When it comes to the best brunch places in DC, there are so many amazing options. Diners can choose between a Michelin rated a la carte menu, or a fun bottomless weekend brunch. For bottomless brunch options in Washington DC, scroll down.
Best Brunch In DC: Michelin Rated
Washington DC is home to some of the best brunch spots in the country with new brunches popping up all over. Many of these DC brunch spots have been recognized by the Michelin Guide. Here are some best brunches in Washington DC that have also been highly rated and some that are even on the Michelin Bib Gourmand List.
Pastis In Union Market
Pastis made its debut in Washington DC in 2023. It has been a long standing favorite brunch spot in NYC where it has received recognition for its brunch. Some of the popular menu items at Pastis include their bagel and lox, their profiteroles as well as their egg dishes.
What To Order At Pastis For Brunch:
Zaytinya – Great For Groups!
Zaytinya is a Mediterranean restaurant located in the heart of the nation’s capital. Zaytinya has received a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide, which recognizes restaurants that offer high-quality food at an affordable price. This restaurant is a designer’s delight with large windows and soaring high ceilings.
Zaytinya has a mezze-style brunch menu that includes dishes like shakshuka, lamb kebab, and hummus. You can also order from their main menu during brunch as well. For a good time with a large group, Zaytinya allows you to book up to 8 people at a time using their online reservation system.
What To Order At Zaytinya For Brunch
- Seared Halloumi: Perfectly textured cheesy brunch dish.
- Taramosalata: Surprisingly delightful (cured carp roe spread)
Residents Cafe – Beautiful Outdoor Patio
When it comes to DC brunch spots, Residents Cafe is very popular. This is cozy neighborhood cafe has a delicious brunch menu which can make getting reservations here challenging. It is the perfect spot for a small group of friends to catch up especially when the weather is nice. During cherry blossom season the outdoor patio decor is seasonally inspired.
The menu at Residents Cafe includes classic brunch dishes like avocado toast and pancakes. They also offer a variety of coffee drinks and fresh juices. Residents Cafe has received a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide.
What To Order At Resident’s Cafe For Brunch
- Turkish Eggs: This dish featuring grilled pita, farm eggs, garlic labneh, and house-pickled tomatoes seems to be a crowd favorite.
- Merguez & Sweet Potato Hash: This savory option with house-made merguez sausage, sweet potatoes, peppers, and a fried egg is another menu item frequently mentioned with praise.
- Spicy Friend Chicken Sandwich: This is also a very popular option on their brunch menu.
- Cinnamon Bun Pancakes: If you have a sweet tooth, these pancakes infused with prosecco and topped with candied pecans and a decadent bourbon caramel sauce are a popular choice.
- French Toast Bites: Another good option for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Blue Duck Tavern – Great For Celebrating
Blue Duck Tavern is a sophisticated American restaurant located in the West End neighborhood of DC. Brunch here is the perfect way to celebrate special occasions like a baby shower or bridal shower. In addition to the main dining room, Blue Duck Tavern also has many private areas for private dining.
They offer a farm-to-table brunch menu that features dishes like smoked salmon, buttermilk pancakes, and steak and eggs. The menu also includes a variety of cocktails and wines to pair with your meal. Blue Duck Tavern has previously received one Michelin star rating from the Michelin Guide and now is featured on the Bib Gourmand list. It is definitely one of Washington DC’s best brunch spot.
What To Order At Blue Duck Tavern For Brunch
- Avocado Toast: Delicious option, great for vegans (without egg) or vegetarians (with egg)
- Duck Confit Hash: Very good, but crab cake may be preferred
- Single Crab Cake: Excellent, especially with their special sauce
- Eggs Benedict: One of the best, perfect bread with a hint of mustard
- French toast: Too sweet due to pound cake pairing
- Blue Duck Tavern Fries: Soft and delicious, served with tasty sauce
- Blue Duck Tavern Brunch Burger: Juicy and delicious, served open-style on toast
Oyamel – Yummy Mexican
Oyamel is a Mexican restaurant by Chef Jose Andres in our nation’s capital city. It is located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of DC. Their brunch menu features traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast burritos. They also offer a variety of cocktails and tequilas to pair with your meal. Oyamel has received a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide.
What To Order At Oyamel For Brunch
- Chilaquiles Con Chorizo Y Huevo Estrellado: House-made tortilla chips with chorizo, salsa ranchera, chihuahua cheese, red onion, and fried organic egg
- Huevos Rancheros: Fried egg served on tortillas stuffed with mashed Rebosero beans, with sliced avocado, seared queso fresco, and salsa roja
- Carne Machaca Con Huevos Revueltos: Scrambled organic eggs served on a tortilla with dried shredded beef, potatoes, poblano chile, salsa Mexicana, avocado, and a smoky sauce of chile pasilla de Oaxaca
- Churros De San Angel Con Chocolate Caliente: Mexican fried pastry dipped in cinnamon sugar, served with a side of hot chocolate
Dauphine’s- Best For Live Music During Brunch
Dauphines is a French-inspired restaurant located close to popular cocktail bar Grazie Mille. Dauphine’s has a brunch menu that includes dishes like croque madame, quiche, and French toast. They also have live music during brunch, which adds to the ambiance. Dauphines has received a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide.
What To Order At Dauphine’s
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: Well battered and crispy, but chicken thigh lacked flavor
- Eggs Neptune: Crab cake Benedict with crawfish Hollandaise, sauce and creation loved, but lacked sufficient crab cake
- Beignets: Solid with powdered sugar, no complaints
- White StCharlesPunch: Marquee cocktail, well balanced, tart, nuanced
Makan – Amazing Asian Cuisine
Makan is a Malaysian restaurant located in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC. Their brunch menu features dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, and laksa. They also offer a variety of coffee drinks and teas to pair with your meal. Makan has received a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide.
What To Order At Makan For Brunch:
- Coconut Pandan: Highlight of the brunch menu
- Kerabu Mangga: Green mango and calamansi salad with fermented shrimp paste sambal
- Cucur Udang: Fluffy shrimp fritters with tamarind chili sauce
- Sate Ayam: Chicken skewers with roasted peanut sauce
- Roti Banjir: Roti topped with coconut curry, dhal, sambal, and soft egg
- Nasi Lemak: Fragrant steamed rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan, served with chicken confit, fried anchovies, boiled egg, and cucumber
- Ayam Goreng Perempah: Fried chicken with chili crumbles and tomato sambal
Elle Cafe All Day Menu
Elle Cafe is a trendy cafe located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of DC. They offer an all-day brunch menu that includes dishes like avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and granola bowls. They also have a variety of coffee drinks and fresh juices. Elle Cafe has received a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin Guide giving you a good reason to head to the outskirts of DC to try this place.
If you’re looking for a delicious brunch in DC, these Michelin-rated restaurants are sure to impress. From Mediterranean to Mexican to American cuisine, there’s something for everyone on these menus.
What To Order At Elle
- Breakfast Sandwich: This is what they are famous for. It is an indulgent sandwich with smoked brisket, eggs and cheese.
- Coffee Drinks: Their coffee based beverages are also very popular.
Fiola Mare – Waterfront Brunch
Fiola Mare is a very popular Italian restaurant in Georgetown. It is also one of the best restaurants in the D.C. area. It has beautiful waterfront dining and gives you an elegant brunch experience. It’s a top spot to spend your Sunday morning.
What To Order At Fiola Mare
- Fiola Mare Benedict: A signature dish featuring poached eggs, crab cakes, hollandaise sauce, and English muffin.
- Lobster Frittata: Indulge in a flavorful frittata made with lobster, roasted red peppers, and fontina cheese.
- Seafood Tower: For a luxurious start, indulge in a seafood tower featuring oysters, shrimp, crab, and other delicacies.
- Lemon Ricotta Toast: Savor the bright flavors of lemon ricotta toast topped with fresh herbs and olive oil.
- Seasonal Fruit Plate: Enjoy a light and refreshing plate of seasonal fresh fruits for a healthy brunch option.
Le Diplomate
Le Diplomate is one of the most popular restaurants on 14th street in DC. The best part about this parisian-style brasseries is that it is buzzing all day long. Right near Logan Circle, Le Dip as it is abbreviated by locals is the perfect place for a sceney brunch.
What To Order At Le Diplomate During Brunch
- Croque Madame: Indulge in a decadent sandwich made with ham, Gruyère cheese, béchamel sauce, and a fried egg on top, served with a side of pommes frites.
- Omelette au Fromage: Enjoy a fluffy omelette filled with your choice of cheese, such as Gruyère or goat cheese, served with a side salad or pommes frites.
- Quiche Lorraine: Delight in a savory tart filled with bacon, Gruyère cheese, and creamy custard, baked until golden brown and served with a side of mixed greens.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: Start your brunch with a classic appetizer of Burgundy snails cooked in garlic herb butter, served with crusty bread for dipping.
Unconventional Diner
Come hungry to this Shaw based restaurant because the portions here are big. It’s a good place if you are hungry and in the Convention Center part of the nation’s capital. Just a few dishes here can feed the whole table. From their spicy fried Chicken Sandwich to their fluffy pancakes, you will enjoy this elevated diner experience.
Plus you can get the brunch menu here everyday until the late afternoon. So you don’t need to wait until Saturday monring brunch to get your fried eggs and crispy bacon fix.
What To Order At Unconventional Diner
- Buttermilk Pancakes: Enjoy fluffy pancakes with blueberry compote that hits your taste buds in all the right places.
- Breakfast Burrito: Savor a hearty breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado, salsa, and your choice of protein such as bacon, sausage, or chorizo, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
- Everything Lox: Enjoy smoked salmon with a poached egg and cream cheese on a yummy everything bagel.
Best Brunch In DC: Best Bottomless Brunch DC
For those looking for a boozy brunch experience, Washington DC has plenty of options for bottomless brunches. Here are some of the best places to enjoy endless drinks without sacrificing on food quality.
Lyle Hotel Boozy Bottomless Brunch
The Lyle Hotel brunch has a DJ on the weekends and serves a yummy brunch. This Dupont Circle hotel is on a tree-lined street a few blocks from the main area of Dupont.
What To Order At The Lyle Brunch:
The Bloody Mary
The Breakfast Sandwich
The Eggs Benedict
Planta Queen – Best For Vegetarians And Vegans
Planta Queen has been a great addition to the DC brunch scene. For people with dietary restrictions, this is a vegan restaurant has delicious brunch items.
In addition to fresh fruit and plant based brunch food, Planta Queen has an endless brunch cocktail option for a fixed price per person. Guests can enjoy unlimited mimosas, bellinis, or bloody marys for 90 minutes. The brunch menu includes vegan takes on classic brunch dishes such as avocado toast and French toast.
What To Order At Planta Queen
- Avocado Toast: Planta’s take on this classic dish often features perfectly ripe avocado spread on artisanal toast, topped with flavorful ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, radish, microgreens, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Plant-Based Pancakes: Planta’s pancakes are fluffy and decadent, made with plant-based ingredients and served with a variety of toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, and vegan whipped cream.
- Breakfast Bowl: This hearty and nutritious dish typically includes a base of grains or greens, topped with scrambled tofu or tempeh, avocado, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
- Smoothie Bowl: Planta’s smoothie bowls are not only delicious but also visually stunning. They’re made with a blend of tropical fruits, topped with granola, coconut flakes, and fresh fruit for a refreshing and satisfying brunch option.
Ambar Capitol Hill – Unlimited Food And Drink!
Ambar is a popular restaurant chain in the DMV area. Most of their locations including the ones in Virginia have a bottomless brunch option.
Ambar Capitol Hill offers a Balkan-inspired bottomless brunch for $39 per person. Guests can enjoy unlimited small plates and drinks for two hours. The brunch menu includes dishes such as Balkan eggs Benedict and stuffed sourdough French toast. The drink menu includes mimosas, bellinis, and Bloody Marys.
What To Order At Ambar Capitol Hill
- Balkan Benedict: A unique twist on the classic Eggs Benedict, featuring poached eggs, savory Balkan cheese spread (kajmak), and prosciutto on a toasted English muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce.
- Shakshouka: A flavorful dish consisting of poached eggs in a rich tomato and pepper stew, seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika, and served with crusty bread for dipping.
- Unlimited Small Plates: Ambar offers a unique all-you-can-eat brunch experience, allowing guests to order unlimited small plates from a diverse menu of Balkan-inspired dishes, including mezze, salads, soups, and grilled meats.
Ala – Bottomless Build Your Own Mimosa Bar
Ala is a beautiful Middle Eastern restaurant with locations in DC and also in Bethesda. Ala is also a featured restaurant in the Michelin guide.
This restaurant has bottomless mimosas for $20 per person. Guests can create their own mimosa combinations with a variety of juices and fruit purees. The brunch menu includes dishes such as avocado toast and chicken and waffles.
What To Order At Ala DC
- Kouign-Amann pastry “Lavender Fields”: Among the best in the city, featuring lavender, lemon zest, and a rich cream filling resembling frosting or butter
- Turmeric Latte: Very popular menu item
Boqueria – Spanish Tapas And Sangria
Boqueria offers a Spanish-inspired bottomless brunch for $39 per person. Guests can enjoy unlimited small plates and drinks for two hours. The brunch menu includes dishes such as huevos rotos and torrijas. The drink menu includes mimosas, sangria, and Bloody Marys.
What To Order At Boqueria DC
- Patatas Bravas: Crispy potatoes served with spicy tomato sauce and aioli, a classic Spanish tapas dish.
- Gambas al Ajillo: Sizzling shrimp sautéed with garlic, chili, and olive oil, bursting with flavor.
- Tortilla Española: A Spanish omelette made with eggs, potatoes, and onions, cooked until golden and served in thick slices.
- Sangria: Refreshing Spanish wine-based cocktail mixed with fruit and spices, perfect for pairing with tapas or enjoying on its own.
La Vie DC Wharf – Unlimited Small Plates And Bottomless Cocktails
La Vie in the pretty DC Wharf area has an unlimited small plates and bottomless cocktails brunch for $49 per person. Guests can enjoy dishes such as lobster benedict and chicken and waffles. The drink menu includes mimosas, bellinis, and Bloody Marys. If you come hungry and sober, this ia good deal to get your weekend going.
What To Order For Bottomless Brunch At La Vie
- Shakshuka: A traditional North African and Middle Eastern dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce, served with crusty bread for dipping.
- French Toast: Indulge in thick slices of brioche bread soaked in a sweet custard, then grilled to perfection and served with maple syrup and fresh berries.
- Lobster Benedict: Elevate your brunch experience with poached eggs, lobster meat, and hollandaise sauce atop toasted English muffins, a luxurious twist on a classic dish.
- Mediterranean Omelette: Enjoy a fluffy omelette filled with a variety of Mediterranean ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and spinach, served with a side of roasted potatoes.
- Seafood Tower: Treat yourself to an extravagant seafood tower featuring oysters, shrimp, crab legs, and other delicacies, perfect for sharing with friends or loved ones.
- Bottomless Mimosas: Enhance your brunch experience with bottomless mimosas, made with sparkling wine and freshly squeezed orange juice, a classic brunch beverage.
Via Sophia – Gourmet Italian Brunch
Via Sophia offers a bottomless brunch for $45 per person. Guests can enjoy unlimited drinks and dishes such as eggs Benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes. The drink menu includes mimosas, bellinis, and Bloody Marys.
What To Order For Brunch At Via Sophia
- Margherita Pizza: Enjoy a classic pizza topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil, cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
- Cacio e Pepe: Indulge in a simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring spaghetti or bucatini noodles tossed with Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and a touch of olive oil.
- Branzino: Savor a whole roasted branzino fish served with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and a side of roasted vegetables, a light and healthy option bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
- Burrata Salad: Start your meal with a refreshing salad made with creamy burrata cheese, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a perfect appetizer for sharing.
- Eggplant Parmigiana: Delight in layers of fried eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked until bubbly and golden brown, a comforting and satisfying Italian classic.
- Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic tiramisu dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, a decadent treat for dessert lovers.
Best Brunch Places In DC: Summary
With so many options when it comes to the best brunch place in DC, you will have no trouble finding your new favorite brunch spot. From Residents Cafe in Dupont Circle, to Chloe in Navy Yard, you will easily find a great place to enjoy a beautiful Sunday Brunch. If you are near 14th street, be sure to stop in at Ted’s Bulletin or the popular French bistro Le Diplomate. In Shaw, Unconventional Diner is a great spot. For a casual brunch you can grab and go from Call Your Mother bagel and deli shop. Washington D.C. is full places with fresh ingredients to make your brunch experience top notch. For those who want a boozy brunch, bottomless drinks are offered at some top brunch spots like Boqueria, Planta Queen, La Vie, and Via Sophia. When it comes to favorite places in DC to brunch, it’s hard to pick just one.
