The $17 bottomless price is a little misleading, since you have to purchase the $39 three-course meal to unlock it, but once you're in, you'll have no complaints. The white sangria and seasonal mimosa are the standouts, but margaritas are also in the mix if that’s the brunch adventure you're looking for.

With three courses and generous portions, ordering is a team sport here — one order of pancakes per table is plenty, but the sweet potato latkes are an essential sharing item, and even the oyster crackers are worth getting. All of the entrees are on point, although the risotto and agnolotti stand out as more thoughtful-than-usual brunch options. But save room, since the dessert, particularly the coffee-soaked lady fingers in the tiramisu, is worth the three-course cost

Opal's too nice of a restaurant not to enforce its 90-minute time limit, but between the constant availability of refills and a one-last-drink warning, we begrudgingly understand. And bonus points to our server for actually answering our question about which dessert is Opal's best.

Be warned that Opal, situated about a quarter-of-a-mile from the Maryland border, is just about the most difficult brunch spot to get to within the confines of D.C. — hope your party isn't put off by the 15-minute walk from the Friendship Heights metro or taking the D70 to its terminus. Once you're there, though, the open layout and warm wood tables give it a relaxed feel that’s a touch more casual than its Michelin Guide nod might suggest.