Great service and very unpretentious IMO. We had an amazing meal and all agree this is our favorite Indian restaurant in DC! We did not have a single bad dish. The four of us ordered different things and really enjoyed them all. The standouts were the oysters, lamb shank, and the duck. However, everything was fantastic. The cocktails were delicious and served in a whimsical fashion. We really enjoyed ourselves and want to return ASAP! read more

Beautiful Restaurant, and the service was okay (for Michelin). There was just something our experience lacked here. I didn't take any photos because I really just wanted to enjoy it, etc., without whipping out my phone for every course. Even for a Micheline restaurant, I felt it unnecessary to serve the drinks on their own stage/platter with other things surrounding it (inedible trinkets and whatnots). The drink is presented to you, and the whole "stage" for the drink gets whisked away. I say bring the drink in the glass you're supposed to drink out of and let it speak for itself. Maybe this is done for quick Instagram picture moments? Other than that...meh...My husband did enjoy his drink, and I thought it was wonderful as well, as I tasted it. The Stage presentation was so unnecessary to me, though. Unfortunately, there are no non-alcoholic spirits, and for a Michelin-Star restaurant. I feel like this is a must have (non alcholoic, wines, sparklings, whiskeys, gins, ect.) That would be my number one recommendation for this spot. We found the menu a bit confusing at first, and didn't receive the best explanation of what the "rundown" was on how to order. Each course was okay, Service was quick to put the dish in front of us, and wander off, without explanation of what was going on, on the plate ( ya, we picked out what we ordered, doesn't necessarily mean we knew what we were eating lol)... The best dishes for both my husband and I were the mains. He had a monkfish, and I had the crispy duck...pretty good Our mains came with really great rice and lentils. The Naan, was incredibly underwhelming, didn't seem like it was the freshest, and lacked the salt and fat/butter/herbs and warmth I was hoping for. So interesting experience overall... read more

We came here for Restaurant Week lunch ($35 for three courses). Since Rania has a Michelin star, I was expecting service to be top-notch... it was mediocre. The first time I went to Rania, it was shortly before they had received a Michelin star, and service was truly exceptional. Since returning, the quality of service has continued to wane. We were actually celebrating two birthdays, but aside from the "Happy Birthday" wishes from the hostess checking in, no further birthday acknowledgments were given. We didn't make a big deal about the birthdays, so I'm not dinging them for it (just something to note). Service across the board was pretty taciturn. The first course dishes were great! They were brought out super quickly; it felt like an express lunch. I ordered the potato samosa, and my friends got the chicken kofta and shrimp koliwada. The samosa came with two pieces, the chicken kofta came with three meatballs, and the shrimp came with three pieces. I really enjoyed the shrimp koliwada which had a lightly crispy batter. The chicken kofta was served in a tasty creamy truffle sauce. The samosa was good but pretty standard - nothing special. My ranking would be 1) shrimp koliwada, 2) chicken kofta, and 3) samosa. For the second course, I ordered the monkfish moilee. As tempted as I was to order the cashew butter chicken, I've had it before and opted to try something new. (Note: Since this is fine-dining, Rania's take on butter chicken is chicken placed on top of the makhani sauce instead of marinated in it.) The upscale of it all takes away the saucy goodness that I love in a butter chicken curry. As for my moilee, I didn't feel like it was anything to write home about. The coconut curry was nice and velvety, and the monkfish was cooked fine, but it didn't wow me. I got to try my friend's short rib - while my piece was deliciously tender, her primary piece was fat, which was disappointing. I do appreciate the complimentary extras that were included with the meal - naan, basmati, and black daal - but portions were skimpy. I feel like I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth, but the black daal bowl was not even half-full - it was a very thin layer (shared amongst two people) - I suppose meant only to be a taste. While I get that the normal menu price is four courses for $90, the cost-cutting measures to slim down the offerings for a $35 three-course lunch were apparent... it felt like we got a third of a serving. We did enjoy dessert. I opted to try the Kesari Mango, which was a frozen yogurt (perfect for summer) with sesame brittle for texture. My friends ordered the chocolate tart which came with masala chai ice cream. I would definitely order the chocolate tart again - it was like a chocolate lava cake in the best way. The chocolate tart was the most memorable dish from the whole meal. Overall, I didn't leave feeling like I had a Michelin experience. Plating was refined, but admittedly, I was still hungry afterwards. We also sat in a booth and the table arrangement made it awkward for the server clearing plates and doing drink refills. I do think dessert is where Rania shines (I'm still thinking about that Shrikhand Mousse from my very first visit). They also have amazing, show-stopping drinks (but I'm not a big drinker). I'm not ruling Rania out completely, but I still prefer Rasika. read more

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I walked in - literally, as all the roads were blocked from the Grand Prix - and loved the decor and the vibe. I wasn't sure what to expect as I love Indian food but don't associate it with fancy. I was wrong. The food was gorgeous and flavorful. The service was matter of fact - maybe a bit abrupt at points - but efficient. We didn't do the chefs tasting - thank goodness! We were stuffed with the 4 courses. My favorite was honestly the amuse bouche fritter with some sort of chutney and roe and the sides that came with our main. The basmati rice was so flavorful and we loved the crispy breads. Delicious! read more

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Went to Rania for my husbands birthday. He loves Indian food so I felt an upscale Indian experience would be fun. We did the chefs tasting course with the wine pairing. Every course was very well cooked and a wide variety of flavors, etc. However we were a bit perplexed by some of the courses feeling non Indian (tuna tartare for example) and hoped for more elevated classics from Indian cuisine. Overall the food was good! Unfortunately we were disappointed by the service. There were no aspects of it that represented a Michelin star level dining experience. After sitting it took a while to first be approached by our server, we were given incorrect food at one point, slow to clear our table and glassware (empty glasses and plates sat for longer than normal), table not wiped in between courses when crumbs, etc appeared. Some of things would be fine on a regular night, at a standard restaurant. But not acceptable for a Michelin rated restaurant and for the prices that we paid. read more

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This was my first experience at a Michelin star restaurant. I opted to try the chef's tasting menu! Service was beyond my expectations. I don't eat pork, so they made reasonable accommodations. I saw online that they're know for the happy hour and fun drinks! I did try a mocktail that paired really well well my dinner. Let's get into the food. I tried tuna tartare for the first time. I was nervous before I had never eaten that type of food. LOVED IT. because I had so many courses, I'll speak on my favorites. The Lamb Kebab was superb! I'd over it again on Wednesday's when they have à la carte. The dessert, the chocolate tart, remarkable. I'd definitely eat that again! The restaurant itself was very clean! It would be great for a date night! I did go by myself to fully enjoy the experience, but I'd love to return with a special someone! read more

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Rania was my first dining experience at a Michelin star restaurant. My partner and I decided to try the signature chef tasting menu, discounted to $125 per person as it was a weekday dinner reservation, as opposed to the $175 per person charge on the weekends. The tasting menu included 7 courses (drinks were a separate charge). Each course was creative, innovative, and presented beautifully (like a work of art). The flavors were phenomenal, especially on the seafood courses. My favorite course was the black cod fish with scallop foam - just divine. The meal fused Latin American and Indian flavors beautifully. While the food was out of this world, service and ambiance did not meet the standards of a Michelin starred restaurant. The dining space lacked creativity in its decor; it felt quite sterile. Service was fast and attentive but lacked the personal touch I expected. The acoustics in the restaurant are not good; we could barely hear the servers' explanation of the courses. Overall I found Rania to be a very good dining experience, and would recommend it to foodies looking for a unique fusion fine dining experience in DC read more

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Great place to visit. We liked everything but especially the Dal and the lamb shank and the duck. read more

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Food was pretty good but it didn't have the authentic Indian flavoring that we had expected. The food was all served at the appropriate temperatures and we enjoyed everything that we ate. At the 3rd course, all meals come with rice and naan. Service was good although i felt like the servers really pushed for you to buy the expensive items on the menu instead of how the items tasted. I was thoroughly impressed with the presentation of everything. The ambiance was very elegant and romantic. Although the bathrooms were dirty and needed cleaned and updated. The one bathroom had waterlines exposed. Both were out of paper towels. read more

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Stopped in for their restaurant week brunch special with a group of friends and had a mostly delightful experience. A few things we enjoyed; - the decor and ambiance is really lovely! - our server was great! Made sure those doing the bottomless mimosa option were never without. Also offered great recommendations. - most of the dishes on the brunch restaurant week menu were GREAT! The Daal stole the show! The shrimp Koliwada was our 2nd favorite and the lamb dish was the third. A few duds, but overall, food was a solid 4. Reason for 4 and not 5: wasn't in love with everything, a few dishes fell flat. Toward the end of our meal...JUST after we finished our dessert, we were told they needed the table despite there being MULTIPLE open 4 tops in the restaurant. Overall, I'm looking forward to returning to try more of the menu! read more

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Two of us went for dinner on a Tuesday night a couple weeks before Christmas. Could have made a reservation but we weren't sure if we wanted to do the set menu or order a la carte (the latter only being served at the bar) so we wanted the option. After looking at the menus we decided on eating at the bar. Food was great -interesting ingredients and combinations, flavors were amazing. I especially enjoyed the fried rice and the lamb shank which was easily enjoyed with a fork (no knife needed!). The Michelin star seems well deserved! read more

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Rania is a Michelin Star Indian restaurant and my experience here lets me know that it was well deserved. We came here for our anniversary and booked the Chef's Menu dinner experience. Our server was exceptionally nice & patient with us as this was our first time there. They do as for any food accommodations, which is nice. I'm not sure if they can adjust menu items completely (non veg to veg). We opted out of the wine pairing and ordered cocktails- highly recommend as their drinks are curated beautifully and tastefully. The food portions are perfect! They kept you content until the next item. We absolutely loved each plate and the Chef's play with known Indian spices and styles of cooking and making it modern. The ambiance is very stylishly done. There's a bar with bar seating, a private dining area/space that can be booked. Towards the back the restaurant opens up to a cozy dining area with lots of seating. If you're wondering if the Chef's Menu is worth it, I'm here to tell you it is. The dishes are carefully made to be packed with different levels of intensity and flavor, they pair well with one another and you leave feeling quite full. We were told that this menu was the icing on the cake for obtaining their star. read more

Rania - The Chef's Menu - Wine Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Easy to get reservations online. The interior ambiance is high end, super beautiful clean with the stone decorations on the walls, the marble like tables. There's areas for small groups and large groups and private rooms if needed The most affordable One Star Michelin Experience I've ever had. There the 4 course pre-fix meal at $90 per person. This is way cheaper than any other one Star Michelin Experience. The service was top notch. Drinks and cocktails were so good. Probably some of the best I've ever had. Exceptional food presentation. Curry kick $12- fresh tangerine juice with club soda. Super super good, refreshing. Sweet with hint of tart. Kharbooza $12- honeydew juice with wasabi foam- you don't taste the wasabi I think it helps give the color. This super good. Sea pear serpent $20- excellent presentation, it comes out with dry ice and incense. The drink is very subtle with the gin, not too sweet. Golden mantra $25- whisky but has karat gold flakes. Make me famous- angel envy whiskey. Comes with this cool incense smoke. Prince Edward Island Oysters- 6 oysters with hollandaise sauce. A little salty, cooked oysters. Nargisi kafta, quail egg, truffle cream- the cream sauce was good. The kafta and quail egg was a good combination. Lamb cheela- very interesting concept, light, multilayer flavors. The meat flavor was good. Diver scallops with curry- scallops cooked perfectly. The curry super good The naan- acceptable. I like that they were thin. The rice and lentil side dish- this was the best dish. The lentil side dish was super super good, it was creamy, tomatoes like flavor with some sour cream. I would get this again. Beef short rib- average short rib. Meat was t that soft. I wish it was more soft. The sauce was okay.. Lamb shank- the meat was super soft and cooked well. The sauce was odd a little bitter for my taste. I didn't like this dish. Kesari mangle with the brittle was super good- multiple textures. Mango was tart. Shirkhand mousse- a little sweet. There's a layer of sugar you can break. Very unique. I would get this again. read more

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This Michelin star indian restaurant has been on my bucket list for so long!! Getting reservations was easy, we tried a week ahead of time and there were many spots for a Saturday night. We opted for the 4 course menu ($90) or you can do the chefs tasting menu ($175) Each course had a vegetarian option which I loved. We were started off with Amouse bouche, sabudana vada which was mind blowing! Some of our favorite dishes were Gobhi Manchurian, shrimp Koliwada, Chana masala panisse, beef short rib with saffron nihari. For Dessert we had kesari mango and chocolate tart with masala chai ice cream, both were great. My only concern is that the staff needs to be trained in explaining the dish when it is brought to us. There seemed a language barrier, they explained very quickly and left before we could ask any questions. Our main server just took the order and got my wine. He never came to explain any food. We ordered masala chai, but it never came despite reminders. Parking can be hard, there are 2 garages, one closes at 10 pm. The other one is open until later but it's quite a walk and we paid $25 to park for 2 hours. read more

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We did the 7 course chefs tasting menu with wine pairing. What a fantastic time! Food was great! Edwin our server was amazing! read more

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Innovative cocktails that come out with a show, delicious prefixe four course meal, thoughtful wine pairings for a reasonable price given the caliber of service and food quality! Oh and did I mention this is Indian cuisine? A 10/10 experience for a special night out. Highly recommend. read more

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Had the 3 course RW meal and it was great! Would definitely come back to try their full tasting menu. read more

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My bestie treated me to a beautiful four-course dinner service here for my birthday. The first thing that hit us about our experience was the impeccable service. Every staff member greeted us kindly and the manager who led our service made sure we felt at home. The interior was beautiful as well - ornate without being overwhelming. We got settled in and ordered cocktails, which as another reviewer said were experiences in and of themselves! We moved on to selecting our dinner options. For our first courses we had to try to gobhi Manchurian, and the murruku chat. For the second we tried the lamb cheela, delicious and served in a crepe, and tried the Chana masala panisse, a French take (I think) on a traditional dish. For mains we couldn't pass up the house-made paneer, and the beef short rib. For dessert we were lucky enough to taste all of them as my birthday gift. I loved our time at Rania and am looking forward to another occasion to go and try more dishes. The food is really lovely, with plenty of dishes I think many are familiar with though they are doing elevated takes and incorporating some other (French?) culinary influences. read more

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Dinner at Rania was such a unique experience that allows you to experience Indian cuisine in a different way than the classic dishes that are typically served. My friend and I came here on a Saturday night and started with a cocktail. When I tell you we were UNPREPARED for the drink delivery I am not exaggerating. It was such an unexpected bit of whimsy and we loved it! The entire tasting menu was so exquisitely done and delicious. I don't think there was a single item that we didn't like. Unexpectedly, the Duck was one of our favorite dishes of the night, which we almost didn't even order! My one down side was at the time of our visit, the sommelier had recently left so they had no one on staff to discuss wines. Typically this is fine - we'd make due.. but our waiter was very insistent and overly confident about what we'd like can kept opening bottles telling us this is what we wanted. He was very wrong multiple times and eventually we just had to ask him to stop to google the wine list ourselves. Overall this was still an amazing dinner and we'll 100% come back. read more

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We've come to Rania probably half a dozen times since it opened, but last night was the first time we tried the full chef's tasting menu. Holy. Smokes. Certainly the best meal I've had in DC in years, which includes meals at Jont and P&P in the past several months. Unquestionably the best Indian meal I've had on Earth. The parade of dishes does not have a low point, which is incredible given the range of "mains" from chicken, to sable fish, to lamb taco, to pork cheek. Each dish shows clear French influence - we had most of the five sauces at least once - but with clear, vibrant warmth from Indian spices. Even at places like Eleven Madison and Le Bernardin, there's usually a miss or two. Not last night. Which brings me to the question: why not two Stars? Three? I think some of the answer comes back to ambiance and service. The chef's tasting does not have a dedicated space, flow, or timing. The rhythm of it can be somewhat offbeat with the constant arrival of over-the-top cocktails at the tables around you. And also, it has honestly felt like many of the waitstaff were "in training" on each of our recent visits. I know staff turnover is real and constant, and the staff last night were all perfectly kind, but I think there's a level of consistent experience - "worth a detour" - that has to elevate even perfect food beyond itself to garner the higher levels. Anyway, never mind that. And don't change a thing about the food or presentations. World class. read more

Rania - Chocolate tart - Wine Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was so excited to try their restaurant week dinner menu and it did not disappoint. For the first course, I tried the PEI mussels kulcha and the Hokkaido scallops. As a scallop enthusiast, the latter dish was definitely my favorite. The light char on the outside of the scallop added a nice texture and the summer corn curry it was paired with complimented the sweetness of the scallops beautifully. The mussels were delicious too, but the Amritsari hollandaise and the chickpea stuffed naan it was served on top of overpowered the mussels themselves. While it was fantastic as a whole, the mussels were the least exciting part of the dish. For the second course, I tried the duck leg and lamb shoulder. The duck leg was fantastic. It was so tender and the perfect amount of gamey. The skin was crisped up to perfection and the sauce it was paired with was so fragrant and brought out the slight sweetness of the meat. The herbs on top added a crucial touch of brightness. The lamb shoulder was also incredibly tender and fell apart with just a fork. While the texture of the lamb was fantastic, the rest of the dish was quite lack luster and the flavor paled in comparison to the duck. For dessert, I tried both of the ones listed on their menu and what a lovely way to end the meal! The mishti doi was incredibly bright and fruity with rhubarb and strawberries. My favorite was definitely the kesari mango frozen yogurt. Coconut and mango are always a classic pairing. The sesame brittle was such a pleasant surprise and added so much nuttiness and texture to the dessert. It was so delightful to eat. Beautiful restaurant, lovely service, and fantastic food. I look forward to dining here again. read more

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This is one of my favorite Indian restaurants in DC. This is my third time here. The first time was for the restaurant week a couple of years ago. We were here to celebrate our friends birthday. We did the $175 tasting menu that includes 7 courses. We ordered drinks separately. Overall we spent about $280 including the drinks. This is a pricey affair if you want to go with this option. 7 courses included variety of Indian dishes from various parts of India. This is what I absolutely love about this place. They don't stick to northern or southern Indian cuisine. They combine the flavors from various regions in India and make the food taste absolutely delicious. For example, I would have never thought about adding fish tartare in paani puri instead of the traditional potato stuffing. Sheek kabob on dosa like crepe was so good. My favorite was the scallop served with the coconut curry sauce. Absolutely delicious. For cocktails, I had golden mantra and lassi. Presentation is great. Service and ambiance are great as well. Definitely cannot afford to hear regularly. Hopefully next year. read more

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Rania was a delightful experience. The well-thought out flavors was an elevated twist to the typical Indian dishes and a experience for my taste buds. The service was quick, and the ambiance very romantic with intimate candlelight. read more

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Rania has been on my list for a couple of years now. I booked a last minute late Friday night solo dinner before RW ended, but I chose the Chef Tasting Menu instead and I was absolutely blown away by the entire experience! From the moment that I walked in until the moment that I left out, I was met with nothing short of outstanding service, hospitality, and kindness! My host for the evening, Jonas (who also works as the bar manager and creates all of the super fancy (strong) drinks, was absolutely wonderful! I loved the presentation of everything and how everyone explained each dish and drink to me in detail before handing it over to me. I love the interactive experience, especially since I was a solo diner! Jonas explained that he focuses on incorporating the five senses in his cocktails and I was truly in awe by each one of them! I will definitely return for another sensory experience on a Tuesday to try some of the other cocktails! It's called a Sensory Soiree of Cocktails and Bites. They are far too unique to call it simply a "happy hour"! I started with the Hocus Pocus drink and it was superb! I dont recall the last teo but not because they were forgettable. It's because the first one had kicked in and I was feeling pretty good! 10 out of 10! Haha As far as the dishes, everything was absolutely fantastic! I had a couple of first experiences, quail egg and squab. They were very tasty and glad that I chose this spot to introduce me to them! The rest of my meal was seven courses and it was a LOT of food! Far more than I expected, which was a plus! I had food to take home! The way the flavors intertwined together made each bite worth savoring the entire meal! Because my dinner reservations were so late, I ended up closing out the restaurant with another table. To my surprise, I got to meet Chef Pete and his kitchen crew! It meant a lot to be able to personally give them all kudos and praise for my dining experience. Seeing how close nit they are made me want to join the fun but, I've watched The Bear tv show! I wouldn't last a day in the chaos, especially during RW! Haha! This will be a memorable experience for me and I have been sharing it with all if my friends for the past few weeks! I can't wait to return! read more

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The service was fantastic and the restaurant is beautiful! The cocktails are presented in a fun way and the food was like small bites twists on classic South Asian food. For cocktails, I started with the Jewel of the Sahara, which I loved, and also tried the Let It Snow--both were very fun and unique. I wanted to try almost all of them! For food, the Nargisi Kofta and Chocolate Tart were decadent. The Gobhi Manchurian, Lamb Cheela, and Beef Short Rib were all very light but flavorful and I'm happy I ordered each of them. I am grateful, though, that during the 3rd course, they also brought out naan and lentils, or we for sure would have still been hungry. read more

Tldr: Amaaaaazing food and great service! Don't read more if you want to be pleasantly surprised and just go, especially if they're still doing their restaurant week. We went for dinner during Restaurant Week where they had the three course for $65. Ngl we weren't really sure what to expect from fine dining Indian food but boy were we surprised! Two of us shared the shiso chaat and Hokkaido scallops for the first course, monkfish moilee and house paneer for the second course, and mishti doi and kesari mango froyo for dessert. The shiso chaat had a really creamy white pea ragda with some chutney on top that made for a delectable bite accompanied by a nice crunch from the fried shiso, but the winner of the first round was the scallops that were perfectly cooked with summer corn curry that was unlike anything I've tasted. It was the best scallops that we've had in a while. For the second round, the curry that came with the monkfish was really delicious (some sort of coconut green curry maybe?) but the paneer was hands down the best paneer I've had: soft and crumbly on the inside and with a little kick from poblano peppers. The second course came with a bowl of smoked black daal, a piece of garlic naan, a piece of roti, and some garnished rice, and even this side daal was so flavorful that I thought it had meat in it but the server told us that it was just lentils and tomato. After wiping our dishes clean with the roti and naan, we got our dessert. Both the mango froyo and the mishti doi was light and refreshing but the froyo had a savory sesame brittle that just brought the whole dish together. Overall, it was a great experience into how elevated Indian food could be. read more

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Jealousy is when you're 3/4 of the way through the chef's tasting menu and the person next you orders the same item and you wish it were you so you could experience it for the first time again. The reviews on this app abound so what can be said that doesn't just gild the lily or seem superlative? The food was excellent. The drinks amazing. The service? Top notch. So what can I add? Perhaps only my recommendation and how I felt after finishing this meal while pausing to consider if the experience was worth the price. This all being said, I highly recommend the full tasting menu as it allowed for an experience that I've never had before. I opted to have cocktails vs the wine pairing, which I strongly recommend as the cocktails were an experience in and of themselves. I'd even posit that coming just for the drinks is worth a trip if food is not a consideration. All in all, this was a phenomenal dinner and amazing service in a gorgeous setting that matched the service and food. Worth it in every way! read more

My husband and I came for restaurant week and had a great meal / experience! The space is beautiful. The waitstaff attentive. And the food is wonderful - especially the Gobhi Manchurian, lamb shoulder and mango dessert. The cocktails are all made with eclectic ingredients -- and, for some reason, Rania seems to have made a name for itself having Tiki Bar like presentations for each which feels odd for a Michelin star spot. My husband personally prefers a slightly new take on standards like an Old Fashioned - which these cocktails are not. I, however, really enjoyed my cocktail, Let it Snow. Really well balanced. We look forward to coming back! read more

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This place is phenomenal and I would absolutely go back. The ambiance is great. It is wonderfully decorated and doesn't get too crowded cause the space is huge. The service was quick. My friend and I came here for happy hour when it opened and the staff was very attentive. We shared the daal and garlic naan and some small bites. We would absolutely come back again! read more

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Bold flavors, beautiful space--an elevated Indian dining experience! Ambiance & Service: The interior is modern and stunning, and the service is top-notch--friendly, attentive, and polished. We opted for the four-course tasting menu: - Gobi Manchurian Tomato: Spicy, bold, and packed with flavor. - Chana Masala Panisse: My favorite course--unique, savory, and perfectly balanced. - House-Made Paneer: Roasted red pepper flavor was a bit strong for me, but still solid. Served with naan, rice, and daal--tasty but a lot of food! - Chocolate Tart: Absolutely divine, and the masala chai ice cream is a must-try. TL;DR: Gorgeous setting, flawless service, and creative Indian flavors--go for the tasting menu, and come hungry! read more

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Google/Yelp stars will be purely based on a very general metric of taste and the overall experience. For my detailed review below, typically above a 4.5 is in the two or three Michelin star category and 4.2-4.4 is a Michelin 1 star. For all my other adventures visit: https://www.instagram.com/food_for_chu?igsh=Zjk3ZDlrNTAxY2J0&utm_source=qr D.C. Michelin #1: For our first stop in our nation's capital, I am reviewing the Indian restaurant, Rania. This is actually my second time at the restaurant, however I only experienced the 3 course option that time and opted for the full tasting experience this time. Ambiance: 4.2/5.0 The restaurant is simple, yet elegant. The noise level is moderate and you don't have to worry about listening to someone else's conversation all night. I have yet to travel to India, but I imagine a fine-dining establishment there to look something like this with the goblets, arches, and see through walls! Service: 4.4/5.0 In my first trip to Rania, I actually had to bring my golf clubs which the host stored for me and even carried it out when I was leaving (it is extremely heavy). In my second trip, the service was again top notch. The waiter was attentive and enthusiastic making me excited for the full tasting experience. The pace of the meal was also perfect. Food: 4.3 Amuse: Two incredible small bites starting with a Sabudana Vada, a warm and spicy fritter that was soooo good. Next, a Chana masala that had that same incredible warmth but a tomato kick instead. First: The first dish of the tasting was a yellowfin tuna tartar and Pani Puri. The crunch of the pani puri complements the tuna so well and the yuzu vinaigrette was not overpowering. I will say, that there wasn't a wow factor for this dish however, but still tasted good. Second: Next up was a scallop dish with an Amritsari (cooking style that blends spices for a burst of flavor) sauce. The scallop was cooked perfectly and sauce is no joke. At first the flavor is subtle as you really taste the scallop, but then the kick comes in and it is delicious! Third: The next course was a Nargisi Kofta quail egg, Swiss chard, truffle cream, and pickled mushrooms. Think of a scotch egg with chicken as the outer covering. This dish was surprisingly spicy (you see a theme here), but the creamy sauce complimented the crispy chicken so well. If it's too spicy, make sure to eat the chard to give yourself a break. This was fantastic, but be warned, it's deceptively spicy! Fourth: I then had a Shrimp momo which is a shrimp dumpling. The dumpling sits in a moilee sauce which is coconut based. First off, I will admit that shrimp dumplings are not my favorite, but it was perfectly cooked in this dish. The sauce has a great savory and nutty flavor. However, there was a bit of an aftertaste that I couldn't wrap my head around. Fifth: For my fifth dish I got to eat a Lamb Seekh kabob. The lamb is incredibly tender and the Kashumber (cucumber in yogurt) is a perfect compliment. I will say that the flavors weren't as strong, perhaps because the previous dishes were so powerful. Sixth: The last savory dish was my selection of the duck vindaloo (chose over the squab tandoori). Vindaloo is a spicy curry and think of the duck like a duck confit. The skin is so crispy and the meat is extremely tender. The duck also comes with naan, rice, and lentils. This feels like a traditional Indian meal but elevated to the max. So much flavor, perfect cook, and the best accompaniments, my favorite part of the meal. Dessert: To wrap everything up, dessert was a chocolate tart with masala chai ice cream. The chai flavor balanced out the dark chocolate fudge to perfection. As someone who doesn't really like chocolate, the chai itself made me want more. Overall: 4.3/5.0 Just like my first trip, the food was great, ambiance serene, and service superb. There were a couple of dishes that didn't wow but overall I can't complain at all. As someone who loves Indian food, this experience elevates while keeping true to its roots. Rania is absolutely deserving of its star, and I can't wait to return! read more

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My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at Rania DC. We've been to a few Michelin starred restaurants in the past, but this was the first Indian cuisine Michelin starred restaurant we've been to. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess, our coats were taken and checked, and seated promptly. The restaurant looked phenomenal, with intricate designs on accent walls and excellent color choice throughout. You can definitely tell it has an Indian inspired design, but it feels refined and not overdone. We chose the chef's tasting menu, which started with an amuse of sabudana vada and chana masala panisse. Small, flavorful bites that set the tone nicely. Familiar flavors, just presented in a cleaner, more refined way. First course was yellowfin tuna tartar inside pani puri shells with yuzu kosho vinaigrette. This was bright, fresh, and well balanced. The crunch of the puri with the soft tuna and citrus heat from the yuzu came together better than I expected. The scallop came next with Amritsari hollandaise and citrus podi. This was a comforting dish. Perfectly cooked scallop, and the hollandaise had just enough spice to make it interesting without drowning anything out. The chicken kofta with morels and truffle malai was up next, along with grilled asparagus. Rich, creamy, and satisfying. The truffle was subtle, which I appreciated, and the asparagus gave it some contrast. The lobster momo was one of the more decadent courses. It came in a moilee sauce and was topped with Kaluga caviar. The sauce was flavorful but not too heavy, and the caviar added just the right amount of salt and richness. The lamb seekh kabob was mostly traditional, but very well done. It came with a pancake that you use to eat it like a taco. It was similar to a dosa, but thicker and fluffy. It was smoky, juicy, and served with a crisp kashumber for freshness. It was a good change of pace at this point in the meal. Then came the tandoori squab with cashew makhani. This one was probably the richest of the night. The squab was tender, and the sauce brought a lot of depth. This came with a side of rice, dal and garlic naan. It was an interesting take on a more traditional dish. Before dessert, we were served a pre-dessert of sweet yogurt, fennel granita, and satsuma. Light, refreshing, and did exactly what it was supposed to do. Dessert was caramelized pineapple with masala chai ice cream and jaggery crumble. Comforting and well balanced. The chai flavor really came through and worked well with the warmth of the pineapple. Throughout the night, service was excellent. Pacing was on point, and we were never left waiting or rushed. Everyone we interacted with was professional but also warm, and they made sure our anniversary felt acknowledged and special. Rania is a place I'd recommend for a special occasion. The food is thoughtful without trying too hard, and the entire experience, from the service to the setting, feels intentional. We left full, happy, and already thinking about coming back. read more

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If you're looking for an Indian restaurant unlike any you've experienced before, Rania is it. This Michelin-starred restaurant describes itself as a "daring new vision that shatters stereotypes of what an Indian restaurant is and can be," and we couldn't agree more! Rather than simply reimagining traditional Indian dishes, Rania celebrates the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine through modern techniques, artistic presentation, and flavors that remain authentic. We enjoyed the vegetarian tasting menu, and every dish was designed to stand proudly on its own. Some of our favorite bites included the Gobhi Manchurian, Beetroot & Coconut Chop, Chana Masala, and the House-Made Paneer. Each course showcased different textures and flavors while striking a beautiful balance between tradition and innovation. We also have to mention the mocktails, which were every bit as creative as the food. Beautifully presented and thoughtfully crafted, they paired wonderfully with the meal. What stood out most was how approachable the experience felt despite its Michelin pedigree. Every dish was elegant without being pretentious, familiar yet surprising, and packed with layers of flavor. Rania is a restaurant that respects the rich history of Indian cuisine while confidently pushing it forward. read more

Rania offers a modern, elevated take on Indian cuisine in a gorgeous setting. We chose the 4-course menu, and were very impressed. Course 1: Shrimp Koliwada - Crisp, tender shrimp with a vibrant sweet pepper chutney. Bold and flavorful start. Course 2: Diver Scallops - Plump, seared scallops in a delicate Mangalorean curry. Course 3: Cod - Flaky, moist, and expertly prepared. A refined and seamless main course. Course 4: Mango Dessert - Light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. A bright, clean finish. Service was attentive and enhanced the experience throughout. Looking forward to the next time already! read more

Rania - Wine Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Rania comes from the same team behind Punjab Grill DC - think of modern Indian cuisine. Our group came here to celebrate a birthday, and we were seated promptly. We ordered everything in a 'family style' so that we could share - we started off with: +Hokkaido Scallops - with summer corn curry +PEI Oysters - with Amritsari hollandaise and citrus podi +Shiso Chaat - with white pea ragda and sorrel chutney For our mains, we ordered: +the Butter chicken - with smoked cream and cashew makhani +the Lamb Shank Rogan Josh - prepared with almonds and black cardamom +the Beef Short Rib - with saffron nihari and shiitake mushroom escabeche +the Hay Aged Pork Loin Vindaloo - crispy pork belly and charred spring onions +Garlic Naan +Roti +Malabar Parota +Dal Fry Kolhapuri +and, the Smoked Black Dal Our counterparts enjoyed their showy cocktails; great presentations with each one. Service was attentive and friendly; ambiance was dim-lit and relaxing, without being too pushy or gaudy. Highly recommend in making reservations in advance. Metered and garage parking available in the area. +shareables +attentive staff +reservations accepted read more

Rania's been on my list for a year now, and today I finally got to try it with a friend during their Restaurant Week (January 2025), which was 55 per person for three courses: first, main, and dessert. The service was mindful of our eating pace, and we spent about 90 minutes there. THIS IS NOT A LASSI - 15 I don't normally order drinks, but the cute wolf on the cup caught my eye. I love blackberry-flavored foods, so I knew I'd enjoy this spirit-free drink. The yogurt was extremely creamy and paired well with the tangy, earthy flavors of the goat milk kefir. The honey and coconut cream were nice touches of flavor. Before we got our food, we got an amuse-bouche (little complimentary bite). I couldn't quite hear our server while he was explaining, but he mentioned it was potato-based. It had a crispy fried coating, topped with salmon roe (?), flower petals and a light green sauce. It was savory and tasty, a nice little preview. FIRST: LAMB SEEKH KEBAB, CHICKPEA CHEELA, BAINGAN BHARTA The presentation of this appetizer reminded me of a taco. The lamb seekh kebab, baingan bharta (eggplant mash with spices), garnish and creamy cucumbers and onions lounged on top of the chickpea cheela (a vegan chickpea flour pancake). The kebab had a nice charred flavor, mixed with fresh vegetables and garnish and savory, smoky flavors of the baingan bharta. There was also cilantro in the dish, which I didn't love, but I was able to overlook it by focusing on the other flavors. However, the chickpea cheela was pretty soggy, soaking everything up like a sponge, which wasn't the most pleasant handheld food experience. We were served a side of basmati rice, topped with some garnish (didn't catch what they said), smoked black dal, and garlic naan with our mains. The rice was enhanced by the garnish, enjoyed with my entree. The smoked black dal was one of my favorites -- creamy and flavorful, and I love the gritty texture of black lentils. The naan was thin and crispy, but not particularly special. I wish it was thicker and fluffier, so it could soak up the food I ate with it. At the end, we left a good amount of the black dal behind because we didn't have enough carbs. MAIN: BUTTER CHICKEN, GRILLED THIGHS, CASHEW MAKHANI The curry had a savory base, with a hint of spice and nuttiness from the cashews and a subtle sweetness from the tomatoes. However, I didn't like the pairing of the curry with the chicken thigh. While the exterior had a nice char and the meat itself was incredibly tender, it didn't absorb the curry well. Personally, I prefer white meat in curries because its slightly drier texture soaks up the sauce better, and if prepared well, it stays juicy. Additionally, the charred flavors overshadowed the taste of the curry, which I didn't like. DESSERT: CARAMELIZED PINEAPPLE, MASALA CHAI ICE CREAM, JAGGERY CRUMBLE After all the savory options, I was looking forward to a light dessert to end the meal. The pineapple was juicy and tangy, and caramelizing it was a brilliant touch. The masala chai ice cream was smooth and delicious, and the jaggery crumble added a nice crunch. A solid dessert option! The food at Rania was elevated and upscale, quite different from the homey, comforting dishes I'm used to at other Indian restaurants. The food was flavorful and worth trying, but I'm not sure I'll be back anytime soon. read more

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They have an option for 4 course menus for $90 which is reasonable for DC as most places are usually a good amount over $100. I like how for the first appetizer, second appetizer, entree, and dessert there are several options to choose from instead of it being fixed options. They have vegetarian choices and several different types of meat. The service was really good and the waiters checked on us a lot and wiped our table after each course. I thought we wouldn't be full as the first two courses were small but the entree was very filling with the naan, rice, and lentils! The blackberry lassi was also amazing and I like how it was different from mango and had adorable dog cups! They also brought out a chocolate tart for my friend's birthday. This is a great fine dining Indian restaurant! read more

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We went for the four course dinner with a wine pairing. Started with the oysters and scallops. Both were amazing, infused with flavor. The sommelier took great explaining the wine pairings and picked a great selection. An amazing dining experience and reasonably priced. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant. The restaurant is a little dark to give it a cozy atmosphere. The service of the restaurant is solid and the waiters are knowledgeable of the menu. The cocktails are delicious and some have fun presentations. I also tried the lassi and it was a spectacular drink to cool off some of the dishes which had a little kick. The tasting menu was 9 courses including the amuse, pre dessert, and dessert. The amuse was 2 small bites which were great. The yellowfin tuna tasted very fresh and vinaigrette was a nice addition that added some heat. The scallops were solid and they were not rubbery. The quail egg dish smelt good and the aromas matched the flavor profile. The shrimp momo were delicious dumplings but I question their place on the menu for some reason. The lamb kabob presentation wasn't the most appealing it still won on taste as it was eaten like a taco. The real star of the night was the pork cheeks that were so tender. The naan and the rice were great additions to the course. You can even get more rice and naan if you ask. The pre dessert was okay. The dessert was delicious as the chocolate tart was rich but was balanced by the Chai ice cream. It wasn't anything innovative nor something that challenged flavor profiles with over the top spectacular dishes. Rania didn't reinvent the wheel and crafted solid dishes. The cocktails are a fun experience. I would eat here again. read more

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Ambiance and venue: this is a beautiful establishment with gorgeous decorations and classic and unique furniture and accents. The low light really brings a intimate and exclusive mood to your experience here. Service: Before being sat, being greeted and being sat was slow, there was only us and another group and the venue was not packed or busy. We waited quite a while to be greeted at our table as well aftwr being seated. However, during the experience, service was exceptional. From serve staff taking explaining the dishes to us to the staff wiping up our table between courses. Their attention to detail and promptness was lovely. At one point I had to leave the table for a long period of time so I missed the 5th course. They took it away because it was cold and brought me a fresh hot dish. They were extremely kind and thoughtful of my 9 year old. Misc notes before food review: This is not a kid friendly venue, especially if you have a picky eater or a child that doesn't like to venture out or expand their palate. There are options that kids could like but very limited. They do get to choose a la carte from the regular 4 course meal menu. There is a parking garage across the road that closes at 10. Worst parking and customer service experience of my life. Please dont pay to park here if you can help it. There's if some free or pay to park street parking. They have a 4 course regular menu for $90pp and a 7 course chef tasting menu for $175pp. The chef tasting menu is said to be limited time but looking at the other reviews, it seems like the chef tasting is pretty much the same and one or two courses vary. We were able to do the 7 course experience for $125 due to a promotion going on. Everyone had to do the same experience. Portions are quite small and you may leave not fully satiated. But the experience is lovely. I would say it is a little over priced, but again we pay for the ambience, presentation and experience. Drinks: I really enjoyed the drinks I was able to try. They are an experience when you receive them. The presentation is so lovely. See pictures. I got to try the lychee bomb which was excellent, and my favorite of the drinks I tried. Love the flavor pairings, sweet with some savory hints. Hocus pocus was a bourbon lovers dream. Great pairing of the berry puree and bitters with bourbon. The this is not lassi was really nice with lassi flavors with blackberry hints. And thick as well. The blush and bashful was tart and really unique. I tried it without the foam. And lastly the spring awakening, this was my least favorite. The alcohol pairing with the kiwi cucumber flavors didnt really fit to me. All the drinks definitely could tell had alcohol. Food: We did the non-vegetarian tasting with 7 courses. They do have a vegetarian tasting as well. The presentation of all the food was pretty lovely and I quite enjoyed that aspect. The sabudana vada and chana masala panisse was lovely, super flavorful and I would say my #2 for the night. Perfect start. First course - The tuna tartar pani puri was really nice and unique. I would never have thought to pair tuna with pani puri but it really worked. My #4 for the night. Second course - Hokkaido scallop... it was perfect. The hollandaise was so flavorful but did not over power the jumbo scallops natural taste. And the scallop wasnt over cooked. This is a scallop lovers dream. My #1 for the night. Third course - quail egg kaftan, this was a dense kofta, which i appreciated. Fourth course - black cod. It initially appeared undercooked and thought it would have a fishy smell and taste. Pleasantly surprised with the delicate way it was prepared yet no fishy taste or smell. Fifth course - lamb seekh kabob - this was a hand held one, which I enjoyed. All the flavors in one bite really brought thr flavors out. However this was probably my least favorite of the dishes. Sixth - pork cheeks vindaloo was really nice. Very tender and moist and rhe sauce was quite nice. Pre dessert was exquisite. It was so refreshing, cleansing, cool, and tart. It made my mouth water for dessert. Dessert we had the chocolate tart which was nice but nothing special that I noted. The chocolate and the crunch went nicely together. However if I had to choose I would go with the kesari mango dessert. My 9 year old waa able to do a la cart from the 4 course meal choices. The beef short rib was amazing! So tender, so we'll cooked, so flavorful I throughly enjoyed it. My #3 for the night. Garlic naan was soft and not to burnt. And her dessert, the kesari mango was super delicious especially the sesame brittle. Id love to try this one again. I probably wouldn't come here again unless someone specifically requested to come here. But overall my experience was a nice one. It was nice to try this once. read more

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