Our Story

About Tatte
Bakery & Café

Tatte is where handcrafted food meets heartfelt hospitality. From our humble beginnings to becoming a beloved Washington DC destination, every item we make carries passion, purpose, and flavor. Discover the tatte bakery story.

12+

Years of Craft

30K+

Happy Guests

120+

Menu Items

4.9

Avg. Rating

Tatte bakery interior with warm lighting and fresh pastries
2012 Founded

Where Every Bite
Tells a Story

Tatte was born from a simple but powerful belief: that exceptional food, made with care and quality ingredients, can transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Founded in 2012 in Washington DC, our bakery and café began as a single location driven by passion for the craft of baking.

"We don't just bake bread — we build community, one handcrafted bite at a time. Tatte is a place where neighbors become friends and every visit feels like coming home."

From our first loaf of sourdough to the hundreds of specialty items we craft today, the Tatte bakery philosophy has never changed. We source the finest ingredients, partner with local producers, and put genuine heart into everything we make.

Today, Tatte serves the Washington DC community at 1634 I St NW — a warm, welcoming space where you can enjoy handcrafted pastries, specialty espresso drinks, nourishing breakfast plates, and seasonal lunch offerings. Every item on our menu reflects our commitment to quality, creativity, and community.

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Mission & Core Values

These are the principles that guide every decision we make, every recipe we develop, and every guest we serve at Tatte.

Craft with Love

Every item we create is made with intention and care. We believe the energy you put into food comes back to you in how it makes people feel.

Source Responsibly

We partner with local and sustainable suppliers to ensure the freshest ingredients while supporting the communities and environments around us.

Build Community

Tatte is more than a bakery — it's a gathering place. We design every aspect of our café to foster connection, warmth, and belonging.

Pursue Excellence

Good enough is never our goal. We constantly refine our recipes, techniques, and service to deliver an experience that exceeds expectations.

Our Mission

To nourish and delight every guest who walks through our doors by crafting honest, beautiful food — rooted in tradition, inspired by creativity, and made with the finest ingredients available.

A History of Flavor

From our first day of baking to becoming a Washington DC staple, here are the milestones that shaped Tatte.

2012

The First Oven Fires Up

Tatte opens its first location in Washington DC with a small menu of handcrafted pastries, artisan breads, and specialty coffee. Lines form before sunrise on opening day.

2014

First Culinary Recognition

Tatte is named one of Washington DC's best new bakeries by local food critics. Our signature cardamom rose croissant becomes a city sensation and a must-try for visitors.

2016

Full Café Menu Launch

Responding to overwhelming demand, Tatte expands beyond pastries to a full breakfast and lunch café menu, featuring handcrafted plates, grain bowls, and seasonal specials.

2018

Specialty Coffee Program

Tatte launches its dedicated specialty coffee program, partnering with single-origin roasters and training baristas to competition standards. Our café becomes a destination for coffee lovers.

2021

Sustainability Pledge

Tatte commits to a comprehensive sustainability program — zero-waste packaging, locally sourced produce partnerships, and a community composting initiative — reducing our environmental footprint.

2024

Serving 30,000+ Guests

Tatte celebrates more than 30,000 guests served and launches online ordering, bringing our handcrafted tatte bakery experience directly to your door across Washington DC.

Meet Our Team

Passionate, skilled, and deeply committed to craft — our team is the heart of everything Tatte creates every single day.

Head Chef & Co-Founder

Lena Harel

With roots in Jerusalem's bustling food markets and training at the Culinary Institute of America, Lena brings bold Mediterranean flavors to every Tatte creation. She personally oversees all recipe development.

Head Pastry Chef

Marcus Webb

A classically trained pastry chef who honed his skills in Paris and London, Marcus is the creative force behind Tatte's celebrated pastry program. His croissants have a devoted following.

Head of Coffee

Aisha Monroe

A certified Q-Grader and competition barista champion, Aisha leads Tatte's specialty coffee program. She travels the world sourcing single-origin beans that tell their own extraordinary stories.

Operations Director

Daniel Park

Daniel ensures every Tatte guest experience is seamless, warm, and memorable. With a background in hospitality management, he leads our front-of-house team with energy and precision.

Passionate about food and hospitality? We're always looking for talented people to join the Tatte family.

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Come Visit Us or Order Now

Step into our Washington DC café at 1634 I St NW, or place your order online and bring the Tatte experience home.

Location

1634 I St NW, Washington DC

Hours

Mon–Fri: 7am–8pm