The Lafayette

We had a wedding celebration dinner for a party of 10 in the private dining room on May 7^th that left everyone with a distaste for the Lafayette. Our waiter Anthony was very rude and unaccommodating. From the moment we arrived, we did not feel welcomed but instead felt rushed through dinner.
Since the Lafayette does allow bottle corking, we decided to bring 6 nice bottles of some very nice wine. At some point during the dinner, I noticed the empty bottles being cleared and when I looked over to the corner table where the wine was being held, I saw that there were still 2 bottles of wine that hadn’t been opened. After ordering the dessert, I noticed that the 2 bottles were gone and when I asked about them, Anthony informed me that all 6 bottles had been poured. Several minutes later, a few other members in our party mentioned that there were 2 unopened bottles that seem to have disappeared. Upon paying our bill, we mentioned this situation to Anthony again and he said to «hold on,» after which he returned with 6 empty bottles, all too ready for our concern. We firmly believe that Anthony wanted to get us out sooner and poured out the 2 bottles. Although this allegation may sound odd, the fact that several members in our party noticed 2 unopened bottles that suddenly had disappeared leads us to believe that this is the only thing that could have happened. Even so, when our wine glasses were empty, any maître d’ in a 5-​star establishment would offer a wine list selection, but Anthony just cleared our glasses from the table. He obviously did not want us to stay any longer.
When ordering dessert, I asked to order the Pistachio soufflé and Anthony said it would take 25 – 30 minutes. Since I knew 3 people wanted to order the pistachio soufflé, I asked to place 3 orders. Again, Anthony brought it to my attention that they take 25 – 30 minutes, which I understood the first time he told me. Again, another indication he wanted us out.
Another situation brought to my attention was when Anthony was taking our dessert order, 2 members of our party asked if they could order a cappuccino and espresso with their dessert. Anthony responded that he wasn’t taking coffee orders and that they could order on the «next round.»
Lastly, when our utensils were being replenished for dessert, I saw Anthony pick up un-​used utensils from one person in our party and place it in front of another person in our party. I don’t think this is standard practice in a supposed 5-​star establishment.
We have had plenty of fine dining experiences and this definitely wasn’t one of them. Food was mediocre and wasn’t anything that would make me want to try this restaurant again. As we expected much better service from this restaurant, I wanted to make the manager aware of our experience. When I finally got a hold of him 3 weeks after our dinner, he said he was there and saw all 6 bottles of wine. My first thought was, «Wouldn’t and shouldn’t a manager at least greet a large dinner party at some point during the dinner to make sure everything was running smoothly?»
Overall, a waste of an experience and sad that I recommended this place to celebrate a wedding. If you want a nice dining experience, go to Plume or any restaurant on 14^th street for that matter. If you still decide do go after this review and end up with Anthony as your waiter, request someone else.

My husband and I dined at the Lafayette for Sunday brunch, where we had impeccable service, excellent food ($ 80 per person), unlimited champagne, appetizers, desserts, etc. We were also permitted to choose one entrée from a menu. I had the crab cakes while my husband had the steak frites — both were excellent. The appetizer buffet was plentiful and could have very well been the entire brunch. The croissants and pastries were amazing. The seafood — shrimp ceviche, smoked salmon, seared tuna — from the appetizer buffet were all excellent. The staff was so incredibly welcoming and polite. It is hard to find service like the Lafayette these days.
Definitely want to dress appropriately for the Lafayette — a ‘Sunday best’ brunch attire is recommended! Ladies — nice dress and heels ;) Men — coat is best!
Also — I would absolutely recommend this place for Mother’s Day or any other special occasion.

Service at this restaurant is far from the level of this kind of establishment. I reserved a table for five to celebrate my birthday with brunch, and while the food was delicious, the establishment fell short on the management/​service front. The biggest issues was the rudeness of the manager, who approached the table and said in an inappropriately brusque manner that we must order immediately. The waiter had explained only a minute before that the kitchen was preparing the brunch buffet, but that is no excuse to treat us in any but a professional manner. When I tried to order the soufflé, the waiter said it would take 30 – 35 minutes to prepare, while the menu quoted a 20-​minute preparation. The restaurant also serves Fuji brand water instead of regular tap water. Bottled water like this is a big contributor to climate change and wasted resources, especially when it is hauled across our oceans via giant diesel-​spewing tanker ships. This practice appears to be endorsed by the management in yet another strange decision. DC has many terrific brunch places, so I recommend visiting them and getting good service along with the good food.

Had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed my experience very much.
The atmosphere is very elegant and the service is great.
The menu is somewhat limited, and not too many dishes jump out as very original. But, everything I had was executed well.
Downside: The desserts are not very good. We had 4 – 5 different kinds amongst my party and they were all unremarkable. Also, my crème brûlée was visibly burnt, which left an acrid taste in my mouth. I was not able to eat half my dessert. For $ 12, I was expecting the best crème brûlée east of the Mississippi.

You definitely get what you pay for — and while its more than I’d choose to spend on the typical Sunday brunch, it is superb! Even though the lobster benedict I ordered as my main brunch entrée was great, I will say that the appetizer buffet was even better! There was an incredible variety of appetizers, from specialty salads to freshly baked breads to grilled vegetables to gourmet cheeses to fresh seafood galore! I couldn’t choose a favorite if you asked.

Five star for the service, taste of food and quality. I love the ambiance too. The price is cheaper than what we are expecting. I would definitely recommend.

I have no idea why this place does not come in as a five star. The whole experience is impeccably amazing! Everything, from first entering, dining, socializing and parting, far exceeds FIRST RATE! We were treated as royalty with the utmost sincerity, courtesy and caring; we really regretted the night coming to a close. If we lived in the DC area, I have no doubt, we would be regulars at The Lafayette. NICE!

The Lafayette was an outstanding setting for a group dinner event. The balcony views overlooking The White House is an experience to remember. The food was fantastic as well.

The Lafayette restaurant in the historic Hay Adams hotel is…
the restaurant you’d expect a French revolutionary diplomat who was friends with George Washington to eat at.
Lets just say… you don’t want to drive your beat up 2007 Hyundai Sonata to be valeted. No siree. Just… park that yo’self.
The restaurant itself looks to be a replica of a room in the White House. The silverware is definitely real silver and the jam for your toast is served out of miniature sealed jam jars. Yes… that is an important detail.
I watch as a table is prepared for 3 men in suits. The white napkins are exchanged for black (ensuring no white threads get on their suit pants).
A family across from me looks to be out of a Modern Washington DC Christmas Card. The woman with Hillary Clinton hair, an Obama «O» broach made out of semi precious stones, and 2 daughters wearing both conservative and formal dresses.
The waiter is attentive without being overbearing. My corned beef hash is a solid version of an all time brunch favorite. The eggs are perfectly poached. The slice of country ham I order on the side has meticulously made hash marks.
Coffee is served in mugs where you are forced to pinch the handle because you can’t put your finger through the delicate small hole.
All chairs are antiques, crown molding overfloweth, and the bathroom has individually rolled linen hand towels cause… paper… gross.
I love this place.

Fantastic! My fiancé and I had one of our best meals in recent memory at The Lafayette. It was simply delicious and the service was impeccable. It was a nice atmosphere as well and we were to happy to walk into a warm, inviting restaurant inside the Hay Adams hotel (which was bedecked with lovely Christmas decorations) and out from the nippy December cold. The restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived (it was a cold Thursday December evening and still early for dinner — 6pm), but was more crowded when we left after our meal.
From beginning to end, the service was friendly and very attentive. The atmosphere is lovely and classy. It was very private and romantic for us and we had the pleasure of hearing a pianist play for us.
We ordered the following:
–Appetizer: Lobster Salad. We each ordered one of these and loved it. The lobster portion was very generous and tasted so juicy and tender. Perfection.
–Entrée for me: Diver Scallops (spaghetti squash, kaleidoscope carrots, coconut lobster sauce). This was surprisingly very filling. It was delicious and unique and perfect.
–Entrée for my fiancé: Filet Mignon special. He loved this and said it was a great portion.
–Dessert: I rarely ever have enough room by the time I get to the dessert course, but there was something so inviting about the restaurant and I wanted to stay longer. I was also enticed by the option of having sorbet. I had a combination of raspberry and coconut sorbets and fresh berries on the side. My fiancé ordered something of the chocolate variety.
In addition, we got a complimentary butternut squash soup to taste and we loved the table bread. And at the end, they also gave us two complimentary chocolates, much to my fiancé’s delight ;)
We also ordered wine with our dinner — a riesling for me and a Merlot for my fiancé, to accompany our scallops and steak respectively. Perfect pairings.
I absolutely loved this experience. We both felt that we wished we had gone there for our engagement dinner back in March! But at least now we have a solid and tested option for future special occasions (once I exhaust my ever-​growing list of new places I have to try)! :)
I absolutely recommend The Lafayette. We will certainly return!

If this rating was based on my meal alone, I’d give this is 3-​star, but want to be fair and take into consideration my dining companions’ meals, and the service, which being the Hay Adams, is superior. But here’s where I take serious issue with my order of the Diver Scallops as an entrée. I specifically passed on a starter figuring an entrée of scallops and risotto would be plenty. I was astonished to receive a plate that had a mere TWO scallops and, I kid you not, a few forkfuls of risotto! For $ 32! I dine regularly at fine restaurants and take no issue with the prices that they can command, but this was offensive. Had I not been at a business luncheon, I would have had my meal returned. Recognizing that this dish is on the dinner menu as an appetizer, did the kitchen and waiter forget it was lunch time?

Excellent Dining immediately across the street from where we stayed.

Had breakfast and lunch there (two different months). Both times amazing service and great food. Butternut squash raviolis are really good for vegetarians.

My office took us here for administration appreciation lunch. The food was delicious, service was impeccable and the décor was lovely.
Definitely the place for a special occasion, expensive but worth it. I had the crab cakes and the passion fruit cheesecake. Definitely recommend!

What can I say about my experience at The Lafayette?
It was the highlight of my DC trip when the ambassador’s wife told me that she and the ambassador were free to meet me for lunch. I quickly researched the nearest high end restaurant closest to the embassy. As soon as I saw all the positive reviews and photos of the restaurant, I knew this was the perfect spot – right across the street from the White House.
I showed up for lunch at 12:30 and I was definitely underdressed for the restaurant. I was wearing my tight jeans, a bright pink corset and a long black cardigan. I am usually overdressed whenever I go out to lunch or dinner, but this time I didn’t pack enough dresses so I felt out of place, to say the least. However, all the staffs treated me with the same respect/​courtesy that they showed all their suited customers. I guess I was overreacting a bit.
The ambassador’s morning meeting ran late so they showed up about 45 minutes after me, but the staffs didn’t make me feel pressured to leave or uncomfortable about waiting alone at all.
When they showed up, we each ordered a salad to start. I had the Heirloom Beets salad, which was beautiful in presentation. The colors were so pretty and vibrant that I didn’t even want to eat it. I forgot to take a picture of it because I was in the presence of diplomats and didn’t want to look like an idiot. LOL Unfortunately, the flavor didn’t match the appearance too well. It wasn’t bad, just not 5-​star worthy. I’d probably give it a 3-​star…
For my entrée, I decided on the special of the day, the pan seared grouper with sautéed spinach leaves in tomato sauce. I’m not a fan of tomatoes nor onions, but this dish had both and I was still able to enjoy it without making any special request. The tomatoes and yellow onions were well cooked so I couldn’t even tell that the onions were in there until I actually saw them, which for me is definitely a good thing. The entrée would be a 4-​star for me.
My overall experience was great. The food rates at 3.5 stars, service is definitely 5-​star worthy and location/​ambiance is 5-​star worthy as well. Although valet parking for 2 hours cost me $ 26, with validation. Talk about steep! I wonder what the regular price would be if we didn’t dine at The Lafayette.
If you’re looking to impress a date or out of town guests, this is definitely where you want to bring them. But I don’t know if I’d come here just for the food… unfortunately.

Definitely not your average hotel restaurant. Always had memorable experience at the Lafayette. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated. The food is exquisite. Had a great birthday brunch with awesome people. Great menu, steps away from the White House.
Totally worth a visit!

Interior decoration is fine dining and feels very elegant with a piano player, exactly what we were looking for. Very friendly/​outstanding was the very gracious staff that took good care of us. Pianist tinkling in the background: all made it a memorable evening. What very nice and welcoming people. This was our first time at the restaurant and was our date night 11^th of March and we will be back. Restaurant is in the Hay Adams Hotel, great menu, reasonable prices for such a formal restaurant, one of a kind location, overlooking the White House. The service is phenomenal and so is the food!
Menu is diverse
Serve breakfast
Brunch runs about 75 $ but worth it
Overlooks the White House
Location Location Lafayette got it right.

Just steps from the White House, this classy restaurant was a perfect location after a business meeting.
I wasn’t too hungry so I just ordered the Maine Lobster Salad. Now, when it first came out, I was like, «Where is the rest of it?!» For $ 24, I was sure that I was getting more than what was presented. However, to my surprise, I was hooked from the first bite! So imagine a chunk of fresh lobster on top of fennel (veggie from the celery family) with pink marinated vinegar onions and a creamy sauce! The creamy sauce was balsamic vinegar with infused almonds. Yum! I wanted to lick the plate. Oh and it was topped with my favorite fruit, grapes! For just a salad, it was great.
The guests I was with tried the soup of the day (crab and corn bisque) and the Cobb Salad. They said their meals were delicious!
Scenery: The restaurant is directly across from the White House. So if you’re not from the area or guests are in town, take them there and sit next to the WINDOW!
That’s all for now! I need to go back and try the Rockfish! I hope to go soon!

Simply fantastic.
We (me and my wife) went there last sunday to have a brunch.
What a brunch.
Quite expensive, but simply extraordinary.
They have a buffet full of delicious things to work as appetizer, and the main plate can be chosen directly on the menu.
It’s a fixed 75 $ per person, but it also includes the beverages (champagne, mimosa and bloody mary).
It’s an unique experience.
Also, the dessert buffet, also included, is fantastic.

Q: Why do be seek out fine dining?
A: To enjoy a seamless experience where the food, service and libations exceed all expectations. They take care of you and yours so that you can enjoy each other’s company.
For me, a moment like this may be a one time experience. Some experiences come with a price tag and it’s not easy for budget-​minded gentleman, like myself, to enjoy such extravagant meals like this. I came in celebration of a friend’s birthday and I celebrated it like it would be their last. If this were to be my only brunch on these premises, I knew I had to eat, drink and be merry.
Eat:
Before you enjoy your entrée, you’re directed to a gourmet smörgåsbord of delights. Fresh root vegetables, greens, lox, pâté, lobster and sweet breads dance and glisten before your eyes like sparkling diamonds. I fasted several hours knowing that this would be a sophisticated gluttony of all food groups. With such a wonderful spread, how does one fend off overindulgence on round one.
The entrée:
Crab cakes are a brunch standard and must be handled with care. The jumbo lump pieces were carefully joined with minimal filling to hold them together. Each piece of jumbo lump crab seemed as if it were carefully directed to a custom made spot inside the cake. Each bite was filled with crab meat and commanded by palette’s full attention. I carefully savored each bite knowing that this was a special moment between and this crustacean.
Desserts:
When you fill up your plate on the buffet, keep in mind that it’d be criminal to leave without sampling the desserts. See my attached pictures. I sampled a little of everything, but I was so full that I can’t remember what I loved the most. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
Drink:
Mimosas are standard brunch fare, but Lafayette had some special twists. While not listed on the menu, a regular patron pointed out that they had more than one flavor. Apricot, strawberry orange, orange and peach (Bellini) were a few of the unlisted items. The champagne was free flowing and I thoroughly enjoyed all flavors more than once. Don’t judge me.
Staff:
The staff was spot on and anticipated your every need and delivered on every request. The were engaging, funny, attentive and genuine. Your experience is more enjoyable when you have everything you could possibly want and more than you’ll ever need. They care take care of you.
Verdict: Five stars for staff, service and food. Forget all you worried, forget all your cares and pa per yourself.