Au Lait

I came across Au Lait DC while I was in DC this weekend, and it ended up being one of the best breakfast stops I’ve had in a long time. I walked in around 8:30 AM and immediately liked the setup. It’s a clean, well-designed boutique café with a solid atmosphere. As a coffee drinker, the Illy coffee stood out right away, and the staff was welcoming and efficient. What really impressed me was the food quality. They use fresh eggs, which is rare these days when most places rely on liquid eggs. Everything tasted fresh and well made. Bigger restaurants often miss this level of quality, but Au Lait delivers. This place is now on my regular list when I’m in DC.

I ordered a crepe and it was super good — fresh, delicious, and made perfectly. The service was great as well; everyone was friendly and quick. Definitely recommend!

First time in DC so I wanted to try some local spots. I originally ordered the crepes, but unfortunately the crepe machine was broken. The staff was so amazing at resolving the issue and replacing my order with the lox bagel. It was AMAZING! The atmosphere was perfect quiet/cozy. There interesting books to read all around as well. 12/10 would definitely recommend.

I had the pleasure of dining at Au Lait Cafe, and I can confidently say it was an outstanding experience! I ordered the smoked salmon Benedict, and it was absolutely perfect. The eggs were cooked flawlessly, with a rich, velvety yolk, and the smoked salmon was fresh and flavorful. The hollandaise sauce was silky and balanced, complementing the dish beautifully. The presentation was impeccable, and the service was equally impressive—attentive and friendly without being overbearing. The cozy ambiance of the cafe made it even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a place that delivers both incredible food and a welcoming atmosphere, Au Lait Cafe is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Salim’s coffee shop has become one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. The coffee is consistently great, the food is genuinely good (not an afterthought), and the space itself is warm and comfortable in a way that makes you want to linger. What really makes the place stand out, though, is the care behind it. You can tell it’s run by someone who pays attention to details and takes responsibility for what he puts out into the community. Everything feels thoughtfully done, from the menu to the atmosphere. I honestly feel lucky to have a business like this so close by—and to have a conscientious, hardworking owner like Salim as part of the neighborhood. It’s the kind of place that quietly raises the bar for everything around it.