This homegrown teahouse enterprise currently has three D.C. locations, each similar in their menus of bento boxes, aromatic teas, savory sandwiches, and sweets, though they differ in appearance. This one, in Dupont Circle, is the original, a homey, two-level restaurant and shop tucked inside a century-old building with French windows that overlook the tree-lined street. Penn Quarter’s Teaism has a separate tea shop, one storefront away from the restaurant, and the largest inventory of teas. Lafayette Park’s Teaism is a bit smaller but is conveniently located near the White House. No matter the Teaism, you’ll find these are casual eateries, where you order from a menu that changes seasonally but might include curried chicken, udon noodle soup, Korean beef brisket sandwiches, and a constantly updated inventory of about 55 teas. 

Visit Teaism Lafayette Square, 800 Connecticut Ave. NW (tel. 202/835-2233), near the White House, and Teaism Penn Quarter ★, 400 8th St. NW (tel. 202/638-6010).