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Lafayette Restaurant, Washington, DC
Lafayette Restaurant, Washington, DC
Lafayette Restaurant, Washington, DC
Lafayette Restaurant, Washington, DC
Lafayette Restaurant, Washington, DC

Lafayette Restaurant

4.8
4.8
1510 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top Tags:
Washington’s destination for power dining, the Lafayette Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With large windows opening onto Lafayette Park and the White House, this sun-lit dining room is one of the most elegant settings in the capital and is certain to complement any dining experience.



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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Continental
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 638-2570
  • Website
    http://www.hayadams.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Nicolas Legret
  • Catering
    Private Dining available for groups of up to 16 guests.
  • Private party facilities
    Private Dining is available in our Lafayette Restaurant. Views of Lafayette Park and exquisite cuisine and service guaranteed!
  • Private party contact
    Colette Marquez: (202) 638-6600
  • Location
    800 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    H Street
  • Parking details
    There is a parking fee of $12.00 via hotel valet parking.
  • Public transit
    McPherson Square, Farragut West, Farragut North
  • Entertainment
    Our pianist Tom Vogt is playing every Monday – Saturday evening and for Sunday Brunch
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 1,510 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Best Ambiance

  • District of Columbia

    Romantic

  • District of Columbia

    American

1,510 Reviews

  1. Luv2dinenyc

    Phoenix

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely lovely birthday dinner with my husband

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  2. FireandRain

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An excellent lunch venue with great food, service and atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  3. AmandaW

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    To say the food was bland would be to exaggerate, it was so much less than it’s component parts it’s hard to imagine what they did in the kitchen to remove any semblance of taste. No herbs, no spices, no seasoning, no marinades or flavourings of any kind. Read the menu - the ingredients are what you receive. Bare, boiled, tasteless - the pasta dish was spectacularly disappointing (what was that thick tasteless green sauce?). Was meant to be a highlight of our trip - sadly it will remain forever memorable for all the wrong reasons.

    Is this helpful?

  4. MeredithL

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful anniversary dinner in every way. The staff was lovely and attentive; the food was excellent; the pianist was perfect, playing romantic favorites; and the hushed, elegant room is enchanting. Truly old world elegance with world-class cuisine.

    Is this helpful?

  5. ElizabethA

    Richmond

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had breakfast twice during our stay. The food was delicious, service outstanding and the setting is beautiful. Highly recommend.

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  6. JohnG

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a Lovely experience! Perfection on all levels. The atomosphere in this historic hotel was elegant and beautiful. Delightful live music - the pianist filled the room with just the right selections and volume. Requests were taken and beautifully executed. Wait staff was friendly, attentive and knowlegeable with wine and food recommendations. Timing for the meal was well paced. We were not rushed and there was no obvious hovering. The food was amazing - delicious and well portioned. We had a lovely vegan carrot soup to start, then scallops and mushroom risotto, branzino and fresh veggies, complemented by incredible sourdough breads. We finished our meal with a shared Lemon Souffle, served with passion fruit ice cream and creme anglaise and rich, delicious coffee (we had decaf - the best we've ever had). The Lafayette has become my favorite restaurant.

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  7. Gregoire

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really good food. Really great service. Really quiet room. Elegant from start to finish.

    Is this helpful?

  8. SolarMan

    Washington DC

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great, food absolutely delicious, and the ambiance was most comfortable !!

    Is this helpful?

  9. TryThisMaybe

    Chicago

    206 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    206 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The place got a power breakfast in DC. Classy in every way- in the shadow of the White House. Terrific food, silver service, fine linen- not a casual gathering space. This is special and you deserve it if you work in DC!

    Is this helpful?

  10. philo

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food Great service The way high end restaurants should be run

    Is this helpful?

  11. Yoly

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Attention: extraordinary; warm, helpful and staff anticipate needs Venue: elegant and aesthetic Food: delicious and in the right portions

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  12. AmandaK

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and atmosphere was exceptional and the staff was both professional, pleasant and joyful. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an intimate, upscale dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Lastunas

    Naples

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is one of the last bastions of formality and refinement in DC where one can enjoy a delicious lunch, a beautiful setting, excellent service, and a quiet unhurried conversation with a friend or business associate. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  14. PapiChulo

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing amazing, did I say this restaurant is amazing? Yes because from the time you enter the Hotel the staff treats you like you want to be treated. The food I believe it was AMAZING.

    Is this helpful?

  15. luv2dine

    Vancouver

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent restaurant - incredible and attentive service. Great food and great value. A true fine dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  16. GEORGEK

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As long as we come to Washington we think of The Hay Adams and the Lafagette restaurant, one of our very favorites. we think that in Washington is the best most elegant restaurant

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  17. Paula

    Columbus

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Definitely one of the fanciest DC restaurants. Great for special occasions and for couples. Super romantic, with piano playing in the background throughout dinner. Extremely attentive staff, excellent food. Wonderful ambience. Highly recommend. I would definitely go again every time I visit DC.

    Is this helpful?

  18. erink

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great brunch! Beautiful place, definitely going back!

    Is this helpful?

  19. MarionL

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    We couldn’t order for almost 30 minutes. Finally we got some water. At the end we had to wait very long until we could pay. Food was excellent but we wouldn’t come again.

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  20. Lampedusa7990

    Washington DC

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is a very elegant setting for breakfast or brunch. A very nice respite. Our server graciously allowed us to extend our breakfast and linger longer over our coffees and our conversation. Very much appreciated!

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  21. Carmen

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is gorgeous, the food is fresh and delicious, the piano player added to the wonderful, sophisticated ambiance, and the staff is incredibly attentive and welcoming, especially Pedro who is exceptional.

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  22. Legallady

    Washington DC

    52 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The ambiance and staff are top notch, as usual. You can’t beat the service. However, the menu now feels like a tasting menu for Top Chef. Please add some basic items to accompany the fanciful dishes. For instance, add a burger for lunch and a steak for dinner. It shouldn’t take diners 20 minutes to decode the ingredients and choose from items that they don’t want even if you are somewhat happy with your food by the end of the meal. A couple of staples will bring people back. Trust me.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Penguin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Please commend Emmanuel, the waiter, his smile is warm and gracious. T The menu is a bit limited. The bus boy who served the bread needs to learn that the waiter does not reach across the table and over the lady's plate to serve her companion. He should come around the table to serve each diner per custom and sanitary practice.

    Is this helpful?

  24. jbac

    Washington DC

    72 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience5
    A major disappointment from start to finish. We used to love this restaurant and have been going there for 20 years. This latest visit was disheartening. How can a restaurant run out of an appetizer, listed on the menu, at 6:30 pm? Then there's the service which was slow, with what looked like an inexperienced crew. Our main courses were inedible. The desserts were fine, but the wait was long. We won't be back.

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  25. Tgm4bones

    New York Area

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dining experience. Ambiance elegant and refined. Food masterfully crafted. Service went above and beyond. A truly sentinel family experience. Prices not cheap but worth every dime!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was delicious. Dining room wasn’t crowded. Service was slow.

    Is this helpful?

  27. JanetL

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were outstanding, very expensive.

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  28. Coleton

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic! From the great service to the lovely ambience of the restaurant to the delicious food, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience.

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  29. JamieA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, outstanding food, great piano man, beautiful setting…

    Is this helpful?

  30. Dine

    Toronto

    22 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Poor service and below average food. Don’t know how to do proper wine service.

    1 person found this helpful

  31. JohnH

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Old-fashion in all the best ways: fresh flowers, linen, nice china and silverware.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family and I ate breakfast at Lafayette and we absolutely loved it! The decoration is beautiful, including the tea saucers and chandeliers. The service was immaculate, especially Emmanuel. He was extremely delightful, friendly and highly professional. We loved chatting with him.

    Is this helpful?

  33. JamesS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very nice and romantic, restaurant, the food was great and it is very quite with live piano music.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Jami

    Washington DC

    70 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff is great and the food and drinks are delicious

    Is this helpful?

  35. mabeka

    Austria

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Das Hay Adams Hotel ist wohl das nächste zum Weißen Haus, die Mauern sind altehrwürdig. So ist auch das Restaurant. Gediegen, vornehm, Klaviermusik, klassisch! Generell habe ich Vorbehalte mit „Haute-cuisine“ in den USA und die wurden hier auch wieder teilweise bestätigt. Alles gut, aber nicht wirklich besonders, der warme Chablis war das beste Zeugnis davon. Es war ein wunderschöner Abend, das tolle Ambiente wäre es wert, noch ein bisschen „nach oben“ zu arbeiten!

    Is this helpful?

  36. AllenA

    Chicago

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful in every way!! Great food, better service! Highly recommend, 4.5/5.

    Is this helpful?

  37. LaurenceW

    Mississippi

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Refined food, elegant surroundings and attentive service.

    Is this helpful?

  38. JayJ

    Richmond

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful place for a “white table cloth “ breakfast. Service is outstanding. Food excellent. So enjoyable!!!

    Is this helpful?

  39. Steve

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Went for Sunday brunch. Elegant dining room. We were 30 minutes earlier than reservation and they agreed to seat us immediately but not serve us until reservation time. Might help chef keep from getting overwhelmed but the dining room was mostly empty. The mushroom omelet (me) and the crab benedict (wife) were great. Service impeccable. Prices understandably high but food quality and setting made it well worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  40. GregM

    Fort Lauderdale

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dining experience. Quiet and intimate. I highly recommend. .

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Lafayette Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 1510 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Lafayette Restaurant

800 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006

Additional information

  • Cross street
    H Street
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–9:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Continental
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    There is a parking fee of $12.00 via hotel valet parking.
  • Public transit
    McPherson Square, Farragut West, Farragut North
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Nicolas Legret
  • Entertainment
    Our pianist Tom Vogt is playing every Monday – Saturday evening and for Sunday Brunch
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.hayadams.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 638-2570
  • Catering
    Private Dining available for groups of up to 16 guests.
  • Private party facilities
    Private Dining is available in our Lafayette Restaurant. Views of Lafayette Park and exquisite cuisine and service guaranteed!
  • Private party contact
    Colette Marquez: (202) 638-6600

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