Roof Terrace Restaurant — Restaurant in Washington

I would like to preface this review by saying that the manager Aniya (sp), Tiffany and Ms. Barbara saved the day.  If it were not for these ladies, our terrible experience would have been unsalvageable.

Our group of 4 visited the Roof Top Terrace Restaurant for the first time over the weekend, and celebrated 2 birthdays.  We had been looking forward to visiting this restaurant for quite some time.  Needless to say, we were extremely disappointed by our awful experience with Santos.

When our waiter, Santos, came to our table for the first time, I told him it was our birthday (my friend and I) and he simply shrugged.  He did not welcome us to the restaurant, tell us about any notable menu items, or otherwise make us feel like valued patrons.  When he asked about our drink order, I asked if he had any recommendations.  He said "Do you like sweet drinks?" to which I replied "Yes, I do actually!" and he said "all of them [the cocktails] are good."  I was very perplexed by this answer, because an Espresso Martini was one of the cocktails he referred to as a "sweet drink" that I would like.  Everyone knows espresso martinis are not sweet drinks.

He then disappeared with our drink order.  When he returned to drop off our drinks, he haphazardly reached across my plate from one end of the table to unceremoniously pour my glass of wine and it nearly splashed over the edge!  This is not the kind of dining experience I would expect from this establishment.

Once Santos brought our drinks, we did not see him again for over 20 minutes!!  It was such a long wait that several of us at the table started looking around for him.  When he finally showed up, I asked if there were any menu items he recommended, to which he replied "fish, beef."  He did not reference any particular item, he did not tell us what made the item unique, he did not tell us what was popular or give any other background.  Just "fish, beef."  What kind of response is that from a service industry professional?

After that, he never visited our table again!  He did not check on us, he was not attentive at all.  At that point, I asked to speak to a manager and spoke to Aniya (forgive me if I spelled her name incorrectly) who was extremely professional, understanding, and considerate.  She, along with Ms. Barbara and Tiffany, went above and beyond to deliver exemplary customer service and turned our terrible experience into an incredible one.

I recognize that the hospitality industry is a challenging one to be in.  However, our group of 4 was friendly, warm, and kind.  And to be met with such apathy and lack of professionalism from a wait person at this establishment was shocking and disappointing.  I truly hope that Roof Top Terrace can coach Santos on how to be a better member of the team, while also acknowledging and recognizing the tremendous amount of care and patience demonstrated by Tiffany, Barbara and Aniya to make a horrible experience a lovely one.  That is the real work, and those ladies delivered.

It is only thanks to Tiffany, Barbara and Aniya that we will patronize Roof Top Terrace again...

In short: maybe not the most underwhelmed I’ve ever been but pretty close. Drinks: F- Appetizers: B Main Courses: D+ Desserts: A Service: C- Overall: C-

First, the restaurant has a pretty cool ambiance with great views from the top of The Kennedy Center and a nice and clean decor. We were seated and ordered two cocktails and one “Mean Girls” themed mocktail (for my 11 year old).

Drinks: My Old Fashioned was the worst cocktail I’ve ever had. It had almost no flavor. I couldn’t even taste the whiskey! My daughter’s drink (supposedly pineapple juice, coconut cream, and cherry flavoring) had the consistency of whipped cream with none of the advertised flavors. My wife’s was a little better after we mixed it ourselves.

Appetizers: The heirloom beet salad was pretty good and my son enjoyed the prawn cocktail. My daughter also enjoyed her “spicy sashimi.”

Main course: My wife and daughter both ordered the salmon and said it was “ok but not great.” I ordered the duck and my son ordered the Filet Mignon. Both of our dishes had a little flavor but the meat was chewy in both instances and the steak knives weren’t sharp enough to cut butter. The best part of both dishes were the sides. The grits with the filet were passable and the coconut rice with the duck was pretty tasty. The pineapple in the rice was a nice addition.

Dessert: this course saved the night from being a complete and total disaster. We each ordered a different dessert and we’re able to sample all four offerings. The coconut dessert looked amazing and was very good despite not having a very strong coconut flavor. The PB&J chocolate cake was inventive and very tasty. The chef’s pastry sampler had something for each of us and we all enjoyed each of our mini pastries. The banana creme brûlée, while not as visually appealing as the others, was the consensus favorite at the table.

Service: Our waiter was pleasant enough but not attentive. My wife and I both finished our awful cocktails (we were thirsty and it was like drinking a glass of water) at least 30 minutes before being asked if we’d like another drink. I was standing to go to the bar when our server finally came back. My son and I had to ask for steak knives (we should’ve been more specific and asked for sharpened ones) with our main courses. I had to ask an assistant for dessert menus after waiting an inordinate amount of time and having been ignored by our main server on multiple occasions. At the beginning of the meal (we were sat around 5), our server asked what time our show was. I told him 7, but we had to stop by will call beforehand. I had to ask for my check when we ordered our dessert at 6:30 and then ask for it again when the desserts arrived a few minutes later. However, the assistants were on the ball with refilling water glasses and clearing dishes...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the rooftop terrace restaurant at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped onto the rooftop, I was captivated by the stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and the Potomac River. The restaurant's location is truly unparalleled, and it sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

The ambiance of the rooftop terrace restaurant is simply enchanting. The modern and chic decor, combined with the open-air setting, creates a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor seating allows for a refreshing breeze and a sense of being one with the city as you enjoy your meal.

The menu at the rooftop terrace restaurant is a culinary delight. The diverse and carefully curated selection of dishes showcases the creativity and skill of the chefs. From delicious appetizers to mouthwatering entrees, every dish is a work of art. The use of locally-sourced ingredients and the attention to detail in presentation truly elevate the dining experience.

The service at the rooftop terrace restaurant is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, making you feel welcomed and well taken care of. The level of professionalism and hospitality truly adds to the overall experience, making it top-notch.

As for the food itself, it was simply divine. The flavors, textures, and presentation were all exquisite. I particularly enjoyed the grilled seafood platter, which was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The wine selection was also impressive, with a variety of options to complement the meal.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the sunset view from the rooftop terrace. Watching the sun set over the city skyline while enjoying a delicious meal was a truly magical experience. The ambiance, food, and service all came together to create an unforgettable evening that will be cherished in my memories for years to come.

In conclusion, the rooftop terrace restaurant at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, is a gem that offers an unparalleled dining experience. The stunning views, sophisticated ambiance, delicious cuisine, and exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an elevated dining experience in the heart of the nation's capital. I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion, a romantic date, or simply a...