“Possibly the best food I’ve ever had in the DMV meets incredible service. They didn’t have the dessert we wanted, so they comped us the one we chose instead. Also, as someone who is sensitive to gluten, dairy, corn, and peanuts, eating out is often extremely tricky and limited, but I was able to choose from maybe 70% of their menu, which is super impressive. Great spot if you have dietary restrictions and want a lot of options.Just a note, you definitely want a reservation. This place is busy for a reason!Dietary restrictions: Gluten-, dairy-, and nut-containing options are clearly labeled. Ask about other restrictions if you have them.“
“I had Ethiopian cuisine on my bucket list for real long time, but since I couldn't find much time to visit any Ethiopian restaurant in New York city, I decided to go ahead with the one in Washington DC!Initially, I was a bit hesitant to order the meat dishes since my last adventure with African cuisine wasn't a great one. Glad that Ethiopians have a good amount of vegetables in their diet which helped me make a safe and easy choice to go with!I went ahead with their traditional veggie platter, which consisted of 2 vegetables, 2 lentil dishes and a salad served over Injera( basically the Ethiopian version of dosa: An Indian dish and a much softer one instead of crispy). The vegetables served were cluster beans along with cabbage and potato. The cluster beans felt right out of my home kitchen whereas the potato was undercooked in the cabbage one! The two lentil dishes served out of which one was the spicy one and the other not spicy. I loved both of them. Honestly, I never thought it would be so close to traditional Indian cuisine as a result I also let the server know the same.The server was pretty friendly and was happy to guide me through their menu while providing quick service. The restaurant though feels like a homely vibe with close seating and the ambiance being that of a family home.Overall, an amazing experience for me with interesting thing being it felt like having a home cooked meal rather than eating at a restaurant!“
“Orders are placed via phone or you can order at the counter but the tip defaults to 22%. I’m a generous tipper but am annoyed at this, esp when our server didn’t return with sugar after being asked for it or to check up on us. Otherwise, it’s a very cozy place.“
“This is a gem of a spot in Cleveland Park! I discovered it one day and now I’m a regular and have started bringing my friends. Who all have said they wanna come back. The restaurant is small, but intimate and the food is amazing. The Scallops are a must try. Every time I’ve gone and sat at the bar and have always had an amazing experience. Kyle & Victor are so knowledgeable on their wines and just make the experience 10x better. The playful pairings on the menu are also another highlight and a lot of fun. Definitely a spot worth checking out!“
“Amazing food from start to finish, amazing portions, great tea, and Coffee. We read the reviews as we where looking for a place to eat breakfast. The owner is amazing, the food is phenomenal, my family and I all agreed. My kids never agree on food, we were all in a food coma.“
“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.“
“I kept hearing about this popular cupcake place and finally came to try their Chai-infused pistachio and Almond Orange cream cupcakes. They were so good and just melted in my mouth! I appreciate that they also offer vegan options. The staff provided friendly service, and the ambiance was artistic - it felt like a comfortable neighborhood coffee shop.Vegetarian options: They have vegan cupcakes, and all coffee drinks are available with plant-based milk options.“
“Sidamo Coffee and Tea in West Hollywood is a true gem! The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Their selection of beverages is extensive and always delicious, and they also offer tasty pastries to accompany your drink. It's become my go-to place for a relaxing and enjoyable break in the city. Highly recommended!Parking: It depends at what time you visit this place.“
“Hands down one of the best brunch meals I've ever had. I got the batata with toum and harissa, fried halloumi with apple compote and pistachio, and scrambled egg sandwich with grilled soujak. Ali was very attentive, noticed anytime I ran out of water or even napkins. Friendly and accommodating staff, bold ambience, and mouthwatering courses!“
“The pink exterior of this building is unmissable; it seems to have become a must-visit brunch spot for those living in Georgetown. While we may have forgotten what we ordered, one thing not to be missed is their "spicy honey" - it elevates the taste of the bagel to a whole new level. Seating is limited, so it's first come, first served!“
“Great Breakfast Taco!Visited this place on a Saturday around 11:30 AM. There was a line and we waited about 25 minutes before ordering. Once we ordered, we got the Tacos relatively fast ~5 minutes.I like that the menu is not too broad. These are breakfast tacos, all of them with a soft flour tortilla. They serve 8 different Tacos. I did not know if the tacos were big and I was hungry so I went big and ordered 6. In the end I was able to eat just 4 of them.I think the salsa is something they can improve. I am not fan of the creamy salsas so the cilantro was meh. The charred tomato was just OK.If I come back I would do just 3 and it has to be: 956, Tio Willie and 513.Vegetarian options: There is a Bean Taco: El Frijolito. Not that good.“
“We walked by this place not really looking to eat but the exterior stopped us in our tracks. We looked in and saw all the pastries and decided to make a quick pit stop. We got a Pistachio Meringue Roulette to share. Mistake. Should have gotten one for myself. The flavors work perfectly together. I also got the Strawberry Matcha to wash it all down and I’m still thinking about it. Wish they would bottle that stuff!“
“No-frills, Cafe V is run by kind people who efficiently make you your coffee. Enjoying more sweet drinks, I enjoyed the large honey cinnamon latte. Within minutes, it was ready at the bar on a Sunday morning. The space is very practical with plenty of tables. My latte was over $7, which seemed a little expensive, but everything is these days.“
“Great find and the perfect coffee spot for the hard to please, indiscriminant coffee lovers out there in the DMV! I stumbled on this place while riding past the Union Market neighborhood the other day, badly in need of coffee. And, so glad I did. I was completely impressed with the coffee products sold here at Unido. Also, I'd argue this is probably the best place in DC for coffee, if you're into single-source and specialty coffee brews. As a first timer, I was greeted by a Barista named Louis. This guy really knew his coffee and explained the concept of the coffee products in the store. During this time, I learned that the source of the coffee products sold were from Panama in which to be frank, I had no clue that Panama even had a global coffee presence. So out of curiosity, I was interested in trying their coffee to compare my thoughts of what they had to offer to other DC coffee 'Likes' around the city such as Sidamo, Blue Bottle Coffee, Kaldi's, Compass Coffee, La Colombe, Starbucks, and even Dunkin'! Yeah, I know....doesn't take much to outperform the latter....lol. At any rate, this place won me over. I was blown away by the flavor and taste of Unido and their Panamanian coffee. In the store, I tried a Geisha Pourover. The attention to detail, the presentation of the coffee, the ceramic cup all added to a great cup of coffee and ultimately my coffee pleasure. And the coffee itself, was delicious and perfectly brewed with a flavor profile that was nutty and chocolate. I like my coffee black and this one was perfect. I also tried an Iced Americano, at the recommendation of the Barista "to-go." The iced coffee was so rich, smooth, and full of an earthy --lite caramel flavor; which speaks to the care and quality of the beans that goes into making a cup. He added a shot of Ghirardelli dark chocolate that took this cup to the next level. In all, a great find. The vibe and atmosphere is chill and relaxing. Louis, the staff member there was knowledgeable and friendly, offering great suggestions for drinks to try. If you haven't been, I would recommend Unido....it's certainly worth a stop when in the Union Market neighborhood!“
“Coffee In is such a lovely little coffee shop! Very clean and cutely decorated. Love that they had a highchair for our baby. The coffee is tasty and they have a pretty wide selection to choose from. The waffles are AMAZING, as is their customer service. We really enjoy this place and so glad they opened. We will be returning :)“
“The lemon cherry scone and piccolo were amazing! I really appreciate the effort to put milk foam art even on a tiny tiny to-go cup. The atmosphere is cozy and they have WiFi. If you can find a seat and don't mind background noise it would be a nice place to work.“
Coffee Shops •
“I had avoided this place, just 2 minutes walk from my house, for the longest time. First I thought it was a junkfood type coffee and sandwich place. Then when I realised it wasn't fully that, I still thought the name was totally dumb. I did know that I can't keep avoiding it forever, thus, a few months after my friendly neighbourhood convenience store owner heavily talked it up, I went. It is an Ethjiopian-owned spot that caters to the typical coffee shop crowd. They have a mix of normal fare, and some lowbrow version of fusion Ethiopian dishes. I had their altered variant of chechebsa. It wasn't bad as long as I didn't think of it as chechebsa. The place is tiny and quite cosy. I know I'll go back.“
“OMG, where do I start? This place is an absolute GEM. Service is incredible and the space/ambiance is top notch. Loved the music and vibe they created. Literally everything we ordered was incredible: - Goat/cheese/herb biscuit sammie: this was one of the best egg biscuit sandwiches I've ever had in my life, no joke - Turmeric labneh toast: delicious, light and unique flavors - the juice + lattes were amazing - Baked cookies: we got 3-4 varieties and they were so so so good. my favorite was the espresso chocolate cookie I can't wait to come back to DC and eat at this place again!“
“I honored my reservation, identified myself and the time of the reservation at the front desk but the restaurant never checked me in and listed me as a no show. No one came to take our order. After 1/2 hour we flagged down a server (not our section) who said she would be happy to take our order and let our server know. We said ok just let our server know. Once she came snd took our order, food arrived quickly.“
“This is absolutely the best coffee I've ever tasted! I had the Mardin blend and it was silky smooth and bursting with flavor! Turkish Coffee Lady was truly the highlight of my first visit to Old Town Alexandria and it will not be my last.“
“I'm from out of town and found Little Food Studio through a recommendation from a friend. I ordered a Bianca (ham and cheese) with the spicy spread and a cherry blossom lemonade, both of which were VERY delicious. While waiting for the food to be made there were many other customers who came in. I completely understand why this place is rated to highly. Cheap prices, great food, and friendly staff.“
“Looking for a delicious cup of coffee and a chance to support a great cause? Look no further than Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Georgetown! This coffee shop is special because it employs and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).The Atmosphere:The atmosphere at Bitty & Beau's is warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly and enthusiastic about providing excellent service. You can tell they take pride in their work and the mission of the company.The Coffee:But don't let the good cause overshadow the coffee itself! Bitty & Beau's roasts its own beans, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as teas, pastries, and other treats.The Impact:By choosing Bitty & Beau's, you're not just getting a great cup of coffee, you're also supporting an organization that is making a difference in the lives of people with IDD. They are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for inclusion.Overall:Bitty & Beau's Coffee is a great place to grab a coffee, relax, and support a worthy cause. I highly recommend checking it out!“
“The best sushi in the dmv by far for the price. The people that run this place are so amazing and kind. The sushi is made out of amazing cuts of fish that are fresh and they are generous with their portions.I’ve eaten at multiple Michelin star sushi restaurants and this sushi rivals that, they really know their sushi. They’ve always been super friendly and accommodating. Treat yourself and support a family owned small business!!“
“Sunday brunch shouldn’t be missed at Borek G, had a great spread of eggs, simit, dips and spreads. Also not to be missed are the Turkish coffee and tea, along with a piece of baklava for a sweet ending. Service is fantastic at this family owned resto and all the little details add up to a wonderful experience.“
“I visited the West End location with my husband while visiting DC and had a phenomenal experience. Aside from the food being absolutely to die for, the customer service is really what impressed me. At the register, we were greeted by an older black woman who was so kind to share suggestions and explain the menu to me despite being very busy. It truly made the ordering experience a breeze. My latte was delivered by a younger light skinned black male and I am not sure where he received his customer service training by but by far he’s got it down pat. After delivering my order he told me, “have a nice day, okay?” but it wasn’t just a pleasantry, it truly seemed like a genuine request. I am beyond impressed with the food, ambiance, and customer service provided!“
“All in all, a pretty cool place and unique in downtown Vienna. I want to come back and visit when it's a little less crowded.My daughter and I came here on a Saturday morning to grab a quick cup of coffee before we took on the day. On walking in, I was immediately struck by how small the place is. The space really isn't all that big and there are only about 5-7 tables throughout, so during busy periods (like when we went) it would be really tough to get a seat.There was no line, so we went right up to the counter and placed our order. They don't do pour overs on the weekends, so I got a drip coffee and had it in my hand just a few seconds after ordering. After scanning the room, I realized that there were no tables available, so my daughter and I went outside and sat on a bench out there for a few minutes until the cold got to us. In total, I probably spent less than 3 minutes inside.That's too bad, because I really enjoy getting to enjoy the atmosphere of a coffee shop and having a little time to enjoy and experience the coffee. That said, it was my mistake for coming here at a busy time and honestly, there's only so much you can do about the size of a building.The drip coffee itself was okay, nothing to write home about – but that's drip coffee. I love that this place roasts their own beans and I would love to come back when they're doing pour overs and give it another shot.Overall, this place has some cool potential and I want to try it again and will update my review after the next round.“
Deli • $
“I had heard of Call Your Mother when researching good bagel places in DC. The bagels are okay - they are definitely not the chewy New York style I am used to. The everything was a bit underwhelming, however the apple cinnamon had just the right amount of sweetness. The oat latte was actually quite good; it’s a really good cup of coffee with a huge range of bagel sandwiches.Vegetarian options: You can build your own bagel sandwich and add veggies if you have specific preferences.“
Bagel shop • $$
“I really like the bagels here, especially the spicy pastrami. Latkes are also really good, along with their coffee. They admit their stuff is really expensive, but it's personally one of the cheapest eats compared to DC restaurants. This is probably more in the hands of corporate, but it is disappointing to advertise as a Jewish bakery and serve stuff that exclusively has pork bacon, such as the Whisper Walk or the BLTA. It's fine to serve pork bacon, but out of respect for Jewish and Muslims, it would be best to offer turkey or beef bacon options. Again, I know that's more of a corporate decision, but thought I should put this as a suggestion.“
“My daughter and I stopped by to see the cats while we were on vacation. Normally, an appointment is encouraged on the weekends, but we were able to go see the cats anyways! The cat room was beautiful! You can tell all of the cats are well taken care of and enjoy human interaction. I cannot recommend this place enough. Next time I am in town I will definitely have a drink and bite to eat as well!“
“This place reminds me of San Francisco where I'm from. The vibes are so open and friendly and the place, as well as the atmosphere, are full of character. The coffee is in my opinion the best coffee in the DMV. High quality espresso drinks and matcha is well done. Their food is bomb, my personal favorite is the crogel. They have all sorts of lovely treats though. The staff are actually angels from heaven, everyone is so sweet and happy to be there. Also they sell plants. Love yall“
“Great food, super cute and chic ambiance, and easy, prompt service. The menu has all the classics of an upscale Italian restaurant and the flavors + portions don't disappoint! I had the Burrata, the mushroom pasta, and the broccolini - all were well prepared and delicious. The price point is certainly on the higher side but nonetheless it's a cute and cosy spot that I hope to be back to soon. Glad to have this option in the neighborhood!“
“This is a cute little place with unique gelato flavors. We waited on a short line about 5 minutes. The staff is big and extremely agile. I was able to sample some flavors before deciding on hazelnut crackle and bananas foster. You can have two flavors in one cup. This is some of the best gelato I've had to be honest. It's just very expensive. My tiny maybe 6 ounce cup was almost $9. It's not something I would eat often at that price but a nice occasional treat.“
“After a climbing session at Vertical, my friend and I went downstairs to visit their coffee shop.The Drinks: I went with a class Iced Caramel coffee here. The coffee was good, mixed well and didn't have a burnt taste at all. Well flavored for my liking and at an affordable price as well.The Service: Service was good! The staff here are friendly and welcoming when you walk in. Ordering was easy and straight forward with orders being sent out in a timely manner.The Atmosphere: With the climbing gym being upstairs, it only makes sense that the decor and atmosphere fit into the "climbing/adventure" aesthetic. The coffee shop is spacious with plenty of seats to either relax/hangout or get some work done. They had nice National Park posters/stuff decorated around the shop as well. Really nicely decorated.Overall, a 5/5! Great coffee, very chill and relaxing vibes. Would definitely come back.“
“The ambiance of this cafe first drew me in, it's clean, modern, and relaxing. The food and service keep me coming back. The blueberry pancakes are incredible! FULL of blueberries. The avocado toast is the perfect portion size, I feel full and satisfied without being stuffed. The baked goods are delicious, and always fresh. The coffee drinks are exceptional, as well.The service is polite and quick. It's so awesome to see an interesting mix of customers enjoying an elevated, quick breakfast, and the incredible amount of take out orders this business handles.I love taking people from out of town here - everyone raves about how cute the cafe is, and how good everything was.“
“They cashier is nice the ambiance is great with incense that levitates the room. The barista actually knows how to steam the milk and pull wonderful shots. Support small businesses like this. There is wifi and music playing in the background. Try the Fatira with everything (vegetarian friendly)“
“My friend had her baby shower upstairs, and I fell in love with the place. I’d driven by it many times, but had never gone in. I was surprised by how cozy and welcoming the space was. There was a ton of meter parking right out front. The woman who helped us plan the shower was Kelly. She is AMAZING! She was sooo helpful and very professional. I made sure to save her info for our next event! Wonderful experience all around.“
“10/10.Very cozy place. You have to queue because it is always full. But I'm not surprised, since the food they make is incredible.The sandwiches left me speechless, to say they were good is a huge understatement.The hot chocolate they serve was also delicious. Ideal to warm up on cold days.I would definitely return to Washington just to have breakfast here.Great!!“
“Rue Cafe in West Hollywood is a charming little spot that has quickly become a favorite of mine. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee or enjoy a delicious meal. Their menu offers a variety of options, from tasty sandwiches to mouthwatering pastries, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Whether I'm grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely brunch, Rue Cafe never disappoints. Highly recommend giving it a try if you're in the area!Parking: It depends at what time you visit this place.“
“Such a hidden gem! I had their pecan latte, which has actual pecan pieces in the drink. So creative! Limited pastry options, they do have vegan options. The vibe is cozy and cute, would love to come back to try their dinners/food and alcoholic drinks.Street parking available.“
“A Great place for coffee, beverage with some nice food options. They have a good breakfast menu including a few pastries to choose from. The happy hour menu is very reasonable. I loved to avocado & black bean toast either mesclun salad, cojito cheese and two poached eggs. The service is always good.“
“The empanadas are very delicious, I really liked the spinach and cheese one, but the meat one was also very tasty, and their sauces were very good. The place is very nice, it has a couple of swings to take photos, instagrammable. It is very clean. The girl who served us mmm normal.“
“It was our first out of 2 nights in DC and I wanted to have high-quality, memorable, delicious food and that's what The Duck & the Peach provided! The ambiance felt artsy and people were dressed casually but the food was fancy and expensive. My partner and I got the duck feast and everything was tasty, particularly the duck. We are duck lovers who eat duck a lot especially from Chinese restaurants and this duck was so tender and the skin was crispy the way I like it. We also had the mint ice cream bar for dessert which was super unique, almost savory and wrapped in an edible covering but I couldn't place what the covering was made out of (maybe white chocolate)? It was an expensive meal but we also took home left overs and we would come here again!“
“Discovered it when visiting DC. A comfy and cosy spot for an Armenian snack (and coffee if you are into that). Ordered a Lahmajun and Soujuk for a small lunch and they were both so satisfying in flavour and texture =)It would be one of my go to places if I lived in this city. Highly recommended.(If you are tea/tea-latte drinker like me then there unfortunately isn't a drink for us...)“
“i was visiting from nigeria with my sister in november. stumbled in here by accident and we were so so in love. got a polaroid with a “bowl cat” that’s still on my wall till this day. and it encouraged me to get a calico cat. can’t wait to come again“
“Büna has quickly become one of my favorite cafes of all time. The people who work there are so kind and remember your name and order and work to make your experience enjoyable and catered to you specifically. The food (both Ethiopian and American) is absolutely fantastic. Everything I’ve had has been a slam dunk. I am not someone who orders takeout almost ever and I’ve made an exception for this cafe. I keep coming back for the Ethiopian vegan rolls, fir fir side dish and brunch platter! Wish I could take this place everywhere I go!“
Coffee & Tea •
“Their service is unparalleled, surpassing all others. The management is top-notch, providing excellence in every aspect. The customer service is exceptional, creating a friendly and welcoming environment. And let's not forget about their food - it's a symphony of flavors, each bite a work of art. The taste is simply exquisite, leaving you craving for more.“
“I like this fast causal style and the atmosphere of this restaurant. Service was quick and friendly. Food and drinks were delicious. I definitely want to go again!Update 3/25/24: I ordered shrimp mofongo and emapanadas for delivery and it was fresh, flavorful and hot!“
Bubble Tea • $
“The menu had too many good options and I wish I could come here all the time to get through the entire menu. During this trip, we tried the ube milk and the mango yuzu black tea. Both with boba of course. The ube milk was made with real ube so it was starchy like a potato, thick like a watered down milk shake, and really delicious. It wasn't sweet to me, it felt like a dessert vs a drink. The real winner was the mango yuzu black tea. It was also made with real mango fruit puree and tasted like a mango fruit leather. Bursting with flavor from the mango and had a zing from the yuzu, it was the perfect drink for the warmer weather outside. The boba was also so soft and chewy. This was a true boba place. And it was literally ran by one guy. If I lived in DC, this would be my go to boba drink place for sure.“
“We stopped here to get coffee and a sweet treat and ending up getting the orange blossom croissant and morning bun, which was so good! We also got some baklava for some friends and family, which came in these really cute yellow tin box- a perfect gift!“
“It's Christmas Day and I was surprised to discover they were open. I didn't get a chance to use my birthday reward yesterday and I spoke to the barista ringing me up about it. She politely let me know that it was expired and I continued my order. Well at the end she showed me such kindness and honored my birthday reward. Customer service has definitely declined in recent years so it is refreshing to see and experience it. Also to note, that the other baristas were just as cheerful while fulfilling everyone's orders. Merry Christmas!“