One of the things we love most about DC is the food. Over time, we’ve found a mix of places we keep coming back to some for special nights, some just because they’re easy and always good. We’ve listed a few of those here in case you’re looking for somewhere to eat while you’re in town. If you end up spending a little extra time in the city, maybe one of these will make it onto your plans.

A classic Capitol Hill diner that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. We go here when we want a cheap ,classic breakfast

Cuisine: American diner

Best for: Breakfast

Address: 501 East Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Website/Menu: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jimmy-ts-place-washington

Our Picks: Waffles, eggs, and home fries

One of our favorite spots just steps from the reception. It’s an easy option if you want to stay nearby and avoid downtown traffic. They serve brunch and dinner with a seasonal menu, making it a great choice for a more special meal while you’re in the city.

Cuisine: New American (seasonal)

Best for: Brunch or dinner

Address: 300 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Reservations: Recommended

Website/Menu: https://www.duckandpeachdc.com/

Our Picks: Make sure to try the roasted duck and their harissa crunch roasted carrots.

Inside Eastern Market, this is one of our regular weekend spots. It gets busy, especially on weekends, but the line moves and it’s part of the experience.

Cuisine: American breakfast & lunch

Best for: Breakfast or lunch

Address: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Website/Menu: https://www.marketlunchdc.com/

Our Picks: Johnny cakes, grits, eggs, and bacon

Our go-to coffee spot right by Eastern Market. It’s simple, fast, and always solid. They’re also the ones making the coffee for our wedding, so you’ll already get a preview.

Cuisine: Coffee

Best for: Coffee or light breakfast

Address: 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003 (View on Google Maps)

Website/Menu: https://peregrineespresso.com/

Our Picks: Dealers choice

A small Italian spot right by Eastern Market serving Roman-style pinsa (their version of pizza). It’s lighter and crisp, and a good quick option if you want something easy without sacrificing quality.

Cuisine: Italian (Roman-style pinsa)

Best for: Lunch or casual dinner

Address: 327 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Reservations: Recommended

Website/Menu: https://lacasinadc.us/

Our Picks: La Milanese

A creative breakfast and lunch spot on Capitol Hill built around one idea: making simple egg dishes feel special. Known for standout breakfast sandwiches, quality local ingredients, and a relaxed neighborhood feel.

Aly and I love the “Pork, It’s What’s for Breakfast” sandwich and the taters (their crispy smashed potatoes). Both are easy wins and worth ordering if you go.

Cuisine: American breakfast & brunch with Asian influences

Best for: Breakfast or lunch

Address: 517 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Website/Menu: https://www.ieggyou.com/men

One of our go-to date night spots. A classic French bistro with a lively, relaxed atmosphere and dishes that consistently deliver. It’s a great choice for a nicer evening out that still feels easy and fun.

We love the trout amandine and the escargot.

Cuisine: French bistro

Best for: Dinner

Address: 1323 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002 (View on Google Maps)

Reservations: Recommended

Website/Menu: https://pastisdc.com/

Our Picks: Trout amandine, escargot

A large indoor food hall with a wide range of options, from quick bites to more substantial meals. It’s a good choice if you want flexibility or are with a group that can’t agree on one place. Easy to walk around, grab something, and sit down without much planning.

Cuisine: Mixed (food hall with multiple vendors)

Best for: Lunch or casual dinner

Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Website: https://unionmarketdc.com/

Cuisine: Caribbean

Best for: Lunch or dinner

Address: 403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Website/Menu: https://www.cane-dc.com/

Our Picks: oxtail plate, jerk wings, and the paratha tiffin box

A small ramen spot upstairs on H Street that’s easy to miss. It’s casual and a bit tight on space, but worth it if you’re looking for some of the best ramen in the DMV.

We love the tonkotsu and shoyu ramen.

Cuisine: Japanese (ramen)

Best for: Lunch or dinner

Address: 1234 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Website/Menu: https://www.tokiunderground.com/

Reservations: Recommended

Cuisine: Gelato / dessert

Best for: Dessert

H Street: 550 Penn St NE, Washington, DC 20002 (View on Google Maps)

Website/Menu: https://dolcezzagelato.com/

Our Picks: stracciatella and pistachio

We love the chili half-smoke with fries and a shake.

Cuisine: American comfort food

Best for: Lunch or casual dinner

Address: 1208 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Website/Menu: https://benschilibowl.com

We love this Mediterranean spot, right near Dupont Circle. Good for sharing plates and sitting down for a longer meal.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Best for: Brunch or dinner

Website/Menu: https://www.agorarestaurants.net/dc-about-us/

Address: 1527 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Reservations: Recommended

Our Picks: anything and everything

A small, creative ice cream shop with rotating flavors. Easy stop if you’re out walking around, and a great dessert option if you’re having dinner near Dupont Circle.

Cuisine: Ice cream / dessert

Best for: Dessert

Website: https://www.happyicecreamdc.com/

Our Picks: flavors rotate if its available get the olive oil cookie crunch

A casual spot known for one of the best burgers in the city. It’s easy, reliable, and a great choice if you want something laid-back and easy.

Cuisine: British / American

Best for: Lunch or casual dinner

Address: 1513 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Website/Menu: https://www.dukesgrocery.com/dupontcircle

Our Picks: proper burger

Location: The Dupont location is at 1513 17th St NW. (Dukes)

One of our favorite spots for breakfast or lunch, with a great mix of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in a bright, welcoming space. It’s an easy choice whether you need something quick or want to sit and relax for a bit.

We especially love the shakshuka, chicken pita, morning buns, and the weekend donuts.

Cuisine: Bakery café

Best for: Breakfast or lunch

Locations: Multiple locations across DC (View locations), but City Center is our favorite.

Website/Menu: https://tattebakery.com/**

Cuisine: Modern Indian

Best for: Dinner

West End: 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037 (View on Google Maps)

Penn Quarter: 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 (View on Google Maps)

Website/Menu: https://www.rasikarestaurant.com/

Recommendations: the palak chaat, butter chicken.