By Madison Duddy By Madison Duddy | March 11, 2025 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
From a French petit dejeuner with croque madame to a mimosa-packed Sunday morning breakfast, DC’s brunch scene is a diverse and delightful treat.Brunch at Alhambra, located inside the St. Regis Hotel, is a must-try this spring.
ALHAMBRA AT ST. REGIS
Indulge in decadent brunch favorites at The St. Regis Washington, DC’s Alhambra restaurant. The Mediterranean-inspired menu boasts dishes like lamb kofta scramble and Mediterranean benedict. 923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW,202.509.8000alhambradc.com
CAFE RIGGS
Offering a modern twist on traditional European brasseries, Cafe Riggs is a must-try spot. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, eggs royale and blueberry pancakes while sipping coffee and cocktails. 900 F. St. NW,202.788.2800,riggsdc.com
Cafe Riggs in Penn Quarter offers a memorable brunch experience.
DEL MAR
Del Mar pairs waterfront views with savory Spanish-inspired bites for the perfect brunch scene overlooking The Wharf and the Potomac River. Enjoy a glass of red Sangria with a red shrimp tortilla on the Terraza. 791 Wharf St. SW,202.588.7272,delmardc.com
Devotees love the Proper Burger at Duke’s Grocery.
DUKE’S GROCERY
Inspired by East London pubs, Duke’s Grocery focuses on crafting high-quality, scrumptious dishes. Across its four D.C. locations, find bottomless drinks, along with the signature Proper burger or full English breakfast. Multiple locations,dukesgrocery.com
EDGAR BAR & KITCHEN
Dupont Circle’s lively dining atmosphere is home to Edgar Bar & Kitchen, an upscale American eatery commemorating J. Edgar Hoover, a loyal diner for 20 years. Try the Mayflower banana bread—a signature menu item since 1925. 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW,202.347.2233,edgarbarandkitchen.com
Banana bread at Edgar is always a brunch crowd-pleaser.
FIOLA MARE
Bringing the wonders of Italy to DC, Fiola Mare’s coastline-inspired menu features ricotta and lemon pancakes, smoked salmon scramble, classic brunch cocktails and its signature “Carrello del Pesce”—a seafood cart displaying the finest daily catches. 3100 K. St. NW, Ste. 101,202.350.4982fiolamaredc.com
LE DIPLOMATE
From European decor to Gallic dishes, Le Diplomate is a 14th Street mainstay. Order the selection of cheeses and Belon oysters to share before trying dishes like the gruyère omelet and the quiche florentine. 1601 14th St. NW,202.332.3333,lediplomatedc.com
Indulge in a latte at Le Diplomate.
LYLE’S
Serving up classic brunch bites in Dupont Circle, Lyle’s Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit spot. Weekend brunch features buttermilk waffles, omelets, avocado toast and beloved morning cocktails like Bloody Marys and mimosas. 1731 New Hampshire Ave. NW,202.964.6790,lyledc.com
PRIMROSE
Under ostrich-feathered chandeliers and weathered teal walls, diners can savor delectable brunch bites at Primrose. Start with the signature French 75 or a carafe of mimosas, and pair alongside classic dishes like the croque monsieur and buttermilk waffles. 3000 12th St. NE,202.248.4558,primrosedc.com
Brunch at Primrose.
THE SMITH
Located in Penn Quarter, The Smith works with local farmers to serve fresh, tasty bites and bubbly libations. Check out the popular skillet roasted mac and cheese or vanilla bean French toast for brunch. 901 F. St. NW,202.868.4900,thesmithrestaurant.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF ALHAMBRA; TAYLOR MICKAL FOR DUKE’S GROCERY; SCOTT SUCHMAN; CAFE RIGGS; SALTBRIDGE STRATEGIES FOR PRIMROSE; THE MAYFLOWER HOTEL