Green Almond Pantry — Restaurant in Washington

Absolutely delightful spot for a casual brunch / lunch with a ton of delicious baked goods and prepared grab-and-go items! Cagla and Rachel are the sweetest people I've ever met, and Cagla's cooking skills are absolutely out of this world -- fully worthy of the many James Beard nominations she's received over the years! For a quick but hearty brunch, I love their egg and cheese sandwich; it's genuinely one of the largest sandwiches I've ever seen, and includes two fried eggs, generous helping of melted cheese, and perfectly nutty and herby pesto sandwiched between two giant slices of fluffy, super flavorful focaccia. If you want something a little simpler, I'm obsessed with all of her tarts -- the butternut squash and goat cheese one is my favorite, but the spring / summer seasonal tart with leeks and walnuts is also incredible. I don't know how she manages to create such a crispy crust with a tender, super savory and slightly sweet interior, but each one of these tarts is just perfection.

They also offer catering for parties and corporate events, and I highly recommend. We got their food for a work holiday party last year, and we got rave reviews from all the guests. That was where I first fell in love with the butternut squash tart, but the oyster mushroom hummus was also a huge hit. Even the simpler items, like the kale salad or red lentil balls, are executed perfectly and are a huge crowd pleaser.

The only note is that Green Almond Pantry is part of the Grace Street Collective, so you can't make reservations and it can be a little tough to find seating among all the other restaurants and eateries. It's usually a little easier to find a spot if you come during an off hour -- either right when they open at 11 AM or a little later in the afternoon after the lunch rush. Even if you can't find a spot, their food is delicious to go and it's quite close to the Georgetown Waterfront, so you can always enjoy your meal outside if...

Green Almond Pantry is a case study in having it all. The chef, the concept, the product, the atmosphere- they excel at each one. Perhaps it's because it's the manifestation of the chef/owner's dream. After working in some of the world's best restaurants and leading Etto's kitchen for years, Chef Cagla left to start her own business that would allow her to make good food and spend time with her daughter. Green Almond Pantry was born.

To that end, Green Almond Pantry is a small restaurant in Mt. Vernon Square near Blagden Alley serving food for lunch only starting at 11:30am. There's only eight stools around the wood bar. The chef creates seasonal plates like the roasted peach and serrano ham salad until she clocks out to be with her daughter. Once she is gone, diners can order food already made to go.

The space itself is simple and beautiful. The front window lets the natural light pour in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Green Almond Pantry is a hidden gem in the city serving some of the best food...

Green Almond Pantry is our go-to spot in Georgetown for simple, delicious Mediterranean food. Chef Cagla Onal-Urel is not only a fantastic cook but also incredibly kind. After a fire shut down their Shaw location, they relocated to Grace Street Collective, and the food is as amazing as ever. Think crunchy bread with jammy eggs, anchovies, and pickled watermelon radish or grilled lamb kofta with heirloom beans and bright herbs. Their focaccia and flourless chocolate cake are must-haves.

Chef Cagla even helped us out when my wife was in the hospital having our daughter, going above and beyond to provide us with comforting meals. We’re are excited for her new restaurant, My Little Chamomile, which will bring homestyle Turkish-Mediterranean cooking to the same hidden alleyway as Reverie. Green Almond Pantry holds a special place in our hearts and is highly recommended for anyone looking for heartfelt service and...