Washington, D.C. is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, and the city’s brunch spots are no exception. The options for the best brunch in DC range from classic American breakfast staples to international fare from Mexico, the Balkans, and beyond.
Get all-American classics at a destination in Foggy Bottom. Sample Spanish-style brunch tapas in Penn Quarter, or enjoy waffles and other Belgian-inspired breakfast dishes in Capitol Hill.
Book one of Washington, DC’s best brunch spots on Open Table now.
Read on for a guide the top 10 places with the best brunch in DC.
For a crowd-pleasing brunch of American classics — head to Founding Farmers (Foggy Bottom, Chinatown, and Georgetown)
Founding Farmers’ American brunch menu focuses on breakfast favorites, ranging from pastries and biscuits to pancakes, waffles, and egg dishes. The spacious, rustic chic interiors at each location is great for large groups and families. Founding Farmers is also a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant, meaning sustainability is front and center in its dishes which use ingredients sourced from top farmers and purveyors.
For an elegant brunch at a DC institution — head to Old Ebbitt Grill (Downtown)
Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is DC’s oldest saloon in Washington. Located in a Beaux-Arts building, the restaurant is filled with grand historic touches, including a mahogany bar and oil paintings by American artists. The brunch menu is a selection of standards befitting the stately atmosphere. Enjoy classic breakfast options like eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and hearty steak and eggs. Don’t miss the brioche French toast served with maple syrup and cinnamon.
For an all-day American brunch — make your way to Ted’s Bulletin (Logan Square, Capitol Hill, and Noma)
Ted’s Bulletin serves an all-day American breakfast menu. Expect favorites like huevos rancheros, Turkish eggs, and a Norway Benedict with side dishes like housemade tater tots. Each location serves Ted’s signature American cuisine, while the chic interior style varies based on the setting. Add in a stellar cocktail menu, and Ted’s is the ideal spot for all-day brunch in DC.
For unlimited Balkan specialties — check out Ambar (Capitol Hill)
Centered around Balkan cooking, Ambar prepares dishes that blend the flavors of southeastern Europe’s Balkan peninsula with traditional breakfast favorites. Try savory pies and dishes like sujuk flatbread or the Mediterranean omelet. Or go all in with the unlimited brunch menu, a great option for groups. An assortment of sweets and mimosas round out the menu .The space features a rustic yet modern design with wooden shelving filled with books, lanterns, and vintage clocks.
For brunch with a Spanish influence — try Jaleo (Penn Quarter)
Founded by renowned chef José Andrés, Jaleo is a Washington, DC staple for top-notch Spanish food. Expect flavor-packed Spanish dishes like huevos al plato, which pairs baked eggs with pisto manchego and Ibérico sobrasada. Sweet options include churros con chocolate or torrijas, a sweet-soaked Spanish toast with caramelized bananas and rum whipped cream.
For the best brunch in DC with French influence — be sure to try Bistro Du Jour (District Wharf and Capitol Hill)
For traditional French fare, make your way to Bistro Du Jour, which has locations in Capitol Hill and District Wharf. At Capitol Hill, elegant and romantic decor sets the stage for French classics like Paris-Brest au saumon fumé, pain perdu, and quiche du jour. Don’t miss live jazz on Sundays. Bistro Du Jour in District Wharf features a lush terrace for leisurely brunches of classic French pastries, cheeses, and fresh-squeezed juices.
For a modern Mexican brunch — head to Oyamel (Penn Quarter)
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient Oyamel is chef José Andrés’ homage to Mexico City. The stylish space has soft lighting, origami butterflies, and a striking mural, enhancing the artistic and playful vibe. Expect innovative Mexican dishes like pozole rojo and chilaquiles with house-made tortilla chips. Pair your meal with the house margarita or a Michelada.
For waffles and other Belgian classics — try Belga Cafe (Capitol Hill)
If you’re into waffles, head to Belga Cafe in Capitol Hill. The restaurant’s menu features an assortment of topped Belgian waffles, available with sweet ingredients like red wine poached pears or savory renditions topped with fried chicken. Round out your Sunday brunch experience with frites or hash browns and a Belgian beer in the cozy, exposed brick interior. Coffees, teas, and zero-proof cocktails balance an impressive roster of brunch cocktails.
For Southern and Korean brunch with a dash of grandeur — book reservations at Succotash PRIME (Penn Quarter)
Succotash PRIME is helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Edward Lee, who marries his Korean heritage with Southern staples. Go for an a la carte or tasting menu of cherished Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes or shrimp and grits. Beyond the refined brunch menu, Succotash PRIME is noteworthy for its interior decor, which balances sophisticated architecture with inviting luxury.
For a chic Italian brunch — make your way to Via Sophia (Downtown)
Come to Via Sophia for brunch classics, Italian-style. Enjoy dishes like butternut squash velouté, housemade pizzas, and sandwiches with Italian touches like rosemary hollandaise and crispy mortadella. Enjoy them in a rustic-chic space with a sleek marble bar and elegant columns.
Washington, DC’s restaurant scene represents some of the most varied and interesting dining in the country. But the best spots fill up quickly, so reserve ahead to secure your table.
