50 Best Cafes in Washington

“I love this place! The food is phenomenal! I can’t get over the tempeh burger!!!“

“We had the best time at KooKoo DC last night. They accommodated a table of 14 for my spouse's birthday and never let us feel like an imposition. The food was so fresh, authentic, and reasonably priced - I did a double take when we got the bill. I even felt like we went all-out with apps, drinks, and desserts! The owner was also so kind - we just felt so cared for the whole time and can't wait to visit again.“

“great food and service nice spot“

“We had a great lunch! Highly recommended! 😋😋😋“

“Maman is hands down the best coffee shop in the entire DMV area! Their special coffee flavors are absolutely amazing, offering a unique experience with every sip. The pastries and cookies are equally incredible, fresh, and delicious every single time. The environment is cozy and welcoming, with beautifully decorated interiors that make you feel right at home. Whether you're there to work, relax, or catch up with friends, Maman's ambiance creates the perfect setting. I highly recommend stopping by—you won’t be disappointed!“

“I just had an amazing breakfast here! The menu has a great selection of vegetarian options, healthy and so delicious.“

“From the moment I walked in, Layla and Frank made me feel genuinely welcomed. The service was fast, friendly, and you can tell they really care about the experience they’re creating.
The iced latte itself was fantastic, rich, smooth, and clearly made with attention to detail. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and I would definitely visit again!“

“Must have the Mochi fantastic“

“Delicious and super staff!“

“Excellent food and the best chai!“

“Food was yummy (breakfast pita) and their chocolate cruffin was even better! My latte was more milk than espresso shots. The service was great and everyone was kind! They did forget one of our food items so I had to ask, but they solved it right away and the worker in charge of calling food helped us find a spot to sit. That being said, the atmosphere is kind of hectic, it was SUPER busy, which this place is popular so it makes sense. Seating is super limited and it seems like they have more people going for food than to sip on a coffee and work so there were a handful of people sitting with laptops at huge tables working while tons of people ordering food didn't have a place. Feels like they need to just kind of lean into what they want to be and have a order first system then get seating. Other than that, inside is a vibe and very aesthetic!“

“The café is very aesthetic, looks really beautiful and is cozy and tidy. The staff is friendly and they have a variety of food options. I had their oatmeal & quinoa bowl, which I personally didn’t like, but that’s my preference. Their matcha on the other hand was good. I will definitely go there again and try other breakfast options🍵✨“

“It is a cool and nice lounge!“

“I love the atmosphere of this place. When you enter La Cosecha, you’re welcomed by a variety of restaurants and small local businesses — it feels vibrant and creative.
But I’m focusing on Café Unido, because this coffee comes from my home country, Panama. So every time I’m in Washington, I have to stop by.

The space is filled with beautiful natural light coming through the large windows facing the street — perfect for enjoying a slow moment with a cup of coffee. The aroma and flavor are exactly what I expect from good Panamanian coffee: rich, smooth, and full of character.

I believe they could take even more advantage of how special it is to have a Panamanian coffee franchise in Washington — it deserves to be highlighted and promoted more. I truly hope they open more locations around the city so more people can experience it.

I tried the Caramel Latte, and it was delicious. If you like my pictures, give a follow on IG: @framinizingdiary“

“Everything about this place feels magical and beautiful. The staff are kind, welcoming, and create such a positive atmosphere. The drinks are absolutely delicious, making the whole experience a joy from start to finish. It’s also deeply encouraging to see a business that openly stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and against genocide. Places like this give so much hope. 🇵🇸🫶🏻“

“Stopped in the have a quick bite ended up having the honor of meeting the young owner Mr Justin . Very knowledgeable hospitable entrepreneur. Service was exceptional, food was fulfilling and down right delicious. It’s been a long time since I had a down home meal in a restaurant setting. Eggs were made to my specifications and the bacon oh the bacon. Thick cut with just the right crunch and crispness. I will definitely return and spread the word“

“very nice 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 🥐🍇🍕🧁🍫“

“This place was amazing! Thank you to Aster (the owner family) and the chef for this amazing recommendation and preparation. Right amount of taste, protein, and calories!
Tibs kinche (beef with cracked wheat)

Also gave me great recommendations for opportunities and connections!

Can’t wait to come back when I visit again!“

“Their menu lists 4 sweet pies and 2 savory. I went yesterday and they had all but 1 the Bruiseberry I took the other 3 sweet ones home to taste and they were all great. The sour cherry was our favorite. Updated from previous review on 2026-04-06“

“I’ve been a loyal Tatte fan for over 10 years, following them from Boston to DC. The West End location is my favorite in DC—I love the large, airy interior with higher ceilings. Their Pistachio Cherry Tart is my go-to. It's a must-try!“

“Today I had the best fried chicken sandwich since Kevin Tien’s Perfect seasoning—a little heat but not too much, smashed avocado, coleslaw, and chicken that had just the right amount of crispy covering that kept the chicken moist. I can’t wait to return for another.“

“My caramel macchiato was delicious 😋“

“Yerevan Café is one of those rare places that feels both home-cooked and special at the same time. Everything we tried was beautifully prepared and genuinely delicious.
The food was outstanding.
The stuffed flatbread was warm, soft, and perfectly charred, served with creamy yogurt and tender grape leaves that tasted incredibly fresh. The lahmajun was flavorful and comforting — exactly what you want from Armenian-style flatbread. We also loved the red pepper spread they serve on the side, which added the perfect brightness and spice.
The desserts are a must.
The honey cake was the star — light, tender layers with just the right amount of sweetness. Their dessert case is full of classics (baklava, gatta, Napoleon, and more), and everything looked handmade and generous.
Great wine and even better atmosphere.
The glass of red wine paired perfectly with the dishes. The café itself has a warm, authentic vibe, and you can see the care they put into everything, even from the kitchen area and pastry counter.
If you’re looking for a cozy spot with truly delicious Armenian food and amazing desserts, Yerevan Café is absolutely worth it. I’d come back just for the honey cake.“

“Cute spot, good oatmilk cappacino, and fast food made on order. They have a lot of bread options and turkey bacon or sausage as we as the regular ones. Limited seating in winter but enough and looks like a fun patio for warmer weather. It's in a a neighborhood and good for people watching and just being a part of daily routine of DC.“

“I love the West Wing Cafe near the spy museum it is always so clean and refreshing when you step inside, the host is always upbeat and the food is delicious. I especially love the breakfast omelet and the Turkey lunch sandwich options. It’s even nice to sit awhile to get a break from the work day.“

“Great food and drinks! Lovely atmosphere! My favorite are the Belarusian and Ukrainian dishes like borscht and bliny. Also, love the light desserts.“

“I stopped in with friends before a event Sunday evening. The staff was warm and welcoming. I had the lentil sambusas and a peanut-infused coffee at the staff’s recommendation. The food was fast and delicious- the sambusas were warm and spicy, and the peanut coffee was delicious! In a kind gesture, the chef sent over a sampling of sushi to our table. Fresh and refreshing, the sushi was a nice complement to my sambusas and hot beverage. I’m not on this side of town often, but now I have a reason to come back.“

“A small but absolutely mighty coffee shop in the heart of dc U street. The service is insane , especially for a normally two man run joint. They pay so much attention to detail and craft every menu item with so much love, care and intention. By far my favorite cafe in the city. My Fiance go here every Sunday before church and we look forward to every time. Andre 300 is our go to and their saffron cardamom latte may be one of my favorite combo lattes ever.“

“Simona Cafe in NoMa is a gem. Keith and Corey delivered standout hospitality, welcoming, attentive, and genuinely personable from the moment I walked in. The coffee is high quality and tastes as good as it smells because I’m picky like every other human with opinions lol

I ordered the Nova and it was the perfect breakfast bite: fresh, flavorful, satisfying, and exactly what I wanted without feeling heavy. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the kind of place you actually want to sit for a bit instead of sprinting out with your cup.

Highly recommend Simona Cafe. I’ll be back, and I’d absolutely point friends to this spot!“

“This place was an absolute gem during our week-long stay in DC. We visited it a whopping five times! We had such a great time, especially when we made a funny joke about breakfast for the next morning. 😂 Because we had already eaten it .“

“Nice atmosphere . Troy was a great host/server.“

“Great experience wonderful staff the kitties were a lot of fun!!“

“I love City Place Cafe and the staff is amazing🥰“

“I come here regularly to work or just grab a drink, and it’s easily one of the best coffee spots in the area. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and you’ll notice a lot of regulars who enjoy coming here. There’s plenty of seating (including a large downstairs area!) so it’s one of the few places nearby where you can reliably find a spot to sit and get some work done.“

“Quick, pleasant, and otherwise attentive, staff members at Colada Shop on The Wharf are consummate professionals. Even when I haven’t yet ordered, and am in line, staff prepares my order [they know my preferences] and swiftly checks me out. Coffee and food are delicious. Wonderful.“

“I stumbled into this relatively new coffee shop in Shaw and it instantly made me smile. The owner is local and incredibly welcoming, and the coffee is absolutely delicious. There’s something really special about seeing a small business like this thrive exactly where it belongs.

I ended up lingering longer than I planned—just enjoying a quiet morning coffee and chatting with people as they came in. It’s one of those places that feels both friendly and thoughtfully designed, where you immediately feel at ease.

Couldn’t love it more—an easy five stars.“

“Great and Delicious food! So glad I found it :)“

“I love this coffee esp the instant believe it or not. It’s so bold and rich flavorful“

“I’ve loved coming in and seeing the staff make the fresh coffee on Sunday from the pot. Such a refreshing aroma. I like their espresso coffee with steam milk .“

“literally the BEST breakfast burrito i have ever had. the staff is so friendly and nice, and the prices are extremely reasonable. the owner said that if it doesn’t pick up soon they will need to close so PLEASE come and support this amazing small business!“

“The high quality ingredients make for the best espresso drinks I have ever had! Delicious iced tea in the summer too.“

“I had a great experience at this breakfast coffee shop. From the moment I walked in, the customer service stood out. The staff genuinely cares about making sure you have a good experience, and they take the time to listen to your order and make it just right.

What I really appreciated was how personal the service felt. If you’re not sure what to order, they’re more than happy to give suggestions and help you find something you’ll love. You can tell they take pride in the quality of their food and coffee, and it shows in the final product.

The atmosphere is welcoming, the service is thoughtful, and the food and coffee are excellent. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again. Highly recommend stopping by if you want a great breakfast and a team that truly cares about their customers.“

“Lowkey breakfast spot with several locations. This one has a wide menu with ample seating and an obviously strong following. It was near our hotel and recommended. We were not disappointed. Good food, well and timely prepared, great prices.“

“It’s a wonderful experience! The food, drink, and dessert are all prefect. Moreover, there is a great thing I must need to share: Although I fall down suddenly in the store, which is basically my own fault, the manager comes to kindly check if I’m okay super quickly. Additionally, he professionally asked if I need any help and offer some towel and some bread to comfort me. That’s the kindest and most professional manager I’ve ever met in America!“

“Best coffee value in Downtown. Baristas are pros“

“Outstanding service, flavor, and value… plus an outdoor rooftop space! Couldn’t have asked for more.“

“I'm on a juice fast and was looking for a spot close to work and liked what I saw on the menu and liked that it was owned by a woman (That's why i voted for Kamala :)
So I got the Energy and Green Detox drinks and boy!!!! They are off the chain with deliciousness. Now I have to go back and try some others and food when I come off my fast A+ Rating!“

“Cute little spot to go and get some work done. I was confused though about why there are certain tables that are marked as laptop free? What difference does it make lol. Also, the iced chai was really good, but the grilled cheese was the star of the show. I really enjoyed the tomato salsa that it was served with.“

“The crepes are utter divinity itself. Both savory and sweet work depending on which mode my taste buds are in.“

“Came here maybe 15 years ago. And it was bang in then. Came back to dc got a fish platter Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes with a slice of sweet potato pie. There might be actual narcotics in the recipe. Absolutely smashed this plate that could have fed 2. Try it. Period. Thank me later“