Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Union Market / Noma
Whether you’re after a quick pastry or a full brunch experience, you'll find offer plenty of choices that cater to different tastes and vibes.
Serves Breakfast Daily
YELLOW! is a Levantine-inspired café by Chef Michael Rafidi, offers breakfast and brunch at Union Market with standout items like Za'atar and Labne croissants, Chocolate 7 Spice cruffins, and Baklava Kouign Amanns. Known for combining Levantine flavors with French pastry techniques, Yellow also features unique beverages like the Baklava Mocha Latte.
On Toast at Union Market offers a variety of creative breakfast and brunch options centered around gourmet toast, with popular choices like avocado toast with unique toppings and smoked salmon toast. High-quality, seasonal ingredients and fresh bread varieties elevate the classic toast experience.
Maman’s Café's Union Market location serves up French-inspired breakfast and brunch favorites like their signature Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookie, avocado toast with za'atar, and quiches that capture a homey French feel. Founded by Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte, Maman combines a cozy, Provençal aesthetic with dishes inspired by Marshall’s family recipes.
Toastique brings a fresh approach to breakfast with a focus on nutrient-rich, gourmet toasts, smoothies, and bowls. Popular brunch items include the "PB Crunch" toast with peanut butter, fruit, and granola, and the "Avocado Smash" with a flavorful twist on classic avocado toast.
Ted's Bulletin is a DC is a DC favorite for its all-day breakfast and comfort food "with a twist", winning local accolades like “Best Hangover Breakfast” and “Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant". Enjoy classic American brunch dishes like chicken and waffles and homemade "Ted's Tarts" (a house take on pop tarts) in a vintage-inspired, classic diner setting. Its milkshakes and cinnamon rolls are also popular choices among brunch-goers.
Egg Yaki, a pop-up located in Union Market, is a Japanese-inspired brunch spot by Chef Nicholas Martino from Aboveground, specializing in creative, savory omelets and small plates with a modern Japanese touch.
La Casita Pupusera, located at La Cosecha in DC, specializes in Salvadoran brunch options with popular items like pupusas and breakfast plates featuring fresh ingredients inspired by Salvadoran street food. Find pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, or chicharrón, and breakfast plates that incorporate eggs, plantains, and house-made salsa.
Weekend Brunch
Bidwell is the creation of Chef John Mooney, who brings a sustainability focus with produce sourced from an aeroponic rooftop garden above the restaurant. Known for brunch favorites like cornflake-crusted French toast and a lobster omelet, Bidwell combines classic American flavors with a fresh twist, and its brunch is popular for its $25 bottomless mimosas and casual, lively atmosphere, making it a Union Market staple.
St. Anselm in Union Market is known for hearty brunch dishes like its buttermilk biscuits with pimento cheese and steak and eggs, crafted by acclaimed Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley. Owned by Joe Carroll and Stephen Starr, St. Anselm offers a unique blend of steakhouse and tavern vibes, with decor inspired by vintage dining clubs and a quirky, comfortable setting that draws locals and visitors alike.
Palette 22 in Union Market blends global-inspired dishes with a unique art-focused setting, led by Chef Santiago Lopez. Popular brunch options include the banh mi Benedict, chipotle baked eggs, and tempura corn pancakes, with a bottomless brunch option for trying multiple dishes. The restaurant’s Artist-in-Residence program features local artists working on-site, making it both a dining and art-viewing experience.
Pastis in Union Market is a new outpost of the original NYC French bistro, co-owned by restaurateurs Stephen Starr and Keith McNally. Popular brunch items include the classic croque monsieur, chocolate croissants, and avocado tartine, all served in a bistro setting reminiscent of Parisian cafés.
Buffalo and Bergen serves New York-inspired bagels and brunch classics at Union Market. Known for favorites like the "Lox’d and Loaded" bagel and unique brunch cocktails, the spot captures a retro deli feel and adds a twist with offerings like knishes and egg creams.
El Presidente brings a vibrant, Mexico City-inspired experience to the Union Market district. Popular brunch items include blue-crab guacamole and huevos rancheros, known for rich flavors and creative twists on classics. The restaurant’s unique decor—with murals, neon lights, and whimsical details—adds to its appeal.
Carving Room's brunch menu centers on hearty dishes like pastrami hash with eggs, shakshuka, and cereal-crusted challah French toast with bourbon syrup. Founded in 2013 by Oded Weizmann, Carving Room has gained attention for its house-cured meats and a Middle Eastern flair in dishes.
King Street Oyster Bar in NoMa serves a seafood-themed weekend brunch, featuring dishes like lobster benedict and shrimp and grits, along with a raw oyster bar. Founded by Rick Allison, it’s known for fresh ingredients and a laid-back setting, which has earned it a solid reputation for brunch and happy hour options.
Red Bear Brewing Co in NoMa serves up brunch faves like fried potatoes, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and a Beyond Burger that pairs well with their Italian-style pilsner. For a livelier experience, they also host drag brunches called “Brewed Up Drag Brunch” on select Sundays.
Bakeries & Quick Bites
Handcraft Doughnuts is the passion project of husband-and-wife team Kara Terrell and Ike Emejuru, inspired by their global travels and love for artisanal pastries. Known for their 18-hour, brioche-based dough and in-house glazes, popular breakfast flavors include classics like glazed and chocolate, alongside seasonal and creative options such as maple bacon and pistachio. Located in Union Market.
Pluma by Bluebird Bakery is the creation of Camila Arango and Tom Wellings, who initially gained popularity by supplying high-end pastries to local restaurants. Known for its lovely Mediterranean-inspired decor, Pluma offers standout breakfast options, like their flaky chocolate pistachio croissant and savory breakfast sandwiches. Located in Union Market.
SakuSaku Flakerie, started by Yuri and Jason Oberbillig, brings a Japanese twist to French pastries, inspired by Yuri’s experience as a baker in Japan and Vancouver. Locals love their unique pastries, like matcha red bean kouign amann and hojicha sticky buns, which blend buttery French techniques with Japanese flavors. Located in Union Market.
South Block Juicery in Union Market s a popular DC-based café known for its health-focused menu of acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices. Popular brunch items include the Mermaid Bowl with blue spirulina and the Nutella Bowl, which combines fruit and granola with a rich Nutella base. South Block supports underserved communities through its nonprofit, Fruitful Planet.
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