Fig and Olive is now serving brunch. The massive restaurant is bright and comfortable, something we covered in our First Look. Catering to a mixture of tourists and actual D.C. residents, the space isn’t catering to one type of diner. If you’re looking for a low key drink and appetizer, you’re set. If you’re looking for a large space to take your visiting parents, you’re set. If you want a bright atmosphere without having to sit outside, you’re set.
The two aspects of the Fig and Olive brunch worth exploring are the appetizers and the cocktails. If you’re short on time, the fig gorgonzola tartlet and the fig and walnut julep. The tartlet is much lighter than appears and extremely filling. If you’re with people you like, share it. In fact, most of the appetizers should be shared.
If you’re able to lounge away the early afternoon, stay with the appetizers and cocktails and order the octopus gallega and the Acai French, a classic Champagne cocktail with gin, acai vodka and sparkling wine. Both the dish and the cocktail are lighter than the first round but both are worth sharing.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous dining experience, go with the crostinis. We enjoyed the mushroom, artichoke, truffle, scallion and Parmesan.
The standard brunch options are fine but just that, fine. Your visiting parents will find something they enjoy. Your friends that regularly dine out in D.C. should stick with the appetizers and cocktails. And sit upstairs. The two floor space is sunny, comfortable and a place to waste away a lot of hours.
The biggest complaints about Fig and Olive on user rated sites are the service. We had an excellent server. Maybe it’s because we were upstairs. Maybe it’s because the restaurant has worked out some kinks since their recent opening. Maybe it’s because we’re not tourists and know how to order what we want and ask questions worth asking. Whatever it was, service was great. Thanks to the server, we ended with an El Matador cocktail, tequila, rum, fresh lime juice, cilantro syrup and muddled jalapeño. The spicy drink was a great way to end the experience.
Fig and Olive is open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
