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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!
The tikka masala is amazing. The bread basket never disappoints. Service is always so friendly and the food comes quickly. Cocktails are fun and unique. Desserts are creative. What's not to love? This is such a staple in the neighborhood and I'm so glad Dante brings us these culinary delights. 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
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
2 years ago
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
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
2 years ago
4 years ago
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
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
1 year ago
1 year ago
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
4 years ago
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
1 year ago
Food was so good, I visited this restaurant twice in less than month! Everything on the menu is solid, but I'd definitely recommend the Bison Momo, the Daal Burrata, the Striped Bass Paturi and the Grilled Lion's Mane Mushroom. Truly outstanding dishes! Our server was outstanding. We got him both times we visited, and he immediately recognized us the second time we went. He gave us excellent recommendations and gave us complementary drinks and small dishes the second time we came. Excellent, homey service and ambiance. One of the best restaurants in the DC area. A culinary experience that blends the best of Indian cuisine with modern and contemporary techniques. read more
Delicious! Pleasantly surprised with all the dishes! Make sure you make a reservation! Really enjoyed the blue cheese reshmi kebab, scallops and dhungar Bhartha (eggplant)! The scallops sauce was something we could lick off the bowl! Eggplant was a perfect side dish to dip with the naan. Black daal burrata was a pleasant tasty dish! We didn't know what to expect but thought the burrata and rest complimented well. The wild mushroom was so fun to open up, be cautious, it's innards are super hot! Chicken tikka Marsala was a really tasty sauce, save some naan to scoop up all the sauce! Lamb shank was so tender and fell off the bone so easily. Sauce is very red, but don't be intimidated! It's not spicy at all! The server described their spice level as family friendly and I completely agree! I'm very intimidated by spicy food because my tolerance is terrible. But everything had a small kick of spice that wasn't overpowering to me. Letting me able to enjoy all the food! Although some of their chutney sauce is extremely spicy. read more
Daru is an off the charts culinary experience it somehow merges traditional Indian flavor and ingredients with a new nonobvious ensemble. Each dish is crafted and plated to satisfy all palettes. Their vegetarian selection is plentiful but that doesn't mean there aren't fan favorites for omnivores too. They even ask you if you have any dietary restrictions (gluten, nut allergy, vegan, etc) when you come. They have pre labeled menus to help make selecting easy. The staff is friendly, attentive and well versed on the menu. They have mastered making a room full of people feel like they're the most important customers. Walls are adorned with pieces that are reflective of Nepali culture and traditions, yet it's modern and balanced. There's a medium sized bar right in the center and this is place to grab a seat if you can't get a reservation for a table. Owners are so friendly and humble, chefs are creative and masterful, and the waiters are representative of the experience. I like how this place has great food and service but is not stuffy or formal. It's an easy choice for business dinner to date night or meeting with friends. Apparently their bar is able to churn out some mixology creations. read more
3 years ago
The food is delicious!!! We sat at the bar because there weren't any reservations available, but the bar was spacious and the service was great! The lamb chops are cooked perfectly!!! The prices on the menu are per chop. The striped bass is also delicious & flavorful. Will definitely be back to try more!! read more
My first visit to Daru and I was blown away by the flavors, execution, and service! I'm normally wary of anything asian fusion, but Daru in most cases elevates the original dish. We started with the sunchoke chaat and reshmi kebab. The sunchoke was good with beautiful, colorful presentation, but I thought it was way overhyped here on Yelp. I was a bit leery of the kebab, but that was an absolute winner. It was extremely tender and seasoned beautifully. The sour cherry sauce added a nice tart dimension to the dish. Very well executed. For our entrees we tried the lamb shank (highly recommended) and chicken tikka. The lamb shank delivered, and was just as good as the rave reviews. Tender, flavorful lamb practically falling off the bone in a deep, bold, rich sauce. Every bite was heavenly. Again, I was leery of the chicken tikka, which is so ubiquitous at Indian restaurants and often uninspiring. Daru's take was the complete opposite! The dish was bold and flavorful and seasoned to perfection. The chicken was so tender and cooked beautifully. My buddy could not stop eating both dishes even after he was full! My cocktail was the perfect compliment to these mouthwatering dishes. I highly recommend ordering a cocktail to start your meal here. Overall we had a fantastic time at Daru. The prices seem quite reasonable here and the service was very friendly and helpful. The only drawback is the neighborhood is still coming around and the parking situation is a mess, but otherwise definitely worth the journey to enjoy such an amazing meal. read more
4 years ago
Yummy food, nice ambience, great service and tasty cocktails!! Was meeting up with a friend this week for a late night dinner. He asked for suggestions. I couldn't think of anything. He mentioned this Michelin rated spot. I immediately checked Yelp and the high ratings told me all I needed to know. This was the place!! Parking on the street was easy. We sat at the bar. Mixologist, Courtney was great! Very professional, engaging and she knows her drinks! The food was amazing. I love Indian food and they did not disappoint! We tried a few dishes - the chicken tikka tacos and the chicken tikka masala. Everything was great! I didn't take many pics, but it's worth it! I highly recommend this place. Perfect for a date night! read more
While I have been greatly anticipating dining at this establishment, I cannot say I was disappointed but I was underwhelmed. To begin, the service is without rival. The host is very knowledgeable and friendly. Not only did she memorize the entire menu and has a strong background knowledge on all of the elements of each item but she seems to also be quite cultured on food in general; and seeks to actively engage and enquire about guests. I was blown away by every measure of potential expectation; service was what you would expect from a five-star hotel and not a small, unassuming restaurant in a not so nice area. The food is incredibly well-balanced. While it is trendy and fusion, I will say it leans a little too much into the unconventional and avant-garde to be recognizable as Indian cuisine. However, everything has logic and flows nicely, both in terms of a single cohesive dish as well as in working with other items. Quality of ingredients is high whereas quality of execution is variable from okay to good, to great/superior. Additionally, there is enough divergence but harmony between dishes to feel there is no waste nor sunk cost in ordering a lot of dishes. I laud places where you can pick your own adventure, and it is neither redundant nor pointless. Portions are okay, but nothing to write home about. Contariwise, given the price point of DC, and for much lesser fare, mind you, I wager the value of this dining experience is B to B+; a rarity, in general, much less for the surrounding area as well as when it comes to fine dining. The ambiance, while eclectic and schizophrenic, is charming. My biggest qualms are that the food is not quite as exceptional as portrayed by many; and, again, that the location is very poor. Keep your head on a swivel and travel in larger groups if coming here. Photos don't do justice for how beautiful the presentation is of each dish. It is not always easy to get a table here, but it is worth it. One of the very few restaurants I would recommend going back to, and it is exceedingly rare I return to the same restaurant more than once. read more
3 years ago
Outstanding, fun Indian spot on a sketchy corner! Worth it though! All of our food was great, as was the service. Next time I may stick to vegetarian dishes because the ones we had were phenomenal (the meat and fish dishes were too). Can't wait to come back! One of the best meals I have had this year! read more
I'm disappointed being an Indian and realizing that all of our food has some sort of dairy in it. I've heard so many good things about this restaurant that I just had to try it myself! I made reservations 2-3 weeks in advance, which I strongly recommend since they do fill up quickly and you only get 2 hours of table time, which isn't in my opinion enough. It's a lot more casual than expected as my boyfriend and I decided to do date night and dress up to the T. For drinks we ordered - Smokestock lightin 3/5 Chai-teaini 500000/5 - don't tell my mom, but besides her chai this is the best iced chai I've ever had in my life. And on top of that it was spiked! I couldn't get over it! Mango tango 3/5 The brave bunch 4/5 For appetizers - Scallops moilee 5/5 Roasted cauliflower phulka tacos 3/5 - honestly I could've made this at home. There wasn't anything grand about it For entrees - Lamb shank 5/5 Zaa'tar naan 4/5 - not sure what the difference was with zaa'tar bread and naan? I expected less zaa'tar and more fluffy naan! Mushroom biryani 4/5 - all the reviews recommended this and word of mouth so I just had to! The raita and the fried puri made this dish. Kale kichidi 0/5 - I've concluded that I just don't like kichidi. From my moms kitchen to restaurants this was just not good. No salt, no flavor. I even brought it home to give it to me mom and she agreed. Back to my original statement, almost everything had dairy in it. It be yogurt, ghee, butter, etc. My boyfriends lactose, but not vegan so he had to sacrifice eating dairy. They couldn't even accommodate. A lot of the items our server mentioned were doused in ghee or butter which they could've used oil instead. This is why I'm downgrading my review 2 stars. read more
3 years ago
I love good Indian food and hate fusion restaurants, so I was unsure to expect when my brother chose Daru for his birthday dinner. I was even more unsure of how selective eaters in my family would like the food. I was proved wrong on all counts. I knew we were in good hands when our waiter made every effort to accommodate dietary needs. Our menu picks changed thanks to her curated recommendations from the menu: her suggestions were spot on! We ordered the scallops, bison momos, baigan paneer bhurji, paneer pesto, murgh mahkani, lamb shank, mushroom biryani, bread basket, and sour cherry chutney. Gulab Jamun with cardamom for dessert because why not?! Standouts were the scallops and lamb shank for the meat eaters, and I really enjoyed the chutney and the crusted paneer pesto. Also, cardamom-forward gelato is fantastic. I give this place a 4 because I reserve my 5s for places that literally change my life. Daru didn't change my life, but we had a very fun, delicious evening with great service. Highly recommend! read more
This was a great meal and I would definitely order it again. I got the chicken tikka masala and it was delicious. The chicken was juicy and the sauce was packed with flavor. It is also at the perfect level of spice, enjoyable for all spice tolerance levels. The garlic naan was also great as well. Nothing too special about it but it was soft and chewy and had great garlic flavor. read more
Wonderful dinner experience at Daru last night. My boyfriend and I had early dinner reservations and were excited to see if this place lived up to the recent accolades...spoiler alert..it did! The staff was so friendly and welcoming. I noted in our reservation that my boyfriend has a shellfish allergy and they acknowledged it at the time of our check in, while we were seated, and even made a note on his menu of items he was allergic to. A small gesture, but it showed true customer service. The food was amazing. Everything looked and sounded delicious so we ordered a lot. We ordered Bison Momo, lamb chops, mushroom biryani, striped bass paturi, black daal burrata, and garlic naan with the sour cherry and chimichurri chutneys. Everything was delicious but the lamb chops were definitely my favorite. They were tender, well seasoned and good to the bone. The mushroom biryani was also really tasty and hearty. Just a note that there is only one piece of naan that comes with a naan order- we were a little bummed because this didn't give us a chance to truly enjoy the naan with the chutneys and our meal, but it was still delicious nonetheless We didn't have enough room for dessert but will definitely be back to try and taste more of the menu read more
Daru was a very unique expert. I love how enthusiastic the service staff was when telling me about the the various food options. The cocktails were very refreshing and the food was also very unique. I ordered the chicken masala that really didn't do it for me.Although the flavor was there, something was missing. The garlic naan was very good. I also had the opportunity to taste the lamb and that was cooked to perfection. read more
3 years ago
Service was so friendly, professional, and speedy. Ambience was modern and clean. Inside, there aren't too many seating spots but I liked that it was more intimate, it made the service seem more personable. The food was amazing! I loved the presentation and creativity of the chicken tikka tacos especially. The wild mushroom briyani is something I will regularly think about. Also!! the lamb! Although my partner really likes lamb, I am not the biggest and am really sensitive to the end taste of it. BUT daru's lamb was cooked so well and I throughly enjoyed it! I will say the bison momo was good but I didn't particularly find anything greatly special about it so that's the one and only critique I'll give. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Best Indian(ish) restaurant in Washington, D.C. Five stars for innovative food, layers of flavor, creative cocktails, exceptional service and inviting design. My wife and I had a date night at Daru on an August Saturday evening. Here's our experience: 1) Food: The chefs take traditional Indian dishes and put an innovative spin on it that adds layers of flavor into every dish. The wild mushroom biriyani is out of this world (if you like mushrooms) and you'll find yourself ordering an extra sour cherry chutney. The black daal burrata is packed with flavor and the dhungar bhartha is smoky eggplant goodness. The chicken tikka masala doesn't look like what you may be used to, but believe me- it's incredible and the boneless chicken swimming in sauce is perfectly cooked. The most unique and most delicious naan I've ever had is their za'atar olive naan. They have to sell that in stores. It's soooo good! 2) Drinks: They have six cocktails, four beer (one from India and the rest local(ish) and six wines from sparkling to red to white. My wife enjoyed her Coco-Lime G+T, but after trying my Hari Daiquiri, she was sold. The Hari Daiquiri mixes rum, lime, mint, cilantro and kefir, creating a refreshing balanced drink best enjoyed on their outdoor patio. 3) Service: Reservations on Resy we're sold out, but they keep half of the tables open for neighborhood walk-ins. I called at 7pm and they took a walk-in reservation outside for 8:30 p.m. Easy! Once there, our server was efficient, genuine and guided us through the menu. 4) Space: Located inside a commercial home built in 1900 just south of H Street NE, the inside space is classy industrial with a long bar and tables positioned throughout. There's a mural punctuating the front door with several tables outside. Over time, we recommend them putting a barrier separating the outdoor tables. Being near lively H Street NE, several drunk people stole outdoor seats and it was an ordeal to get them to move on. Overall, Daru is one of our favorite restaurants we visited during the pandemic. If you like innovative food, prioritize Daru. You won't regret it! read more
5 years ago
We had a lovely meal here on the second night they opened. This place was completely remodeled and is so clean, bright and calm inside. We came in shortly after opening and were able to get a seat inside. There is patio seating here but it wasn't available to sit in when we came in, but that wasn't a big deal at all! I believe one of the owners was our waiter and he shared the history of Daru, which was a cocktail bar that then shifted to add an Indian and Indian-ish menu. He was so friendly and taking the extra time to speak with us was really appreciated! We ordered the Hari daiquiri and the Kali Kooler for drinks. Both were SO good. The Hari Daiquiri was strong but I didn't find the taste of alcohol overwhelming. It sort of tasted a little sweet and sour. My boyfriend's Kali Kooler was crisp and refreshing -- perfect for a warm summer day. We ordered the lamb chops, the reshmi kebab, the tikka masala and the bread basket. The lamb chops knocked it out of the park, and we also really enjoyed the tikka masala. The kebab was also unique, with the sour Cherry compote giving it a bit of a sweet taste. I loved their naan, with the garlic being my favorite. The herba laacha is a green type of bread that I'd never had before, but I found it to be really tasty! The breads were a perfect mix of baked and crispy and soft. We were so full so we didn't end up getting dessert. That being said, I'll definitely be coming back and trying more very soon. Excited to see what's in store for Daru! read more
2 years ago
Went to Daru on a Tuesday evening with a few of my colleagues. We were promptly seated. Our server was attentive. Food was brought out quickly. Ambience was good. Now let's see food and drinks: We ordered two cocktails, lassi and tea. Cocktails were meh, lassi was ok and tea was star of the show. One of the best masala chai I have had in a restaurant - perfect color, sugar, boldness and served in very pretty cups. Food wise I would recommend the ragda pattice, Malai paneer lasagna, black dal burata, zatar naan, avocado pani puri. Pomegranate aloo wasn't extraordinary but went well with the naan. Mushrooms were average and the sweet potato chaat was meh. read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
Great dinner at Daru. We sat on the patio in November and found it comfortable, warm and not too loud. Our waitress was very kind and attentive. The highlight of the meal was the duck kebab appetizer! read more
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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?
