Indian food has been a staple of the Washington, D.C area for years and there are many notable restaurants that specialize in this cuisine including those who offer both takeout options as well locally renowned fine dining establishments! Here’s our list:
1. Rasika
Image From: https://www.rasikarestaurant.com/#eat-together
Address
633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Indian dishes are the specialty at Rasika, where you can enjoy a platter of chicken or lamb kebab. Their classic dishes, like the hearty lamb shank or lamb biryani, are infused with aromatic curry leaves and mustard seeds, making it a beloved restaurant in Washington, DC.
For a romantic dinner for two or a get-together with your girlfriends, head to Rasika, an upmarket Indian dining restaurant. When the Covid limitations are relaxed, their Penn Quarter location will be an easy alternative for dinner after such cultural activities. Their Palak Chaat is a must-have. They’ve just started selling jars of their handmade sauces!
Website
https://www.rasikarestaurant.com/
2. Karma Modern Indian
Image From: http://www.karmamodernindian.com/images/gallery/9.jpg
Address
611 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Karma Modern Indian serves modern Indian cuisine with a twist on classic dishes and outstanding presentation. To begin, the palak paneer and chicken tikka meals make use of locally obtained, freshly prepared ingredients as a foundation. Their menu also features a selection of lamb including ground lamb kebabs and minced lamb kebabs. The inclusion of star fruit and truffles was a delightful surprise, as we had no idea they would be available.
Website
http://www.karmamodernindian.com/
3. Bindaas Foggy Bottom
Address
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, United States
In Washington, DC, if you are a fan of curries and wonderful ambiance, you should visit Bindaas Foggy Bottom. Soft and fluffy within, with a crunchy exterior. On top, there’s roasted butternut squash to give it some oomph. In addition, the kheema pao, minced lamb with Thai chilies on a toasted bun, is another must-have dish. The vegetarian options here are just as enticing, like the chili water infused paneer.
Website
Needing an orthodontic appointment?
Visit Kumra Orthodontics Washington, DC or Kumra Orthodontics Stafford, VA, and request an appointment with us!
4. DC Butter Chicken
Image From: https://www.usabutterchicken.com/
Address
601 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20002
DC Butter Chicken is a popular and distinctive Indian restaurant in the District of Columbia. Customers know they have to get in line early to get their hands on some of the best butter chicken in Washington, D.C., because just 300 servings are prepared each day.
DC Butter Chicken operates three locations in Washington, D.C., and plans to establish two more in the future. Even in the city’s heart, they are just a few blocks from Union Station, making it easy to get around.
5. Daru
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXFBqi6rsjC/
Address
1451 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
Daru’s inventive street snacks, meals, and drinks have been a hit with DC diners since they debuted in August. This eatery offers jackfruit tacos, paneer pesto tikka, and black daal with burrata. Why not? As a result of an outbreak of the H1N1 virus, the proprietors decided to increase the restaurant’s food menu and hire two Columbia Room veterans (co-owner Dante Datta and bar manager Tom Martinez). The cardamom- and tequilaamaro-laced Kali Kooler or the classic gin and tonic with coconut and lime leaf should be paired with your meal.
Website
6. Jyoti Indian Cuisine
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuzjRyGNR8Y/
Address
2433 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Jyoti has been a D.C. staple for nearly two decades, showcasing a wide range of Indian cuisine. Fish dishes from West Bengal and Kerala are the focus of its fish section. Fish curries and tandoori-roasted red snapper are some of the best ways to experience the culture and cuisine of the famed beach state of Goa, which is full of Portuguese influences.
Website
7. Indochen
https://www.indochen.com/cameron-station/gallery#galleries-45
Address
4906 Brenman Park Dr. Alexandria, VA 22304
At IndoChen, the only DC-area Indo-Chinese restaurant, you’ll find more than a few dishes inspired by Chinese immigrants who arrived in India in the 17th century. Stir-fried noodles are combined with flavors such as soy sauce, minced garlic and fresh ginger paste in dishes like chop suey. Working in South Asian Indo-Chinese restaurants, Chef Ram Thapa honed his craft; now that he’s settled in Washington, locals may enjoy his creations.
Website
8. Indique
Image From: https://www.indique.com/photogallery
Address
3512 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
The Indian restaurant Indique in Washington, D.C., has been in business for nearly 20 years. Any Indian restaurant recommendation for Washington, D.C. should include this Cleveland Park landmark. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the menu is full of delicious options. My favorite dish is the morel mushroom stew made with meaty, chewy mushrooms and a velvety coconut milk gravy imbued with the tastes of ginger, onion, and green chilies. The mini dosa and cauliflower chili fry are also recommended. Drink one of the restaurant’s handmade drinks while you eat.
Website
9. Le Mirch
Image From: https://www.facebook.com/lemirch/photos/pb.100025765279761.-2207520000/4041780832589060/?type=3
Address
1736 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
This restaurant claims to serve “Indian cuisine with a French flair,” although most of their dishes look and taste like typical North Indian fare. The jackfruit curry is a one-of-a-kind culinary creation. Jackfruit, native to India, is rarely served at Indian restaurants in the United States, despite its widespread use in Indian cuisine. The jackfruit at Le Mirch is cooked in an onion-based curry and served. Jalapeno chili powder provides an appealing degree of spice to this dish.
Website
10. Spice 6
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzTm37_PWZg/
Address
740 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Spice 6 has sites in Chinatown, Hyattsville, and Vienna, all in the Washington, D.C., metro area. You can start your meal with rice, naan, or salad at Spice 6, and then add protein and a curry. Aromatic basmati rice and spinach curry are two of the most popular food pairings. In addition to spices like cumin and garam masala, ginger and garlic are used to flavor the dish. Each grain of rice will be coated in a thick layer of creamy goodness. Tofu is an excellent source of protein, and a liberal pour of sweet tamarind chutney tops it all off perfectly for me. Indians are known for their mango yogurt drink, the mango lassi, so have some on the side!
Website
Conclusion
Whether you’re in search of the perfect restaurant recommendation for Indian dishes in Washington, DC, or craving a specific lamb shank or lamb kabob, these restaurants offer an array of delectable options. From the hearty lamb shank at Rasika to the ground lamb kebabs at Karma Modern Indian, and the vegetarian options at Bindaas Foggy Bottom, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the beloved restaurants like DC Butter Chicken for their signature dish, or Indique’s classic dishes with a modern twist. For those who enjoy variety, Spice 6’s platter of chicken and selection of lamb dishes will surely delight. Each of these establishments not only offers a unique dining experience but also solidifies Washington, DC’s status as a perfect restaurant destination for authentic and innovative Indian cuisine.
