Best Indian Restaurants In Washington, DC

This is a far cry from your everyday curry house, as a great deal of care is taken to coax each dish with distinctive flavors. Even its spices are ground on the premises—while you wait, read about their health benefits in the guide on the back of the menu. Don't overlook the imaginative drinks, both spirit-based and alcohol-free, like the Tiger's Tail made with blood orange, turmeric, and chili water. Naan here is a cut above the norm, as in the wild mushroom with a hint of truffle. The use of top ingredients shines through in the elegant, rich and flavorful paneer lajawab.

With easy access to the Metro, this is a good-looking, loud and lively spot that lures all types of diners. Everyone is here for their kitsch-free Indian cuisine and laid-back ambience—both of which are as perfectly suited for a casual night out with friends as they are for a formal dinner with colleagues or festive celebration.It’s difficult to live up to the hype, but Rasika turns out several winning dishes. Grab a seat at the back counter for views into the kitchen, which turns out such highlights as crispy palak chaat tossed with raita, tamarind and date chutneys. Then, crunchy okra displays a perfect blend of spicy and sour flavors. Match this with top house-made cubes of paneer, skewered with peppers, onions and accompanied by a tangy green sauce.

 Palate-pleasing items span here the continent to include Northern grilled meats, as well as Southern seafood and coconut-inflected dishes. Tender minced lamb is coaxed with a hint of heat in the Seekh kebab, while the bharli vangi's soft-as-pudding bulbs of stuffed and braised baby eggplant simply burst with flavor.

At the bar-counter set abuzz with vibrant tunes, the kitchen team takes classic Indian cuisine in a novel direction. Is that blue cheese on your tandoor-grilled chicken kebabs? Yes, indeed. Matched with sour cherry reduction and cashews, it's as enticing a preparation as the boldly spiced minced bison momos. Nariyal lamb shank is rich and robust with saffron, chili and coconut. Sop up the heady sauce with light basmati rice and call it a night.