Chez Billy Sud
1039 31st St., NW
Tucked away from the bustle of Georgetown, this sunny yellow patio feels like something out of the south of France. The classic French bistro menu starts with an excellent salade verte and onion soup (try the strawberry gazpacho for something more refreshing), while entrees range from a croque madame to moules frites.
Hank’s Oyster Bar
701 Wharf Street, SW; 818 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
These popular seafood restaurants are go-tos for oysters by the dozen and fried seafood po’ boys with Old Bay fries. You can catch waterfront views at the Wharf outpost or a rooftop breeze in Old Town Alexandria. The Dupont location is currently hosting a lunchtime residency Tuesdays through Fridays focused on Japanese tonkotsu sets from Torisumi Yakitori.
Iron Gate
1734 N St., NW
The wisteria-canopied garden of this Dupont Mediterranean destination is one of the most enchanting places to dine al fresco in DC. The lunchtime menu brings seasonal salads, a slow-roasted pork “gyro,” and an open-faced tuna melt with sundried tomato tapanade.
Laos in Town
250 K St., NE
Take in the vibrant, spicy flavors of Laos from this vast (though mostly uncovered) NoMa patio. Among the highlights: several papaya salads, lemongrass-infused pork sausages, and charcoal-grilled chicken with vinegary chili dipping sauce. A dedicated vegan menu is available too.
Lapis
1847 Columbia Rd., NW
The Adams Morgan Afghan restaurant serves its full menu for lunch on its lowkey side patio. Sample aushak (leek dumplings topped with ground beef), plentiful vegetable dishes, grilled kabobs, and so much more alongside refreshing beverages (like a booze-free pomegranate, rose water, soda mix).
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St., NW
One of the more bustling midday destinations around, the popular French brasserie is excellent for both people-watching and onion soup. The lunch go-tos: a warm shrimp salad with lemony beurre blanc or the famed burger Américain.
The Occidental
1475 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Stephen Starr’s glam reinvention of this historic Willard hotel eatery includes a lovely garden patio dotted with fringed green umbrellas, retro loveseats, and white tablecloths. The upscale continental menu offers sandwiches (think French dip or king crab roll) and throwbacks such as shrimp Louie salad or beef stroganoff.
Rakuya/Raku
1900 Q St., NW; 3312 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 7240 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
Craving sushi without an expense account? These mid-priced spots with slightly varying menus—in Dupont Circle, Cathedral Heights, and Bethesda—hit the spot. Generous bento boxes are a deal for lunch, but the chirashi bowls are a worthwhile (modest) splurge.
Ruthie’s All-Day
3411 Fifth St. S., Arlington
The spacious umbrella-dotted patio serves up elevated Southern staples with the help of a wood-burning hearth. Skillet cornbread and deviled eggs make for a satisfying start. The smoked brisket is also a standout—either on a sandwich or as part of a meat and two (or three) platter.
Republic Cantina
43 N St., NW
Load up on brisket breakfast tacos, avocado Texas toast, and chilaquiles at this Tex-Mex restaurant in Truxton Circle. The cacti-lined, covered patio is a relaxed perch for an iced horchata latte—or a spicy margarita.
The Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse
1356 Okie St., NE
The seafood restaurant’s affiliation with neighboring supplier ProFish means you know you’re getting quality catch. From the sunny deck, enjoy crab cakes and fried shrimp po’ boys. The house-smoked fish—which you can sample with bagels—is particularly popular.
This story was last updated May 2026.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind DC’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
