Behold, Kafè Leopold: one of Georgetown’s finest gems and loveliest eateries. This Austrian café, or “kafè” to maintain the authentic European flair, is renowned for its incredible pastries, delicious brunch, divine espresso drinks, and varied lunch/dinner options. Is there anything that Kafè Leopold can’t do?!

I have been thrice: once for a brioche bread (oh my goodness), once for a hot latte and yogurt parfait with granola/berries (I’ve never experienced parfaits in the quite the same way), and once for a brunch with a good friend of mine. Needless to say, I’ve never been disappointed and each time await the next trip like a child on Christmas Eve. I’m going to cut myself off here before I write a treatise about the spectacular cuisine and just get to the review.

Name: Kafè Leopold

Location: 3315 Cady’s Alley NW (Washington, D.C.)

Time: 9:30 am on Saturday (if you arrive after 10, I wish you the best of luck getting a table considering the no reservation policy and the throngs of weekenders).

Order: Iced double shot latte and lemon soufflé pancakes with a berry compote and organic maple syrup

Price: $22

Review: I know this sounds bizarre, but if it were possible to name children after pancakes, I would consider it after this experience (Soufflé sounds pretty, doesn’t it?). I sat down ready to fulfill my capricious desire for an egg over-medium and a pain au chocolat, but the second I saw the breakfast special for lemon soufflé pancakes with a berry compote, I felt like I was in Sophie’s Choice or something. On an “adventurous” whim, my friend and I ordered it – and couldn’t be happier with our decision. Normally, I don’t finish my pancakes or use up allllll of my maple syrup, but this time I just had to. They. were. so. incredible. The lemon flavor was perfectly incorporated – not too subdued or too overpowering. The actual cakes were so fluffy yet filling. The syrup was so sweet yet subtle. Basically, it was a full-experience, berries and all. Re: iced latte – delicious and well-done.

Rating: 5/5