Top 12 Best Lunch in DC Spots You Must Try

Lola Lin

Lola Lin

October 12, 2025

5 min read

Finding the best lunch in DC can feel like a challenge. The city is full of options, from quick bites to long business meals. The best lunch in DC offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you want a fast sandwich or a relaxing multi-course meal, the best lunch in DC spots have you covered. In this guide, we dig in to 12 top places for the best lunch in DC. We include neighborhood gems and popular favorites.

A vibrant food hall in Washington DC with diverse lunch options

1. Ambar Capitol Hill - Balkan Feast

Ambar offers an all-you-can-eat Balkan experience that has developed a loyal following. For a set price, you can sample numerous small plates, making it perfect for trying new flavors.

  • Key features:
    1. All-you-can-eat format with mostly vegetarian options.
    2. Small plates let you try many different dishes.
    3. Don't miss the halloumi and mushroom crepes.

Learn more about Ambar on TripAdvisor's best lunch list.

Delicious pizza from an Italian restaurant in DC

2. Use Assembo.ai to Create Custom Backgrounds

Assembo.ai helps restaurant owners present their food in the best light. You can upload photos of your dishes and see them in different settings. This is great for creating appealing menus and social media posts.

  • How it works:
    1. Upload your food photography.
    2. Select from various background options.
    3. See your dishes in professional settings instantly.

Find out more about Assembo.ai and its features for food presentation.

Ramen and fried chicken from Bantam King

3. Bantam King - Ramen and Fried Chicken

Bantam King focuses on two main items: ramen and fried chicken. Their curry snow fried chicken is particularly memorable, with a unique flavor combination.

  • Why it's great:
    1. Specializes in just two things, done very well.
    2. The curry snow fried chicken has a sweet onion sauce.
    3. Spicy miso ramen provides a nice kick.

See why Bantam King makes The Infatuation's best lunch guide.

Classic American dishes at Clyde's restaurant

4. Clyde's - Classic American Power Lunch

Clyde's is a DC institution that has served classic American food since 1963. It's a reliable spot for business lunches or dining with visitors.

  • What to try:
    1. Their famous crab cakes and burgers.
    2. Faroe Island salmon salad for a lighter option.
    3. Oysters Rockefeller for a touch of luxury.

Check Clyde's on Yelp's best lunch search.

Upscale Italian dining at a beautiful restaurant

5. Osteria Morini - Beautiful Italian Dining

Osteria Morini offers one of DC's most beautiful dining rooms. While dinner reservations can be hard to get, lunch is more accessible.

  • Key points:
    1. Nancy Silverton's legendary pizzas available at lunch.
    2. The potato pizza is surprisingly simple but excellent.
    3. Even their tuna melt feels special and well-crafted.

Read about Osteria Morini in The Infatuation's lunch guide.

Mediterranean meze and dips at Ottoman Taverna

6. Ottoman Taverna - Efficient Three-Course Lunch

Ottoman Taverna solves the problem of wanting quality food quickly. Their express lunch offers three courses that fit into a standard lunch break.

  • How it works:
    1. Start with excellent dips like hummus and pembe sultan.
    2. Choose from tender lamb kofte or seasoned chicken.
    3. Finish with baklava or creamy rice pudding.

Find Ottoman Taverna on The Infatuation's list.

Fresh bakery items and sandwiches at Yellow Cafe

7. Yellow - Worth-the-Line Bakery and Cafe

Yellow often has a line, but regulars say it's worth the wait. Their creative sandwiches and pastries draw crowds daily.

  • Must-try items:
    1. The jammy egg croissant is a work of art.
    2. Falafel sandwich with colorful pickled vegetables.
    3. Be prepared for takeout as seating is limited.

See Yellow featured in The Infatuation's guide.

Creative sandwiches at Your Only Friend deli

8. Your Only Friend - Duke's Mayo Sandwiches

Your Only Friend builds its identity around Duke's mayonnaise, creating unique sandwich combinations. Their RPG sandwich combines Asian and Southern flavors.

  • What makes it special:
    1. RPG sandwich with char siu pork and bok choy.
    2. Strong non-alcoholic cocktail menu for daytime.
    3. Known for both lunch and evening bar crowd.

Learn about Your Only Friend from The Infatuation.

Overstuffed deli sandwiches at Mikey & Mel's

9. Mikey & Mel's - New York-Style Deli

Mikey & Mel's could cure New York homesickness with their oversized sandwiches. The Mel sandwich piles corned beef, turkey, and all the fixings high.

  • Why people love it:
    1. Sandwiches are large enough for two meals.
    2. Perfect for days when you want leftovers.
    3. Their all-beef hot dog is excellent when kept simple.

Find Mikey & Mel's on The Infatuation's list.

Pakistani buffet at Namak Mandi restaurant

10. Namak Mandi - Pakistani Lunch Buffet

Namak Mandi offers a rotating lunch buffet with Pakistani specialties. You'll find both familiar dishes and less common comfort foods.

  • What to expect:
    1. Butter chicken and biriyani for familiar tastes.
    2. Haleem, a slow-cooked lentil and grain dish.
    3. Ginger-flecked karahi stews with fresh naan.

Read about Namak Mandi in The Infatuation's guide.

Chinese rou jia mo burgers at Bonker's

11. Bonker's - Chinese Burgers and Wontons

Bonker's serves rou jia mo, Chinese burgers that are quite different from Western versions. Their braised pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender.

  • What to order:
    1. Rou jia mo with slow-cooked pork shoulder.
    2. Spicy pork wontons in chili oil.
    3. Everything is affordable and full of flavor.

See Bonker's on The Infatuation's best lunch list.

Mediterranean food at Green Almond Pantry

12. Green Almond Pantry - Georgetown Retreat

Green Almond Pantry offers a peaceful retreat from Georgetown's busy shopping streets. They close at 3pm, making them ideal for lunch.

  • Standout dishes:
    1. Chilled tomato and corn soup with heirloom tomatoes.
    2. Lamb kofte in pide with tomato-pepper relish.
    3. Perfect for business lunches or quiet meals.

Find Green Almond Pantry in The Infatuation's guide.

Final Thoughts

Washington DC offers an exciting range of lunch options for every taste and occasion. From quick sandwiches to leisurely multi-course meals, the best lunch in DC spots provide quality food and memorable experiences. No matter if you're a local looking for new favorites or a visitor exploring the city, these 12 restaurants represent some of the finest midday meals available. The next time you're wondering where to eat lunch in DC, try one of these excellent spots.

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