Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Daru

    4.4 (306 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order Daru Takeout or Delivery

    Daru Photos

    Business Info

    DARU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Daru

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Bison Momos
    Sara H.

    This is my second time dining at Daru & it is a favorite in the city for good reason! The first time I came (about 4 years ago), the dining room had a trendy, moody feel that made you feel like you were at the coolest spot in town & the food was packed with so much flavor. I remember we ordered the daal burrata, the bison momos (ordered a 2nd one we loved it so much), lamb shank, pesto paneer, scallops, etc). It was all perfect. Living across town, we don't come to H Street very often, so I finallyyyyy made it back after 4 years! Upon walking in, the staff were so nice and they also made sure our water cups were never empty! We ordered all the same favorites from my first time dining at Daru! This time, the food was still really good but not as flavorful as I remembered. If I were coming back, I would still order the lamb chops (so tender; cooked to perfection), the bison momos, the pesto paneer, scallops, and the garlic naan to soak up all the sauces. I would pass on the daal burrata and the potatoes though.

    Sabrina H.

    Daru was so delicious and the black dahl burrata did not disappoint. The creaminess of the burrata was an amazing contrast to the richness of the dahl and balanced out the saltiness. Highly recommend the meen pollichathu, I loved this preparation of the fish. It was a little bit on the salt to your side, but I really liked the tomato chutney and the greens infused khichdi. The service was pretty accommodating, but the ambience wasn't that great since we were on the patio and it happened to be pouring on the day we went. The patio wasn't heated enough and I was freezing my entire meal and just wearing a jacket, and the curtains kept blowing in our faces as we were trying to eat. If you do get reservations, I would probably try for indoors if possible.

    Chelsea A.

    Went to Daru on Tuesday, April 21 and caught their all-night happy hour. I was still able to order happy hour items at 8 PM, which already felt like a win, but the real surprise was how good the deals were. The chicken tikka masala with naan for $10 was an absolute steal. My friend loved the scallops, and I grabbed a tea for $4 to go with everything. Altogether, I had an amazing meal for under $15, which almost never happens. They also have a heated patio that's really cute, making it a great option even on cooler nights. Service was a little slow with fewer check-ins than we would have liked, but the space is cozy and the overall vibe feels more laid back. I didn't even know this place existed before, but I'll definitely be back. Such a great, low key dinner spot to check out with friends. Super cute and cozy and romantic place!

    Dessert Menu '26
    Ameya B.

    Our 2nd visit and a happier memory! Siri was our server, and we got seated on a comfortable table in-spite of being late by a few mins. The place was busy on a Fri night, so highly recommend making reservations. Order included Bison Momo ($16), Blue Cheese Reshmi Kebab ($14), Spicy Nawabi Duck Kebab ($16) which indeed had a subtle enjoyable spice kick to it! Meen Pollichathu ($28) came with a very delicious Khichdi, and the Wild Mushroom Biryani ($24) continues to be a top dish at this place. Gulab Jamun ($10) was a very comforting dessert and a perfect way to end the night! Service was excellent, and food arrived within 15-mins of placing the order. Noise levels on the average end, including a rather loud table next to us where the dude was definitely buzzed. Will continue to be one of our favorite places whenever we are in DC!

    Sea bass
    Keren C.

    Daru offers unique Indian-inspired dishes. The creativity and variety make it difficult to choose but provide reason to return. Burrata and lasagna are probably not on your Indian food bingo card but you'd be remiss not to try them. The flavors are subtle but nuanced. The service was great from the start. Everyone is welcoming and helpful. It is evident that they make a team effort to provide good customer experience. Although we had a couple hiccups, all of our issues were promptly rectified. If you are driving, note that the restaurant is located at a busy intersection and be sure to allot time to find parking before your reservation.

    Dominique B.

    I stopped by Daru for late-night happy hour with a friend, and the experience was a mix of highs and lows. The space itself is beautiful, and the food was solid. I ordered the HH chicken tikka masala, which was flavorful and satisfying, along with a non-alcoholic mango mocktail that was refreshing and well done. No complaints about the food -- it did what it was supposed to do. Service, however, was a bit confusing. The staff was attentive, but not particularly friendly, which stood out -- especially for a hospitality-focused space. As we were leaving (we were the last two guests), the bartender commented that we had to leave sometime. Even if it was meant as a joke, it came off as awkward and unnecessary. For context, it was 25 degrees outside, the restaurant closed at 10pm, and we were already walking out at 9:55pm. We weren't lingering, pushing boundaries, or overstaying -- and it felt strange to be rushed out when we were already on our way. Hospitality matters to me. Guests choose to spend their time and money somewhere, and even small comments can change the tone of an otherwise good experience. I miss the old DC where bars genuinely enjoyed having people in the space until close. Overall, Daru has a lot going for it -- a beautiful setting and good food -- but the hospitality piece could use some warmth and polish.

    Palak Paneer Lasagna
    Arthur C.

    I appreciate the experimental menu, with items like the palak paneer lasagna and the chicken tikka tacos. Maybe the pricing could be a bit lower but I thought the food quality was solid.

    Wall decor
    Tamia W.

    We went for the happy hour where they have mini plates for $5. And they do mean mini. A dish with a single scallop and some curry was one example. Still good Indian food. Not my absolute fav in DC, but still very tasty. The service was also good and the waiters were super friendly and accommodating. A smaller place so it can get kind of loud, but we had a good time overall. Best bites were the scallop broth and the paneer pesto tikka.

    Duck kebab and zaatar naan
    Lauren F.

    I stopped by and tried the spicy duck kebabs and zaatar naan for a light dinner tonight. The naan was soft and pillowy with delicious spices. I will definitely order this again! I liked the duck kebab, and the texture was great, but the sauce with it lacked flavor - I think it needed something more zingy. A bit of lime or lemon would have gone a long way. Overall, it was tasty and filling, and I always enjoy eating here. I wish they leaned a little bit more into spiciness - the heat level on this was 0 - and had deeper flavors, but the textures are always really good and I've never had a bad meal or left unhappy. I love their happy hour, but it's generally best when you're splitting a bunch of small plates with some friends.

    Dahi Puri
    Baran K.

    I feel like Indian wine bar sounds a little confusing at first but it was FANTASTIC. I believer Daru has a bib gourmand and it is certainly deserved. We tried the Murgh Markhani, the Dahi Puri, the Cabbage, the Zaatar Olive Oil Naan, the Sweet Potato Chaat, the Paneer Pesto Tikka (for my veg friend), and they complimentarily brought out the Scallops. I paired everything with a nice glass of syrah. The sweet potato chaat and scallops were standout dishes, just absolute flavor bombs. I really enjoyed the murgh markhani, and you cannot go wrong with naan. The dahi puri also had a nice twist with the guac, I would just maybe skip the cabbage. Overall a great experience, would definitely recommend to anyone visiting DC.

    Bobby S.

    I've been wanting to make it out to see what all the hype was about... and I can see why people love this place... From the warm hostess, knowledgeable staff and beautiful food with complex flavors of India/Nepal from the chef... The atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and vibrant with laughter and boisterous conversations that felt like a place where you want to be a regular, where they know your name and your palate preference. It's a perfect place to go after a show at the Kennedy center or a group of couples that have been life long friends who want to talk about their grandkids over amazing food! The Pani Puri is a MUST... a perfect bite with crunch and spice that lingers but doesn't hurt. The Mango shrimp was a miss for me... I felt like the mango could have been more ripe and sweet to contrast the dry mustard and spices... The lamb was so amazingly cooked and the flavors were perfect! It's is a gem of the restaurant. The wild mushroom Briyani... the mushroom... I don't know if you can cook a mushroom better... and I don't even like mushrooms due to the texture. Come and enjoy one of the best in DC. You can make a reservation on Resy.

    Eggplant
    Almira F.

    Wednesday 7pm Met a friend and her local crew on one of my visits from NYC . I was excited to have Indian food in DC especially seeing all the intl food options not easily accessible within the Manhattan confines including Ethiopian restaurants. While the service was good and the lamb was exceptional, I was expecting a bit more . The eggplant appetizer we ordered was different from what we mostly had it mind ( it was more like an eggplant lasagna ) vs a baba ganoush type of consistency. We did enjoy the pani puri and the bread basket .

    Chicken Tikka Tacos
    Lynn N.

    Daru hit the spot! Our server Dawn gave us some awesome recommendations. My group had three people and we shared a variety of dishes and it was a great meal. We got the dahl puri which was a nice little bomb of avocado and crunch to start off the meal! We also got the jhol momo which was delicious and the sauce it came in was flavorful and matched the bison dumpling perfectly. The chicken tikka tacos were a cool way to get chicken tikka masala without feeling basic. The mushroom biryani was also flavorful. We got the chutney platter and it was fun to try all the different options. We got the bread basket and when we finished the first round, our server suggested we try the Za'atar olive naan and that was amazing and I wish I had more of that! We left full and happy!

    Momo

    See all

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mabu ..
    0
    61
    189

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Anat S.
    121
    479
    5340

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy S.
    1
    26
    28

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Daru Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Daru

    Are any of the meat options halal?

    Just called and they said the chicken and lamb is halal.

    Does the $10 per person Tock reservation cost apply towards the food/drinks?

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Cocktail Bars 3,714 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Bar Betsie - Back area

    Bar Betsie

    4.3(71 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    A trendy, NYC like vibe this spot was a lot smaller than I expected so I see why they often have a…read morewait. On a nice day, they do have a small outdoor patio as well. I think they take reservations but we were able to grab a bar spot. Are drinks pricey? What do you think? It's a cocktail bar in DC. The drinks we tried were pretty tasty, even the mezcal one which I thought was a refreshing take. The wall shows some of the drinks on the menu and the ingredients/glass it comes in which I thought was a nice touch. Bartenders were friendly but not too chatty as they were super busy but you never waited long for a drink. The bourbon drink with the whipped honey was our favorite but the gin drink that was pink was also fantastic. For food I did try the buffalo chicken dip, pretty large and tasty (not too spicy) and loved the super crisp celery and the fritos. Clean, trendy bathrooms, nice vibes throughout the whole spot for pictures, great for a night cap or pre-dinner drink.

    What a fun cocktail bar. My friend and I popped in for happy hour and it was a cool vibe from the…read morestart. I encourage you to get there early if you plan to go after work. They don't take revelations and the place fills up fast. It's a very cute spot and feels so comfortable and fun. Our bartender was Gaylan and he was great--had great reccs, laughed with us a bit, all around great guy. The 'let me just say this' was so soo good! It tasted like a rainbow--just bright and with a really delicious after taste. I should have stopped at the rose but after my trying my friend's, i had to have one! We initially came for happy hour, but moved to the cocktail menu. The hh was a bit limited, but the drinks were priced overall pretty reasonably for the area. My one complaint is the wine glasses were so teeny. Overall though, I would recommend this bar. Bonus: cheese balls when you sit down! I believe there is also a limited food menu (think nachos) for the after work or late night crowd.

    Photos
    Bar Betsie - Quick view of options

    Quick view of options

    Bar Betsie - Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Frozen hibiscus pina colada

    Bar Betsie - A well balanced Old Fashioned

    See all

    A well balanced Old Fashioned

    Providencia - This place is legit

    Providencia

    4.9(68 reviews)
    0.2 miH Street Corridor/Atlas District/Near Northeast

    We had dinner planned nearby and I saw this place on the map. There's a $20 reservation charge but…read moreit gets applied to the final bill! Definitely recommend reserving since the space is smaller so walkins seem harder to grab. We were sat at the bar and I loved the space and decor. The lighting was really nice and cozy. The staff were really helpful with recommending items. I gave a flavor profile I was looking for and he recommended lights of night market Light of the night market: if you're a coconut water of pandan fan, this cocktail was so good and so smooth. It was really refreshing and had a nice Smokey flavor as well. The aftertaste was of the pandan and coconut and it was sweet without being sweet at the same time. Totally recommend to anyone looking for a "sweet" drink that isn't also overly sweet or syrupy A travete te te is a great punchy tart cocktail with guava as the main flavor. This one was really summery and paired really well with the shaved ice (also guava) The star for us was the baked Alaska. Initially the photos online is what drew me to this and I was okay if it was gimmicky but omg this has genuinely been one of the best desserts I've had in a really long time. The outside is toasted marshmallows and inside is really delicate shaved iced with guava syrup. At the bottom there's matcha cream with like a chunky strawberry jam and coconut jellies. Literally kept getting better as we ate. I usually find marshmallows too sweet but paired with the rest of the dessert it was all so nicely balanced. Would 10/10 come back just for this.

    Dare I say... my favorite cocktail bar I've tried in DC in the past couple of years, and a spot I'd…read moreabsolutely be a regular at if I lived in the area? Providencia has been on my to-try list forever, originally recommended by a bartender friend ages ago, and it wasn't until a recent trip that I finally was able to work it into my schedule to come for pre-dinner drinks and light bites. The spot is tucked away in a back alley off H Street, and honestly I'm not sure I would've found it if my Uber hadn't dropped me at the door. Reservations are required and you have to put down a $10 nonrefundable deposit that goes toward your bill, which makes sense because the space is small. Ideal for 1-3 people, not a group spot. The Salvadoran/Taiwanese flavor combo infused throughout this menu is its calling card. It's such a unique flavor combination and genuinely something I haven't seen before, and the menu does a beautiful job of letting both cuisines shine without one overpowering the other. The drinks are inventive but actually well-balanced, and the food does the same thing in small, snack-y portions perfect for pairing with tasty cocktails. My (kind of indulgent, but well-worth it) pre-dinner drinks order: - Lights of the Night Market (Ford's gin, Mal Bien mezcal, genepy, pandan, coconut). A great intro to how well the Salvadoran/Taiwanese flavors play together. The pandan is so pleasant here without being overpowering. - Run Bing with Nai Nai (Salvadoran white rum, Nardini rabarbaro, Licor 43, mazapán, oolong tea, lemon, milk, served with a little mazapán candy on the side). Nutty, beautifully balanced, sweeter than I normally go for but so unique and well-made that I didn't mind it at all. - The Big Chip and Salsa (tomatillo salsa, matcha chip): So fun and so tasty, a great small bite if you don't want real food. - Roasted eggplant pupusa (eggplant, squash blossom, gruyère, tomatillo). SO delicious. A really lovely mix of salty, tangy, and sweet! I'd come back just for this. - Plantain & hojicha tiramisu. Looked like a work of art, incredibly tasty but not heavy. The hojicha flavor is lovely and light and works so well with the plantain. It doesn't taste overly banana-y, which is always a worry of mine with plantain desserts. Overall, Providencia is doing something genuinely different flavor-wise than any other cocktail bar in DC right now and doing it extremely well. The cocktails are creative without feeling gimmicky, the food is thoughtful and delicious, and the whole experience feels intimate, cozy, laid back, and personable. The staff was so kind and helpful. Absolutely worth seeking out, and one of the first places I'd send someone looking for a great cocktail bar in DC right now.

    Photos
    Providencia - Frío frío

    Frío frío

    Providencia - Baked Alaska

    Baked Alaska

    Providencia - Baked Alaska shaved ice cream

    See all

    Baked Alaska shaved ice cream

    The Harp

    The Harp

    4.1(30 reviews)
    2.1 miBrookland

    Best new find for me in 2026. I wasn't expecting such tasty food. Stopped in for brunch and was…read moreimpressed by the menu--very smart. Ordered the leek/mushroom omelet and the French toast (which is really a decadent bananas foster in disguise). Both are killer. Enjoyed an Irish coffee with Teeling small batch whiskey (from Dublin) and also sampled a couple of lovely stout beers on tap. Service was friendly and professional. Decided to get some take-out for the kids and went with fish & chips and mac & cheese and nearly didn't serve it to them, wanted to devour it myself. This is where Brookland's Finest used to be. The interior has been revamped and the new design makes it more functional and inviting. It seems like there's more seating. The space can be opened up to let in the gentle breezes, so pleasant. The Harp is tickety-boo. Slainte, indeed.

    This is a great neighborhood Irish Pub. I was out with my friends to drink here because I heard…read morethey had Guinness; and it did not dissapoint! Unfortunately the kitchen was closed by the time I arrived so I can not review anything about food. I will say that the atmosphere is very lively, there's a range of hip hop music to irish music that will switch occasionally. The staff here really take care of you; and make sure that you get your order in if it's busy. On a busy saturday night, that's much appreciated! I will definitely have to try out their food next time; a must visit for those who seek good irish food and drinks ranging from beers to good mixed drinks!

    Photos
    The Harp - Front of the Harp

    Front of the Harp

    The Harp
    The Harp

    See all

    Primrose - Crème Brulee

    Primrose

    4.0(298 reviews)
    2.0 miBrookland
    $$

    Easygoing, Elevated Casual Vibe where details matter. The…read moremeals were awesome; fresh and tasty. The staff was properly attentive. The vibe was chill. The decor was perfect. The kiddies menu WITH a coloring section on the back. And the server strapped the kiddies seat to the chair; didn't just plop it down and walk away. Child's meal arrived first so they could get started, then parent could enjoy their meal with ease. The ATTENTION TO DETAIL was beyond. Aesthetically fitting (non-plastic) changing station in the restroom. We were a table of 10 and the tables pushed together without wobble; my plate sat flat straddling 2 tables. Was the floor leveled perfectly or did staff shim the tables to perfection. I don't know, but I've never experienced that level of perfection before.

    Easygoing, Elevated Casual Vibe where details matter. The…read moremeals were awesome; fresh and tasty. The staff was properly attentive. The vibe was chill. The decor was perfect. The kiddies menu WITH a coloring section on the back. And the server strapped the kiddies seat to the chair; didn't just plop it down and walk away. Child's meal arrived first so they could get started, then parent could enjoy their meal with ease. The ATTENTION TO DETAIL was beyond. Aesthetically fitting (non-plastic) changing station in the restroom. We were a table of 10 and the tables pushed together without wobble; my plate sat flat straddling 2 tables. Was the floor leveled perfectly or did staff shim the tables to perfection. I don't know, but I've never experienced that level of perfection before.

    Photos
    Primrose - Mango lassi  @davideatsdc

    Mango lassi @davideatsdc

    Primrose - Potatoes

    Potatoes

    Primrose - My French 75

    See all

    My French 75

    Daru - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...