Tai Lopez's Salty (and Savory) Morning at Yellow Georgetown
TL Team Sep 07, 2025
"You know it’s a good day when you start it with labneh in a croissant." – Tai Lopez

Tai Lopez doesn’t do lazy mornings. So when he found himself in Washington, DC with a sunny day ahead and Georgetown on the agenda, he wasn’t about to waste it on room service. The plan? Walk the iconic cobblestone streets, explore the boutiques, hit a couple legendary bookstores, and wrap up the afternoon with some riverfront reading. But first: breakfast.

There was one spot that kept popping up. Whether it was a TikTok food crawl, an Instagram pastry tower, or a cameo on Somebody Feed Phil, Yellow Georgetown was everywhere. Croissants stuffed with za’atar and labneh. Saffron lattes that looked like art. A dish called (not) pizza that was anything but ordinary. The visuals were wild. The flavors, according to every foodie review Tai skimmed, were next-level.

With breakfast only served before 11 a.m., he made it a point to get there early. Because when something keeps following you around the algorithm, it's probably worth checking out.

And let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint.

Georgetown Mornings Hit Different

Don’t let the "college town" label fool you. Georgetown is much more than just undergrads and cobblestone streets. Yes, it’s home to the iconic Georgetown University, but it's also one of DC's most historic and affluent neighborhoods. Think Federal-style architecture, riverfront views, and some of the best shopping in the city.

It's where old money meets new tastes. On a sunny morning, Wisconsin Avenue is alive with locals walking dogs, tourists snapping pics, and well-dressed foodies in search of the next great bite. And nestled right in the heart of all this is Yellow, Chef Michael Rafidi's ode to Levantine flavors with a contemporary twist.

What Makes Yellow Pop

Yellow is more than just a cafe—it's a full-on culinary vibe. Chef Michael Rafidi, who also runs the acclaimed Albi (which earned a Michelin star), brings the bold, warm, and herbaceous flavors of the Levant (a region of the Eastern Mediterranean that includes modern-day Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Israel) to a more casual, counter-service setting.

At Yellow, you’ll find pastries with Middle Eastern flair (tahini caramel, anyone?), za’atar-seasoned everything, and a drink menu that could double as an influencer's prop list. The place has a vibe—bright and cozy, with regular table seating and inviting couch-like lounge spots that Tai described as the perfect "plop down and chill for a minute" setup.

It’s located on Wisconsin Ave, smack in the middle of Georgetown’s shopping stretch, and surrounded by some serious competition—boutiques, big names, and buzzy eateries—but Yellow still manages to stand out. Tai loved the ambiance: relaxed yet stylish, with great energy and genuinely friendly service. Despite the foodie status of the place, the staff were helpful, warm, and totally accommodating—even when someone in Tai's group had some serious dietary restrictions.



What Tai Ordered

Tai was laser-focused on breakfast—savory, filling, and no sugar crashes allowed. Knowing he was heading straight to Baked & Wired afterward for one of Georgetown's most legendary pastry hits, he kept things saccharine free on this first stop. Yellow's breakfast menu only runs until 11 a.m., so he hit it early and leaned into the savory side of things—something that would fuel a full day of exploring but still leave room for sweets later.
  • Za'atar Croissant – Flaky, golden, and filled with a lot of labneh (even says so on the menu). Tai joked, "They’re not playing around—this is labneh with a side of croissant." Delicious, but definitely a little salty.
     
  • Za'atar Egg Croissant – The same croissant but leveled-up with runny eggs, smoked peppers, and even more labneh. A table favorite, though again, kinda salty. Pro tip: grab some water.
     
  • Breakfast Egg Pita – Soft scrambled eggs, labneh, tahini chopped salad, and kashkaval cheese in a warm pita. Not as transcendent as the croissant, but still worth a bite.
     
  • Flat White – Smooth and strong, the classic choice didn’t disappoint.
     
  • Tea – Someone in Tai's group opted for a tea, and it came perfectly steeped and beautifully served.
Quick refresher: Za'atar is a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend made with thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It’s earthy, tangy, and in Yellow’s case, very generously used.



What You Should Order at Yellow (Since You're Not Tai)

Tai stuck strictly to a savory breakfast during his visit—he’s not a big sweets guy, and he had plans to swing by Baked & Wired for “dessert” later in the day. But if you're planning your own visit to Yellow, don't feel limited. Whether you're popping in for a morning bite, camping out for the afternoon, or treating yourself to a full-on breakfast-lunch-dinner-dessert affair, make sure to sample at least one standout item from each of these sections (or go all in and hit them all).
  • Za’atar Egg Croissant – A more indulgent take on the za’atar croissant with runny eggs and smoked peppers.
     
  • Breakfast Egg Pita – Soft scramble, tahini salad, and melty cheese all wrapped in a warm pita.
     
  • (Not) Pizza – A fan favorite, but heads up: it's only available after 4 PM. It’s not pizza, but it sort of is—made with manoushe dough and baked in the wood-fired oven. Top picks include the Sujuk & Cheese, the Mushroom & Halloumi, and the classic Za’atar & Labneh. Savory, satisfying, and made to order.
     
  • Wood-Fired Pita Sandwiches – Available from 11 AM to 3 PM, these pita sandwiches are a sleeper hit. Look out for options like roasted chicken with toum, falafel with pickled cabbage, or grilled halloumi with tomato jam.
     
  • Seasonal Pastries – Think cardamom kouign-amann, baklava croissants, and other stunners you won’t find anywhere else.
     
  • Signature Drinks – Like saffron lattes, turmeric teas, and rose-cardamom cold brews. They're not just pretty; they taste like Middle Eastern dessert in a cup.
Tai’s Ratings
  • Food: 8.5/10 – Innovative, flavorful, but a bit on the salty side.
     
  • Service: 9/10 – Warm, friendly, and incredibly helpful with dietary needs.
     
  • Ambiance: 9/10 – Cozy-meets-modern with couch seating and sunlit nooks.
     
  • Location: 10/10 – Prime Georgetown real estate, walkable to everything.
     
  • Value: 8/10 – On the pricier side for counter service, but you're paying for the experience.
     
  • Overall: 9/10 – Worth the hype and the line.
Tips for Visiting Yellow
  • Arrive early—popular items, especially pastries and croissants, sell out quickly
     
  • Breakfast is only served before 11 AM
     
  • (Not) Pizza is only available after 4 PM, and wood-fired pita sandwiches run from 11 AM to 3 PM
     
  • Expect counter service—order first, then find a seat
     
  • Staff is friendly and helpful, especially with dietary needs
     
  • If the weather’s nice, take your food to go and enjoy it by the waterfront
Perfect For:
  • Quick Breakfasts – In-and-out vibe with serious flavor.
     
  • Instagram Foodies – Everything looks camera-ready.
     
  • Group Catch-Ups – Relaxed space with options for everyone.
     
  • Walking Food Tours – Eat, then explore Georgetown on foot.
Georgetown Itinerary: Tai-Style

If you're planning a full day in Georgetown like Tai did, this neighborhood delivers the perfect balance of culture, caffeine, and cardio. Whether you're looking to eat your way down Wisconsin Ave or spend the afternoon with a book by the water, here's how Tai made the most of it:
  • Yellow for breakfast
     
  • Shopping on Wisconsin Ave – Check out local boutiques, Rag & Bone, Warby Parker, and indie shops
     
  • Pastry Stop at Baked & Wired – Legendary cupcakes and scones
     
  • Bridge Street Books – Hidden gem for book lovers
     
  • Walk along the Potomac – Grab your new book (and snack) and unwind riverside
More Georgetown Icons to Check Out

Georgetown isn’t just a place to grab a trendy breakfast and shop—it’s also home to some long-standing local legends. Whether you’re staying in the area for dinner or want to explore more of what makes this neighborhood special, here are a few other iconic spots worth your time:
  • Filomena Ristorante – An old-school Italian classic known for its handmade pastas, massive portions, and over-the-top holiday decorations. A favorite for locals, politicians, and visiting celebs.
     
  • Martin’s Tavern – One of the oldest restaurants in DC, famous for its historic booths (yes, JFK proposed to Jackie here) and classic American fare.
     
  • Clyde’s of Georgetown – A neighborhood staple serving up classic comfort food in a wood-paneled, pub-like setting. Great for brunch, lunch, or a casual dinner.
     
  • Chez Billy Sud – Elegant yet approachable French bistro tucked away on a quiet side street. Beautiful patio and killer steak frites.
     
  • Sovereign – A Belgian beer bar with an incredible list of rare brews and a hearty, European-style menu. Cozy, dark, and perfect for a later-in-the-day vibe.
Other Top Takeaway Spots in DC

DC moves fast—and sometimes, you need a solid bite before heading into a policy briefing, a committee hearing, or even just a last-minute power coffee on Capitol Hill. While Tai ended up grabbing a seat to finish his za’atar croissant at Yellow, it still easily ranks among DC’s top takeaway spots. That said, it's far from the only one. Whether you're running between monuments or prepping for your testimony before the Subcommittee on Urban Agriculture, these spots will keep you fueled without slowing you down:
  • Call Your Mother Deli (multiple locations) – Jewish-inspired breakfast and bagels
     
  • Toki Underground (H St NE) – Ramen to go with serious umami
     
  • La Tejana (Mt. Pleasant) – Best breakfast tacos north of Texas
     
  • Beau Thai (Shaw) – Thai food that travels well
     
  • A Baked Joint (Downtown) – Amazing sandwiches, no nonsense
DC Travel Tips
  • Public transit is solid, but Georgetown is best explored on foot
     
  • Spring and Fall are prime seasons
     
  • Book ahead if you want to hit popular restaurants
     
  • Explore neighborhoods like Shaw, Adams Morgan, and Navy Yard for a broader taste of DC
     
  • Check out Tai’s other DC restaurant reviews for spots where he actually sat down for a full meal (yes, it happens!).
Tai’s Final Thoughts

Tai's not easily impressed by buzzy, over-Instagrammed cafes—but Yellow earned its stripes. It’s not trying too hard, it’s not just for the 'gram—it’s genuinely good food in a space that feels welcoming and stylish without the ego. Whether you're craving something familiar with a twist or trying to figure out what labneh even is, this spot hits that sweet spot between accessible and elevated."The best ideas come when you’re caffeinated, slightly salty, and surrounded by beauty. Georgetown checks all the boxes." – Tai Lopez

Instagram Photos

Tai Lopez

Recent Tweets

Best of Tailopez