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Early Birthday celebrations deserve a great story. Mine started with picking a letter and ended at a Michelin recognized gem in the heart of DC. My date knew exactly what he was doing. Walking in you are hit with a warm dim lit environment. Intimate, quaint with well appointed tables. We elected to sit at the bar and Matthew the bartender immediately welcomed us with an unforgettable experience. We tried a few red wine options and at that moment were not thrilled with the selection. We pivoted to the Colaba Cabana and the flavors did a happy dance going down so much that my date ordered one as well. Matthew was so well informed on the menu and suggested the murgh makhani, their close take to butter chicken, and the wild mushroom biryani with a side of garlic naan. The murgh makhani was flavorful with the chicken cooked perfectly, however the star of the show and my date's favorite was the biryani. It was brought out encased in a dome of naan which amplified the anticipation. Matthew cut it open and we were free to dig in. The accompaniment of the dill and celery raita topped with fig and a few pomegranate seeds married together the flavors in the most magical way. We saved room for dessert and the Gulab Jamun arrived with a candle to celebrate my birthday. The fried dough was cooked well and served alongside the most decadent cardamom ice cream. Sitting at the edge of the bar where we could see each other made this feel like a first date all over again. Impressionable, intimate, and exactly what a birthday night deserves. While others were at the bar alongside us, the environment did not welcome a community feel and we were not going for that. Sometimes you want a date night where you simply engage and enjoy each other. This place embodied that. Matthew was our experience dealer from start to finish. He boxed up our meal and bid us farewell as we were off to our next surprise adventure. Daru delivered a table, actually a bar, worth gathering at.
D is for Daru. D is for delicious. D is for Daru is Delicious. Because it is. It's a little off the beaten path (i.e. in a pretty residential area and in a pretty residential building - i.e. in a house) but totally worth the visit. The food was so flavorful that I wish I could've eaten more of it. It is exactly the sort of place where you need to bring more people so that you can try more dishes (it's simple math). D is for Do yourself a favor: try Daru!
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.
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!
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!
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.
July 2026: My wife and I recently ordered takeout from Daru after not having been in a few years and were pleased to find that it was just as outstanding at it was three years ago. We shared the malai paneer lasagna, which was rich, creamy, and flavorful. I got the murgh makhani as my main dish and it was fantastic-perfectly cooked, great flavor, amazing portion size, and creamy. I highly recommend Daru and look forward to returning! February 2023: An absolutely outstanding experience from start to finish in every way. Daru is the rare restaurant to exceed the tremendous hype it has. My friend and my amazing experience started the day before, when Daru asked us if anyone in our party had any food restrictions, which my friend did. When we arrived for our weeknight reservation, we were seated immediately. What distinguishes Daru from almost anywhere I've been is that our server gave us a paper menu with the dishes my friend could eat based on the listed dietary restrictions starred-above and beyond service. The rest of our service was similarly excellent, with our server making some excellent recommendations that allowed us to try the dishes we wanted and additional dishes in the most cost-efficient way. Our dishes were delivered in a timely manner and the meal itself was extremely affordable. Daru adds an automatic 20% charge to all checks and tells you on the menu; our experience was worth all of that gratuity. The food itself was incredible-a modernist take on Indian cuisine. Everything my friend and I had was good and ranged from fine to incredible. I recommend sharing 4-5 small and large plates per two people like my friend and I did to enjoy as many dishes as possible. Black Dal Burrata-my least favorite dish of the evening, but still fine. The lentils could have had a bit more flavor and the dish needed a side of rice, but the burrata was rich and creamy. Bread basket: The za'atar naan was fine but no need to order it, as the garlic naan was outstanding. The parota was good but needed more butter or oil. Chutneys and sauces: My favorites were the sour cherry chutney, the chimichurri, and tomato-szechuan. I love spicy food but the habenero-kashimir chili overwhelmed overwhelmed any other flavors. Blue Cheese Reshmi Kebab-One of Daru's most recommended and unique dishes, it lives up to the hype. The chicken was well-cooked, the cashew provides crunch, the cheese umami, and the sour cherry sauce complemented everything perfectly. Striped Bass Paturi: Simply outstanding. Perfectly cooked fish with good spice, greens, and creaminess. Some of the best bass I've ever had. I highly recommend Daru for your next special occasion and make sure to book well in advance if you want a reservation between 6-9 PM-there are many reasons Daru is this popular! Things to note: 1. Daru is small and it can be hard to hear at times. 2. The surrounding neighborhood isn't the safest-I would recommend not coming alone at night and taking a rideshare after dark if possible (avoid public transit and parking nearby) 3. The lot next to Daru is currently a construction zone, so you may see a rat or two if you are at Daru after dark and sitting by the window. This is beyond Daru's control; something to note for the next few months if you go there.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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!
very much not "authentic" indian food but i was pleasantly surprised! the fusion dishes were nicely executed and the ambiance was nice as well. i came for a birthday dinner with my friend. she ordered the chicken tikka tacos and i got the paneer pesto tikka to begin. she liked her tacos and i loved the paneer as well! the green apple in the sauce made it nicely tart and pulled the dish together well. we split the black daal burrata and that was very good too. because it was my friend's birthday, they offered us a free scoop of cardamom gelato, which was very nice of them and a delicious treat! overall a nice place for a celebration! read more
One of the best truly elevated Indian food dining experience from drinks to dessert everything was perfect. The ragga pattice appetizer and ou main dishes of Chicken Tikka Marsala and Murga Maknani had a deep, soul satisfying flavor with just the right amount of heat. The drinks also had deep flavors and perfectly balanced. You must try the Chai Teani and Haldi Buck. Thus is my new go to place.For dining in our take out. read more
1 year ago
5 months ago
Excellent service, wonderful ambiance, and mouthwatering food. Highly recommend. I wish it was closer to home so I could go more often. read more
Daru is as good as everyone says. I grew up eating Indian food, and this is very different - classic dishes with funky spins and tons of flavor. It's got to be the best Indian food I've had in DC! The service was also wonderful and our waiter even added a free item just so we could try it - the daal burrata. It was AMAZING. Creamy, fresh, and delicious. The chicken tikka tacos were bursting with flavor and I just absolutely loved them. The mushroom biryani was also great, in both flavor and presentation. The menu is quite extensive so I definitely would come back and try some different options! read more
Daru is great. We need more restaurants like it. I visited Daru a few times since it opened in 2021. On my most recent visit, I had good service and excellent food. I visited for a birthday and they recognized it properly. The host told us Happy Birthday, there was a small birthday sign on the table, and they gave us a complimentary scoop of mango ice cream dessert. I appreciated all of these gestures. We had the Malai Paneer Lasagna ($20, Baby Spinach, Cream, White Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger plus a side of rice), Lasooni Lamb Chops (two at $18 each, Black Garlic, Pink Peppercorn, Dahi Yogurt), Za'atar Olive Naan ($4), and Galub Jamun for dessert (plus a mango ice cream). To drink, the Haldi Buck ($15, Sotol, Roasted Golden Beets, Mezcal, Turmeric Citrate, Ginger Beer) and Bandit Queen ($15, Two Indies Rum, Garam Masala, Bonal, Sichaun Amaro, Tamarind, Mole). My dining companion does not often eat ethnic food. Nevertheless, they were delighted by the lasagna. I was very pleased with the lamb chops which were encrusted with delicious spices and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The Za'atar Naan was delicious and had tons of za'atar seasoning. I liked the buck cocktail more than the other, but both were good. The gulab jamun came with a scoop of ice cream. I liked the ice cream; the gulab jamun itself was fairly typical; it was fine, but I'm not a fan of classic Indian desserts in general. A few pieces of feedback. Our waiter suggested ordering one or two items from each section of the menu, which would have been way too much food; in my experience, most restaurants encourage over ordering and I wish they would cut it out. Later, it was difficult to signal my waiter (or any other staff) to order a second cocktail. Finally, it got incredibly, inappropriately loud inside with a full dining room; please add sound dampening, there is plenty of room for it on the ceiling. read more
Came for Restaurant Week--the service was great, but the food and drinks were a mixed bag. Loved the dumplings, kebabs, and chicken tikka masala, but the lamb shank and drinks weren't my favorite. A bit pricey for what you get, but I've had worse. Also kinda wished they played Indian music, but not a big deal! read more
I've been wanting to try this spot for awhile! They were extremely flexible with us. We were struggling to find parking and let us change our reservation 2 times to accommodate us. Their food was absolutely delicious! It had a ton of flavor and I kept wanting more! The best part was their appetizers which we got pani puri and scallop moilee. The mango lassi was also delicious and so fresh compared to other ones I've had in the past. I would 100% come back and recommend this spot. read more
Glad I finally made it to Daru! The restaurant's ambiance is cozy and the service was relaxed yet accommodating. The restaurant week menu was a great value (so many leftovers) and a good way to try some of their signature dishes. They had lots of vegetarian options too, which is a plus. Everything we ordered was delicious and I'd recommend read more
6 months ago
I albeit made a later reservation on a Saturday, but we didn't get seated for half an hour. Then, no server touched our table for another half hour. By the time I grabbed someone's attention, I was told the kitchen was closing and that other tables had ordered the last of multiple different items on the menu. We ordered the mango shrimp bhel and sweet potato chaat to start. The bhel was stale and incredibly disappointing. For mains, we got the lasagna, the fish and the mushroom biryani with sides of black daal burrata(per the server's rec) and pomegranate aloo. The lasagna was so tasteless, I don't understand how anyone would enjoy it. We also didn't care for the daal burrata. The daal had so much heavy cream, and I'm really not sure what the burrata was doing in there. The fish was good, the aloo was standard, and the biryani was okay. We got the halwa for dessert, and it was not halwa. I'm pretty sure the servers did not understand Indian palettes because the food recommended to us was ridiculous. I would not return. read more
2 years ago
Always so impressed by the food. The lasagna is magical, the puri is so good, the mushroom biryanis just delicious. For an added spice, I recommend the habanero chutney. read more
A few people recommended Daru to me, so I checked it out with a friend this past Friday evening. I suggest making a reservation in advance so you for sure have a table when you show up. Daru is a bit far and not really metro accessible, but it's worth the hike to try it at least once. My friend and I really enjoyed everything we got here. We paid ~52 after tax and tip for five different things and had leftovers. MASALA CHAI - 4 Pretty good and comes in a fancy tea cup (8 oz. maybe?). It was wonderful to sip on this while enjoying the food we got. It's also not too sweet :) BREAD BASKET - 10 This comes with three types of bread: plain naan, garlic naan and herb laacha. Both the plain and garlic naan were tasty and buttery soft like usual. I've never had anything like the herb laacha before, but it's a thin flatbread (not as fluffy) but it had a lot of flavors! This all went well with the curries and daal we got! I'd recommend the bread basket to try the variety of bread they have here. SCALLOPS MOILEE - 16 I heard raving reviews about the scallop here and they did not disappoint. Each order comes with three scallops that were perfectly seared with the perfect texture. The coconut based curry was smooth and flavorful. I'm not really sure what spices are in this, but know that it was delicious. Smother it all over the scallops and naan. So good. Definitely recommend. CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA - 22 Pretty typical entree and it comes with a side of basmati rice. This was good, but didn't blow my mind away. The chicken was tender and the sauce was good, so if you want a "safe" chicken option, this is a good bet. But nothing crazy and worth writing home about. PALAK PANEER LASAGNA - 20 This was good, but probably our least favorite out of everything we tried. Still, solid flavors and I always appreciate a good paneer dish. But in terms of uniqueness and wow factor, this one didn't quite cut it. BLACK DAAL BURRATA (SIDE) - 9 Wow, wow, wow! This one was so good! The black daal sauce was so creamy and the burrata only made it creamier with that fresh and delicate burrata flavor. Yum!! Delicious with the rice and naan we had on the side, I can't say more. I think it was my favorite out of everything we tried. Would highly recommend. Overall, 5/5 experience. All the food we got were above average or for some, exceptional. I recommend this restaurant and have added it to my list of DC favorites. read more
2 years ago
Must try upscale Indian resto in DC! I've heard good things about Daru and after trying the food, the reviews are well deserved! Food: We ordered several dishes and all were refined, beautifully paired, and well seasoned. The bread basket is fire, but honestly I was blown away by the bread on the Mushroom Biriyani like omg so soft and chewy and so perfect. Tikka Masala was perfectly balanced, but I wish there was more sauce to dip bread in - it was too little. Anddd the Striped Bass Paturi was amazing buttt the star of the entire show is the Kale Kichidhi that came with it like omg I still dream about that and I don't even like daal that much. Must try!!! Service: we were greeted warmingly by the host and he tried very hard to get us seated as fast as possible, offering us to be at the bar and then out in the heated patio. our server was friendly and checked in on us often Ambiance: we sat in the heated patio and it was super cute and warm. Less loud and cramped than the inside, altho the inside has a different charm. read more
I write this review from a vegetarian point of view, as someone who doesn't eat paneer. If you love paneer, there are definitely more options for you. To start, the restaurant is a small, cute restaurant with tight seating. They do have a patio seating, which is all covered, so a great option for sure. The service is amazing. There were these young kids who kept filling out glasses with water, clearing out our dirty plates, and just overall very attentive. Our server was amazing too. As an Indian, who has eaten Indian food at numerous places, including India, I was excited to try this place as it is a twist to the traditional food, which I love. Here is all that I ordered: - Avocado Pani Puri : this is quite nice. It's dry, which is different from the traditional pani puri. The green chutney has a kick of spice, which is great. But there were no avocados in there, which was surprising as it's called Avacado Pani Puri. - Ragda Pattice : this is DELICIOUS!!! For sure, my favorite thing at the restaurant. The beet patty with yellow curry was amazing. - Side of Daal Burrata : the side portion was perfect for me, and it's delicious. - Side of Wok Fried Cabbage : this was highly recommended by our server. I'm not big on eating cabbage at restaurants, but decided to try it out. I wasn't a big fan. The dish was too bland for my liking. I wish I had ordered the Bharta instead. - Zaatar Naan : this was delicious. Absolutely loved it. - Gulab Jamun : this was ok. Nothing that great. - Rasberry sorbet : this was yummy. Overall, not one of the best Indian restaurants in DC. There are several others with better food. But I would still recommend trying this place for sure. They have a paneer lasagna, some interesting mushroom dishes, that I would love to try next time. read more
Okay honestly if you are in the DC area and don't go here, you are doing yourself a disservice. I must say this is my favorite restaurant in DC and honestly one of my favorite places to eat just in general. The food here is unique, flavors are off the chart, staff is usually on point and make good recommendations and it's small and cozy inside so you feel like you're eating at someone's house, with grandma cooking in the back. *Food is usually on the spicer side, just a general warning for those that may not like any spice at all. Some of my favorites here are: - Daal burrata (chef's kiss) - Herb laccha paratha - Za'atar Olive naan - Striped Bass - Scallop Moilee - Blue cheese reshmi kabob read more
Resturant week menu for 55$ is something worth to try! I been there first time for the happy hour then I decided to come back.. the food is really good.. server were friendly and make me feel I want to come back soon.. it's a small spot for a nice cozy dinner read more
One of my absolute favorites! The team here churns out delicious, innovative, and exciting Indian food based on favorites but with a twist. The culinary and bar team are alums from DC's best spots like Rasika and The Columbia Room. They certainly bring that Columbia Room service obsession here - you always feel welcome and part of the family. The interior is small and cozy, so reservations are recommended. I usually eat at the bar, though. They offer outdoor seating during the summer. The bar program is excellent, featuring flavors like tamarind, garam masala, sandalwood, and chai. A trip here isn't complete with a cocktail or two. I highly recommend the Bandit Queen (a rum manhattan) and the warm and comforting Masala Chai with a little rum. Food favorites include the Paneer Pesto Tikka, which isn't in a sauce but is beautifully spiced and totally craveable. You can't come here without ordering the decadent and warming Back Daal Burrata. I've also had the scallops and striped bass which were delightful. You really can't go wrong with any dishes here. Everything is always delicious and thoughtfully created. read more
1 year ago
Enjoyed the happy hour offers: the Rum & Coke for $8, the Mango Jhalmuri for $5, and Paneer Tikka for $8, all deserving of 5 stars in a cosmopolitan setting in DC. The Mango Jhalmuri appetizer is a spicy, tangy, crunchy Bengali street food made with puffed rice, and the Paneer Tikka appetizer has chunks of paneer - Indian cottage cheese - and vegetables marinated in spiced yogurt. Service was excellent - bartender and hostess. read more
3 years ago
Had dinner here with friends. We had a wonderful night. The service was great, and our waitress offered an overview of the menu and favorites without me having to ask-- I really appreciated this. The inside of the restaurant is small, intimate, and ambient. Chai-Teani - Delicious, sweet, and creamy. I don't usually like chai, but I thought this cocktail had a perfect and subtle amount. (5/5) Sham Valley Punch - Underwhelming. I didn't like the slightly sour flavor. The drink wasn't strong like an old fashioned, yet it was served in a similar manner and small amount. (3/5) Bread Basket - A must get if you are like me and use naan to lick curries and sauces off the plate. I loved it for the Scallops Moilee, and it was also good for dipping in the sauces of the Murgh Makhani and Nariyal Lamb Shank. (5/5) Roasted Sweet Potato Chaat - Delicious and perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with flavorful sauces. My one complaint is that it was missing a crunchy textural component. I think this would have given the dish the extra excitement it needed because the sweet potatoes and yogurt were both soft. (4/5) Scallops Moilee - Favorite of the evening. Perfectly cooked scallops with beautiful spices, tossed in a gorgeous sweet and spicy sauce. (5/5) Murgh Makhani - Delicious. A thicker butter chicken with perfectly cooked chicken thigh. (5/5) Nariyal Lamb Shank - Good but nothing too special compared to lamb shank you can get elsewhere. The curry had a nice spice. (4/5) read more
Daru was divine! Tucked in NE, Daru is a Indian restaurant that offers come of the tastiest fusion dishes I've ever had. I had a lovely dinner with friends on a Thursday evening. The restaurant is dimly lit, cozy, and intimate. Felt very comforting with the candles placed around the restaurant, bringing in warmth on such a cold night! We were seated promptly and went straight to exploring the elaborate menu. I have to take a moment to rave about their staff. They did a fantastic job providing us with numerous recommendations. I appreciate the little details our waitress made when describing the flavor profiles, her menu favorites, and pairings. Incredible service! We started off with the Scallops Moilee, Roast Sweet Potato Chaat, and the Bread Basket. The scallops were AMAZING - the perfect blend of chili, coconut, and masala. The scallop itself was meaty and cooked to perfection. Just like the waitress had advised us, we were using our bread basket to wipe up all of the masala goodness. I LOVED the Herb Laacha Paratha - flavorful, fresh, and provided a great balance to the spicy curries. The Roast Sweet Potato Chaat was a delicious blend of an avocado style chutney, date, and black salt. It was a unique mix of sweet and spicy flavors all bound into each bite of potato. I found this paired especially well with the naan/garlic naan. We then made our way to the entrees of Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) and Nariyal (Coconut) Lamb Shank. The Murgh Makhani was a delightful semi-sweet blend of tomatoes, jaggery, and Tandoori Chicken. I found this to be a very authentic dish that reminded me of a beloved creation from my mom's kitchen. However, I did notice a few small pieces of bone in the chicken I ate, which was a bit annoying. A delicious dish, nonetheless. Perhaps not as spicy as I prefer. While both masalas were delectable, the star of the show for me was the Nariyal Lamb Shank. I adored the Saffron and Kashmiri Chili flavors that shined through each and every bite. The lamb was tender, moist, and was ready to fall off the bone! The coconut masala was rich, packed a punch, and paired perfectly with rice and naan. 10/10! To drink, I was thinking outside the box! I decided to switch up a traditional Jack & Coke for Thums Up & Bourbon. I greatly appreciate the waitress for letting me assemble the drink myself - a first for me! It was a wonderful mix and paired very well with the Indian spices throughout the meal. Highly recommend this twist on the classic Indian soda! I also tried my friend's Chai-Teani - a lovely blend of Masala Chai, Rum, and Cocoa Cream. It tasted like a Pumpkin Pie meets Starbuck's Pumpkin Cold Foam Chai Tea Latte. A fantastic fusion! I cannot wait to come back and try more of Daru's delicious menu items/ drinks soon! Such a memorable culinary experience :) read more
Daru is one of my favorite restaurants and I can't believe I haven't reviewed it. I went again last week and was still blown away. They are so welcoming and always checkin with you throughout your dinning experience. I had the daisy mango mocktail and it was refreshing. Now for dinner. Appetizers- we got the mussels and the scallops. Both of these dishes were out of this world. The sauce on the mussels was flavor packed! 5/5 Dinner- I got the mushroom rice bowl which is so fun, you get to watch them cut it open and reveal the perfectly cooked rice. 5/5. My friend for the lamb and potatoes dish and thought the lamb lacked meat. 3/5 Sides- 1. Garlic naan- fluffy and tasty, just the right amount of garlic. 2. Burrata dip. 3. Cabbage. All of the sides were amazing and cooked to perfection. 5s all around. read more
KenScale: 8.25/10 Visit: April 2024 A few times in our culinary journey together, a restaurant that my wife Jun and I visited and really liked mysteriously fell off our radar. We visited Daru with another couple back in 2021, and I remember really liking the inventive Indian cuisine there. The restaurant had quickly become a fan favorite among DC diners, too. So why did it take us until 2024 to come back to the restaurant? I suspect distance (the restaurant is located in the H Street corridor of Northeast DC) played a big role; if we can get decent Indian fix just from ordering on DoorDash, why drive 40+ minutes from our home in Maryland? Our return visit earlier this year, however, changed my mind in a big way and Daru really deserves to be a top DC dining destination. While the dishes coming from Daru, helmed by vets from DC's trailblazer Rasika, are unmistakably Indian, the kitchen's approach to the cuisine was quite novel, often with fantastic results. Start with the awesome paneer bhurji, a scrambled Indian cottage cheese with eggplant and chaat malasa spice, with wonderfully spicy kick and addictive texture. We tried the spicy duck kebab with caramelized onion and green chili last time we visited Daru, and it was just as delicious this time, too. The kitchen was delayed in bringing us the third starter dish - portobello mushroom choila with grilled tomato - until the main dishes came out, and we were actually glad they hadn't forgotten about it, with a distinct flavor from a blend of red chili, Sichuan peppercorn and labneh that you wouldn't easily forget. For the main dishes, if you are a fan of Indian chicken curry dishes, don't skip the murgh makhani (the restaurant's take on butter chicken consisting of tandoori chicken with spiced tomato and white pepper) that we quickly finished in no time thanks to its soulful flavor. Another dish that we both enjoyed greatly was the lamb chops that were grilled just spot-on and came with black garlic and pink peppercorn to add addictive spicy flavor. We finished the meal with the traditional gulab jamun dish whose warm, soft texture worked quite beautifully with cardamom gelato. Getting a reservation at Daru is still somewhat challenging even after the restaurant's opening three years ago; advance booking is always recommended, especially for prime-time tables on the weekends. There is also outdoor dining space during the warmer season. The restaurant has a full bar and I would definitely suggest trying one or two cocktails that are thoughtfully crafted with Indian ingredients and flavor for inspiration. One of the high points in my time with Jun dining at restaurants is when we re-discover a forgotten place and visit it over and over again. I have high confidence Daru will be that kind of restaurant for us going forward despite the distance factor. We can't wait to visit the restaurant again to try other dishes, and hope it becomes our go-to Indian dining destination in the city when we don't feel too lazy at home. read more
We decided to go last minute and didn't have a reservation, so we sat at the bar which seats about 12 people. It was great. The bartender was new, but really knowledgeable. The food was delicious and unique. The cabbage was hands down our favorite plate and the pani puri a delicious starter. The restaurant was cozy and full on a Friday night with people sitting on the enclosed patio as well even though it was quite cold. Importantly, almost everyone in the restaurant looked like they were enjoying their meals and experience. Super lovely spot and looking forward to going again! read more
Cocktails were very good - chai teani was delicious as was all of the cocktails we tried Enjoyed the chicken tikka masala which was better than most that I've tried The black daal burrata didn't really have much flavor so was a bit confused because the other reviews raved about it Smoked eggplant had a kick and had more flavor The garlic naan was the best one so next time would probably just stick with that one instead of the entire bread basket Overall food was good and nice vibes Definitely worth it for HH! read more
I've wanted to try Daru for a while now so took the opportunity with family in town to make a reservation. I found it odd that the website only allows you to book a table for four--which worked for my group but have to imagine you can call for a bigger group? It's a relatively small space in general. Our waitress was fantastic--after we said we hadn't been to Daru before, she quickly walked us through the menu and called out a few of her favorites. We ended up picking most of the ones she called out including the Dahi Puri and the scallops -- both excellent! The scallops typically come with three pieces but we were able to add one so we each had a piece. We also tried the bison dumplings which were good. For mains, we got the Murgh Makhani (butter chicken) which we all loved, the squash bharta (which has a KICK). and the biryani which is apparently a favorite. It was ok--pretty bland. Basically basmati rice with some mushrooms in it. We also tried the burrata surrounded by dal which is another favorite -- but again, ok but not overwhelmed. Can't wait to come back - I really wanted to try a lamb dish but couldn't get my family excited :) read more
Ok there were some great dishes and some not so impressive dishes. Came because Resy was having a deal where there were a couple free items. The Colada drink was good and super refreshing. Loved the Dahi Puri! Got the bread basket which came out ahead of our actual meal and next time would probably just order one bread instead. The momos were decent but the lamb chop was def the star. Not super impressed with the tikka masala. I def would try again read more
I stoped by Daru after my original plans for the evening had fallen through. The inside has a bright and intimate setting that's on the smaller side. We tried a few items to start: Maryland blue crab momo and blue cheese reshmi kabob (2.5/5). For our mains we opted for the lamb chops (3/5) and the lamb shank with the wok fried cabbage and the black daal for sides. I was surprisingly shocked that my favorite items of the evening were actually the sides (4/5). The hospitality for the server was amazing so I'll definitely give them another chance before the year is over. read more
I generally tend to dislike restaurants that say they are fusion or do "modern" takes on things but Daru absolutely kills it! We ordered the Haldi Buck and East Bengal Club drinks and really enjoyed these - they were on the stronger drier side for a cocktail. For an appetizer we got the Blue Cheese Reshimi Kabob which was phenomenal! The blue cheese added an extra element to the kabob and the cherry sauce was amazing. For mains we got the Malai Paneer Lasagna, Chicken Tikka Masala, Black Daal Burrata and garlic naan. My favorite was the paneer lasagna - it was definitely a modern take on a dish but executed really tastefully. Service here is phenomenal too, our waitress was really well versed in the menu and was able to recommend great dishes and answer questions! read more
1 year ago
We've visited Daru at least three or four times and had great food and service each time. It's an outstanding Indian fusion restaurant. My favorite dish is the wild mushroom biryani. We also tried the Pani Puri which we will order again. We typically order the sunchole chaat too. We tried the striped bass this time which was good but the kale side wasn't impressive. The black daal is really creamy but the buratta seams a bit out of place. The bison dumpling were okay but again nothing spectacular. Gulab jamun and ice cream is solid. We usually eat outdoors (easier with kids) before they enclosed their patio. This time we ate inside the restaurant and we found the acoustics to be bad. It was difficult to hear our table conversation. We've also ordered take out and been pleased, however, you miss the expert of the bread being cut off the mushroom biryani. read more
Wow. If Rasika and Columbia Room (rest in peace -- it's what was in the death & co space prior - pun intended) had a love child, Daru would be it. Amazing space in Northeast DC. The area is a little tucked away but the ambiance, food, and cocktails more than make up for it. We arrived with a hot ticket reservation with a party of three. We originally sat on the patio but eventually relocated to the bar. We were lucky enough to meet Dante who happened to be working -- he's one of the founders. He was super nice and we had a great intro conversation. Our host took great care of us in recommending cocktails and was knowledgeable of the various flavor profiles on the drinks. We opted for several cocktails and all were delicious. They use legit glassware and even more legit crystal clear ice!!!! The drinks were impressive and had flavor profiles that you will not find anywhere else in the city. Whether it's the spicy or the bitter or the sweet you crave, you will find it at Daru. The food was outstanding. Super well executed and delicious. Portions were just right as well. We got kabobs, bhel, scallops, mushroom biryani, and more! Everting was well executed and the food had some legit heat on the dishes that deserved it. Not over spiced but not played down to the western palette like a lot of Indian places do. I liked the balance. You can always ask for a mild dish if you'd like! The mushroom biryani is served with a cool dish that includes a naan on top that is cut at the time of serving. We didn't get the chicken tikka masala but the portion size looked legit! And it looked tasty. The vibe at the bar is fun and the bartenders are plenty engaging. Love the neighborhood addition and love that they try to make it available for locals in the area with a first come bar seating option. Highly recommend Daru for your next night out in DC!!! read more
Even after trying different items on the menu, Daru did not disappoint. My partner and I came here for our anniversary- our waiter wished us well and was well informed with food allergies. Additionally, the owner of the restaurant came to us and discussed any food allergen issues or requests, which is greatly appreciated and noticed. To start off, I tried the Spicy Nawabi Duck Kebab along with the Ragda Pattice. Both appetizers were incredible and tasted authentic. The duck, although not a traditional Indian meat option, was cooked perfectly and the spices used were up to par with my expectations of well seasoned food. I enjoyed actually tasting the ginger, garlic, and chillies in the meat. And no, this kebab isn't spicy to me, but flavor wise, they got it down! Same goes for the Ragda Pattice. Honestly, this dish is like an Aloo Tikki or a fried, spiced potato patty with some lentils, sweetened yogurt, fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, and crunchy sev pieces. It hits all the notes of sweet, savory, and crunchy. It's a must if you love savory based Indian street food dishes The Chicken Tikka Masala was rich and buttery. Honestly, too buttery for my liking as I felt a little sick in stomach (I have a sensitive stomach) after some bites. But, I noticed when mixed with rice, it helps. Their Masala Chai was honestly a highlight of the night for me. I'm a chai snob and didn't have high expectations- I was simply trying it out of curiosity. But, I must say it's damn good Masala Chai. Normally, I'm not one for Masala as it takes the right spice concoction to taste good. It was so perfect that I got 2 cups and I would've gotten a third! Overall, a great experience once again and definitely plan to come again for a special occasion! read more
I went to Daru to celebrate an anniversary and it was a great experience! We were given complementary glasses of champagne upon being seated which was a very gesture. The food was all delicious, modern takes on Indian classics while still retaining traditional flavors. Presentation of all the plates were also elegant. The Duck Kebabs were a standout and a must try! We sat outside on their "patio" and it was pretty much like sitting inside so it is definitely fine for most weather conditions. read more
Really really enjoyed eating at Daru. Very reasonable prices and everything we got (which was at least half the menu) was delicious. Vegan options which was great for a member of our party. Took a while to be seated even though we had a reservation which was a bit of a bummer but they gave us a free round of cocktails and the service overall was great. Would highly recommend! read more
5 months ago
The food was all very good, though nothing really blew us away. We enjoyed each dish and I don't think there's a miss. I will say, the back dahl Burrata didn't live up to the hype. It was good but nothing special. Bison Momo is great. Naan was good, but its a very small portion. The service was very good. I was a little disappointed at the size of the sharing plates. They were dmall and difficult to separate different tastes. I requested a second plate, and it helped. Pacing of the meal was good. Signature cocktails were creative but ultimately hit and miss. Tried two, a gin-based and a whiskey-based, and neither was really alchol forward. Toy Train didn't live up to expectations. Mango Tango was good. Pretty decent selection of wines available by glass and a couple of bottle only options. Also Beer and soft drinks. The restaurant is in a funky area, but it has a cool vibe inside and makes a nice use of space. It might, however, be the loudest restaurant I've ever dined. We were honestly relieved to walk outside to relative quiet at the end of the meal. They do have outdoor seating, and I would recommend doing that if the weather permits. read more
1 year ago
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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?
