Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Washington, D.C.
The word brunch first appeared in a 1895 issue of "Hunter's Weekly," according to the Smithsonian Magazine. In the article, which was titled "Brunch: A Plea," author Guy Beringer suggested swapping out heavy, post-church meals for lighter spreads served later in the morning.
"Brunch… is cheerful, sociable, and inciting," Beringer wrote. "It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper; it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings. It sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week." As a post-script to the piece, he writes that at brunch, "Beer and whiskey are admitted as substitutes for tea and coffee."
Fast forward 130 years, and brunch is now one of the most popular meals in the U.S. According to a 2025 industry report from Bar & Restaurant News, brunch is the #1 meal for both Gen Zers and parents: 39% of the former go out to eat during that time, and 47% of the latter.
Many brunch locations offer the same type of spread Beringer promoted in his article—pastries and marmalade, coffee and tea (or beer and whiskey), and main courses that include fish or other meats. However, a host of other trends like internationally inspired cuisines, pizza, and mimosa flights have come along to add a little variety.
Whether your preference is for a classic brunch or something with a little more spice, Stacker compiled a ranking of the highest-rated brunch restaurants in Washington, D.C. using data from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks places using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, a restaurant with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Most chain restaurants were excluded from the ranking. Data is as of Sept. 16, 2025.
Read on to find out if your favorite local spot made our list!
#28. Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers
- Rating: 4.1/5 (1849 reviews)
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#27. Busboys and Poets
- Rating: 4.4/5 (726 reviews)
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#26. Zaytinya
- Rating: 4.5/5 (4701 reviews)
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#25. Central Michel Richard
- Rating: 4.3/5 (956 reviews)
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#24. Busboys and Poets
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1101 reviews)
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#23. CIRCA at Foggy Bottom
- Rating: 4.2/5 (927 reviews)
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#22. Logan Tavern
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1265 reviews)
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#21. Agora Dc Mediterranean Restaurant
- Rating: 4.4/5 (558 reviews)
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#20. Ted's Bulletin Capitol Hill
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1207 reviews)
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#19. Blue Duck Tavern
- Rating: 4.4/5 (2225 reviews)
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#18. Lebanese Taverna
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1093 reviews)
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#17. Le Diplomate
- Rating: 4.4/5 (2236 reviews)
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#16. Lafayette Restaurant
- Rating: 4.6/5 (366 reviews)
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#15. BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant
- Rating: 4.4/5 (695 reviews)
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#14. Unconventional Diner
- Rating: 4.5/5 (378 reviews)
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#13. GCDC Grilled Cheese Bar
- Rating: 4.4/5 (510 reviews)
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#12. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
- Rating: 4.5/5 (427 reviews)
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#11. Old Ebbitt Grill
- Rating: 4.4/5 (13473 reviews)
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#10. District Bites
- Rating: 4.9/5 (59 reviews)
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#9. Keren Restaurant
- Rating: 4.6/5 (313 reviews)
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#8. Founding Farmers DC
- Rating: 4.3/5 (8363 reviews)
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#7. Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar
- Rating: 4.7/5 (390 reviews)
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#6. The Pembroke
- Rating: 4.4/5 (834 reviews)
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#5. Ambar Capitol Hill
- Rating: 4.7/5 (1721 reviews)
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#4. La Grande Boucherie
- Rating: 4.7/5 (454 reviews)
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#3. Olio E Più
- Rating: 4.8/5 (88 reviews)
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#2. Ambar Shaw
- Rating: 4.8/5 (197 reviews)
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#1. Agua 301
- Rating: 4.4/5 (493 reviews)
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