The Best Spots for Brunch in DC
Whether for Eggs Benedict or bottomless brunch, brunches in DC have our vote.
Being the national epicenter of politics, DC is full of passionate people with strong opinions. In the midst of what can be such a heated environment, there stands only one question sure to create a sense of unity amongst any number of Washingtonians: what’s your favorite meal of the day? The answer will always be brunch.
Indeed, you’d be hard pressed to find a place that takes brunch as seriously as the District, or a crowd that takes better advantage of a bottomless deal. Plus, brunch is so much more than just sitting down to indulge in a questionable number of drinks and a heaping pile of French toast—it’s the perfect way to escape the Sunday scaries with a mimosa in hand, preferably.
With top notch dining destinations serving nearly every cuisine you could think of, brunch in DC can take any form your heart desires in a particular weekend. For your next outing, here are the best brunches in DC.
Ala
This women-owned Levantine restaurant is putting Eastern Mediterranean cuisine on full display in Dupont. Their plush, light-filled space is the perfect brunch backdrop, too, and it doesn’t hurt that Ala is known for having one of the best mimosa stations in the city, allowing you to customize your concoction with different juices, syrups, and fresh fruit. Their 90-minute bottomless brunch is available on weekends from 10 am-4 pm, and includes dishes such as Fried Halloumi, an assortment of dips, two Levantine-inspired omelets, and more.
Han Palace
If Saturday night got the better of you, make your Sunday morning markedly better with a visit to Han Palace. Our idea of a prime hangover cure is their all-you-can-eat dim sum, featuring staples such as soup dumplings, Roasted Pork Buns, and Scallion Pancakes. It’s hard to believe that their Woodley Park location (they also have one in Barrack’s Row) was once a Starbucks—now transformed into an attractive dining room with hanging pendant lights and a large faux tree, as well as a 15-seat patio for enjoying your dumplings al fresco.
Lyle’s
A good hotel brunch is a staycation in and of itself, especially when you opt for bottomless at Lyle’s. Their stunning space is framed by burl wood accents and cushy white modular sofas, with lanterns hanging above and a vast skylight letting in the day. Choose between uniquely flavored mimosas (think: Pear Elderflower or Lavender Lemon) or Bloody Marys as you listen to local DJs spin tunes, then dig into dishes such as Short Rib Hash, Baked Eggs with spinach and feta, or Pistachio Granola with orange blossom yogurt.
Ambar
As one of the city’s favorite destinations for unlimited brunch, this Balkan restaurant is a must-visit. During 120 glorious minutes, your group can order up meze platters to fill the table and individual servings of Eggs Benedict with either Prosciutto or Salmon. Drink options include Mixed Berry Mimosas and classic Bloody Marys, and can be enjoyed either on their patio, rooftop, or indoors.
Belga Cafe
Get your brunch on at Belga Cafe in Barracks Row, a popular Belgian spot by chef Bart Vandaele. The charming outdoor patio is the perfect setting for weekend brunch, and you haven’t officially had a waffle until you try one of their sweet or savory Belgian options like the Belgian French Toast or Buttermilk Fried Chicken Thighs and Waffle. For eggs, go for the signature “Beruchte” Groene Eieren, aka green eggs made with herb pesto, spinach, and Gruyere on an English muffin with bacon.
Commissary
Why limit brunch to weekends? Commissary is making the midday meal an everyday thing with its daily brunch menu, complete with an entire menu of breakfast sandwiches, from a savory breakfast panini to a sweet Apple French Toast with brioche and wildflower honey. Grain bowls and breakfast salads are perfect for brunchers looking for a fresh option, and the spot also boasts a tempting smoothie menu. Top it all off with one of their award-winning Bloody Marys, and you’ve got a recipe for brunch-time success.
How to book: Via website
Dauphine’s
Visit the French Quarter in New Orleans for brunch without ever leaving DC. The interior of Dauphine’s is marked by charming brasserie-like touches and the giant atrium bar of your dreams. On the menu, go for interesting takes on creole classics like the Andouille Half-Smoked Po Boy, Gumbo Ya Ya, and Brunch Basket that includes buttermilk biscuits and banana bread. Plus, you can spend the morning downing “Hurricane Style” mimosas or nursing a hangover with a Creole Bloody Mary.
Farmers & Distillers
A DC brunch mainstay, Farmers & Distillers is known for having an epic brunch buffet for $32.50 per person that’s guaranteed to bust any hangover. At this bottomless brunch, you’re guaranteed to leave full, whether you’re making a beeline for the French Toast table or keeping it light with a Coconut Chia Bowl and a Brûléed Grapefruit. If you’re tired of the standard mimosa, try grabbing one of the restaurant’s signature brunch cocktails like the Breakfast on the Boulevard.
Imperfecto
Chef Enrique Limardo had already blessed DC with Seven Reasons and Immigrant Food before opening Imperfecto in 2021. There, Mediterranean and Latin American flavors fuse to create a perfectly “imperfect” brunch menu, featuring standouts like a Spicy Avocado Toast topped with grilled octopus, and a Wagyu Burger with Gruyère.
How to book: Via Tock
Le Diplomate
Modern French brasserie Le Diplomate is well-known amongst DC brunch goers for its charming sidewalk seating, and for remaining one of the city’s most bustling brunch options since it first opened in 2005. Try one of the delicious egg dishes off the “Les Oeufs” menu, like the Gruyere Omelet or Poached Eggs Basquaise, or go for the many bistro items like the Croque Madame, Steak Frites, or Moules Frites.
Moon Rabbit
Despite Moon Rabbit’s design vibe being decidedly hotel-like, the menu is absolutely anything but corporate. The Vietnamese-inspired dishes—dreamt up by chef Kevin Tien, formerly of the beloved Himitsu and Emilie’s—are inspired by cooking traditions he learned from his mother and grandmother as well as his Louisiana roots. Cure your hangover with Biscuits and Gravy with Sichuan sausage and white pepper gravy, or dig into a satisfying bowl of Gumbo Ramen.
Muchas Gracias
It’s hard to beat Muchas Gracias’ origin story, popping up during the pandemic as a charity-driven grocery shop and modest takeout kitchen. The restaurant still has a philanthropic bent and has managed to upgrade its space and operations to accommodate both a front and back patio and a bangin’ brunch service. Oaxacan-inspired dishes include a Taco Platter loaded with protein options like Pork Carnitas, plus shareable dishes like Queso Fundido con Mezcal and Quail Egg Sopesitos. On the beverage side, expect lots of tequila and mezcal cocktails, plus agua frescas for a more low-key meal.
Nina May
Grab brunch at chef Colin McClimans’ New American restaurant Nina May in Logan Circle to enjoy homemade pastries, egg sandwiches on fresh biscuits or muffins, or more lunch-y items like the Yukon Gold Hash Browns w/ Smoked Salmon and Double Quarter Pound Smash Cheeseburger. The restaurant also offers a set menu of shareable dishes like Cacio e Pepe Agnolotti and Brown Butter Sage French Toast so you can get a taste of the full menu. And from a signature espresso martini to seasonal mimosas and other cocktails, Nina May has you covered on the beverage front as well.
Provost
Neighborhood favorite Provost is all about serving sustainable and organic dishes crafted from ingredients that are sourced directly from our region. The welcoming dining room and rooftop area are both open for brunching, where diners can dig into breakfast picks like Avocado Toast and Eggs Benedict or fully dive into lunch with a Whole Red Snapper and Grits.
Stable
This cozy Swiss restaurant on H Street offers an equally comforting brunch menu. From Swiss doughnuts like the Berliner with Vanilla Cream and Praline, to Spätzli Casserole or a whole menu section dedicated to Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Grab a table with a group, and you can indulge in the restaurant’s famous raclette service during brunch as well. Don’t forget to check out cocktails like the Kafi Schnaps, as well as their selection of beer and wine.