For Business Diners
As we cruise into Q3 (yes, already!), the calendar brings more than just the 4th of July. From World Chocolate Day treats to back-to-business conferences, there are plenty of reasons to gather, connect, and indulge. This month’s new Dinova additions cover every base—corporate catering, private dining, and team lunches that wow. Whether you’re planning ahead or treating “just because,” these standout spots bring serious flavor to your business dining game.
Ava Gene’s
Portland, OR
At Ava Gene’s, Roman-inspired dining meets Pacific Northwest bounty in a space where house-made pasta and seasonal produce steal the show. Ideal for upscale yet comfortable team celebrations, its private venue, Fora, offers chef-curated menus, custom cocktails, and a lush, modern setting. Bonus: Monday Night Supper delivers an off-menu tasting experience at exceptional value ($45 per person)—perfect for business travelers seeking something special and local while in Portland.
Bahama Buck’s
2 locations in TX/UT
Looking to beat the heat and boost morale? Bahama Buck’s delivers island vibes straight to your office with build-your-own shaved ice catering starting at just $2 a person. From tropical toppings to real snowballs for throwing (yes, really), their Paradise Party Packs and Snomobile service turn any Friday afternoon into a mini vacation. With new summer flavors like Bomb Pop Sno, this team-building treat is cool in every sense of the word.
Baithak
Dublin, CA
Tucked into Dublin’s buzzing Hacienda Crossings, Baithak offers a rare taste of Lucknow’s royal culinary heritage. Specializing in Awadhi cuisine—known for melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, slow-cooked biryanis, and delicately spiced curries—this Dublin newcomer is a standout for business travelers craving something beyond the usual. With a sunny patio perfect for chai-fueled brainstorms and group dining options available, Baithak turns any meeting into a flavorful journey worth sharing.
Bar Chinois
2 locations in DC/VA
Bar Chinois blends the elegance of a French wine bar with the bold flavors of Chinese street food, making it a go-to for stylish business diners in the Mount Vernon Triangle. Michelin-listed and RAMMY-winning, this buzzy spot serves artful dumplings, inventive cocktails, and nonstop energy. With $1 dumplings and half-priced drinks during happy hour, even a quick client catch-up feels like a chic, well-played move.
Bar Japonais
Washington, D.C.
Rooted in tradition and crafted with precision, Bar Japonais brings Japanese-French fusion to Logan Circle with striking finesse. Led by Michelin-starred chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino, this vibrant spot offers everything from almost-too-pretty-to-eat sushi to cocktails that elevate bartending to art. The multi-course omakase is a showstopper for client dinners, while private dining makes it a sleek choice for high-stakes meetings with a side of serious culinary flair.
Brickwood Barbecue
Richmond, VA
Richmond’s go-to for smoky, slow-cooked perfection, Brickwood Barbecue brings bold Southern flavor to the boardroom and beyond. From tender brisket to loaded waffle fries and house-crafted sauces, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that makes corporate lunches feel like summer picnics. With customizable catering—from pickup to onsite service—this spot is a no-brainer for business travel stops, team celebrations, casual client meals, or just treating your team to the city’s best pulled pork.
Charles Pan Fried Chicken
New York City, New York
A Harlem icon with Southern roots, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken serves up legendary soul food from a cast iron skillet—not a fryer. Chef Charles Gabriel, a James Beard semi-finalist and Netflix-featured Harlem hero, brings decades of grit, grace, and gravy to every bite. Ideal for business travelers craving local flavor with history, this takeout-only gem is perfect for a park-bench lunch or a soulful team dinner to-go. Pro tip: Don’t skip the cornbread.
Comfort Fuel
Madison, WI
Bright, casual, and steps from downtown Madison’s bustling State Street, Comfort Fuel serves up exactly what the name promises: comforting classics with a clean-eating twist. Think all-day breakfast burritos, loaded açaí bowls, and fresh wraps that keep you powered through meetings or mid-morning slumps. Open for breakfast and lunch, it’s ideal for business diners on the go or team catering to bring that feel-good fuel straight to the conference room.
CRAFT Miami
9 locations
With its breezy vibe and all-day brunch energy, CRAFT Miami nails the balance between casual and polished—ideal for breakfast meetings, power lunches, or post-work happy hours. From tuna tartare to wood-fired pizzas (just $12 on Mondays), the expansive menu has something for every diner. Add in weekday happy hour, daily brunch, and private dining options, and you’ve got a go-to spot for business meals that feel anything but routine.
Dorsia
Milwaukee, WI
A Brady Street hotspot with serious style, Dorsia brings modern Italian flair to Milwaukee’s dining scene. Known for its signature pasta flights, creative cocktails, and moody-chic vibe, it’s a smart pick for client dinners or team outings that stretch into the night. With happy hour deals, half-priced wine Thursdays, and a private dining room for more focused gatherings, Dorsia delivers business dining with a side of downtown sophistication.
Dressler’s Restaurant
Huntersville, NC
With skyline views and a warm, familial touch, Dressler’s at The Metropolitan blends fine dining with the comfort of being a guest in someone’s home. Known for its impeccable service, rotating tableside wine tastings, and private dining spaces for up to 100 guests, it’s ideal for client dinners or elegant yet un-stuffy holiday celebrations. Even if you’re not joining for a special occasion, you’ll leave feeling like it was one. Reserve your table online!
Federalist Pig
Washington, D.C.
At Federalist Pig, pitmaster Rob Sonderman fuses Southern barbecue traditions with global flair—think brisket, addictive wings, and monthly chef’s specials that turn smoke into fine dining. From casual lunches to gourmet four-course team outings, it’s a must for meat lovers with taste. With catering that spans ribs to vegan options and a vibe that welcomes regulars and first-timers alike, FedPig brings serious flavor to any business trip or gathering.
Fin & Fino
2 locations in NC
With its ever-evolving menu and raw bar bounty, Fin & Fino is the rare spot that feels both relaxed and refined—a true social seafood house. From the furikake fries to a server-curated tasting spread (“The Treatment”), every visit is a new adventure. Ideal for team dinners or client catch-ups, it’s also home to one of the most creative cocktail programs in town. Pro tip: order the “Call of the Clam” and trust the ride.
Ghost Tacos & Cocktails
Pontiac, MI
With a vibrant, festive ambiance and a menu full of modern Mexican crowd-pleasers, Ghost Tacos & Cocktails delivers big flavor and good vibes in downtown Pontiac. From birria ramen to street tacos and standout margaritas (plus mocktails), it’s perfect for post-meeting wind-downs or casual team lunches. With online ordering and a something-for-everyone menu, Ghost makes it easy to turn any workday into a fun fiesta. Online ordering, gift cards, and a loyalty program are available!
Homegrown Daytime Eatery
14 locations nationwide
With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu of locally sourced favorites, HomeGrown is a standout for breakfast, brunch, or lunch meetups. Think cage-free eggs, fresh-squeezed juice, rotating seasonal specials (piña colada pancakes, anyone?), and house-made pastries—all served daily from 6:30 am-2:30 pm. With pickup or delivery catering available, it’s an easy, delicious option for office meals or daytime gatherings that call for comfort and quality.
Honeymoon Chicken
Washington, D.C.
Get ready to fall in love. At Honeymoon, fried chicken gets the chef treatment—brined, crispy, tender, and (if you’re lucky) dunked in hot honey. From shrimp po’ boys to crispy mushroom sandwiches, it’s comfort food dressed to impress. With halal chicken, crowd-pleasing combos, and catering that turns office lunches into full-blown feasts, Honeymoon is where bold flavors and serious cravings meet in delicious harmony.
Hugo’s Oyster Bar
Roswell, GA
Hugo’s Oyster Bar brings Cajun soul to downtown Roswell with chargrilled oysters, po’boys, and seasonal seafood sourced from the Outer Banks to the Mississippi Delta. It’s an ideal pick for client lunches or after-work cocktails, offering a lively, laid-back vibe and a seafood-forward, seasonal menu with something for everyone. Bonus: Hugo’s recycles every oyster shell, so your business dinner can help build a better shoreline. Reserve online!
Husporia
Washington, D.C.
With just 24 seats and a menu that spans continents, Hu·Sporia offers a truly global comfort food experience—from suya skewers to slow-braised oxtail. Perfect for intimate team dinners or travelers seeking something soulful and off the beaten path, this fusion-focused gem celebrates human connection through food. Catering is available for larger gatherings, bringing international flavors to your next meeting, event, or cross-cultural celebration. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Joe’s Grill
2 locations in MI
Joe’s Grill is known locally as a hidden gem for fresh, from-scratch Mediterranean comfort food in Royal Oak. Sizzling shawarma, rotating veggie specials, and all-day halal options make it a standout for business diners. The build-your-own menu caters to every craving and diet, including vegan and gluten-free. Rooted in family recipes from Bethlehem, Joe’s brings bold flavor, fast service, and a home-cooked feel to every plate.
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
9 locations in CA
As the brewery that kickstarted San Diego’s craft beer scene, Karl Strauss pairs award-winning brews with laid-back California charm. With nine SoCal locations, rotating taps, and everyday burger-and-beer specials, it’s an easy win for casual team lunches, after-work happy hours, or large corporate events. From Red Trolley Ale to experimental small-batch releases, Karl’s legacy lives on—one thoughtfully crafted pint at a time.
Kramers
Washington, D.C.
Part iconic indie bookstore, part all-day café, Kramers is where intellect meets indulgence in the heart of Dupont Circle. Whether you’re dining solo with a new read or catching up with colleagues over lobster rolls and craft cocktails, this historic spot sparks conversation and creativity alike. With breakfast through dinner, happy hour from 3–6, and a summer menu worth lingering over, Kramers serves the mind and the appetite in equal measure.
Kurated Kitchens
Sunnyvale, CA
Kurated Kitchens is more than a café. It’s a culinary hub curated by the Poon brothers, blending their Southeast Asian roots with Bay Area sensibility. This neighborhood food hall serves up everything from Thai fried chicken and Cambodian curry bowls to wagyu burgers, eggy brunch fare, and Hawaiian coffee. With options for every craving and counter-style ease, it’s a smart, flavorful stop for business lunches, solo bites, or casual team meetups.
La Méditerranée
2 locations in CA
A Bay Area staple since 1979, La Méditerranée serves Armenian and Lebanese-inspired dishes made fresh daily with local, farm-sourced ingredients. From Meza spreads to kabob platters, it’s a go-to for flavorful, feel-good business meals—whether dining in one of their charming cafés or ordering catering for a team lunch. With compostable packaging, Green Business certification, and decades of heart, La Méditerranée proves the smallest details make the biggest difference.
Laughing Monk Brewing
Sunnyvale, CA
In the heart of Silicon Valley, Laughing Monk Brewing blends Belgian-inspired craft beers with California chill and a dash of irreverence. With spacious indoor-outdoor event areas, beverage packages, and elevated pub fare (Buffalo Mac Pizza FTW!), it’s a go-to for corporate gatherings that don’t feel like work. From happy hours to full buyouts, this gastropub delivers serious flavor—and serious fun—with every pint.
Maggio’s Restaurant
Southampton, PA
A neighborhood classic since 1976, Maggio’s serves everything from filet mignon to sliders in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. With a spacious dining room, lively bar scene, and private event spaces—including a full-service ballroom—it’s a go-to for group dinners, celebrations, and offsite catering alike. Whether you’re grabbing wings during the game or planning a polished corporate event, Maggio’s delivers comfort, quality, and hospitality by the plateful.
Michael’s On The Hill
Waterbury Center, VT
Nestled in a restored 1820 farmhouse with sweeping views of the Green Mountains, Michael’s on the Hill is Vermont farm-to-table dining at its most refined. Beloved for its European-inspired cuisine, award-winning wine list, and bucolic charm, it’s an ideal setting for executive retreats, intimate business dinners, or seasonal celebrations. With multiple event spaces—including a rustic-chic barn and panoramic porch—this culinary retreat blends sustainability, elegance, and warm hospitality in every detail.
Modern Market
24 locations nationwide
Fast food, reimagined. Modern Market serves chef-crafted grain bowls, crisp salads, toasted sandwiches, and pizzas—all made from scratch with clean, real ingredients. Ideal for energizing office lunches or wellness-forward team meals, their themed catering packages (hello, Summer Celebrations) make it a breeze to provide fresh cuisine for a wide range of occasions. Modern Market fuels your day—and your event—with food powered by farmers, not food labs. Healthy never tasted this satisfying.
O’Connor’s Public House
Rochester, MI
Every business diner needs a proper Irish pub in their rotation—enter O’Connor’s. Built in Ireland and reassembled in downtown Rochester, this lively, detail-rich spot serves up classics like scotch eggs and bangers and mash alongside a deep whiskey list and a welcoming vibe. With happy hour deals, private event space, and hearty fare made for conversation, O’Connor’s is where meetings turn into memories over a perfectly poured pint.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
3 locations in CA
Popeyes has been a fast food mainstay for five decades thanks to its New Orleans-inspired fried chicken. But did you know Popeye’s offers even more for business diners, including several varieties of wings and the new Pickle Glaze Sandwich? With many Dinova locations, treating yourself on the road or during your lunch break is easy. Or, treat your whole team with Popeye’s chicken boxes! Download the app for added convenience and rewards.
RAKKAN Ramen
3 locations in CA
RAKKAN Ramen delivers next-level umami in every bowl without the heaviness of traditional tonkatsu. This award-winning Tokyo-born concept, now with three California locations, crafts its rich, plant-based broth from mushrooms, kombu, and fermented seasoning for a ramen experience that’s bold, clean, and deeply satisfying. With sleek, minimalist interiors and a wellness-forward menu, it’s a perfect lunch or dinner spot for business diners who crave authenticity with a lighter touch.
Rattler’s BarBQue
Santa Clarita, CA
A Santa Clarita staple since 1988, Rattler’s Bar B Que serves up smoky mesquite-grilled tri-tip, ribs, and their famous shredded onions in a laid-back, family-friendly setting. With hearty salads, pastas, and bar snacks, there’s something for every appetite. Don’t miss weekday happy hour or the full-service catering—with onsite grill masters ready to fire things up for your next corporate gathering, lunch meeting, or large-scale event.
Rendezvous
Washington, D.C.
qual parts upscale lounge and cozy neighborhood hideaway, Rendezvous brings Italian flavor and moody-chic energy to the Shaw Corridor. With craft cocktails, elevated comfort food, and a versatile layout perfect for events, it’s a stylish pick for business meetups, private celebrations, or just catching the game with a glass of wine. Friendly service, curated vibes, and a menu made for sharing—Rendezvous lives up to its name and then some.
Roost And Roast
Sunnyvale, CA
With bold bites and Thai vibes, Roost and Roast brings Southern Thailand’s Hat Yai-style fried chicken and wok-tossed favorites to Sunnyvale in a fast-casual, Cali-Asian fusion format. From rice bowls to pad Thai and crispy small plates, the menu’s made for sharing or solo refueling. Office lunch? They’ve got you—call ahead for curated party trays or individually boxed meals that turn any meeting into a flavorful escape.
Salsa Limon
7 locations in TX
Salsa Limón is a full-flavor taqueria with soul—born from Oaxacan roots, fueled by sizzling tripita, and proudly serving “Mexican Grade Mexican” eats across DFW. With killer tacos, house-made salsas, stiff margaritas, and all-day breakfast, it’s a fan favorite for casual team lunches or catered office fiestas. Want to impress? Go big with a taco bar, food truck, or “Burritothon.” Vibrant private spaces and pure taco joy await!
SriThai Kitchen & Sushi Bar
4 locations in GA
Sri Thai brings the real-deal flavors of Bangkok street food and Tokyo sushi bars to the heart of Atlanta. With award-winning Thai classics, vegetarian-friendly options, and an omakase experience that’s as elegant as it is adventurous, it’s a must for business lunches or client dinners. The stunning wood-accented spaces and scratch-made sauces make every visit memorable. Named Best Real Deal Thai by Atlanta Magazine, it’s a local ATL gem worth discovering.
Stellina Pizzeria
4 locations in D.C./VA
Dreamed in Italy, made in D.C., Stellina Pizzeria turns out blistered, chewy Neo-Neapolitan pies worthy of their five Michelin nods. Whether it’s a cacio e pepe pizza or light, crisp fritti, every dish reflects serious technique in a casual, counter-service setting. With locations in D.C. and Northern Virginia, plus patio seating, fast delivery, and catering options, Stellina is a smart (and stylish) pick for team lunches or client-friendly takeout.
Stir House Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
Downtown Atlanta’s Stir House is rewriting the stir fry script—100% vegan, gluten-free, and infused with global flavors. Build a custom box or try chef-designed hits like the A‑Town, topped with a crispy vegan “drumstick.” With fresh juices, meal-plan delivery, and catering available, it’s a go-to for wellness-minded business diners and office events. Born from local visionaries, Stir House serves food with soul—designed to nourish and energize every palate.
Stonefire Grill
12 locations in CA
Stonefire Grill brings scratch-made comfort food to the table—whether you’re dining in, picking up, or feeding the whole office. With generous portions of freshly grilled meats, crisp salads, pasta, and pizza, it’s a SoCal favorite for casual lunches or catered team meals. Their Family Packs and business-friendly catering make feeding a crowd easy, while weekday lunch specials keep solo diners fueled without fuss. Just bring your appetite!
The Halal Guys
1 location in TX
Known today as pioneers of American Halal Food, The Halal Guys’ journey began in the 90s with street carts that would draw lines around the block. Its modern restaurant delights business diners with the same exotic flavors, from gyro sandwiches to falafel bowls and baklava. Busy travelers can enjoy convenient online ordering and a rewards app with impressive freebies and perks. If you have yet to discover this cult-favorite, add it to your business dining shortlist!
The Lock And Key
Sacramento, CA
At The Lock & Key, vibrant cocktails and globally inspired tapas set the tone for laid-back business dining with a creative edge. Located in the heart of Midtown Sacramento, this local gem blends upscale flavor with a warm, communal vibe. Ideal for team dinners or client catch-ups, the shareable plates encourage connection—because sometimes, the most successful deals are made over queso fundido and a second round of cocktails. See you at happy hour!
Tiny B Chocolate
South San Francisco, CA
TinyB Chocolate transforms Brazil’s beloved brigadeiro into a luxe, handcrafted experience—perfect for corporate gifting or unforgettable team building. Made in South San Francisco with natural, gluten-free ingredients, these decadent, bite-sized delights arrive in beautifully packaged boxes (with optional branding) that impress at first glance. For something more interactive, try their in-person or virtual chocolate-making workshops—an indulgent, culturally rich way to connect, celebrate, and show your team they’re truly valued.
Velvet Taco
47 locations nationwide
Velvet Taco reinvents the taco with globe-trotting flavors and a seriously funky attitude. From Korean fried rice to chicken tikka tacos, this fast-casual hotspot blends fine-dining ingredients with street-food swagger. With rotating “WTF” specials and scratch-made everything, it’s a craveable choice for team lunches or office parties. Catering options—from taco boxes to lunch packs—make it easy to bring the Velvet experience straight to your next meeting.
Waffles, INCaffeinated
6 locations in PA
Waffles, INCaffeinated flips the script on breakfast and brunch with gourmet waffles—sweet, savory, or fully customized—plus craft coffee, cocktails, and creative sandwiches. With six Pittsburgh-area locations, it’s a standout for business diners seeking something unique. EZ Go lunch boxes, online ordering, and catering make meetings deliciously easy, while event space and dietary-friendly options ensure everyone’s covered. From Bananas Foster to Breakfast Magic, this is brunch food with serious business appeal.
Staff pick
Unique Cuisine • Catering • Funky