Indian food appeals to a wide variety of pallets because of its well-balanced flavour profile and hitting the sweet and sour notes nullifying the heat and leaving a pleasant aftertaste in your mouth. Indians all over the world crave for the warmth of home food for a reason after all. The nostalgia of a perfectly soft naan paired with butter chicken is something that brings in a sense of belonging.
Top Indian Restaurants In Washington DC
If you are looking for best Indian restaurants in Washington DC area, you have landed at the right place. Read on and mark these restaurants on the map so that you do not miss out on any of these good Indian restaurants in Washington DC if you are around.
1. Rasika West End
With a cosy dining setting, Rasika is also known for its international wine list, innovative modern cocktails paired with lavish Indian fare from the tawa (the griddle), Tandoori and sigri ( the open fire barbecue). Executive chef Vikram Sunderam’s gujarati lasagna is layers of gujarati vegetables dresses in the gujarati kadhi, a concoction of ground Bengal gram flour, yoghurt laced with tempered mustard seeds. Other popular picks include Salmon Tandoori, Palak Chaat and Truffle Naan.
Location: 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
Cost for two: $31.00 to $50.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Offbeat twist on traditional Indian food
Timing:
Lunch:Monday-Friday (11:30 AM- 2:30 PM)
Brunch:Sunday (11:00 AM- 2:30 PM)
Dinner:Monday-Friday (5:30 PM-10:30 PM); Friday-Saturday (5:00 PM- 11:00 PM); Sunday (5:00 PM- 10:00 PM)
Must Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Washington DC For Witnessing The True Glory Of The Capital City
2. Karma Modern Indian
Karma Modern Indian is an contemporary Indian restaurant that puts a unexpected twists in flavour-profiles with breathtaking plating. With palak paneer and chicken tikka laying the foundation stone with fresh, locally-produced ingredients. The added introduction star fruit and truffles are a surprise that we were hoping for.
Location: 611 I St NW, Washington DC, DC 20001-3735
Cost for two: Less than $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Indian food with a delightful contemporary twist
Timing:
Lunch:Monday-Friday (11:30 AM- 2:30 PM)
Dinner:Monday-Friday (5:30 PM-10:30 PM); Friday-Saturday (5:00 PM- 11:30 PM); Sunday (5:30 PM- 9:30 PM)
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3. Woodlands
If you are looking for best South Indian restaurants in Washington DC is Woodlands. This hotspot is for the hardcore vegetarians with their roots embedded in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Madras. Their South Indian thali has been winning hearts with a serving of everything that the local cuisine of the southern states in India have to offer.
Location: 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Langley Park, MD 20783-4611
Cost for two: $11.00- $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Quintessential South-Indian comfort food
Timing:
Lunch:Monday- Friday (11:30 AM- 3:00 PM)
Dinner:Monday- Friday (5:00 PM- 10:00 PM)
Saturday (11:30 AM- 10:00 PM)
Sunday (11:30 AM- 9:30 PM)
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4. Bindaas Foggy Bottom
Bindaas Foggy Bottom is a must-visit for you in Washington if you are a fan of curries and good ambience contributing to the overall experience of dining out. The uttapam is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The roasted butternut squash on the top adds the kick. Another must try is the keema pao, minced lamb flavoured with Thai chillies on a toasted bun with a side of fresh salad.
Location: 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
Cost for two: $11.00- $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Indian comfort food with a diversity
Timing:
Monday (11:30 AM- 9:00 PM)
Tuesday- Friday (11:30 AM- 10:00 PM)
Saturday (5:00 PM- 11:00 PM)
Sunday (11:00 AM- 9:00 PM)
5. Rasoi
Rasoi is a meat lover’s paradise with murgh makhani, masala pepper ghosth and assortment of plates for takeaways and dining in. For the vegetarians, the tawa baingan masala with fleshy eggplants dressed in an Indian gravy sauce is a huge hit.
Location: 1810 K Street NW, Washington DC, DC 20006-2201
Cost for two: $11.00- $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Quiet place with ample portion size
Timing:
Monday- Thursday (11:30 AM- 10:00 PM)
Friday (11:30 AM- 10:30 PM)
Saturday (12:00 PM- 10:30 PM)
Sunday (Closed)
Suggested Read: 10 Incredible Restaurants In Washington DC That Are Creating A Lot Of Buzz
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6. Indique
The appam waffle sundae and cookie butter dosa makes Indique stand out amongst other good Indian restaurants in Washington DC. The samosa chaat, the pork belly tacos and other snacks are filling for the stomach but not for the soul.
Location: 3512-14 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
Cost for two: $11.00- $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Local cuisine with the Indian twist
Timing:
Monday- Thursday (5:30 PM- 10:30 PM)
Friday- Saturday (12:00 PM- 11:00 PM)
Sunday (12:00 PM- 10:30 PM)
7. Jewel of India
Jewel of India is popular in Washington DC with delicious thalis. The veg thali with vegetable jalfrezi, chana masala, baingan ka bharta and dal makhani and an assortment of hand-selected beer to wash it down.
Location: 10151 New Hampshire Ave, Hillandale Shopping Center, White Oak, Silver Spring, MD 20903-1713
Cost for two: $11.00- $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Great buffet at pocket-friendly prices
Timing:
Lunch:Monday- Sunday (11:30 AM- 3:00 PM)
Dinner:Monday- Saturday (5:00 PM- 10:30 PM); Sunday (5:00 PM- 10:00 PM)
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8. Masala Art
Masala Art, a fine-dining, contemporary Indian restaurant with the best chicken tikka in town. Their baingan mirch ka salan, baby eggplants in a thick peanut and sesame seeds sauce is also a popular pick.
Location: 4441 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016; 1101 4th St, SW, Washington, DC
Cost for two: Less than $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Scrumptious food paired with exquisite alcohol
Timing:
Lunch:Monday- Friday(11:30 AM- 2:30 PM)
Dinner:Sunday- Thursday (5:00 PM- 10:00 PM); Friday-Saturday (5:00 PM- 10:30 PM)
Brunch:Saturday- Sunday (11:30 AM- 3:00 PM
Happy hours: Monday-Sunday (4:00 PM- 7:00 PM; at the bar only)
9. Le Mirch
Le Mirch is one of the best Indian restaurants in Washington DC near union station. Their Railway Mutton, Chicken Maharaja and Pork Vindaloo are the most loved dishes on the menu.
Location: 1736 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Cost for two: $11.00- $30.00
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0 out of 5
TripAdvisor reviews: Indian food with French influence
Timing:
Lunch: Monday- Friday (11:30 AM- 2:00 PM)
Dinner:Monday- Friday (5:00 PM- 9:30 PM)
Saturday (5:00 PM- 10:00 PM)
Sunday (5:30 PM- 9:30 PM)
Further Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Washington DC That Will Take You Back In Time
Indian restaurants in Washington DC downtown are all across the city. It can be overwhelming to find the right places and relish every bite of your meal. Hopefully, we have given you enough insight into the area for you to figure out your go-to places every time your soul craves for a crispy dosa or the humble rajma-chawal. So, plan a holiday in Washington DC and indulge in the fun of savoring the best dishes!
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
