Restaurant Guides
A Day in Washington, D.C. with inKind
Guide By Cassie Eufracio
Savor every part of your day in the nation's capital with our inKind guide to the best spots for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner in Washington, DC.
From the bustling streets of Dupont Circle to the trendy corners of Shaw and Navy Yard, DC is home to a rich mix of culinary destinations that reflect the city’s diverse culture and vibrant energy. Explore iconic establishments, chef-owned gems, and buzzy new openings that make DC a true foodie destination.
With recommendations for every time of day, this guide is your go-to for navigating Washington, DC’s best dining neighborhoods and experiences. Let inKind help you taste your way through the capital, one meal at a time.
All of the spaces featured in this guide are available on the inKind app, where you can earn 20% back when you pay for your meal using the app. New to inKind? Get $25 off your first meal of $50 when you visit any restaurant on the platform and pay your bill using the app.
With recommendations for every time of day, this guide is your go-to for navigating Washington, DC’s best dining neighborhoods and experiences. Let inKind help you taste your way through the capital, one meal at a time.
All of the spaces featured in this guide are available on the inKind app, where you can earn 20% back when you pay for your meal using the app. New to inKind? Get $25 off your first meal of $50 when you visit any restaurant on the platform and pay your bill using the app.
Coffee & Breakfast
Multiple Locations
An Australian-inspired cafe, Bluestone Lane is dedicated to providing a daily escape to all their customers. They pride themselves in offering premium coffees and healthy and delicious eats through an always welcoming experience that embraces their 'Aussie' approach to life. Dedicated customers' favorites include their avocado smash and green baked eggs.
3221 Mt Pleasant St. NW, Washington, DC 20010
Ellē is a neighborhood gem serving cafe favorites by day and full-service dinners by night, featured for multiple years in a row on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.
Multiple Locations
Gregory's coffee offers a wide range of coffee and tea choices, plus pastries, packaged foods, and a plant-based meal selection curated by an in-house registered dietitian that are prepared from scratch daily.
Multiple Locations
Inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality ingredients, maman offers a selection of delicious baked goods, coffee, fresh breakfast, and lunch options spanning from hearty salads & sandwiches to savory quiches. Their menu highlights childhood favorites from the south of France and North America.
391 Norse St NE, Washington, DC, 20002
A blend of backgrounds, styles, and offerings, Pluma by Bluebird Bakery continues to serve their devoted customers and visitors in a stylish environment with a delicious all-day menu in D.C.'s Union Market district. Pluma has anything from breakfast pastries to pizza and sandwiches, so whether you're a sweet or a savory breakfast-eater, they'll have something just for you.
Multiple Locations
Ted’s Bulletin features a diverse menu of reimagined American classics with all-day breakfast and satisfying portions in an inviting atmosphere. Enjoy made-from-scratch favorites like french toast, chicken & waffles, steaks, burgers, indulgent desserts, and craft cocktails.
Lunch
1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Landmark indie bookstore & cafe with a menu of upscale American fare, wine & draft beer. Step inside their solarium dining room and check out the All Day menu serving everything from french toast to fettuccine.
Multiple Locations
Immigrant Food
Immigrant Food is D.C.'s first cause-casual restaurant. They celebrate the success of past immigrants through their food and positively impact today's immigrants through their community engagement.
1351 H St NE, Washington, DC, 20002
Maketto is a communal marketplace combining retail, restaurant and cafe experiences. They're serving up fresh traditional Cambodian & Taiwanese recipes with bold and powerful flavors on the daily. Their mission is to build a sense of community through quality, consistency, and accessibility to all.
Multiple Locations
Mezeh
Mezeh puts a fresh twist on classic mezze, offering made-from-scratch bowls, pita pockets, and wraps with bold, vibrant flavors. Every dish is crafted daily with natural ingredients for a bold and elevated dining experience.
1101 Pennsylvania Ave, SE, Washington, DC, 20003
From tequila & mezcal flights to classic Latin-inspired dishes, Paraiso has all the ingredients for a mid-day Mexican feast. Their creative cuisine is inspired by the streets & home kitchens of Mexico with menu staples and fun, seasonal additions.
Multiple Locations
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen believes in the power of whole, real food. They partner with each of their growers, ranchers and producers so that every ingredient meets "TRUE" standards. That means better food for you, your family, and the planet.
Dinner
523 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
The first of its kind to ever appear in the Michelin Guide, Ambar's Balkan-style cuisine provides a unique experience for every patron. Join them for a shareable meal of rich, savory small plates inspired by the Balkan Peninsula, in a rustic chic ambiance.
934 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001
Escape from the everyday with a delicious cocktail, sommelier selected wine list and unique culinary journey in our bar, lounges or dining rooms. Their menu is centered around olive oils and ingredients carefully selected from premiere farms and vendors to provide delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
1825 14th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
Gypsy Kitchen on D.C.’s 14th Street offers a vibrant, bohemian escape with rich decor, rooftop views, and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. From roasted lamb to smoked duck prosciutto, each shared plate invites culinary exploration. With creative cocktails and a lively ambiance, every visit feels like a celebration.
401 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
At Oyamel, José Andrés and the José Andrés Group team combine Mexico’s rich regional diversity with the vibrant urban energy of Mexico City. The liveliness of the space is matched by the creativity of the menu and cocktail list, featuring antojitos—Mexican small plates—alongside ceviches, tacos, inventive margaritas, and an impressive array of tequilas, mezcals, and Mexican wines.
Multiple Locations
Succotash
A progressive perspective of classic Southern favorites. James Beard Award winner, Chef Edward Lee, brings his Korean roots and Southern repertoire to a soulful Southern menu.
701 9th St NW, Washington, DC, 20001
Chef Jose Andres' Mediterranean concept offers an innovative mezze menu reflecting the rich regional diversity of classic Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Zaytinya's chefs create original and unexpected dishes using authentic ingredients and traditional techniques that bring these regional cuisines to the next level.
Cocktails
301 Water Street Southeast, Washington, DC 20003
This modern Mexican eatery offers craft cocktails with a Latin twist—think smoky mezcal margaritas and tequila-infused creations—best enjoyed on their scenic patio overlooking the Anacostia River. With bold flavors and a lively atmosphere, it's an ideal place to unwind or kick off a night out.
Multiple Locations
Colada Shop was born from a love of the Cuban coffee tradition. They opened their first storefront in 2016 with the goal of spreading the Cuban coffee and social tradition to the DC community. Colada has since expanded to multiple stores in the DMV area.
124 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC, DC 20001
Celebrate life's simple pleasures with fine wine, exquisitely crafted cocktails, and impeccable sipping spirits at Death & Co. They've made it their mission to restore flavor to the drink and class to the specialty cocktail. Stop in for a libation experience you won't forget.
1815 Adams Mill Rd, NW Washington, DC, 20009
A D.C restaurant coined "French-Canadian disco" brings the unique cuisine to life in a lively and clever way. It is a restaurant, lounge, and bar celebrating good food, amazing wines, and energetic vibes. Stop by for a fun night after your dinner plans in the city.
Multiple Locations
Mi Vida's menu is rooted in the history and culinary tradition of Mexico while exploring the ever-changing boundaries of this vibrant and evolving cuisine.
636 Maine Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20024
Step into a world of enchantment as you indulge in ZOOZ'S array of cocktails, sushi, and desserts, each designed to bestow a uniquely magical encounter. Immerse yourself in meticulously crafted desserts that flawlessly complement an extensive selection of delectable, visually stunning cocktails.