23 Best Brunch Spots in Washington DC (Updated) 2024
Washington, DC, is the capital of the US and has several monumental features surrounding it, with lots of glorious achievements and a high fashion society. It pays equal attention to cultural value through many facets, like its beautiful new classical monuments, luxurious lifestyle, and culinary excellence that is appreciated globally. It’s no wonder why a lot of culinary professionals seek to explore the many exquisite places to eat in Washington, DC, which is as exciting as the capital itself.
Therefore, a lot of people usually look for brunch spots in the city, which can range from either a casual atmosphere to a luxurious one with an elegant affair surrounding the chandeliers, champagne, or caviar.
So for that, we made this list of the best brunch restaurants in Washington DC that showcases you possibly the best restaurants you can ever think of. Let’s take a look at them.
The Best Brunch Restaurants in Washington DC This Year
1. Le Diplomate
Why it’s a must visit?
The Le Diplomate is a Quint French bistro that introduces people to spectacular brunch menu choices with lots of freshly made delicacies.
The restaurant has an eye-catching ambiance that reminds people of the magical city of Paris through its many intricate details.
A charming dining area with beautiful outdoor seating with lots of adorable café tables and pretty green striped wicker chairs follows the immersing atmosphere.
Chef’s Choice
The menu here is out of the world, with lots of delicate French delicacies that display a myriad of unique dishes in baked, egg, and other categories.
The taste of the dishes here matches incredibly well with the authentic flavors of France and gives one a complete Parisian experience with its outstanding beverage options.
All the beverages here are made by the house barista and come with luxurious flavors.
One can go for their hot drink or their tasty mimosa, or even their rejuvenating Le dip spritz, too, to complete a wholesome brunch plus French experience.
Location and Contact
- 1601 14th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20009-4306
- Phone:- +1 202-332-3333
- Email:- lediplomate.press@starr-restaurants.com
2. Farmers and Distillers
Why it’s a must visit?
The Farmers and Distillers restaurant is known for serving delectable food with a colorful global range of drinks that are made with handmade techniques.
It’s one of the top-rated brunch restaurants in DC that has managed to establish its reputation for its exceptional menu.
At this place, one gets to enjoy all you can eat meal courses with several dishes to experiment on.
No matter what you get here, you are bound to love every dish that this restaurant offers, as they are all made in an efficient manner.
Chef’s Choice
Without second thoughts, go for their all you can eat meal that includes dishes ranging from coconut chia bowl to bruleed grapefruit, French toast, and a lot more.
Every dish here comes in tasty varieties and is worth trying.
But, if you want to try something unique instead of just having a mimosa, then their signature cocktails will be a good option.
Their signature cocktails include varieties like brunch on the boulevard, Campari, espresso-infused Amaro, and bourbon.
Location and Contact
- 600 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-5358
- Phone:- +1 202-464-3001
- Email:- pr@frg.farm
3. Ambar Capitol Hill
Why it’s a must visit?
The Ambar Capitol Hill restaurant is known for its extensive menu serving classic Balkan cuisine that makes one feel as if they are dining in an entirely different world with exceptional cuisine selections.
The restaurant provides people with a fantastic brunch outing experience as it’s located in the most convenient part of the city.
It has two locations in Washington DC, but the newly established one is the best among all the others as it has an indoor sitting with a rooftop and a patio too.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant has a broad menu that lists several buffet and drink options in flavorsome varieties.
During the two-hour period dining here, one gets to try their particular servings of eggs Benedict and delicious meze platters, which taste fabulous.
In the drink options, their classic bloody Marys and their exquisite mango mimosas are considered to be the best choices here.
Location and Contact
- 523 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003-2835
- Phone:- +1 202-813-3039
4. The Smith
Why it’s a must visit?
The Smith restaurant is situated in Penn Quarter and is a beloved local diner that is famous for its brunch specialties.
The restaurant is a prominent DC branch in the famous part of New York and specializes in providing people with exquisite raw brunch dishes in a flavorful way.
The restaurant is exceedingly spacious and has both an outdoor and indoor setting that is classy and sophisticated at the same time.
It’s also perfect for having a fancy romantic date with your partner, as it provides people with affordable and upscale brunch options.
Another thing to remember about this restaurant is that it remains highly crowded during Saturdays, and therefore it is recommended that one should book a reservation here beforehand.
The weekend brunch here is superb and needs to be experienced atleast once.
Location and Contact
- 901 F St NW Penn Quarter, Washington DC, DC 20004-1417
- Phone:- +1 202-868-4900
5. Unconventional Diner
Why it’s a must visit?
The unconventional diner is situated in the heart of Washington, DC, and delivers people creative brunch varieties in several unique forms.
The restaurant has an extensive menu that displays several delectable items at affordable prices.
Furthermore, the restaurant has a vast dining space, which is bright and cozy and has a lot of botanical interior surrounding it.
It’s considered to be among the top restaurants in Washington, DC, for brunch, as the place embodies the perfect brunch setting, especially on a sunny day, surrounded by green plants.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant has everything savory and sweet that one can imagine, with exceptional choices.
At this place, one gets to decide between their delectable blueberry pancakes, French toast that comes seasoned with Apple confit, to Lebanese fried rice and chicken and waffles.
The wholesome goodies here, with several toothsome options, have made it one of the famous restaurants for those who have a sweet tooth.
Location and Contact
- 1207 9th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-4375
- Phone:- +1 202-847-0122
- Email:- hello@eatunconventional.com
6. Hank’s Oyster Bar
Why it’s a must visit?
The Hank’s Oyster Bar restaurant is not only one of the best places to eat brunch in Washington, DC, but is also an excellent seafood diner that excels in its culinary performance.
The restaurant delivers people the freshest variety of locally sourced seafood dishes that has earned its loyal patrons.
The reason why this restaurant is so loved across DC is that it serves authentic Sunday local seafood varieties that are delivered in a refreshing way.
The restaurant not only offers people incredible seafood brunch varieties but also a cozy atmosphere that is ideal as a Sunday brunch option.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant shows its specialization in its locally sourced seafood in various decadent varieties that are indeed satisfying in every way.
Some of those incredible dishes are their crab cakes, fresh oysters, and seasonal fish, which are unique brunch options in seafood.
Other outstandingly flavored dishes are their fried fish sandwich and tasty crab cake Benedict, which are the favorite items on the menu.
Location and Contact
- 701 Wharf St SW, Washington DC, DC 20024-3433
- Phone:- +1 202-817-3055
- Email:- info@hanksdc.com
7. Agora
Why it’s a must visit?
The Agora restaurant is not just a simple brunch diner but serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine variety in the nicest form.
The restaurant presents people with a bottomless brunch variety for each person and has an exquisite menu that displays gourmet options.
It’s a perfect restaurant for encountering an entirely new experience with exotic flavors to tantalize your taste buds.
Chef’s Choice
One definitely by no chance miss on their tasty spreads as it is incredibly famous here and is the reason why it’s considered to be among the great restaurants in DC.
Other delectable Mediterranean delicacies here are htipiti, baba ganouj, and labneh, which go along exceptionally well with their delicate and freshly baked pita bread.
Whereas, for the entree option, nothing could beat their sucuklu pide, which is a special flatbread that comes with a seasoning of tasty and spicy Turkish beef sausage, pesto, and mozzarella cheese.
It’s a dish that has managed to enamor its visitors and has earned their trust.
Location and Contact
- 1527 17th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20036-6233
- Phone:- +1 202-332-6767
- Email:- info@agoradc.net
8. Fiola Mare
Why it’s a must visit?
The Fiola Mare restaurant is considered to be among the best brunch food joints in Washington, DC, which provides people with stunning views of the Georgetown waterfront.
Its picturesque rooftop location has made it exceedingly trendy among young couples who like to dine in a peaceful manner by gazing at the serene water waves.
Also, the interior is designed in a nautical way with nostalgic sailboat photographs, large windows, cozy blue seats, and relaxing chairs, along with an overall aesthetic vibe.
Chef’s Choice
Besides its panoramic views, the restaurant has an exquisite menu that specializes in seafood near me varieties with lots of fresh and delectable items.
Dishes like spaghetti with clams and lobster rolls are considered to be delightful dishes here that have a light flavor and are delicious options.
There are other classic varieties like warm pastries, and lemon ricotta pancakes are flavorful, too, if one wants to taste something sweet and savory.
Location and Contact
- 3050 K St NW Suite 101, Washington DC, DC 20007-5122
- Phone:- +1 202-350-4982
- Email:- reservations@fabiotrabocchi.com
9. Succotash
Why it’s a must visit?
The Succotash restaurant introduces people to delectable southern fare, and because of that reason, it has become one of the cool places to eat in DC.
The restaurant provides people with a modern spin on classical Southern cuisine with its exceptional hospitality and breathtaking ambiance.
The restaurant is also situated at the national harbor and therefore remains a convenient place to visit for grabbing quick southern bites.
Chef’s Choice
The chef here, Edward Lee, has bagged the James Beard award for his expertise in creating delectable Korean and southern food with soulful flavors.
In the same way, the restaurant also has a soulful menu that will make even the pickiest eaters marvel over its exceptional flavors.
As appetizer options, one should try sticky pecan buns and tasty jalapeño poppers as they make for incredible starter options.
After that, follow with their delectable waffles, lobster Benedict or fried chicken, as their taste is beyond anything you might ever imagine.
Not to mention how great and healthy their grits, juicy pimento cheeseburger, and shrimps are as they provide people with a wholesome southern branch experience in flavorful forms.
Location and Contact
- 915 F St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-1493
- Phone:- +1 202-849-6933
- Email:- info@succotashrestaurant.com
10. Duke’s Grocery
Why it’s a must visit?
The Duke’s Grocery restaurant is a charming East London fashioned pub that introduces people to exuberant classic English varieties within its funky ambiance.
The restaurant is considered to be among the cool places to eat in Washington DC, especially among youngsters, who enjoy its delectable pub options along with a trendy atmosphere.
It has both an indoor and outdoor setting and plays lively music which blends well with its overall cozy ambiance.
Among the several places to lunch around me this one takes the top spot as it fulfils every parameter one desires.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant introduces people to traditional English brand choices with the dishes like runny eggs, which are considered to be the finest among the other options.
Other dishes worth mentioning here are their Earth to Sea Tartine along with Shakshuka, which are both flavorful options.
Their bright branch drinks like Narragansett, mimosas, and bloody house Marys are fine choices due to pair with the dishes.
Location and Contact
- 1513 17th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20036-6230
- Phone:- +1 202-733-5623
- Email:- dukesgrocery@gmail.com
11. Commissary
Why it’s a must visit?
The Commissary restaurant is a place one visits when they are speculating over where to eat a sinfully delicious brunch in DC that is open all time of the day.
The restaurant is pretty unconventional from other branch diners, as it provides a daily breakfast menu almost every day, no matter what time.
Because of its lively ambiance and overall atmospheric surrounding, the place has become a frequented spot to visit for grabbing tasty brunch options.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant serves people a complete branch eating experience with delicacies that are indeed hard to overlook.
Its lovely and sweet dulce de leche grilled cheese, along with panini, make for outstanding branch options that are exceptional in every form,
In the same way, their breakfast salads are a perfect way to start your day on a rejuvenating note, along with their Grain bowl, which is the healthiest form of branch option you can try at this place.
Its refreshing smoothies are perfect for those who have a sweet tooth and love energizing drinks.
But the one thing that should definitely not be missed here is their bloody Mary which has fetched several awards for its delicate consistency.
Location and Contact
- 1443 P St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-1907
- Phone:- +1 202-299-0018
- Email:- commissary@eatwelldc.com
12. Ala
Why it’s a must visit?
The Ala diner was previously known as a Turkish restaurant titled ‘Ankara’ but got wholly refurbished and expanded its base to include several Middle Eastern delicacies.
The instant renovation of the restaurant left people in awe of the remarkable delicacies of Middle Eastern cuisine that feel exotic and outlandish.
The restaurant follows the Levantine approach towards its interior with warm colors and a stylish ambiance.
Its classy interior is the reason why it has earned such a big favorite among the people who always love to experience exoticness here.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant covers almost every middle eastern dish that one can imagine ranging from their bottomless meze, drinks, sweets, and main courses.
The maze might sound a bit unfamiliar but are small plate dishes that contain mouthwatering falafel patties, turkey sausage omelet, manóushe with zaátar, and fried halloumi as its main items.
Also, don’t forget to try their divine wine variety from Palestine, Georgia, and Armenia, which are significant highlights here.
Location and Contact
- 1320 19th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20036-1610
- Phone:- +1 202-717-1166
- Email:- meet@ala-dc.com
13. Medium Rare
Why it’s a must visit?
The Medium Rare restaurant is a cozy diner that has a lively ambiance and provides excellent bottomless brunch varieties at reasonable prices.
The restaurant lives up to its expectations and is an ideal spot for unwinding and indulging in exceptional meals.
It’s also famous among the local people of DC, who love its subtle flavors and outstanding varieties.
Also, it has both an indoor and outdoor setting with a bustling environment, which is perfect for those who want to enjoy feasting on tasty dishes.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant showcases people a vibrant menu with famous steak frites varieties.
The diner serves delicious steak Frites that often come with a complementary dish of poached eggs along with a divine sauce that is made with secret recipes.
Its steaks are the reason why this restaurant is now considered to be among the great restaurants in Washington, DC, that have a venerated image.
Also, the restaurant is quite a steal as it offers people massive food portions with satisfying flavors.
Location and Contact
- 3500 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20008-6409
- Phone:- +1 202-237-1432
- Email:- mail@MediumRareRestaurant.com
14. Due South
Why it’s a must visit?
The Due South restaurant is situated in Navy Yard and offers people exceptional southern food choices with a stunning riverfront view.
The restaurant will indeed leave you with a satisfying smile on your face because of its wide quaint varieties that are highly appreciated everywhere in Washington, DC.
One is bound to have an unforgettable dining experience here that is served in large portions, and it is one of the hottest family restaurants for this reason.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant showcases several comfort food varieties with its lovely burgers, biscuits, shrimp, and grits which are tasty choices to go for.
Also, don’t forget to try their Due South Benedict, which is an exceptional dish and comes loaded with tangy pulled pork enveloped with a smoky aroma.
One can even go for classics like traditional eggs and ham Benedict that are complementarily served with biscuits.
Other outstanding dishes here are chicken and waffles, sausage gravy, and Brunswick stew, which comes in massive portions and will soothe any aching belly.
Location and Contact
- 301 Water St SE Navy Yard, Washington DC, DC 20003-3734
- Phone:- +1 202-479-4616
- Email:- info@duesouthdc.com
15. Lapis
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lapis restaurant is a phenomenal diner that has gorgeous lapis-colored columns along with polished white-washed walls and spectacular Afghan rugs with heirloom photos that are truly magical.
Lapis lazuli is a precious stone that is found in the Middle East, which this restaurant is titled after and, in the same way, envelops the entire essence of it.
The restaurant is known for its charming Middle Eastern cuisine that is offered in exotic sections here that are perfect for anyone who is a culinary enthusiast.
Chefs Choice
It’s a family-owned restaurant that specializes in Afghan cuisine with authentic aromatic flavors.
All the food items here are served fresh without any extra preservatives and take the authentic spices of regional cuisine that gives it its delicate taste.
It’s perfect for those who prefer lighter meals, as the restaurant has several options catering to that necessity.
The brunch varieties here include dishes like their rosewater cardamom pancakes that come with lukewarm rosewater syrup and pistachios.
Their bologna is also a good alternative as it is a crispy flatbread that comes with a personal filling of your choice, along with tasty yogurt and chutney.
Location and Contact
- 1847 Columbia Rd NW Between North Biltmore Street & North Mintwood Pl, Washington DC, DC 20009-2005
- Phone:- +1 202-299-9630
- Email:- info@lapisdc.com
16. Belga Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The Belga Cafe takes one into an entirely different world of France with its exceptional Belgian cuisine that it is praised for globally.
The restaurant is situated in the Barracks Row and remains a famous spot because of the delicacies created by the masterful chef named Bart Vandaele.
The restaurant has an elegant outdoor setting that is ideal for enjoying a Friday brunch with its many exquisite dishes.
Chef’s Choice
It’s probably one of the finest brunch spots in DC to enjoy Belgium’s signature waffles that are both savory and sweet.
Besides their signature waffles, the diner also mentions several delectable dishes like mussel pots, authentic Belgian hot chocolate, and various forms of egg dishes that are equally tasty.
Their brunch cocktails like passion fruit and sparkling mocktails mixed with dragon fruit are exceptional sampling varieties.
Those drinks need to be tried to get an authentic Belgian culinary experience.
Location and Contact
- 514 8th St SE, Washington DC, DC 20003-2834
- Phone:- +1 202-544-0100
- Email:- info@belgacafe.com
17. Iron Gate Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The iron gate restaurant was previously a resident of circa 1875 home and then got refurbished into a completely new diner serving quality brunch varieties.
It’s one of the oldest restaurants in DC that has managed to earn a reputed image for its glorious architecture and food.
It’s a fancy restaurant that keeps up a historical image with its reminiscent interior along with a retro ambiance that is perfect for romantic dates.
Chef’s Choice
As it’s an old restaurant, it makes sure that it follows generational recipes through the magical creations of Tony Chittum.
The chef Tony Chittum entices people with exquisite Mediterranean-flavored dishes that can be seen from his various decadent dishes like roasted pepper lumache with shrimp, lemon ricotta pancakes, and Rosemary pine nut tart with an adorned bed of Jupiter grape sorbet.
Also, the wine cellar here is fantastic, showcasing more than 125-year-old wisteria wines that can be seen from the patio and are perfect sampling options.
Location and Contact
- 1734 N St NW, Washington DC, DC 20036-2990
- Phone:- +1 202-524-5202
- Email:- manager@irongaterestaurabtdc.com
18. Convivial
Why it’s a must visit?
The Convivial restaurant is a quaint little French bistro that serves authentic dishes made with actual recipes with a modern twist.
The restaurant is definitely a show-stopper destination to dine at, as everything tastes divine heref.
Even though this restaurant has a small menu, its delicacies will quickly make you forget about its modesty and will make you swoon over how delicious they are.
The restaurant follows its catchphrase of ‘feasting, eating and good company’ and therefore is a perfect place to visit with your friends for a reunion or just a fun hang out.
Chef’s Choice
Even though the ambiance of the restaurant is accommodating and comfortable, the portion size here will be the reason which will surprise you the most because of how massive they are.
All of their wholesome goodies are delectable here, especially their cinnamon bun or their lavish gruyere cheese with leeks.
Location and Contact
- 801 O St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3525
- Phone:- +1 202-525-2870
- Email:- hello@convivialdc.com
19. Palette 22
Why it’s a must visit?
The Palette 22 restaurant has an impressive tagline of ‘food, art, fun’ and is a funky restaurant that has become quite famous among teenagers and youngsters.
The restaurant has a hip and vibrant atmosphere and is situated in Arlington, Virginia, of the Shirlington village.
It also has a huge parking space with an excellent outdoor dining setting.
It’s a casual diner, which basically provides people with a refined bottomless brunch experience with a tasty variety and unique outdoor seating.
Chef’s Choice
The restaurant infuses global flavors in its dishes in small plate varieties, which is perfect for partaking, and therefore it is also considered to be among the best family restaurants in DC.
Also, the restaurant takes inspiration from street food with global spices, along with tasty mimosa drinks to pair with it.
The food here comes in several colorful mixtures and textures, which somehow depicts the creativity of its chefs and their genius.
Overall, it’s a great place to stop by for a casual dining experience with exuberant drink options.
Location and Contact
- 4053 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206, United States
- Phone:- +1 703-746-9007
20. Ottoman Taverna
Why it’s a must visit?
The Ottoman Taverna restaurant is situated between Gallery Place in Mount Vernon Square and is considered to be among the finest brunch spots in Washington, DC.
The restaurant has a classy, sleek, spacious, and contemporary interior that blends exceptionally well with the Middle Eastern atmosphere.
The restaurant offers people outdoor and indoor seating, but the indoor ones are exclusively for holding special events.
Chef’s Choice
The variety here is mouthwatering, featuring bottomless mimosas and a specialized La carte brunch menu with exquisite options.
Among its many highlighted options, the ones that take the crown are their Sigara Boregi which is an original Ottoman dish and has a distinct flavor.
The dish is a hot mezze cheese that contains vegetable mezze stuffed in a tasty flaky phyllo roll.
It’s truly a hot take on authentic ottoman dishes to get an original epicurean adventure.
Location and Contact
- 425 I Street North West Between K & I On 4th Street Side, Washington DC, DC 20001-2542
- Phone:- +1 202-847-0389
- Email:- info@ottomantaverna.com
21. Founding Farmers
Why it’s a must visit?
The Founding Farmers restaurant is situated in several parts of Washington, like in downtown DC and another Virginia too.
It is a perfect first-time restaurant to visit to try excellent brunch options in suitable varieties.
The restaurant has one can figure from its name and follows an altruistic approach towards using ingredients gathered locally from its farmers and supporting sustainability.
Chef’s Choice
Because the items here are directly fetched from the local farmers, the food here has a refreshing flavor that is unmatchable anywhere else.
Even though everything here has a delectable taste, their beignets are a completely divine dish that should never be missed.
Almost everything here is made from scratch, and that’s why it takes nearly 20 minutes for the food to get prepared.
It is definitely worth the wait as the food lives up to its expectations.
Location and Contact
- 1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20006-3607
- Phone:- +1 202-822-8783
- Email:- pr@frg.farm
22. Gypsy Kitchen
Why it’s a must visit?
The Gypsy Kitchen is located in the heart of 14th Street and is a hearty brunch option to go for in DC.
The restaurant near me not only offers people a complete brunch menu but also has spectacular beverage options that need to be taken a look at.
Not to mention how spectacular its full-service outdoor experience is in accommodating every need of its customers.
Its rooftop setting has also made it an incredibly famous destination that is perfect for those who are looking for the thrill of dining under the sky.
Chef’s Choice
Just like its tasty brunch menu, the beverage section here is fascinating, too, with several rejuvenating varieties.
Its casual atmosphere, with quick bite options, has furthermore made it a beloved food destination in DC.
The Belgian waffles here are to die for, along with their crab omelets which is a perfect dish for seafood lovers, as well as for those who want to experience a wholesome brunch.
Location and Contact
- 1825 14th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20009-4425
- Phone:- +1 202-765-0500
- Email:- gypsykitchendc@sphospitality.com
23. Sababa
Why it’s a must visit?
The dash restaurant is situated in Cleveland Park and remains of the top destinations to grab brunch in DC.
Because of its neighboring Cleveland Park, the restaurant shares a stunning location near botanical sights with lovely brunches.
It’s also particularly excellent for friends to have a great time hanging out and sharing their dishes as it’s offered in small plates here.
But due to its huge demand and popularity, the restaurant only offers people two hour of dining limit, so that everybody gets a fair chance here.
Chef’s Choice
The menu here states several divine options, like Bib Gourmand Nod, which is a specialized Israeli dish and is pretty exotic.
But for appetizer options, nothing could beat their fried cauliflower and halloumi.
Whereas for a satisfying and filling brunch experience, their kebabs are a must try here, especially with their energizing bottomless mimosas.
Location and Contact
- 3311 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20008-1302
- Phone:- +1 202-244-6750
Final Thoughts
A lot of people usually visit Washington to encounter an altogether entirely new experience with various landmarks and performing arts and it gorgeously manages to enamor any inquisitive traveler.
Therefore, it goes without saying why some people are completely hypnotized by this city which manages to excel not only in its monumental significance but also in culinary excellence through its numerous fascinating places to eat. If this place has managed to capture your attention, then it would be an obvious choice to know about the best brunch restaurants in DC so that one is able to explore the cuisine variety here easily.
Nonetheless, brunch remains the most important meal of the day, and therefore it would rather be a wise choice to start your day by eating at reputed dining establishments. Bon appétit!
