#1 YELLOW the Cafe
What to order: shakshuka, breakfast egg pita, orange blossom croissant, coconut cardamom iced coffee
Location: 1524 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Yellow the Cafe is a vibrant, fast-casual lunch spot that serves Levantine shakshukas, sandwiches, pitas and pastries. With the meals all deliciously prepared with bold spices like za’atar and high-quality spreads, the flavors here are incredible.
I personally recommend the shakshuka, which is served with the softest, fluffiest pita (Seriously, if I were a fairy I would sleep on this pita). Despite the heavy foot traffic they get, Yellow’s speedy service is also a lifesaver for my busy schedule, allowing me to quickly get in and out without sacrificing flavor or quality.
#2 Chaia
What to order: sweet potato tacos
Location: 3207 Grace St NW, Washington, DC 20007
I love my protein, but I honestly forget meat exists when I bite into the plant-based tacos at Chaia. With a focus on “farm-to-taco” ingredients, this trendy restaurant on the canal offers a range of healthy and delicious tacos that are bursting with creative flavor combinations, from roasted beet and feta to creamy kale and potato.
Whether you’re vegan or not, Chaia is a staple lunch spot for Georgetown students. Don’t forget to pair your tacos with their homemade iced hibiscus tea!
#3 Maman 
What to order: the brunch ratatouille, carrot spice bread
Location: 1353 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
The Brooklyn-based bakery Maman recently opened in Georgetown and has stolen my heart (and dog-walking money). The charming French cafe serves pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads and their famous chocolate chip cookies that earned a spot on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list.
Beyond the food, Maman’s beautiful ambiance sets it apart from other cafes. The rustic decor and antique tableware transport you straight to a French farmhouse kitchen and create a memorable, cozy lunch experience in Georgetown.
#4 Boulangerie Christophe
What to order: quiche<3333, or grab-and-go sandwiches
Location: 1422 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(Quiche ft. Percy my child)
The sweet, buttery aroma, the irresistible case of pastries, the bin of crackled baguettes … Boulangerie Christophe is another bakery in the heart of Georgetown with a classic, authentic Parisian feel.
I love stopping by Boulangerie Christophe for a quick coffee and croissant or settling in for a leisurely brunch of a crepe, omelette, or quiche. As your local bread enthusiast, I can also say that they have the best selection of artisanal breads in the neighborhood (outside of my kitchen of course). Sometimes when I’m dog-walking early in the morning, I can even watch the bakers in action in the upstairs window!
#5 Call Your Mother
What to order: Sun City at Call Your Mother
Location: 3428 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007
It would almost be political to rank these separately. Do what you want, but I’m telling you these are the rules: You go to Call Your Mother for bagels.
Jokes aside, Call Your Mother is a few steps away from the front gates and is the quintessential quick bite off campus. On weekend mornings, students and tourists come in swarms to enjoy crazy bagel creations and snap selfies in front of the picturesque pink exterior.
#6 Falafel Inc.
What to order: Falafel sandwich
Location: 1210 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Home to the famous $4 falafel sandwich, Falafel Inc. is the definition of a quick and cheap — yet delicious — bite in the neighborhood. While there’s no seating, it’s a typical Georgetown experience to grab a sandwich at Falafel Inc., load it up with their homemade sauces, and eat it on the street with a group of friends. Also, the za’atar fries are to die for.
#7 90 Second Pizza
What to order: Vegetariana Rossa, Napoli
Location: 1077 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
If I’ve been racking up the steps long enough, I can get pretty hangry, and sometimes, nothing satisfies that hanger like a personal pie from 90 Second Pizza. As the name implies, once your dough hits the 900ºF brick oven, you’ll be eating a perfectly char-crusted pizza in less than two minutes. While there is indoor seating upstairs, I prefer to romanticize my pizza experience by taking it down the road to the grassy areas by the waterfront.
-Emma Rose
