The Best Lunch Spots in DC

Honeymoon Chicken is a casual spot in Washington, DC that’s known for its fried chicken and welcoming vibe. Locals enjoy dropping by for brunch or grabbing takeout when they want something quick and satisfying. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a comfortable choice for anyone looking to enjoy a simple, flavorful meal.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

One of the Best fried chicken in DC Super casual spot on the north side of Washington DC serving a very solid friend chicken. Excellent for brunch or take out!

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L’Ardente in Washington is filled with warm, inviting energy, featuring wooden farm beams, glittering chandeliers, and a lively wood-fired grill. Its name means “burning,” reflecting the restaurant’s passionate take on Italian cuisine. The playful atmosphere blends rustic touches with a modern flair, creating a relaxed yet stylish place to unwind.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

“Keep it simple but elegant,” says top chef David Deshaies. Wooden farm beams and Murano glass chandeliers share the sky-high ceiling and pastas as basic as bucatini alla carbonara are offered alongside a 40-layer (count ‘em!) lasagna. The dancing flames of the wood-fired grill explain the Italian name: “burning,” as in passionate. This is a playful restaurant. The “risotto” is actually minced calamari and a pizza topped with pomegranate seeds and shaved Brussels sprouts looks like Christmas. Ask for the tiramisu and it arrives in a chocolate globe that’s ignited with rum at the table.

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Zaytinya by José Andrés brings together the laid-back flavors of Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon in Washington. It offers a range of mezze-style options that are meant to be shared, making it a friendly choice for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, with consistently flavorful dishes that draw on classic Mediterranean techniques.

Recommended by

Jhonatan Cano

Restaurateur

Best casual Mediterranean in DC Zaytinya combines mezze from Greece, Turkey and Lebanon. The food is always consistent and great for lunch or dinner. Seafood is the star with the octopus Santorini or the Garides me Anitho.

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Love, Makoto is a culinary collection from Chef Makoto Okuwa in Washington, DC, featuring multiple Japanese dining experiences under one roof. With both full-service and quick-service options, this single-operator concept offers a welcoming way to explore traditional and contemporary Japanese flavors. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a sit-down meal, it’s a convenient spot to sample a range of tastes in one place.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Four different ways to eat Japanese under one roof Love, Makoto, a mash note to all things Japanese from chef Makoto Okuwa, features a sushi restaurant that explores classic and contemporary nigiri and handrolls and a steak house, Beloved BBQ, showcasing American and Japanese beef. There’s also the option of a bar and a fast-casual spot in back. Don't miss the udon 'mac' & cheese at Beloved, a nod to Americans.

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Casa Teresa is a Spanish restaurant in Washington that offers open-fire cooking with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Led by chef Rubén García, it draws on family traditions to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a relaxed space that honors Spanish heritage without feeling overly formal.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

Pristine ingredients are prepared diligently at this Spanish restaurant in the heart of the district. A detailed wine list pairs well with plates that are light and refreshing.

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Lapis is a modern Afghan bistro in Washington, D.C. that serves homestyle dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. Their approach draws on family recipes passed down over the years, and the restaurant has been recognized by Michelin for its fresh, inviting flavors. Visitors can stop by for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, and they only serve halal meats.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Turning a successful French Bistro into an Afghan restaurant; not only saying that your food tastes like your mother’s food, but actually having your mother cook and prepare the food; and getting praise by no other than Michelin, all sounds a bit too good to be true, a fairy tale in restaurant land, but all this comes wonderfully together at Lapis. The flavors are all unique and familiar at the same time. You will find dishes that remind you of Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine, but there is always something different, something unique, a flavor you are not used to, but that wonderfully, just works. The standouts to me are Bamya, an okra stew, the lamb shank, the dal, and the mantoo shrimp dumplings. For dessert the sheer berenj, a rice pudding with pistachios, and most importantly cardamom is divine, as is the sherbet, a melt in your mouth orange almond pound cake. And if you still need reasons to go, the cocktail menu is worth a trip in itself.

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Mariscos 1133 is a welcoming neighborhood spot in Washington that highlights Latin-inspired seafood. The relaxed setting and attention to detail make it a comfortable place for both everyday meals and special gatherings. It’s a friendly choice if you’re looking for a fresh, inviting dining experience in the area.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

The definition of what it means to be a neighborhood restaurant. No part of the experience is overlooked. Here’s the definition of what it means to be a neighborhood restaurant, a place whose cooking, attention and prices encourage regular drop-ins by locals. The name underscores the restaurant’s theme — Mariscos is Spanish for “seafood” —and among the stars on the epic menu are tuna tostadas and whole fried flounder. No part of the experience is overlooked. Booths make for a pandemic-friendly dining room and two dozen wines are offered by the glass, at an average of $10. Don’t eat fish? The Mexican restaurant also excels at churrasco and birria tacos.

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El Presidente brings a vibrant slice of Mexico City to Washington’s Union Market with bold décor and a menu that puts a modern spin on traditional flavors. Friendly service and a lively atmosphere make it a welcoming spot to enjoy a relaxed meal or drinks.

Recommended by

Carsten Schmidt

Culinary Explorer

Let’s be honest: DC is not a city for great Mexican food. If that is what you are looking for, you go to New York, Philadelphia, maybe Chicago, and obviously LA … or better, you catch a flight to Mexico City. But over the last 15 years, DC has seen its food scene evolve dramatically, from steak and potatoes to almost any cuisine you could think of. One of the leading faces of that change has been Jose Andres. More recently, Stephen Starr has pushed the envelope, first with Le Diplomate and then St. Anselm. One thing Starr’s places have in common is that they make you feel like you enter a restaurant designed by Disney; there is an avalanche of color or, to a degree, stereotypes (think of Le Diplomate and its many references to what Americans would think of when they think of a French bistro, no matter how much that has in common with reality). But one would be wrong to judge these restaurants by their cover (which usually are stunning, if not over the top). What Starr is able to do, is to back up the design with amazing food and experiences. El Presidente (just a block down from St. Anselm in the Union Market neighborhood) is his take on Mexico. What Le Diplomate is to Paris, El Presidente is to Mexico City. By making this more about a city than a cuisine, Starr is able to have a bit more room to experiment on the food side and not have to be dragged down the “authentic” debate. El Presidente is stunning. The colors, the decor, it all bests Le Diplomate (and I would not have thought that was possible). But as with Le Diplomate, El Presidente doesn’t end up being a nice shell; the cocktails, the tequila and mezcal selection, the service, and the food are all backing it up. Now, is it true, authentic Mexican as you would find on the streets of Mexico City? No. But that is not the point here. The point is a place that you will have an amazing time at. And the food will still be the star of the evening. I would definitely order the Salsas and Dips (a huge plate with five salsas plus guac) and the Hamachi Aguachile. The Crab Tostada is another standout. There is the Instagram-friendly Tacos Al Carbon (build your own) that can be shared by several people. But if you want a ready-made taco, I would suggest the Black Cod Al Pastor. Lastly, especially in times when many restaurants have a hard time finding staff, it says a lot that Starr is able to attract amazing staff. Silvia, our server, was amazing, as were all the other staff who helped us. While the food, drinks, and decor all make we want to come back, this is also a place where the staff is so nice that you want to go back — and that is a rare thing these days.

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Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant is the first Ukrainian restaurant in the DMV area, bringing a taste of Ukrainian culture to Washington. They opened their doors in April 2023 and later expanded to Bethesda. By combining time-honored recipes with a modern approach, the restaurant offers a glimpse into the resilience and history behind Ukrainian cuisine.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

DC gets a taste of Ukraine on Capitol Hill “I’m here because of borscht,” says chef Dima Martseniuk, who left the popular Veselka in NY to open shop in DC. His beet soup faces friendly competition on the menu from dumplings, honey cake and a cocktail in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. If you want to see support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, it's here. Hello, Pete Buttigieg. Good evening, Oksana Markarova.

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The Bazaar by José Andrés is located in the historic Post Office building near the White House, fulfilling the chef’s longtime wish to open there. Its changing menu draws on both classic and modern cooking styles, making it a comfortable spot that balances tradition with new ideas.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Jose Andres’s dream come true in DC The splashiest addition yet to his local portfolio, the Bazaar by Jose Andres represents the chef’s decades-long hope to open in the historic Post Office building near the White House. The epic menu looks backward and forward but also lets diners savor the here and now. Imagine an onion soup that’s by turns hot and cold in every spoonful, tiny cones filled with crab salad and a “Philly cheesesteak” reimagined with Wagyu beef and blimp-like “air bread.” The gleaming Waldorf Astoria hotel is the perfect host for the luxe experience.

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Immigrant Food at Planet Word in downtown Washington is a welcome break from the usual museum café scene, offering a casual counter option by day and table service in the evening. It’s a friendly spot where you can explore globally inspired flavors in a laid-back setting.

Recommended by

Tom Sietsema

Food Critic

Washington’s museum restaurants tend to be afterthoughts, designed more for refueling than reflecting. Immigrant Food Plus, neighbor to Planet Word downtown, is a novel exception. Picture international sandwiches and salads, ordered at a counter by day, and table service, top-drawer drinks and sophisticated fusion entrees at night. The biggest thrill on the menu is the $20 per person “dim sum experience,” which brings together Latin wontons, minty kibbeh and pork-filled steam buns in a three-tiered bamboo steamer.

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Call Your Mother Deli – West End in Washington has a casual, welcoming vibe with plenty of seating. It’s a comfortable spot to meet friends or grab takeout, and the laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy whatever’s on the menu.

Recommended by

Parker Milner

Food Editor

My Call Your Mother order doesn’t change: Sun City with pastrami on a za’atar bagel. I went to this location with my mom the other day and was happy to find plenty of seating. The Georgetown location, on the other hand, is better for grab-and-go.

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Benito’s Place in Washington offers authentic Latin American flavors in a warm, welcoming setting. Recommended by a local chef, it provides comforting meals that feel homemade. It’s a straightforward option for anyone seeking genuine, satisfying fare without unnecessary frills.

Recommended by

Gilberto Briceño Gómez

Chef

Benito's Place, Washington D.C.: Authentic Latin Flavors in the Capital When venturing into the culinary landscape of Washington D.C., it's not always easy to find spots that deliver genuine flavors reminiscent of Latin America. Enter Benito's Place, an establishment that pulsates with the authentic spirit of Latino cuisine right in the heart of the city. Recommended by Tim, the head chef at The Dabney, the recommendation set high expectations. Fortunately, Benito's Place exceeded them. Here, food is stripped down to its essence: pure, homely, and satisfying. Their sweet plantains are a comforting embrace of caramelized goodness, while the popusas and empanadas transport you straight to your grandma's kitchen—a place where every dish is made with love and tradition. For a Latino away from home, or anyone craving genuine Latin American fare, Benito's Place is an essential pit-stop. It stands as a testament that simple, well-made food can be the most memorable part of any journey. It's a treasure in D.C., and a must-visit for those seeking culinary authenticity.

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Paraiso – Mexican Restaurant Taqueria & Mezcaleria in Washington, DC offers a laid-back spot to enjoy flavors inspired by the streets and home kitchens of Mexico. With its warm atmosphere and convenient location near local metro stations, it’s a welcoming place for catching up with friends or hosting casual get-togethers. The mezcal and tequila flights add an extra touch for those looking to explore new tastes.

Recommended by

Kevin Tien

Chef/Owner

I recommend all the dips and spread with the breads at Emilie's. The family styles are delicious as well. Do not skip on the desserts. The pastry chef is the best in DC.

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