Last updated: 2025-04-07
From Capitol Hill’s beloved Ted’s Bulletin to the sophisticated Le Diplomate in Logan Circle, DC’s brunch scene delivers distinctive flavors that reflect the District’s diverse culinary landscape. Local favorites like Busboys and Poets and Purple Patch serve up creative twists on morning classics.
Georgetown’s Blue Duck Tavern and dLeña showcase the capital’s upscale brunch offerings, while Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe near the National Mall provides a unique cultural dining experience. Each establishment adds its own character to the DMV’s morning dining culture.
Explore these DMV brunch spots worth waking up for!
Featured Brunch Spots in Washington
- Le Diplomate
- Nina May
- Anju
- Blue Duck Tavern
- dLeña
- Kingbird
- Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
- Busboys and Poets
- Perry's
- Purple Patch
Casual Dining in Washington
Busboys and Poets
What to Expect
Socially conscious restaurant and bookstore hybrid
Description
Multicultural brunch destination blending social activism with culinary creativity. Specializing in globally-inspired dishes like their signature Shakshuka and vegetarian-friendly options, Busboys and Poets transforms dining into a community experience. This Washington, DC venue offers a unique combination of restaurant, bookstore, and cultural space where food intersects with social consciousness.
Where: Washington | More Info: Busboys and Poets
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
What to Expect
Bookstore-restaurant hybrid with literary brunch experience
Description
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe offers a unique Washington DC dining experience combining bookstore and restaurant. Known for eclectic brunch selections featuring creative egg dishes like their signature frittatas and hearty breakfast sandwiches. The cozy cafe provides a literary atmosphere where guests can browse books while enjoying weekend brunch, making it a quintessential DC dining destination.
Where: Washington | More Info: Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe
Le Diplomate
What to Expect
Authentic Parisian brasserie atmosphere in Washington, D.C.
Description
Le Diplomate brings authentic French brasserie culture to Washington, D.C.'s 14th Street corridor. This Parisian-inspired restaurant specializes in classic French brunch dishes like steak frites and onion soup gratinée. The expansive, artfully designed space captures the essence of a traditional European cafe, offering a transporting dining experience with an extensive menu of Gallic classics and a carefully curated wine and cocktail selection.
Where: Washington | More Info: Le Diplomate
Nina May
What to Expect
Seasonally rotating farm-to-table brunch menu
Description
Nina May offers an innovative farm-to-table brunch experience in downtown DC, featuring seasonally-driven New American cuisine. Their standout Dutch Baby pancake arrives golden and puffy, showcasing locally sourced ingredients. The intimate dining room provides a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for weekend culinary exploration with creative small plates and craft cocktails.
Where: Washington | More Info: Nina May
Ted's Bulletin Capitol Hill
What to Expect
Homemade pop tarts and locally sourced modern American brunch
Description
Ted's Bulletin offers a modern American brunch experience in Capitol Hill's vibrant Barracks Row neighborhood. Their weekend brunch menu showcases classic comfort dishes with a creative twist, featuring signature items like homemade pop tarts and hearty breakfast plates. The restaurant delivers a relaxed, community-focused dining atmosphere with locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails that make weekend mornings deliciously memorable.
Where: Washington | More Info: Ted's Bulletin Capitol Hill
Fine Dining in Washington
Blue Duck Tavern
What to Expect
Farm-to-table American brunch with signature duck-focused dishes
Description
Blue Duck Tavern offers an elevated American brunch experience in Georgetown, featuring farm-to-table cuisine with sophisticated seasonal ingredients. Their signature Crispy Duck Hash with poached eggs showcases the restaurant's commitment to refined, locally-sourced brunch fare. The elegant, wood-paneled dining room provides a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere perfect for weekend dining.
Where: Washington | More Info: Blue Duck Tavern
Kingbird
What to Expect
Contemporary Italian steakhouse brunch with Potomac River views
Description
Kingbird offers an elegant Sunday brunch at The Watergate Hotel, featuring contemporary Italian-inspired dishes like Lobster Eggs Benedict and Chicken & Waffles. Located with stunning Potomac River views, this sophisticated restaurant delivers a curated brunch experience with fresh, locally sourced ingredients crafted by Executive Chef Tony DiGregorio. The dramatic, warm dining space designed by Ron Arad elevates the weekend dining experience.
Where: Washington | More Info: Kingbird
Ethnic & International in Washington
Anju
What to Expect
Korean-fusion weekend brunch with innovative culinary interpretations
Description
Anju offers a contemporary Korean brunch experience in DC's vibrant dining scene. Weekend brunch highlights include Korean-inspired dishes like kimchi pancakes, bulgogi Benedict, and Korean fried chicken with waffles. The restaurant blends traditional Korean flavors with modern culinary techniques, creating a unique dining atmosphere that transforms classic brunch fare into an exciting cultural experience.
Where: Washington | More Info: Anju
dLeña
What to Expect
Wood-fired Mexican brunch with mezcal-centric cocktail program
Description
dLeña offers a modern Mexican brunch experience featuring wood-fired cuisine in Washington, DC. Chef Richard Sandoval's innovative approach transforms traditional Mexican dishes with smoky wood-fired techniques. Weekend brunch highlights include signature wood-grilled specialties, creative mezcal cocktails, and an atmosphere that blends contemporary Latin culinary artistry with rustic cooking traditions.
Where: Washington | More Info: dLeña
Lapis
What to Expect
Modern Afghan brunch with family-inspired recipes
Description
Lapis offers an authentic Afghan brunch experience in Washington, DC, featuring homestyle dishes crafted from family recipes. Their weekend brunch showcases traditional Afghan cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Signature brunch dishes include mantu (Afghan dumplings) and kabuli pallow, a fragrant rice dish with tender lamb, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to genuine, generational culinary traditions.
Where: Washington | More Info: Lapis
Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
What to Expect
Native American cuisine representing multiple regional culinary traditions
Description
Located in the National Museum of the American Indian, Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe offers an authentic Indigenous culinary journey through regional Native American cuisines. Specializing in traditional ingredients like bison, wild rice, and seasonal produce, the cafe showcases Indigenous cooking techniques across five distinct geographical regions. Signature dishes include Native-inspired salmon preparations and hearty Indigenous grain bowls that highlight traditional Native American food traditions.
Where: Washington | More Info: Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
Perry's
What to Expect
Japanese-themed Drag Brunch with signature cocktails
Description
Perry's offers an innovative Japanese-inspired brunch experience in Washington, DC, featuring a vibrant Drag Brunch and authentic Japanese Breakfast. Specializing in creative cocktails like the 'Queen of Cocktails' and unique dishes, this restaurant blends culinary artistry with entertainment. Their Sunday brunch showcases carefully curated timeslots and a dynamic dining atmosphere that goes beyond traditional weekend meals.
Where: Washington | More Info: Perry's
Purple Patch
What to Expect
Filipino-American brunch fusion with critically acclaimed cuisine
Description
Purple Patch delivers an innovative Filipino-American brunch experience in Washington, D.C. Specializing in fusion dishes that blend traditional Filipino flavors with classic brunch staples, this restaurant offers unique options like Filipino-style Eggs Benedict and Sisig Hash. Their weekend brunch menu showcases Chef Patrice Cleary's culinary expertise, featuring bold, authentic flavors in a welcoming, family-owned setting that has earned critical acclaim from the Washington Post.
Where: Washington | More Info: Purple Patch
Find Brunch Spots in Other Cities
Looking for brunch spots in another city?