The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Washington DC

The District of Columbia, best known as the capital of the U.S. and hub for government, is full of history, iconic monuments, and interesting museums. It's also a city full of exceptional restaurants using fresh, local ingredients to wow diners. When it comes to breakfast, D.C. does it best. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most seasoned diners. Enjoy eateries with significant historical references, innovative and experimental ingredients, and menus full of international flavors that showcase what the United States is—a melting pot. Here’s where to go for the best breakfast in DC.

The OpenTable Team

16 Restaurants

Updated 26 February 2020

Restaurants:	The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC, Jaleo DC, The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, Spanish, American…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown, Penn Quarter…

The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.8

855 reviews

Another local favorite for the best breakfast in DC is the Greenhouse at the Jefferson Hotel Washington DC. Patrons enjoy the elegant and historic charm of the colonial decor. The full ceiling skylights and the greenery of the plants transform diners to a garden oasis. This eatery serves unique food offerings more than the standard breakfast fare. Menu favorites include lemon ricotta pancakes, lobster eggs benedict, and pumpkin French toast. Due to the impressive and charming atmosphere, this is a good restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Jaleo DC

$$$$

Spanish

Penn Quarter

4.7

9770 reviews

For a Spanish breakfast experience while in D.C., Jaleo DC is worth a visit. The menu here features a combination of classic and contemporary Spanish dishes — the main highlight being the tapas! Chef José André's goal is to show the diversity of Spanish cuisine through a mix of menu offerings. The restaurant itself has a welcoming modern atmosphere with an open space layout and bright, funky decor — the most interesting decorative touch being the foosball dining room tables! Special breakfast-focused tapas are served during brunch. A tasting menu is also available, for those who wish to sample a mix of tapas. Cava and mimosas can be enjoyed. The casual and fun feel of this eatery makes for the perfect date spot or afternoon out with friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Smith – Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C

$$$$

American

Penn Quarter

4.5

2934 reviews

In D.C.'s Penn Quarter neighborhood, The Smith is a local favorite. This restaurant dishes out New American favorites in a lively, friendly environment. As soon as diners walk in the door, they're greeted with bright lighting and welcoming open space. This eatery prides itself on working with local farms and businesses. The Smith is an excellent spot for the best breakfast in DC, and both breakfast and brunch are available here. Notable menu items include steak and eggs, smoked salmon toast, and the breakfast pot pie. The portions are huge, so it's a good eatery for sharing a meal with friends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Belga Cafe

$$$$

Belgian

Capitol Hill

4.7

4442 reviews

For those wanting to experience traditional Belgian eats without having to book a plane ticket, Belga Cafe is the best spot for breakfast in DC. Located on Capitol Hill, it's the place to stop before a day of adventuring. Omletes, waffles, sandwiches, and classics like mussels and frites fill the menu during breakfast hours. For those in need of a boozy beverage, a variety of must-try cocktails are available — the Freaky Mary is a unique spin on the classic Bloody Mary with tomato-cucumber vodka and green juice. The atmosphere is quaint and cozy, making for a comfortable experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dirty Habit | The Glass House

$$$$

Global, International

Penn Quarter

4.0

1610 reviews

Dirty Habit is another great breakfast option in the nation's capital. Located in the historic Hotel Monaco, visitors can enjoy a memorable dining experience surrounded by stunning architecture. The menu features classic breakfast favorites with a mix of specialty offerings. For those who want to day drink, bottomless mimosas and punch are available. The dining area features industrial decor in a dimly lit setting. Due to its relaxed and comfortable vibe, this is a great breakfast spot for couples, families, and friends. Breakfast is available on weekdays, while brunch is served on the weekends.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Lincoln - DC

$$$$

American

McPherson Square

4.3

3131 reviews

Lincoln features seasonal dishes with fresh, local ingredients. The menu highlights some of Abraham Lincoln's favorite foods. Top breakfast choices include farmhouse mac and cheese, confit duck leg benedict, and shrimp and grits. Adult cocktails and other beverages are offered. In addition to an impressive menu, all things Lincon can be found here, from paintings to penny floors — the decor works nicely with the theme. For those who wish to dine outside during the warmer months, a great view of Thomas Circle is available.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Takeout available

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EDGAR Bar & Kitchen at The Mayflower Hotel

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.4

395 reviews

Located inside Dupont Circle's The Mayflower Hotel, EDGAR serves up modern American brasserie dishes. The atmosphere here is upscale and energetic — a good eatery for larger groups and couples alike. While this restaurant is high-end, guests still feel at ease. Some breakfast favorites worth trying here are the pork belly sandwich, huevos rancheros, avocado toast, and blueberry granola pancakes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Farmers Fishers Bakers

$$$$

American

Georgetown

4.4

12184 reviews

Another spot to find the best breakfast in DC is Farmers Fishers Bakers. As the restaurant name suggests, farmers own this eatery. Located in Georgetown's Washington Harbour, this upscale eatery has a menu full of fresh catches, local produce, and from-scratch ingredients. Farmers Fishers Bakers also has a nice ambiance and beautiful water views. The edgy decor makes guests feel like they're in a modern farmhouse. Brunch can be enjoyed buffet-style on Saturday and Sunday when offerings include sweet bread French toast, honeypot fried chicken, sushi, and warm cinnamon rolls. Cold-pressed juices and cocktails are also available.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lafayette Restaurant

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.7

1435 reviews

Located in The Hay-Adams hotel in downtown, Lafayette Restaurant is a must-try fine-dining spot for the best breakfast in DC. The restaurant overlooks Lafayette Square and the White House. Weekday breakfast and Saturday and Sunday brunch are available. Favorite dishes here include the parmesan grits and wild mushrooms, corned beef hash, crab cake benedict, and lobster omelet. The live music, compliments of a pianist, is a nice extra touch. This elegant eatery is a perfect choice for a special celebration meal or a date with someone special.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Le Diplomate

$$$$

French

Logan Circle

4.8

13043 reviews

For individuals craving French cuisine, a visit to Le Diplomate is a must. This brasserie transports diners to Paris without ever having to leave Dupont Point. The menu is full of French classics such as oysters, cheeses, croissants, and foie gras — just to name a few. The atmosphere and decor make it feel as if one is in a French bistro. Enjoying a meal in the beautiful garden room is a must.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

El Centro D.F. - Georgetown

$$$$

Contemporary Mexican

Georgetown

4.2

1712 reviews

El Centro D.F. in Georgetown is another must-try spot for a breakfast meal. Chef Richard Sandoval serves up dishes that feature authentic Mexican flavors, and the vibe here is funky and fun. Guests can order off the menu, or they can enjoy a bottomless brunch, which includes an unlimited selection of alcoholic beverages, too. Some standout options to try: jalapeño beef and chorizo sliders, Mexican benedict, El Centro hot dog, and the Mexican breakfast torta. Sitting upstairs under the skylight is suggested.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Peacock Café

$$$$

Contemporary American

Georgetown

4.8

1676 reviews

For one of the best breakfasts in DC, Peacock Café is a favorite spot in the Georgetown neighborhood. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy contemporary American favorites. While some D.C. spots only serve brunch on the weekends, Peacock Café also serves a weekday breakfast until 4 p.m. Notable dishes include the savory smoked salmon omelet and the deliciously sweet Maziar's pancakes, which feature bananas and walnuts! The cool lighting and funky art do not go unnoticed.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mon Ami Gabi - Bethesda

$$$$

French

Bethesda / Chevy Chase

4.5

6854 reviews

Located outside of Washington, in Bethesda, Maryland, Mon Ami Gabi is a French bistro that takes a fresh approach to classic French favorites. This eatery features an art deco look and feel. Notable brunch specialties include ham and eggs benedict, cheese crepes, mussels, French onion soup, and escargots.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Black's Bar & Kitchen

$$$$

Seafood

Bethesda / Chevy Chase

4.5

3168 reviews

For those looking for a great breakfast outside of D.C., there's Black's Bar and Kitchen. This must-visit spot is located in the suburbs of downtown Bethesda. The menu focuses on organic, fresh, regional flavors. Patrons can enjoy a full brunch buffet, a brunch buffet with unlimited champagne cocktails, or a la carte offerings. The buffet features a raw bar and a mix of hot dishes. Lemon ricotta pancakes, Thai spiced shrimp, stuffed brioche French toast, and the house-made quiche are some of the most memorable meals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Teddy & The Bully Bar

$$$$

American

Dupont Circle

4.3

1749 reviews

Teddy & The Bully Bar pays homage to Theodore Roosevelt. Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, this is another spot for the best breakfast in DC. This eatery has a historic feel due to its references to Roosevelt through the art and decor. Here diners can enjoy a la carte menu offerings or unlimited food and alcoholic beverages. Standout dishes include the duck confit hash, lobster deviled eggs, fried chicken and sweet potato waffle, and pumpkin spice pound cake. This eatery is a perfect brunch for larger groups due to the variety of breakfast dish offerings and spacious seating options.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Seasons 52 - Tysons Corner

$$$$

American

Tysons Corner / McLean

4.7

5010 reviews

Situated in McLean, Virginia, Seasons 52 offers seasonally rotating dishes that are made with locally sourced ingredients. Cooking methods like brick-oven roasting and wood-fire grilling are utilized to give a unique spin to recipes here. Specialties served for brunch include a diverse range of offerings, like shakshuka, brick oven brioche French toast, braised beef short rib hash, and brunch pizza. Live music can be enjoyed in the bar area of the restaurant — which adds to the overall appeal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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