Green Almond Pantry, a Mediterranean café and market owned by Cagla Onal, has officially reopened in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This new location at 3210 Grace Street NW offers nearly double the seating capacity compared to its previous site, enhancing the dining experience for patrons.
The café’s open kitchen concept highlights Onal’s commitment to high-quality, simply prepared ingredients. “In a way, Georgetown’s Rose Park farmers market is where it all started, so it’s like we’ve come full circle,” Onal stated. Her name, which translates to “green almond” in Turkish, reflects her culinary philosophy.
Exciting New Menu and Concept
The menu at Green Almond Pantry features a variety of dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can look forward to freshly made focaccia, salads, dips, sandwiches, braised lamb, roasted fish, and a selection of cakes available by the slice or whole. Daily chalkboard specials will be inspired by morning deliveries from local farmers and purveyors, ensuring that the offerings remain vibrant and diverse.
Onal’s new location also introduces grilled options, thanks to a gas-fired grill. A curated selection of beer and wine will complement the seasonal dishes, with more offerings expected as the team finalizes their selections.
The market area reflects Onal’s personal pantry essentials, featuring items such as tinned fish, imported grains, olive oils, vinegars, and specialty herbs. Customers can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating at the Grace Street Collective or opt for takeaway meals.
A Journey of Growth
The concept for Green Almond Pantry began in 2017 as a farmers market stall before evolving into an 8-seat counter location in Shaw the following year. Onal’s dedication to her craft garnered recognition when she was nominated for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic by the prestigious James Beard Awards in 2020.
With its reopening on March 15, 2024, Green Almond Pantry will operate Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with plans for extended hours and delivery services through greenalmondpantry.com in the summer.
Onal expressed enthusiasm about returning to the kitchen, stating, “With spring here and all the beautiful ingredients that come with the season, this just feels right. We’re really excited to be back and to be cooking again.” This reopening marks a significant moment for both the café and the community it serves, as it continues to celebrate local produce and culinary creativity.
