Best Afternoon Tea Restaurants in Foggy Bottom

At $120 a person without a tip, this was a treat for me and my family. I'd only booked it because I had seen that the experience also came with a white house ornament and I was disappointed to see that they no longer include this as a benefit. Moreover, they seated our group right by the main entrance to the hotel, which would be fine had it not been winter and being met with a rush of frigid air every single time someone entered or left the hotel (which happened without fail at least 1-2 times every five minutes). A member of our group even wore her heavy winter coat the entire time because it was so cold where we were seated. Finally, at times the wait staff was nowhere to be found, so there were a handful of times throughout the evening when I needed new silverware or waters and had to wait an unusually long amount of time. The space is stunning but this is absolutely not worth the expense or the physical discomfort and inattentive service.

Kingbird restaurant is an absolute gem, especially for anyone heading to a Kennedy Center performance. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, striking the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Our server was exceptional—not only attentive but also incredibly thoughtful about our schedule. They ensured that each course was perfectly timed, so we could enjoy a relaxed meal without worrying about missing our show. They even recommended the best walking route to the Kennedy Center, saving us at least five minutes—something we greatly appreciated! The food was outstanding. Every dish we tried was a delightful blend of flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of Italian cuisine. The fresh pasta was a particular highlight, cooked to perfection and paired with rich, satisfying sauces. The portion sizes were just right: filling but not overwhelming, leaving us satisfied without feeling uncomfortable. To top it all off, the desserts were truly amazing—a sweet conclusion to a fantastic meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a special occasion or pairing it with an evening at the Kennedy Center, Kingbird offers a dining experience you won’t forget.

If you are looking for an afternoon tea with white table cloths, beautiful place settings, and white table cloth service, the Willard is for you. Peacock Alley at the Willard has my favorite afternoon tea in the DC area. It is upscale without being pretentious. For the 2024 Holiday Season, it became a Winter Wonderland. It is not just the decor that attracted us. but we also came for the tea and the food. The gingerbread tea and the finger sandwiches were delicious. The scones were tasty, and the desserts did not disappoint. If you like champagne, they have that, too. When you make your reservation, let them know if you have a food allergy or intolerance. They are very good at preparing delectable pieces that meet your special needs. I never know what to wear to these teas, but at the Willard you can pretty much wear what you like. Even so, I didn't see any jeans or jogging attire, and a lot of the men at least wore sports or suit jackets. During this time of year, it's popular so be prepared for long waits as the valet (or parking garage attendent) retrieves your car. But it's worth it. Use the downstairs restrooms. They aren't crowded like the main level bathrooms.

Lovely location for afternoon tea. The holiday tea menu was delicious.

Such a lovely tea with amazing service. The food was very very good. One person in our party had a gluten free tea and it was equally as good. Thank you for a lovely day!