Tatte — Restaurant in Fairfax

I’ll try this place again after the initial break in time. Confusion at the ordering area. Too many people and not enough communication. I ordered a raspberry pavlova not knowing what it actually is. So, I asked the employee behind the counter. She read the ingredients to me and said it would be “soft”. That sounded good so I paid. Went outside to eat and discovered it is a crunchy, very sweet, candy like item. The wouldn’t call it a pastry. I took2 bites and counte deal with the sweetness or texture. I took it back inside and another lady gladly gave me a direct exchange. 2 red jelly donuts. Took those outside and tried one…it was soooo dry. Had to be a day old or more. That one and the second one went to the garbage. Sad. My husband’s Jerusalem bagel was yummy but could have used a dip or cream cheese. Would have been nice to have been offered or a suggestion made to get this. It’s bright and cheery inside and busy (Saturday). Staff was kind. I’ll go back to try other things but this experience was what they say “not to do” and that is “don’t go to opening day/week of a new restaurant. Just may need time to iron out...

Expect a line at this newly opened eatery in Fairfax City's west end. But there's plenty to entertain and tempt as you wait to place your order. Big display cases house individual dessert treats as well as large cakes and pies. Note to self: Must return to try the raspberry pavlova! We got sandwiches: fig and prosciutto with brie and fresh pear for me, chicken pita for husband. Considering the line and filled tables in the outdoor seating, we were pleasantly surprised to find how big it is inside this beautiful space. Tables and bar seats are plentiful and there are long cushioned benches lining the sparkling white-tile walls. There are so many interesting things to try on the menu that we will be sure to return. Our sandwiches were delicious! Staff are cheerful and courteous and happy to answer questions. There's abundant parking but given that three new eateries have opened here in fairly close proximity, it was a bit of a drive around to secure a spot! Fresh, interesting breads, gorgeous pastries and a happy vibe, what's not to like? We liked it very much and...

There was a huge line, so I decided to order pickup. I went in a little before my pickup time. I could see people in the kitchen making people’s orders, and I didn’t notice any to go orders. There was a constant flow of people going to the kitchen area to grab utensils or plates and to talk to the staff about their orders. Some were dining in, and some were picking up. I ended up waiting 30 plus minutes to get my food. I could see it was sitting out, and I had to ask about it instead of someone putting it in the pick up area. By that time, the pastry I ordered was out of stock. Someone from the back was supposed to grab it for me, but she got caught up with something else. I had to flag someone down, and she kindly offered me a different pastry plus one for free. She apologized for the inconvenience. I would honestly not come here again after this negative experience. My food was warm, not hot. The pastry was good, but the unorganized service made me not want to return. I understand they were understaffed and opened recently, but I think they could have...