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

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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

Daru - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

Daru - Bandit Queen Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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

Daru - Happy hour Mango Jhalmuri, and Paneer Tikka appetizers. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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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

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Excellent! The flavors of each dish are unique and have more depth than expected. The service is warm and friendly without being too invasive. Downside is a limited number of tables so it can be tough to get seated but that just means they can devote the time and effort to getting it right rather than cranking out tons of food. Would definitely recommend and go again read more

Short answer for scrollers: Yes. Amazing. Eat here. -- The problem with producing a menu with so many phenomenal dishes is that it makes me want to eat everything. All of it. Paralyzed by choices, I have to devote concentrated thought to optimizing my order to experience the array of flavor possibilities, while also taking into account food allergies, value, and on. It's a glimpse of what I imagine mathematicians are like on a daily basis, I can see the numbers, it's powerful insight, someone should write a procedural TV show about me where I use math to solve crimes and every episode I have a transcendent moment and say "we could make an algorithm to solve it," and everyone nods seriously even though it's what I always say every week and life isn't so simple with such clearly defined answers to ambiguous challenges and I'm less of a powerful insight engine and more like an IBM 286 powered by that potato battery you made in second grade trying to upgrade Windows and stuck on some forever-taking progress bar. And someone already made that show about numbers, and they had a way better title than "MathGuyver". Anyway, when the waiter came by for the third time I had just about completed that lap of existential futility, so it was time to solve this menu. Roasted Sweet Potato Chaat with Avocado and Dates... yes. Chicken Tikka Tacos... yes, obviously. Paneer Pesto Tikka with Basil, Green Apple, Honey, Bell Pepper... again, yes. Roasted Carrots & Broccoli? Squash Bhartha? Pomegranate Aloo? Surely yes. Black Daal Burrata... What monster with say no to this? This is one of the greatest achievements humanity has produced. You see the challenge. *Everything* looked amazing. Was it executed well, am I still thinking about this meal weeks later? Unabashedly yes. Congratulations to the team behind this. There is clearly a love behind this food, it's fun and playful and delicious. The service was considerate, the space was relaxed and inviting. The bar program is also well thought out- fun working backward to figuring out the classics that inspired them. Looking forward to next time. And in the meanwhile, I'll be splitting my time between trying to figure out how to make the pomegranate aloo and black daal dishes at home, and rewriting that TV pilot. Maybe I'll write about a writer who solves crimes because he's good at writing? Not relatable, but I could try to learn if it helps break new ground. 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

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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

Daru - Pani Puri ($10) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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

Daru - Side Wok Fried Cabbage - wasn't fan. Too black for me. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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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

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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

Daru - Lasagna, Za'tar & Olive Oil Naan, Striped Bass Paturi, Roasted Eggplant - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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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

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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

Daru - Bison momo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What an amazing experience! Daru blew us away with presentation and flavor from cocktails to appetizers to entrees (and we'll have to try dessert next time!) Starting with drinks, our favorites were the Chai-teani (think espresso martini but chai tea instead), the Artemsiac (rum, pineapple, lime; fruity but with a slight bite), and the Bandit Queen (rum, garam masala, tamarind, mole; slightly sweet and spicy). For snack/appetizer, we enjoyed the Baigan Paneer Bhurji (eggplant, rhubarb), followed by the Spicy Nawabi Duck Kebab-- incredibly tender and flavorful. Our favorite mains were the Lasooni Lamb Chops-- almost indescribably tender-- and the Paneer Pesto Tikka. The Murgh Makhani (butter chicken) and Wild Mushroom Biriyani was good too, but didn't blow us away in the same way. The standout sides were the Black Daal Burrata and Pomegranate Aloo (potatoes, but seasoned really well). We also tried the pear and cinnamon lassi which was definitely less sweet than your typical mango lassi but I still liked it (although some friends did not). We sat outside which ambiance-wise is not as nice as inside, but the heat lamps worked great and we were tucked back from the sidewalk a bit so it was still an enjoyable experience. Our server was incredible. They knew the menu inside and out and really helped steer us toward popular dishes. We got our food me drinks very quickly after ordering, impressive on a busy Friday night. read more

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

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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

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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

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Really enjoyed our visit to Daru. we had a group of six so we were able to try a variety of dishes. Our server did an amazing job describing the dishes and recommending several favorites. All were right on target. The puri starter was really a flavor explosion. The daal was a real treat too. A couple of downsides. It was quite loud and difficult to have a conversation. And the lamb chops were served underdone (aka raw in the middle). Server took them away, insisted on removing them from the bill and then brought two more that were cooked properly and delicious. read more

I have been wanting to try Daru and recently had the chance when my parents were visiting. We didn't have a reservation, but were able to squeeze in for an early dinner on a Monday before they needed the table for a reservation. There is also outdoor seating, but the space inside isn't definitely on the smaller side, so it seems like a reservation is a good idea. The server gave us a tour of the menu, which I usually don't care for, but this time, it actually really sold me on a few things I wouldn't have ordered otherwise! We started with the bison momo (Nepalese dumplings), which were delicious! Very well filled with spiced meat in a very good sauce. We liked the sauce so much, we actually kept the plate after we ate the dumplings so we could finish the sauce with the naan we ordered! For mains, we ordered the murgh makhani, the paneer pesto tikka, the malai paneer lasagne, and the black daal burrata. Everything was incredibly delicious but the standouts for me were the malai paneer lasagne and the black daal burrata. The lasagne was so unique because it was a lasagne, but with the incredible flavors of Indian food, which is frankly a genius idea for a combination. The daal was rich and creamy with the burrata, but the lentils held up well and weren't mushy. Also an elite food combination. The other two dishes were also very good, but not quite on the level of the lasagne and daal. We also ordered garlic naan, of course. Classic. I also got the chai, which I have to say was just fine. It was not very sweet, bordering on slightly bitter. The spice level was nice though! For the portion size, the price is on the slightly high side, but if you're looking for a good date place or a little splurge for great food, I'd definitely recommend this place! read more

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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

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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

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usually I am a hater when it comes to "modern" twists on food, but wow Daru you made me eat my words (and 4 dishes) - this place is much smaller than I thought it would be. it is very contemporary yet still quite romantic. definitely can get loud - the waitress and hostess were so kind and personable. the waitress definitely encouraged us to order more than was necessary which I read is a common qualm - the most unique dish was the blue cheese reshmi kebab. tender chunks of chicken with like a blue cheese coating.... it wasn't saucy or overpoweringly strong, but it was such a unique flavor contrast of the blue cheese and the charred meat. a must try. our other starter was the bison momo which was good (I loved the spicy sauce) but nothing incredible in flavor or uniqueness - you can absolutely tell they make their own garlic naan, so so delicious and puffy. the tikka masala was a spin on the classic Indian dish, the meat was in abundance and the sauce tasted like the classic dish but with enough special spice to have its own spin - the striped bass paturi has the best seasoning imaginable. I don't eat a lot of bass but wow i was obsessed, so flakey, warm, just coated in turmeric with a perfect spicey flare. the flare paired with the cool creamy kale kichidi (a blend of kale, soft rice, and beans) that may have looked like baby food read more

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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

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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

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Loved my visit here - the palak paneer lasagna was phenomenal (Reminded me of our favorite lasagna from Pink Door in Seattle). Sunchoke Chaat was nice! Loved the Zataar Olive Naan!! Nice ambience and service! Looking forward to trying the cocktails and more veggie options next time. read more

Daru - Sunchoke Chaat - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Great space with flavorful bites. We sat at the bar and enjoyed great drinks and some apps. Definitely need to go back to try more.

Warning, the acoustics inside are horrible! There were three other parties inside, about 3-4 people at each table, so it was kinda of empty but it was sooo loud. I can't imagine how loud it would be if it's busy/all tables are full. I would highly recommend sitting outside if the weather permits so you can hear. The servers are very knowledgeable and friendly and will definitely do their best to accommodate any request. The food was great for the price. I'd go back. read more

Daru - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is a family favorite which was an early winner with our vegetarian teen daughter. Unique cocktails that don't over-try, clean flavors and spices are fragrant. Servers are seasoned veterans who value the vibe of their establishment. Surrounding area can be tricky for parking and adjacent streets can be a little sketchy at times but it's worth the trip for a unique and intimate restaurant experience with incredible flavors. read more

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

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I'm not sure if I hit Daru on an off-night, but I wasn't very impressed by this place. I absolutely love Indian food. Though, I recognize making a high-end Indian restaurant experience can be challenging, especially when there are so many incredible Indian takeout options. There are high-end Indian restaurants like Rasika in Washington, DC (so good!); Indian Accent in NYC and Cobi's in Los Angeles. All of these spots are incredible and get that right mix of service and fantastic food. Daru missed the mark on my visit and definitely not in that same league. I'll start off with the positive. The place has a nice, simple decor. It's small and feels like a neighborhood spot. But alas, this is a pretty dicey neighborhood. I live in Columbia Heights, yet this spot felt really edgy as I parked nearby. Look up the DC crime map and you'll find this is one of the less safe parts of the city. The service is something that people talked at great length about in their reviews but I had the opposite experience. All of the servers were overwhelmed. In fact, mine told me he was overwhelmed since they have expanded their outdoor dining and haven't increased the waitstaff. I eventually placed my order when I was able to flag someone down. I ordered the Murgh Makhani (aka Butter Chicken), rice, garlic naan and 1 glass of wine. It took over 1 hour for my food to arrive. And when it did, all of the items were cold. There was obvious confusion on my order, since I'm pretty sure my meal was initally delivered to another table. I watched the server pick it up, then walk downstairs, only to reappear and put it on my table. I attempted to send it back, but I didn't see my server. At this point, I was just really hungry and ate it anyway. There is an automatic 18% gratuity included in the bill. The total amount came out to $50 for a pretty mediocre experience. I always liked the idea of all inclusive service. But in this particular scenario, where service was pretty poor, I wished I could have tipped accordingly. Overall, this was a pretty poor experience. I love Indian food, but not sure I'll be returning here again. Rasika is so much better, and in a much better part of DC. read more

I took my mom to Daru, since she is visiting from out of town. It was the perfect treat. The food was delicious and while it was quite warm on the patio, they did say they've ordered fans so hopefully the rest of this summer will be a bit more fun! We loved every dish and the service was impeccable. The cocktails were also fun and delicious. A real treat! read more

Daru - Saag lasagna - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Daru is one of a kind. It's a quaint but elegant Indian-inspired restaurant. I visited on a Friday night. Service and food were excellent. We ordered the cauliflower tacos, a basmati-rice type chicken pot pie (forget the actual name) and roasted carrots. Everything was good. Service, food, etc. Dont think Rasika when you visit, but if you like Indian food, you should love Daru. Worth mentioning, Daru isn't in the best neighborhood (off H St. NE). I parked literally across the street from the restaurant, and when I left, my driver window was busted. Someone broke into my car. Luckily, I didn't have valuables in it, but it's the principle. This is not Daru's fault -- just be aware. read more

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We had been hearing great things about Daru and finally were able to check it out. We were not disappointed! The cocktails were creative and inspired by Indian flavors. The food was Indian-fusion with dishes like the Bison Momo (bison dumplings with a kick) getting recognized as a top dish. The scallops and lamb shank were also outstanding. We really appreciated the attentive service, overview of the menu, and recommendations. While we really enjoyed the food and service, one drawback is if seated on the patio, you overlook a busy road which can take away from the mood. Inside looked better for ambiance. read more

5/5 experience celebrating my birthday here. What a fantastic culinary experience dining here last night. I absolutely loved all the dishes we had and already salivating thinking the next time we can come here with friends! We sat at the bar and felt that experience was intimate, while being able to engage with the bartenders about our food and drinks. Appetizer portion sizes could have fed more than two people, so that took me by surprise, in a really good way! We were a huge fan of the chicken tikka tacos, and the coleslaw dressing was very refreshing. Lamb chops and chicken tikka dishes were so flavorful and refined. I loved the zatar naan and could eat that all night. As for the cocktails, they were very sophisticated and classy. I enjoyed the more citrusy drink like the Artemesiac. Wished we had room for dessert but I could barely get out of my high chair! I'm impressed with the aesthetics and flavors of the food. Just very glad Daru is in the H street community and making South Asian food so divine! read more

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Great place . Very different kind of food not your typical Indian menu .We ordered lamb shank , Fish Paturi , Bodon Momo , Baingsn Paneer Bhurji, Sunchoke, Bread basket, Dal Burrata . Mango Tango , Orar laddo, Chsi Teani Chardonnay. I can't say enough this place is the best Indian food I ever had in DC. From Drinks to appetizers to main dish . Superb flavor unique dishes. read more

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Unless the service changes I don't think I'll be coming back. The food was good but the service was terrible. The hostess, with her ear pods in, was giving off vibes of don't bother me. Both the waitress and bartender seemed disinterested. I've never had such terrible service. read more