly) seeing an Instagram reel. The location is top notch! Right on BLM Plaza. We opted to park at a third-party garage but there's also valet parking given it's a hotel. The service was great. Inside looks super classy and it felt like a very nice atmosphere. The waiter let us know we can build whatever we want off the menu and not to feel limited by what was on the paper. I got the salmon benedict, the green juice, and a cappuccino and it was amazing! Highly recommend checking this place out. I think there's a nice top floor / rooftop view too but I wasn't able to check it out.
What stands out about this restaurant is the actual location for this restaurant. Located in the historic Hay-Adams hotel, Lafayette exudes an elegant and refined ambiance that perfectly complements the delicious cuisine. I had a work meeting at this location, and I was distracted by the amazing food and delightful venue. My brunch adventure began with the lamb chop, and it was a true masterpiece. Cooked to perfection, the lamb chop was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. Usually, I don't like lamb, but this was done so well. The accompanying herb-infused sauce added a delightful depth to the dish, enhancing the natural richness of the meat. Next, I had the fish, and it was equally exceptional. The fish was flawlessly cooked, moist and flaky, with a delicate seasoning that enhanced its natural taste. The dish was beautifully presented. Every bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, leaving me thoroughly impressed. As I mentioned above, the setting of Lafayette is outstanding. The restaurant's elegant decor, with its classic furnishings and soft lighting, creates a sophisticated and inviting ambiance. The panoramic views of Lafayette Square and the White House further enhance the overall experience, providing a captivating backdrop to the exquisite brunch. While Lafayette offers a refined dining experience, it is important to note that it comes with a higher price point. However, considering the impeccable service, the exquisite food, and the remarkable setting, it is well worth it for a special occasion or for those seeking an unforgettable culinary journey in the heart of Washington, DC. In short - Excellent food - AMAZING 10/10 location and setting. - You can get similarly high quality food at another restaurant, but you CANNOT match this venue.
Not an expansive menu but very strong for what they offer, a vegetarian option, steak, a few fish entrees, etc., each cooked inventively and aiming to please. They serve Tattinger champagne--glass or bottle--which you don't find often. Linens are French, Garnier-Thibault. Lovely, elegant surroundings; attentive wait staff. Everyone hits their marks here.
Old timey, high end decor. Wonderful service, quick and attentive. Food arrived quickly and was absolutely divine. 10 out of 10 would recommend
Upon coming into the Lafayette I realized that I was woefully under dressed, but nonetheless I was treated with respect and looked after. Cuz you never know, a rich guy may actually be wearing a hoodie. They had a chef special which was scallops for the starter and then short rib for the entree and a choice between some desserts. But we went for the a la carte menu and had the tenderloin with au gratin potatoes. I was kind of impressed how the augratin potatoes you can taste each layer like the texture between each layer. They were super thin and the steak was perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked at med rare.
I could hear the waiters making fun of me in the back from my table so - yeah, not going back. I brought my husband here for a nice breakfast before seeing the sights in Washington. It was his first Father's Day since his dad recently passed and I planned a special day since I knew it would be hard on him. I actually booked the Lafayette well in advance and in my reservation I explained the circumstances and asked for a nice table to help this be a good experience. My husband is vegetarian and it can be difficult to navigate vegetarian alternatives. He was interested in the 2 egg breakfast plate but this came with bacon and sausages. On his behalf, I asked the waiter whether there were any vegetarian alternatives like a vegetarian sausage and he went to the back to ask. Another waiter came over to verify what I asked and when I repeated my question he simply said "No" without giving alternatives. When he went to the back I could hear all the wait staff laughing at us, and one screamed "Vegetarian sausages" in a fit of laughter. I was pretty disappointed in this, especially given the fact that this was supposed to be a nice start to a difficult day for my husband. When the waiter returned to take our orders I mentioned to him that I could hear them laughing at us from the back and that vegetarian sausages did exist, I didn't just make it up (I was actually quite surprised by the whole event). Instead of apologizing he said "that wasn't me who was laughing" and left abruptly. Needless to say the service was lacking. The food itself was OK. My husband had a mushroom omelette which he enjoyed, the accompaniments not so much. I had the ricotta pancakes which were stodgy. We shared some pastries which came lukewarm, like they were standing around for awhile instead of warm from the oven. The restaurant itself was fairly empty but we had a very early meal so not sure if this is the norm. I was disappointed that the view was no longer of Lafayette park which was one of the drawing points for me. I wish this was made clearer on the website. I think it tells a lot about the restaurant how knowledgeable the staff is about food options and accommodating dietary restrictions. It also tells a lot how hospitable or lack-thereof a place is. In that respect the Lafayette failed abysmally. Given that and the food being so underwhelming we did not have a good experience and in the end I felt that I had paid over $100 to be made fun of by staff who really didn't respect customers. The restaurant is shiny on the outside but pretty empty on the inside, in more ways than one. The only saving grace was that it made us realize that we made the right choice deciding not to stay at the Hay Adams for our trip to Washington. We stayed at the intercontinental where the service was actually one of the highlights of our trip. If I could do it again I'd stay far away from Lafayette which was an unwanted stain on our day.
It is no longer on the top floor overlooking The White House but on the mezzanine floor off the lobby. An excellent fine dining breakfast destination with attentive service from staff who seem happy to work there. Great for any occasions but can see some serious power breakfast tables around us. Lafayette was a 19year old Frenchman who came to help in the American Revolution and was a member of Washington's staff Juice/Smoothies 5* Killer Green spinach, green apple, moringo powder, almond milk $10 Carrot Juice $8 Berry Blue & Seed blueberry , blackberry, açaí berry, flax seed, chia seed $10 Freshen up Green apple, cucumber, celery, kale, spinach $8 Jay-Adams Traditions Avocado Tartin toast, pickled red onions , tomatoes, lettuce $20 5* Lafayette Eggs Royale smoked salmon, English muffin, hollandaise $23. 5* Corn Beef Hash & eggs(mainly protein dish) $20. 4* Sweet Specialities Oatmeal Soufflé with pecans & berry sauce is excellent! required 20 minutes $18. 5* Brioche French Toast caramelized Anjou pear, caramel sauce, almonds $18. 5* Coffee $6 Service attentive service from staff who seem happy to work there Located -on the left side of the Hay-Adams Hotel lobby -across the street from the north center of Lafayette Park, which in turn is on the north side across the street from The White House -on the NW corner of H St NW & 16th St NW (aka Black Lives Matter Plaza NW) Note: rode their ornate elevator and saw the wonderful view overlooking The White House and lawn from the south side (meeting) room on the top floor of the hotel. There are bathrooms up there too.
Came to the Lafayette to try some delicious food and enjoy some nice views. Unfortunately, there was a party that reserved the top floor so we didn't get to enjoy the view but the food was delicious. I ordered salmon Benedict on English muffin which was delicious and tried some pancakes which also tasted great. The service is nice but be prepared for a semi-pricey meal. It's definitely one of those places you wanna go to once for the experience.
~ gluten free review ~ I had planned a brunch for my birthday at the Lafayette to celebrate with friends. We had a wonderful experience: the service was amazing, the food was incredible, and the atmosphere was perfect. The waiter found out it was my birthday and surprised me with a slice of opera cake. I couldn't eat it since I am gluten free however my friends said it was incredible. I had ordered a latte with oat milk and the mushroom omelet and I would go back just for the omelet. The roasted avocado added a great balance to the meaty mushrooms and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. I cannot say enough about my experience at Lafayette!
Review Insights
4 months ago
We came during lunch time and my daughter really wanted pancakes and they made it happen. We were also really underdressed but they were super nice and courteous. read more
Beautiful dining area reminiscent of times past. The wait staff is on point and the food is delicious. The poached eggs were perfect. The only negative were the many gnats and mosquitoes in the restaurant. The wait staff were trying to help them meet their demise with electronic rackets. read more
10 months ago
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Romantic date night spot with live piano player on Thursdays.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Excited to see foie gras on the menu. The mashed potatoes were super creamy and flavorful. The scallops were cooked perfectly, but I personally didn't care for the sauce they came with. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the history, ambiance and kind service at this spot![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
1 year ago
Best hollandaise sauce I've seen from coast to Coast. Executive chef is creative and very successful at executing with his staff. Perfect menu!! For what they charge for breakfast, I would expect everything to be 100% and it was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is where you eat if you want to be at the heart of Washington DC in the morning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very beautiful and romantic venue.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the beginning the host collects your coats and you are lead past pianist playing soft dinner must to our nicely spaced table by the window.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have an excellent selection of wines by the glass and many bottles of all types and price points. The service was top notch. I started with the French onion soup it was delicious and perfect to warm up on during a cold DC evening. The amuse Buche was delightful and super light but packed with flavor. For my main dish I had the butter nut squash gnocchi. To be honest I was disappointed. It had large chunks of squash and the sauce wasn't that flavorful but salty. I did appreciate that the gnocchi was hand made. I would definitely give this place. Another try as everything was perfect except for my main dish. read more
3 months ago
Disappointed in afternoon tea. From the making of a reservation there were issues. The staff on the phone at the restaurant were incredibly standoffish and rude. I called to confirm my reservation and was met with the same apathetic and disgruntled tone ( a reservation confirm call FROM them would also be appreciated) [[HIGHLIGHT]]We had a dirty glass on seating and 2 of our menu folders were empty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was poor, VERY POOR. Sandwich bread was rock hard as was the pastry case for the mini lobster, all lacked seasoning. The deserts were average to say the least. We were served 2 types of scones but no butter or preserve. No finesse to the rock hard gingerbread house either. We ordered a bottle of champagne but had to wait a considerable amount of time to have it brought to us and once the initial sips were poured our glasses were never refilled. Also our water was never refilled. The children's tea was unavailable that day and the server earned both of the stars in this review for his efforts to make things right- but a let down nonetheless. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The piano playing the background created a nice atmosphere BUT I would not recommend or happily return here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For great service, delicious freshly prepared food and a true experience in customer care I would go to the four seasons in George Town. read more
7 months ago
9 months ago
I went here for brunch not to long ago after (shamelessly) seeing an Instagram reel. The location is top notch! Right on BLM Plaza. We opted to park at a third-party garage but there's also valet parking given it's a hotel. The service was great. Inside looks super classy and it felt like a very nice atmosphere. The waiter let us know we can build whatever we want off the menu and not to feel limited by what was on the paper. I got the salmon benedict, the green juice, and a cappuccino and it was amazing! Highly recommend checking this place out. I think there's a nice top floor / rooftop view too but I wasn't able to check it out. read more
3 years ago
What stands out about this restaurant is the actual location for this restaurant. Located in the historic Hay-Adams hotel, Lafayette exudes an elegant and refined ambiance that perfectly complements the delicious cuisine. I had a work meeting at this location, and I was distracted by the amazing food and delightful venue. My brunch adventure began with the lamb chop, and it was a true masterpiece. Cooked to perfection, the lamb chop was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. Usually, I don't like lamb, but this was done so well. The accompanying herb-infused sauce added a delightful depth to the dish, enhancing the natural richness of the meat. Next, I had the fish, and it was equally exceptional. The fish was flawlessly cooked, moist and flaky, with a delicate seasoning that enhanced its natural taste. The dish was beautifully presented. Every bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, leaving me thoroughly impressed. As I mentioned above, the setting of Lafayette is outstanding. The restaurant's elegant decor, with its classic furnishings and soft lighting, creates a sophisticated and inviting ambiance. The panoramic views of Lafayette Square and the White House further enhance the overall experience, providing a captivating backdrop to the exquisite brunch. While Lafayette offers a refined dining experience, it is important to note that it comes with a higher price point. However, considering the impeccable service, the exquisite food, and the remarkable setting, it is well worth it for a special occasion or for those seeking an unforgettable culinary journey in the heart of Washington, DC. In short - Excellent food - AMAZING 10/10 location and setting. - You can get similarly high quality food at another restaurant, but you CANNOT match this venue. read more
2 years ago
Not an expansive menu but very strong for what they offer, a vegetarian option, steak, a few fish entrees, etc., each cooked inventively and aiming to please. They serve Tattinger champagne--glass or bottle--which you don't find often. Linens are French, Garnier-Thibault. Lovely, elegant surroundings; attentive wait staff. Everyone hits their marks here. read more
3 years ago
Old timey, high end decor. Wonderful service, quick and attentive. Food arrived quickly and was absolutely divine. 10 out of 10 would recommend read more
1 year ago
Upon coming into the Lafayette I realized that I was woefully under dressed, but nonetheless I was treated with respect and looked after. Cuz you never know, a rich guy may actually be wearing a hoodie. They had a chef special which was scallops for the starter and then short rib for the entree and a choice between some desserts. But we went for the a la carte menu and had the tenderloin with au gratin potatoes. I was kind of impressed how the augratin potatoes you can taste each layer like the texture between each layer. They were super thin and the steak was perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked at med rare. read more
4 years ago
I could hear the waiters making fun of me in the back from my table so - yeah, not going back. I brought my husband here for a nice breakfast before seeing the sights in Washington. It was his first Father's Day since his dad recently passed and I planned a special day since I knew it would be hard on him. I actually booked the Lafayette well in advance and in my reservation I explained the circumstances and asked for a nice table to help this be a good experience. My husband is vegetarian and it can be difficult to navigate vegetarian alternatives. He was interested in the 2 egg breakfast plate but this came with bacon and sausages. On his behalf, I asked the waiter whether there were any vegetarian alternatives like a vegetarian sausage and he went to the back to ask. Another waiter came over to verify what I asked and when I repeated my question he simply said "No" without giving alternatives. When he went to the back I could hear all the wait staff laughing at us, and one screamed "Vegetarian sausages" in a fit of laughter. I was pretty disappointed in this, especially given the fact that this was supposed to be a nice start to a difficult day for my husband. When the waiter returned to take our orders I mentioned to him that I could hear them laughing at us from the back and that vegetarian sausages did exist, I didn't just make it up (I was actually quite surprised by the whole event). Instead of apologizing he said "that wasn't me who was laughing" and left abruptly. Needless to say the service was lacking. The food itself was OK. My husband had a mushroom omelette which he enjoyed, the accompaniments not so much. I had the ricotta pancakes which were stodgy. We shared some pastries which came lukewarm, like they were standing around for awhile instead of warm from the oven. The restaurant itself was fairly empty but we had a very early meal so not sure if this is the norm. I was disappointed that the view was no longer of Lafayette park which was one of the drawing points for me. I wish this was made clearer on the website. I think it tells a lot about the restaurant how knowledgeable the staff is about food options and accommodating dietary restrictions. It also tells a lot how hospitable or lack-thereof a place is. In that respect the Lafayette failed abysmally. Given that and the food being so underwhelming we did not have a good experience and in the end I felt that I had paid over $100 to be made fun of by staff who really didn't respect customers. The restaurant is shiny on the outside but pretty empty on the inside, in more ways than one. The only saving grace was that it made us realize that we made the right choice deciding not to stay at the Hay Adams for our trip to Washington. We stayed at the intercontinental where the service was actually one of the highlights of our trip. If I could do it again I'd stay far away from Lafayette which was an unwanted stain on our day. read more
2 years ago
It is no longer on the top floor overlooking The White House but on the mezzanine floor off the lobby. An excellent fine dining breakfast destination with attentive service from staff who seem happy to work there. Great for any occasions but can see some serious power breakfast tables around us. Lafayette was a 19year old Frenchman who came to help in the American Revolution and was a member of Washington's staff Juice/Smoothies 5* Killer Green spinach, green apple, moringo powder, almond milk $10 Carrot Juice $8 Berry Blue & Seed blueberry , blackberry, açaí berry, flax seed, chia seed $10 Freshen up Green apple, cucumber, celery, kale, spinach $8 Jay-Adams Traditions Avocado Tartin toast, pickled red onions , tomatoes, lettuce $20 5* Lafayette Eggs Royale smoked salmon, English muffin, hollandaise $23. 5* Corn Beef Hash & eggs(mainly protein dish) $20. 4* Sweet Specialities Oatmeal Soufflé with pecans & berry sauce is excellent! required 20 minutes $18. 5* Brioche French Toast caramelized Anjou pear, caramel sauce, almonds $18. 5* Coffee $6 Service attentive service from staff who seem happy to work there Located -on the left side of the Hay-Adams Hotel lobby -across the street from the north center of Lafayette Park, which in turn is on the north side across the street from The White House -on the NW corner of H St NW & 16th St NW (aka Black Lives Matter Plaza NW) Note: rode their ornate elevator and saw the wonderful view overlooking The White House and lawn from the south side (meeting) room on the top floor of the hotel. There are bathrooms up there too. read more
Came to the Lafayette to try some delicious food and enjoy some nice views. Unfortunately, there was a party that reserved the top floor so we didn't get to enjoy the view but the food was delicious. I ordered salmon Benedict on English muffin which was delicious and tried some pancakes which also tasted great. The service is nice but be prepared for a semi-pricey meal. It's definitely one of those places you wanna go to once for the experience. read more
5 years ago
~ gluten free review ~ I had planned a brunch for my birthday at the Lafayette to celebrate with friends. We had a wonderful experience: the service was amazing, the food was incredible, and the atmosphere was perfect. The waiter found out it was my birthday and surprised me with a slice of opera cake. I couldn't eat it since I am gluten free however my friends said it was incredible. I had ordered a latte with oat milk and the mushroom omelet and I would go back just for the omelet. The roasted avocado added a great balance to the meaty mushrooms and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. I cannot say enough about my experience at Lafayette! read more
5 years ago
If you want a fancy night out that is a little pricier with amazing food, atmosphere and service, then look no further than The Lafayette. It is only a few blocks from The White House and is housed in the Hay-Adams Hotel, which also appears to be quite a nice establishment. I will note that you don't have to be dressed up like we were, as casual dress is very suitable. Our waiter was amazing and timed each course perfectly. Every course was as delicious as the next and it was a quiet, wonderful dining experience. The quality of food from starters: a simple garden salad, and cauliflower/potato soup to the Filet Mignon as our main course as well as dessert was perfectly presented and delicious. We had an amazing evening and everything was perfect. We won't hesitate going back to The Lafayette and have a fancy night out! read more
The ambiance was very nice - seemed very presidential and almost like a tea party. Lovely table settings! The service was fantastic, they are very attentive and knowledgeable. We got the French toast which was delicious - lots of flavor and great texture to the toast itself. Also got the burger which was pretty good - meat was tender. Other than that, a pretty standard burger. The coffee and cappuccino were not my favorite, tasted a little burnt or overdone. Here's a little tip!! They have a rooftop and we originally thought the restaurant was up on the roof since that's where it was in the beginning of the pandemic. The restaurant staff made special accommodations to allow us to go the top floor and see it, even gave us a nice little tour of all the buildings. Spectacular view of the White House lawn. Loved it! read more
5 years ago
My partner and I had a birthday brunch here. As expected, it was elegant, opulent, and the service was beyond perfect. When I made the reservation online, I included in the notes that it was my husband's birthday and then completely forgot about it. Our waiter brought our cake and sang to him. It was awesome. The food was beautiful and yummy. My husband never eats soup and for some reason he ordered the soup de jour and he loved it. We felt bad about being very under-dressed (we were traveling and somewhat unprepared for such an opulent dining experience), but no one seemed to care and the staff was exceedingly kind, warm, and professional. read more
Overall: This restaurant has it all: delicious food, creative cocktails, solid service, beautiful views, relaxed and luxurious atmosphere, and DC celebrities. Tastiness: Luckily the dinner menu consists of a 6-7 appetizers, 6-7 mains, and a handful of desserts to enable those of us who have a hard time deciding to choose. You have enough variety to find options even for the pickiest of diners. The cocktails list and the wine list are also reasonably long, with plenty of options for the indecisive and choosy. Highly recommend the octopus and mushroom soup for appetizers and the Bronzino and vegan dish with chestnuts were also very tasty. Presentation: So pretty, I wish I would have taken some pictures of our meals. Service: Pretty solid, but not the most attentive or well-mannered. It could be better. Ambiance: This restaurant is both elegant and luxurious, and simultaneously relaxed and affordable. A pleasant mix. Also, if you are seated by a window you have a good chance of spotting local celebrities going in/out of the hotel/restaurant and accompanied by motorcade. A bit of a show, but it's DC. Cleanliness: Very clean, but wait-staff could do better at serving without splashing and dripping. Price: Pricey, but you pay for all the above elements. read more
I wish I had the words to express exactly how positively exquisite breakfast at the Lafayette was. Service level was next tier, I was immediately ushered to my white linen table and offered fresh squeezed juices. With that said, I'm a bit of an Eggs Benedict snob and the benny at the Lafayette are my absolute favorite. World. Class. Eggs. Benedict. I liked them so nice, I ordered them twice! read more
There's little news in rating The Lafayette five stars, since it's obviously a top shelf place. The ambiance, service, and food were outstanding. They made special meals for the two kids, and the adults both had the peppery gnocchi. We also had martinis and wine. A great place! read more
5 years ago
Ordered a Charred Octopus, Sea Scallop Crudo, and Seared Halibut. Hands down the octopus was the star of my lunch, perfectly tender and grilled perfectly and served with beans. The balance of flavors for the scallop crudo was perfect between sour, spice, and the freshness of the scallop itself. The halibut was done well. My up must compliments to the chef. This restaurant definitely makes my list of must go and go again. From the entrance to exit I was impressed. Definitely an upscale/classy restaurant as I was under dressed to the restaurant but still received amazing service with no bias to my appearance. I was expecting rejection because of my appearance and poor service but i was wrong. (Definitely dress up, unlike me haha) Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Pricing 5/5 Drinks 5/5 read more
4 years ago
I was under the impression that the dinner would be upstairs where we were for cocktails which has the most amazing view of the White House. Unfortunately, the dinner was downstairs where I felt it was a bit stuffy, especially if you're sitting by the window. We did sit by the piano and the music and service was quite lovely. All in all, I would rate the food a 4. There were notes where the food was a bit too salty or too bland if not eaten in a particular way but overall, I would say the food was solid, just nothing too spectacular. read more
The ambience is second to none. You will be seated amongst DC's aristocrats and power brokers. The pianist plays soothing melodies at various seatings. And of course, your table looks out over Lafayette Square and the White House; who can expect more? We enjoyed the oatmeal soufflé, mushroom omelette, and breakfast potatoes for brunch. All delectable and so very memorable. The Healthy Start green juice is also refreshing. The only reason I did not give this restaurant four stars? The servers. I have had better, more gracious and attentive service at lower caliber establishments. The waiters were at best- inattentive, at worst, dismissive. I wish we could have had a better experience with the wait staff. read more
Bask in the unobstructed view of the Whitehouse and fully understand why Barack & Bill alike both chose to cool their heels at that iconic address over Blair House while awaiting the start of their first terms. The cuisine at The Lafayette is rather good but the real feast takes place through your eyes. I assure you, it is not tacky to gawk over the rail and take more photos than Ansel Adams. Out of town guests will be thrilled, locals will be elated, doubters who have become disenfranchised will gaze upon the seat of our nation's highest office with childlike wonder. Once back at your table, viewing the spectacular landscape through the bottom of a tumbler should be your next contemplation, and they make a fantastic Old Fashioned for those who choose to do so. We skipped over the appetizers and went directly for the main course. The filet was prepared exceedingly well as was my fiancee's branzino was superior. A magnificent venue to take in a majestic view with a marvelous meal. read more
2 years ago
Awesome restaurant next to the White House. The service was great and food was excellent not only the quality but the price is reasonable as well. There's piano playing during dinner, how romantic read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
Excellent brunch at a historic restaurant in walking distance of the White House, St. John's Church and Lafayette Square. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Was here 10.17.2021 for noon reservation that I booked a month in advance for table of 3. The service is great, from we step foot on the front door till we leave. Is inside an hotel in the first floor to your left when walk in. The ambience is very white and pure, the feeling is very easing and relax. We were seated next to the opening that were facing the Washington Monument. We had a Sunday brunch. To my surprise is not just the presentations of the platings but it also taste great. Shall be back to try the dinner menus next time. read more
4 years ago
The restaurant is in the historical Hotel Hay Adams. GREAT location, right in front of the White House and across from Lafayette Park. We had a delicious breakfast: steel-cut oats with fresh fruit. We also ordered eggs with toast and bacon. The food was great, but the service was even better!!! There were several politicians in the restaurant so the atmosphere was perfect. read more
The view is amazing and they would get 5 stars for ambience... service and food was just ok. The menu only has like 5 choices. They messed and gave me a drink i really didn't want, which was more expensive. My wife's fish had bones in it. All in all I would recommend going once for the view, but I would not go back read more
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More info about The Lafayette
800 16th St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Downtown
Directions
(202) 638-6600
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http://www.hayadams.com
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The Lafayette - newamerican - Updated August 2026
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