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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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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 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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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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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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Wow just wow , this place is amazing from the great waiter to the amazing drinks to the best Indian food I've ever tasted this is one of my top favorite restaurants ever . You can't go wrong with this place , it's fun and accelerating we will definitely be back read more

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

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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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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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

Really close to five stars - I'd say 4.5. I first learned about Rania from a Yelp event, right before they earned their Michelin star. After they earned their Michelin star, I was eager to return and decided to check them out for Restaurant Week ($55 for three-course dinner; $95 for five-course tasting menu). I made a reservation on OpenTable in advance. When I checked in, I was the first person in my party to arrive, so they directed me to sit at the bar. The bartender greeted me immediately and offered me a glass of water while I waited. I also perused the cocktail menu, and she was helpful with describing some drinks that caught my eye. The cocktails here are a real showstopper ~ they are sure to dazzle. Once the full party arrived, we were escorted to the main dining area which was cozy and elegant. They offered to check our coats and my chair even had a fancy pull-out shelf to hold my bag. Service was welcoming at first but later fizzled out (but only slightly). The waiter walked us through the menu and informed us about the five-course chef tasting menu that was also being offered. While I was tempted to go for the five-course menu, I opted to experience the three-course dinner first. He also checked if there were any food allergies to be aware of. Before the first course was brought out, we were treated to an amuse-bouche. It was a lovely little warm bite with salmon roe, and surely whet our appetites for the rest of the evening. The three-course dinner was plentiful! I was expecting teeny, tiny portions for dinner, but I was pleasantly surprised by the size of each course. Some restaurants will cut corners and/or portions for their restaurant week offerings, but I felt like Rania still provided us with a good representation of their traditional restaurant experience. Presentation for all dishes was exquisite. The pacing of the meal was good, and servers gave detailed explanations of each dish as they were presented. Plates were also cleared promptly. My only note is that drink refills could have been more attentive. For my first course, I had the Murukku Chaat and enjoyed the contrasting textures of the crunchy chip base, creamy yogurt + white pea ragda, and sweet and tart fresh pomegranate seeds. I selected the lamb shank for my main. It was a hunky piece of meat and it was fall-off-the-bone. The lamb shank was topped with fried shallots to give it a bit of crunch (I'm all for texture). I also tried the butter chicken entree, which featured grilled chicken thighs in a cashew makhani sauce. Believe me when I say that chicken was expertly cooked! The grill gave the chicken a smoky barbecue flavor, which showcased Rania's modern take on Indian food. Our meal also included a smoky black daal, basmati rice, and a small bread basket of naan and roti to complement the meal. It was a whole spread! For dessert, I selected the Mishti Doi, which the waiter described as a sweet, almost caramel-like dessert. I didn't get essence of caramel at all, but I still enjoyed the dessert. It was more like a yogurt mousse in my opinion, featuring seasonal citrus (grapefruit and mandarin oranges). It also came with a delightful lemon meringue type cracker/bark which I found super innovative. I also tried the caramelized pineapple dessert which came with a masala chai ice cream. I liked how the masala chai flavor was present but not overpowering, and the dessert was topped with a jaggery crumble to give it that extra bit of texture ~ it's a home run! Rania continues to impress me with its flavors and thoughtfulness. You can trust the Michelin Guide for Rania - this is high quality cooking. read more

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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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Great customer service, beautiful atmosphere, and an amazing menu. I enjoyed their four course tasting menu and wine pairing. Definitely worth the visit. read more

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We went for a birthday with the chef's menu and wine pairing- we had a good time overall but felt they were just trying to get folks drunk on hearty pours of cheap wine - presented as Lebanon's finest merlot and Croatia's finest Riesling... like, mmmk. Maybe I won't notice the food is just ok but for the price, not worth it. read more

Came for Restaurant week lunch (it was noon on a Saturday but apparently the only served brunch on Sunday, a bit odd but ok), was pleasantly surprised by the food served during RW though. Stated with excellent chicken kofta meatballs in a delicious sauce then moved on to the minced lamb which was incredible with the toasted butter brioche served with it and then add on the naan and rice and lentils for the table it was a great course. Dessert was fine, a yoghurt dish, my friends mango sorbet was better but still only ok, a bit of a let down after two great courses. Service fine but average. Left hungry though as it was small portions read more

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Was really excited for this meal, but it definitely fell short of my expectations. 1. Speed of service was very inconsistent. Some dishes came out as soon as I took the last bite of the previous course, and others took 10-15 min to come out after I finished a course. This makes for an unpleasant dining experience. 2. Flavors were okay -- lacking on a number of dishes. Some just felt dull and I wish there were more bold flavors. 3. Asked for coat check when I got to the table, not before at the host stand. Was kind of clunky and I felt like I was going to hit another dining guest with my coat when they asked for it. 4. Naan was flavorless, this was really disappointing. The main course was very good and the quail egg course was tasty, but they doesn't make up for the rest of these items. read more

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I debated heavily with myself before rating Rania at 3 stars. This is an award winning Indian restaurant in Washington DC and comes with outstanding ambience. We dined to celebrate Mothers Day with 3 people on the special chefs menu and 2 younger children on the regular 3 course menu. The cocktails were stunning, almost like a performance that brings you to ultimately experience so much of india and creativity all in one- a stellar and 5 star experience. For our chefs meal, we got special menus in envelopes and each course was delicious and left us fulfilled in different ways. Allergy conscious, so that certainly helps. However, this is a Michelin restaurant where we expect (like other Michelin restaurants we've been to) forevery course is typically served with a brief description of what is being served. Of all the 7 courses we had, the waitstaff came to our table and rattled off the description without pausing, or caring to ask us if we understood. Not only that, a couple of our dishes were changed and the servers still described the wrong items! So when we tasted them it completely negated that experience of conflicted descriptions. When someone is dropping the $$$ for the Chef's 7 course, the very least expectation is to take your 25 seconds to describe the creation intended by the chef. The food and ambience is promising by itself but the staff training is so minimal in the letting the guests take that experience in, that Rania leaves you wondering if it was a half baked experience compared to other Michelin winners across the area and country. read more

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Yet another amazing dining experience at Rania. This time, for Restaurant Week & as always, it was such a delight. Each of the courses offered were bursting with flavour and exquisite plating. There is literally no stone left unturned with the menu. The cocktail menu had evolved since my last visit a year ago, and yet again - all really great and served with style. The service is always amazing! And my visit during Restaurant Week was just as consistent and my friend and I felt very well attended. We were celebrating her birthday, so this made the celebrations that much more special. There's no doubt why Rania has received Michelin Star recognition for 2023 & 2024!! Top tier and delicious food, with an ornately decorated restaurant to match. read more

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There are not enough words to describe this experience! This was our second Michelin experience and it was amazing! We did the 7 course meal, which was a lot of food and we were stuffed by the 5th lol but I thought the unique presentations and authentic taste was worth it! This was a fun time to just be out in the city and explore a familiar taste in different methods. My phone died half way thru unfortunately , but trust me when I say the foods were presented in a cool and interesting way! read more

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Overall Rating:10/10 Rania introduced me to Indian fine dining, and I'm spoiled! As someone from a culture influenced by Indian cuisine, I was hesitant to try it at a restaurant. But Rania showed me I'd been missing out on one of the best meals of my life. Food: 5/5I'm officially a fan of Indian fine dining! The flavors were bold yet refined. 1st Course: * Amuse Bouche: A simple start to an unforgettable meal. * Chicken Kofta: Flavor-packed chicken meatballs in a magical sauce. * Shrimp Koliwada: Spicy, crispy, and fresh--I even asked for more! 2nd Course: * Chana Masala Panisse: As a Trini, I loved this flavorful vegetarian dish. * Lamb Cheela: Perfectly cooked lamb with a buttermilk mousse that tied it all together. * Crab Dumplings: Tonight's special, loaded with crab--delicious! 3rd Course: * Lamb Shoulder Rogan Josh: I need more!Sides: * Smoked Black Dal: Not my favorite, but didn't take away from the meal. * Garlic Naan: Classic, reliable naan. Dessert: * Shrikhand Mousse: A sweet and satisfying finish. * Chocolate Tart: I don't eat chocolate, but I was told it was spot-on. Service + Decor: 5/5 The restaurant is stunning, with attention to detail in everything--from decor to service to cocktails, all executed with handcrafted excellence. Full Review on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_xxqYGxdz1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions. Please try these restaurants and form your own judgments--it's what I would do. read more

Rania - Full review on my Instagram (@_edaj_) and TikTok (@_edaj_jade_) - Wine Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here for late night drinks. The ambiance inside is absolutely beautiful and does such a wonderful job highlighting the Indian culture. Our bartender was quick and attentive. I also appreciate that he went above and beyond to tell me in advance about the "experience" I'd be getting with my drink! Would absolutely come back. read more

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

All around amazing experience, I do recommend the Chefs tasting menu and a few cocktails! One of my favorite michelin experiences so far! They were able to accommodate my fiancé's vegetarian preference, and every dish was phenomenal, each dish was uniquely full of flavor and an experience within themselves. The cocktails are all pretty elaborate for the most part, arriving at your table in some special way. The restaurant has a nice relaxing atmosphere, and the service was impeccable. read more

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Came here with family for a special night out, and everyone was blown away by both the food and the ambiance! My family is Indian but we had never had dishes like this before- everything was so unique. I loved the chaat, chickpeas and the cabbage and my mom loved the smokey daal and naan as well. My favorite part was the gorgeous way the cocktails were presented, along side cute props and trinkets! My only suggestions would be to pair the mocktails with an elaborate display as well, and to flag things that are vegan on their menu- I suspect several dishes either are or easily could be made vegan. read more

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I visited Rania for their Sensory Soirée and absolutely loved it. This happens Tuesday - Friday from 5-8 pm and each handcrafted cocktail can be paired with a small bite. All the cocktails come with an elaborate display. It's a fun experience and a great way to start your night. We sat at the bar and the service was amazing. Everyone was extremely friendly, attentive and helpful when selecting menu options. The restaurant itself is decorated beautifully. It's dimly lit and perfect for a date night or quiet dinner. read more

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

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Amazing Michelin starred Indian cuisine! The portion size was a little on the smaller side, so keep that in mind. Service is great and was very reassuring that their curries were nut free. The restaurant is nicely decorated with the food also being picture worthy as well as tasty. Would definitely come back again! read more

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