Washington, D.C. is a city known for its bustling food scene, and brunch is no exception. From classic breakfast dishes to creative culinary creations, the city has something to offer for everyone's taste buds.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch with friends and family, the city has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
The brunch scene in Washington, D.C. is diverse and eclectic, with restaurants serving up everything from traditional American breakfast fare to international cuisine.
Whether you're in the mood for eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, or something more adventurous like shakshuka or Korean fried chicken and waffles, there's a restaurant in the city that's sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best brunch restaurants in Washington, D.C. Whether you're a local or visiting the city, you won't want to miss out on these culinary hotspots.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the most delicious brunch spots in the city.
1. Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is a bustling French-style bistro that offers a comprehensive brunch menu with all the classic dishes.
The restaurant's decor is elegant and lively, transporting diners to a Parisian cafe. Despite the busy atmosphere, the service is top-notch, with attentive and knowledgeable staff.
The menu offers a range of French-inspired dishes, including the Pate de Campagne and Moules Frites, which are both delicious.
The wine and beverage menu is also extensive, with something to suit every taste and budget. While the food is a bit pricey, the overall dining experience is worth it.
2. Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets is a lively brunch spot that offers a wide range of global fare and vegetarian options.
The atmosphere is cozy, and the restaurant doubles as a bookstore and coffee shop.
The service is attentive, and the food is delicious. Although the restaurant can get busy, the wait times are usually short.
If you're looking for a unique brunch experience, Busboys and Poets is definitely worth checking out.
3. Ted's Bulletin
Ted's Bulletin is a bustling brunch spot that serves up classic American fare with a twist.
The menu is extensive, offering plenty of options for breakfast lovers.
The service is attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is lively.
Don't miss out on their homemade pop tarts and boozy milkshakes. It's the perfect spot for a weekend brunch with friends or family.
4. Boundary Stone
Boundary Stone is a cozy brunch restaurant with a charming atmosphere. The service is friendly and the food is pretty good, especially the Stone Burger.
They have a big cocktail and drink list, and their rotating draft choices are also really good.
The outdoor seating is nice, but it can get crowded easily during the weekend. The brunch menu is also worth trying, especially the honey hot serial Benny.
If you're looking for a solid local bar with good food and drinks, Boundary Stone is worth checking out.
5. CIRCA at Foggy Bottom
CIRCA at Foggy Bottom is a bustling brunch spot with a trendy atmosphere and friendly staff.
The menu offers unique and tasty dishes, but some entrée portions may be smaller than expected.
Prices can be a bit high, but the quality of the food and service make it worth the cost.
The restaurant also has indoor and outdoor seating, including a bar area, making it a great spot for drinks and food.
6. Equinox Restaurant
Equinox Restaurant is a sleek and upscale New American brunch spot that offers both vegan and meat options.
The menu is carefully crafted, with thoughtful and flavorful dishes that are not your typical "glorified salads."
The staff is attentive and works together to ensure a comfortable dining experience. The ambiance is modern and well-designed, with partitions for Covid-19 safety.
Equinox Restaurant is a great choice for a special occasion or a fancy weekend brunch.
7. 18th & U Duplex Diner
Looking for a lively brunch spot with great food and attentive service in the city center, 18th & U Duplex Diner is a must-visit.
The menu offers a wide selection of American diner fare, including classic sandwiches, salads, and steak. The brunch menu is especially noteworthy, with a great value and well-made pitchers of mimosas.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating and is dog-friendly.
It's a perfect spot for a casual brunch with friends or to grab a bite before a night out in the city.
8. The Market Lunch
The Market Lunch is a bustling brunch spot with a southern flair. They offer a full spread of breakfast and lunch items, including fresh fish dishes and excellent grits.
The owner/manager sources fresh ingredients from the nearby Eastern Market and takes them directly to the kitchen.
The prices are reasonable, and the market atmosphere adds to the experience.
Although seating can be tight, the food is worth it. The blueberry pancakes and crab cakes are highly recommended.
9. Perry's Restaurant
Perry's Restaurant is a chic hangout for Japanese fare and drinks. The multi-level eatery serves Japanese cuisine, sushi, and specialty cocktails.
The rooftop bar offers a gorgeous open-air atmosphere in Adams Morgan. Perry's is an institution and has been open since the 80s.
The brunch menu is unique and offers a good selection of breakfast and lunch options. The coffee is good and the drinks all sound interesting.
The service is excellent, and the staff is friendly. Perry's is a must-try for anyone who enjoys Japanese cuisine and wants to experience a trendy atmosphere.
10. The Greenhouse
The Greenhouse is a posh brunch restaurant located in a beautiful hotel. The atmosphere is elegant and relaxing, perfect for a special occasion or a fancy meal.
The wait staff is attentive and gracious, making the dining experience even better.
The food is high-quality and delicious, with plenty of vegetarian options available.
While the prices are on the expensive side, it's definitely worth it for the overall experience. If you're looking for a luxurious brunch spot, The Greenhouse is a great choice.
11. Gerrard Street Kitchen
Gerrard Street Kitchen is a fine dining restaurant that offers a unique brunch experience. The menu ranges from sushi rolls to Korean BBQ wings, and everything is made fresh to order.
The service is exceptional, and the staff is polite and attentive. The French press coffee is good, and the Crispy Korean Wings and French Toast are must-haves.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great place to have brunch with family and friends. The pricing is affordable, making it a great value for the quality of the food and service.
Gerrard Street Kitchen is highly recommended for those looking for a unique and delicious brunch experience.
12. Seasons
Seasons is a New American brunch restaurant located in a luxurious hotel.
The restaurant offers a peaceful and elegant atmosphere for diners to enjoy their meals. The food is fresh, tasty, and served in generous portions.
Seasons' staff is highly trained and provides excellent service to customers. The restaurant features a dessert room that is worth visiting.
It is recommended to make reservations, especially during holidays and events. Seasons is a great place to have brunch with friends or family.
13. 1310 Kitchen & Bar
1310 Kitchen & Bar is a brunch restaurant that offers a wide variety of delicious food options at reasonable prices.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with high-top bar seats along the street. The staff is attentive and friendly, making for a delightful dining experience.
The menu is well thought out and offers excellent dishes, including the brisket with eggs and potatoes and the chorizo tacos. The French toast and pancakes with blueberry maple syrup are a must-try.
The bar serves craft cocktails, adding to the upbeat vibe of the place. 1310 Kitchen & Bar is perfect for a casual brunch with friends or family.
14. Pilar DC
Pilar DC is a fantastic brunch spot with exceptional service and high-quality ingredients.
The menu offers a wide selection to cater to different diets and preferences, and the prices are unbeatable for the overall five-star experience.
The upstairs seating area is spacious, while the downstairs bar is lively and well-stocked. The cocktails are well made and strong, and the staff is friendly and cool.
The atmosphere is laid-back and art-laden, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious brunch with friends or family.
15. Cafe Saint-Ex
Cafe Saint-Ex is a cozy brunch spot with an aviation-themed decor that offers a diverse and flavorful bistro menu.
The waitstaff is friendly and attentive, and the outdoor seating is a pleasant spot for people-watching.
The restaurant also transforms into a lively dance floor at night, making it a versatile destination for both brunch and nightlife.
