Spring appears to be the season of brunch with all the news we’ve been hearing of menu debuts. And, we have to admit that we’re absolutely fine with that. Getting us out of the house in the morning on a cold day is a “No-way. No-how. Nope. Ain’t happening.” sort of thing. Who needs to eat in Winter anyway? Just give us a cup o’ joe in bed and be on your way. Include a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese and honey if you’re feeling generous.
Nearly 3 weeks ago Malmaison, a little French fine-dining restaurant in a stunningly refurbished historic warehouse, began offering brunch service. We were immediately drawn in by the plentiful natural light, airy and open layout, comfortable seating, semi-casual atmosphere, friendly service, and even the purple and white color scheme. Located on Georgetown’s Waterfront, it’s a prime location for everything. View of the waterfront: check. Ample parking: check. Accessible by bike path: check. Walking distance from the metro: eh… close enough.
Diners can expect a varying menu that includes everything from French-influenced dishes including Piperade “Basquaise,” Crepe “Bernadotte” with Smoked Salmon and Asparagus and Croque Monsieur. Or, you could be like us and opt for the more traditional brunch dishes which include Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and Eggs Benedict with either turkey or smoked salmon. (Salmon. Get the smoked salmon.)
Of course the house Bloody Mary dubbed appropriately “The Morning After” is a drink staple, but Malmaison has upped the anti regarding cocktail offerings to include Aperol Negroni (Aperol, Lillet Blanc & Gin Topped with Champagne & Flamed Orange), Bubbly Bun (Cinnamon Infused Whiskey, Maple Syrup, Champagne & Flamed Orange), and something called the Sweet Patooti. If bottomless brunch cocktails are an option, that’s what we’re going for. We like to drink without judgement early on in the day, and brunch is the optimal time for that. Malmaison offers two bottomless champagne cocktail options; Two In The Pink (Raspberry Infused Vodka & Champagne Garnished with Chocolate Dipped Raspberry) and Suma Deez (Coconut Infused Vodka & Champagne Garnished with Chocolate & Coconut).
We loved the simplicity yet fantastic execution, and generous size of our brunch dishes. The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake was seasoned perfectly and melted in your mouth. The salad with a light vinaigrette and potatoes complimented the crab cake and left one feeling satisfied without overly heavy. (We’ll always pick red potatoes for just about anything.) If you’re super hungry, you can order a double crab cake instead of a single. The Eggs Benedict was perfect. We usually avoid eggs benedict because there are a dozen things we prefer, but Malmaison impressed us. The hollandaise sauce was lighter and frothier than we expected, the egg yolk runny the way it should be, and the asparagus was just right. And, again we loved the red potatoes on the side. We capped off our brunch with an order of Crépe with Pear and Chocolate and Beignets. Just because it’s brunch doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be dessert. Both were delicious. Our only preference would have been the pear slices just being a smidge softer. But we’re pretty sure that’s just a texture thing on our part. Perhaps next time we’ll try the Crépe with Cherries, Pistachio Almond Cream, or the Brioche French Toast.
We were completely endeared by Malmaison’s brunch service, and are now curious to know what their dinner service is like. The food was great, and the atmosphere aesthetically pleasing. We’re not sure what else to say other than we gave it two thumbs up and can’t wait to go back.
Malmaison
3401 K Street, NW
Washington DC 20007

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I will have to keep this in mind the next time I make it down to DC! It’s been a few years, so I am way overdue.
This just looks so good! I really need to visit and soon!
I loved Georgetown when I visited several years ago. You made me hungry and anxious to come back. Thanks.
I have never been to Georgetown.
Ever.
But with food like that I might have to plan a vacation!
oh la la. pear and chocolate and brunch…. i’d like to go now please!
I love Crab Cakes and the ones pictured look amazing as well as the red potatoes. If we’re ever in DC, I’m definitely going to check this place out!
Crépe with Pear and Chocolate… cant say anymore… trying to lick the screen.
That definitely sounds like a brunch worth going for. Oh my yumminess!
Those crepes look good! I love places with great brunches.
I miss Boston and I so want that breakfast right now! Seriously!
Oh man, you had me at lump meat crab! This dining establishment looks so delicious!!
This restaurant looks amazing. Oh those crepes are making my mouth water. When my family get to DC we will have to check out Malmaison.
I love crépes, those Crépes with Pear and Chocolate look so good!
Yes please all of the above.
This sounds magnificent. I was stuck at the thought of bottomless drinks (no judgments here either) but eventually got over it when I saw the desserts and other items mentioned. Crepes and French Toast… I could eat those any time of day.
I Can’t Wait To Go Sounds Like A Great Restaurant
Brunch is highly underrated. I support brunch! haha
Oh that looks yummy! What a great place to visit!
We don’t travel too much but I always love to try new places or local spots when we do. That’s where you find the best food!
I love french toast, so I know I would definitely be ordering that. Those pear/chocolate crepes look stunning.
I am going to keep this in mind for when I visit DC. thanks for sharing looks amazing
oh my goodness the crepes looks so yummy! I will have to remember this for when our family goes to D.C.
Wow…that looks so delicious!!!!
I’ve never been in that area but I now know where I want to eat at if I ever am there. Thanks for sharing. The plate looks delicious!
Oh my, how delicious! This just made me very hungry 🙂
SOunds like a great place to dine. The food looks delicious!