The White House, the Capitol Building, museums and monuments: Washington DC has it all. DC is also home to one of the country’s largest multicultural communities, as seen in the city’s restaurant choices. Here are ten of the best restaurants for anyone craving top notch Indian food while in town.
The Bombay Club
Restaurant, Indian, $$$
From the people that brought the widely lauded Rasika and Rasika West End comes The Bombay Club, bringing the finest of India to the heart of Washington DC. The interior is reminiscent of the old world charms of colonial India. The menu utilizes the best ingredients and regional spices to create subtle flavors that are true to the origins of the dishes. This winning menu, combined with its highly regarded wine list, service and interior refinement, has played a large part in the restaurant having hosted diners including President Clinton, President George H. W. Bush, Nelson Mandela and Condoleezza Rice.
Cafe of India offers one of the more reasonably priced Indian menus in DC. Its biggest draw is the lunch buffet which has a wide array of meat and vegetarian dishes alongside the accompanying naans and rice dishes – and all this will get you change from $12. The a la carte menu features both traditional and more updated Indian dishes and the desserts are worth mentioning too. The inside feels modern and light, with the paintings on the walls perfectly representing the contrast of old and new that is reflected on the menu.
A South Asian spice bar Cusbah, meaning ‘Little Village,’ is one of the trendiest Indian restaurants in Washington DC. This restaurant also offers a range of attractions beyond the food that keep customers coming back. It hosts regular events, live music, and happy hours, as well as holiday specials and weekly special dinners. It also has a variety of signature cocktails. The menu offers a hybrid of American and South Asian dishes, with the menu constantly evolving to keep up with the changing neighborhood and cuisine trends.
For those who want well-made, traditional Indian street food, look no further. Indigo is a family-run affair, and from the food to the decor – all is very much homemade. The sizable menu is presented on a blackboard to accommodate the frequently changing dishes. The food is some of the most flavorsome, well-spiced and authentic north Indian dishes in the area.
The name ‘Indique’ derives from the words ‘India’ and ‘unique.’ The restaurant is situated over two floors, with a spacious interior that mixes bold, modern colors with more traditional features. Additional seating on the upstairs balcony and downstairs patio offer attractive views across Connecticut Avenue. The menu offers a blend of modern and classical dishes from north and south India, with lamb chops, mussels and even tacos being included on the large menu.
Using natural spices and ingredients imported directlyfrom India, Jyoti Indian Cuisine brings home-cooked northern and southern Indian food to Washington DC. Offering both meat and vegetarian dishes, Jyoti caters well to non-meat eaters. Vegetarian dishes include baingan bharta, aloo gobhi, mater paneer, chana masala, and vegetable chani. Inside, the duplex room has exposed brickwork, wooden furnishings and large wall hangings, and there is also outdoor seating available.
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Le Mirch
Restaurant, Indian, French, $$$
Contrary to what the French-sounding name may suggest, Le Mirch is indeed an Indian restaurant. although it is one that takes its It takes inspiration from Nepal, Southern France, the United States and, of course, thousand-year-old recipes from India (the French influence is hinted at in the decor). The main menu features traditional Indian dishes such as vindaloo, rogan josh, and chicken curry, while the ‘little flirt’ section of the menu, with its toasted calamari, scallop duet and les espinards, shows that Le Mirch is an Indian restaurant that really takes fusion cooking to its heart.
Rasika is an award-winning restaurant, serving meals banquet style, with sharing encouraged. The open kitchen allows diners to see the chefs in action. The interior was designed by renowned restaurant designer Harry Gregory, providing one of the most elegant interiors in the district.
Rasoi takes its name from the Hindi for ‘kitchen.’ The restaurant uses aromatic herbs and natural spices to create an authentic taste of India. Its influence from India’s culinary traditions is apparent upon tasting the food, and the decorative features within the restaurant are very much inspired by India’s cultural heritage. There is plenty on offer for meat eaters and for vegetarians, and there is even a section of the menu dedicated to vegan options. For a real experience of an Indian rasoi, be sure to try the ‘nectars’ and ‘sweet notes’.
Taj Of India provides a relaxed Indian dining experience. Despite a small seating area it is popular with families, friends, dates and co-workers at all times of day. There are a number of tandoori and biryani specialties, as well as meat and vegetarian dishes. Wash it all down with a traditional mango lassi.
