Sorry breakfast, there’s a new favorite meal in town! Falling right in between breakfast and lunch, brunch is everyone’s happy medium, offering traditional eats and refreshments from both meals – sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, omelets, eggs, and more. The atmosphere of brunch is unmatched, especially in the nation’s capital. Looking to brunch your way through D.C.? From Makan to Compass Rose, these are the top brunch spots in D.C. to visit!
Makan
Cuisine: Malaysian
Location: 3400 11th Street NW
Brunch Hours: Sat. and Sun. 11 am to 3 pm
Makan means “to eat” in Malay, and that’s precisely what you’ll want to do the second you enter this D.C. eatery! Chef James Wozniuk founded Makan as a love letter to Malaysian food, providing diners a taste of the country’s traditional foods and ingredients in their dinner, midday, and brunch menus. The restaurant has received critical and customer acclaim since opening in spring 2020. They were even awarded a Bib Gourmand – an accolade for high-quality food at reasonable prices – by the Michelin Guide in 2021!
So, what else makes this one of the top brunch spots in D.C.? They offer impeccable service and a wonderfully diverse menu, making you want to return for more. Keep things fresh with a mango salad (kerabu mangga), nosh on shrimp fritters (cucur udang), wow your taste buds with their street noodles, and don’t forget to try one of their delicious cocktails! Makan D.C. has unique vegetarian dishes, like yellow dal curry (kare dalca) and baby bok choy, so there’s something for everyone at your party. If your mouth is already watering, make your reservation or order online!
Compass Rose D.C.
Cuisine: International
Location: 1346 T St NW
Brunch Hours: Sun. 11 am to 3 pm
Next up on our list of the top brunch spots in D.C. is Compass Rose, a local restaurant serving up eclectic cuisine from all over the globe. Go from soba noodles in Japan to fried brussels sprouts in Yemen to kofta in Egypt, all without needing a passport – or leaving D.C.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not with this brunch spot that Compass Rose has made it their mission to transport patrons to new and unexplored international destinations from within their neighborhood. Whether it’s impossible for you to jetset abroad, you’re curious about global cuisine, or you’re missing the flavors of your homeland, Compass Rose is waiting to welcome you.
This is one of the top brunch spots in D.C. for its incredible service and immense menu of dishes, cocktails, and sweets. Can’t decide which country’s food to sample? We recommend their Tour Around the World, which offers a range of fares from countries like Georgia, Italy, Thailand, and Tunisia. They also serve vegetarian and vegan dishes! Walk-ins are welcome at Compass Rose, D.C., but reservations are encouraged.
Le Diplomate Cafe D.C.
Cuisine: French
Location: 1601 14th St NW
Brunch Hours: Sat. and Sun. 9:30 am to 3 pm
No, you’re not in the middle of a Parisian bistro – you’ve just entered through the doors of Le Diplomate! Created by Philadelphia restaurateur-mogul Stephen Starr, this beloved D.C. restaurant pays homage to French cafés, offering a uniquely European atmosphere and exquisite cuisine that leaves diners in awe. You can expect to see a selection of cheeses, kouign amann and other pastries, omelets and egg dishes, hors d’oeuvres, and entrées on their extensive menu. Le Diplomate’s ambiance is equally top-notch, which we 100% recommend seeing for yourself!
This is one of the top brunch spots in D.C. – and one of the busiest, with 1,000+ diners passing through on any Sunday brunch. Politicians, celebrities, and athletes have even patronized them!
Though Le Diplomate Cafe D.C. offers pickup and delivery, its experience makes it well worth visiting in person for brunch (or dinner!). It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but be sure to reserve a table to guarantee a table for your party!
Nina May
Cuisine: New American
Location: 1337 11th St NW
Brunch Hours: Sat. and Sun. 10 am to 3 pm
Are you still craving brunch after Makan D.C., Compass Rose, and Le Diplomate? Then make your way to Nina May, the next of our top brunch spots in D.C. The brainchild of Executive Chef Colin McClimans and restaurateur Danilo Simic, this family-style restaurant offers various unique New American dishes through small and large shared plates.
While our other top brunch spots take you on a gastronomic tour around the world, they keep their fare hyperlocal. They locally source their ingredients from farms within 150 miles of the city, allowing seasonal and local ingredients to shine through their commitment to local small businesses, farms, and fisheries. Keep in mind that this means their brunch menu is ever-changing. One menu option that remains is “Chef’s Choice”. Chef’s Choice is their seasonal dining experience that gives diners the opportunity to taste the chef’s favorite dishes on the menu. Finish with a dessert (if you can), and you won’t be disappointed!
Another reason this is one of our top brunch spots in D.C. is that Nina May D.C. surpasses all expectations with customer service. Servers are friendly and attentive, going out of their way to ensure a positive experience. They also offer an inviting, farmhouse-chic atmosphere. Make your brunch reservation, then come back to try their innovative cocktails and dinner dishes!
Make Your Way to the Best Brunch Spots in D.C.
Once an underrated pastime by chefs and diners alike, brunch has become a weekend must for gourmands. And our taste buds couldn’t be happier. Swing by Dispensary Near Me before exploring the specially curated brunch menus of Makan D.C., Compass Rose, and other restaurants providing a delicious selection of food that offers locals and tourists a glimpse into D.C.’s incredibly diverse culinary scene. From exquisite Parisian pastries at Le Diplomate D.C. to farm-sourced ingredients at Nina May, fill your weekend – and stomach – with the top brunch spots in D.C.!
