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Came here over 10 years ago with my parents and it left a strong impression on us back then as some of the best Indian food we've had. Was pleased to see that the restaurant is still around (and super busy). No reservations, but we were lucky enough that there were enough seats at the bar, otherwise I don't think we would've been able to eat here at all. So hard to choose from a menu where everything sounded so good. We got the palak chaat, bhindi ka lonj, gobhi mattar, mint paratha, vegetable pulao, gujarati lasagne, and chili and olive oil naan. Standouts were the palak chaat and mint paratha. The palak chaat was the most well-balanced dish that satisfied every part of the flavor wheel: crispy spinach fritters, some tang from the yogurt and tamarind, sweetness from the date, and a lovely savoriness. The mint paratha was wonderfully flaky and herbaceous. The other dishes were good, but not particularly exciting. For desserts, we had the mango rasmalai and gulab jamun. Generally love ordering gulab jamun whenever I can, and it really hit the spot. The cardamom ice cream was the perfect pairing for it. I can kind of see where they were going with the mango rasmalai and the different textures/presenations of mango, but personally did not find it to be that memorable. Overall, not as mind-blowing as I remember but still enjoyed the meal. Definitely recommend making reservations if you want a table.
Valentine's Day here was perfect. We were seated for our reservation at the bar immediately as we were on time. The server was amazing and properly engaging. The decorations were lovely, included the photo backdrop being such a cute idea! The crowd was classy so it was ideal for my liking. The food was a disappointment to me as an Indian food lover and to him with a big appetite and trying something new given the menu was limited! My favorite part was that they gave the ladies a pretty rose after the check was paid! The most thoughtful Michelin experience on a loving holiday. I so appreciated the door to door service. Just work on the food the fish was a bit dry and tough vs flaky and soft to enjoy. Go, maybe they're better today.
What an awesome restaurant... the food is absolutely delicious! Everything we ordered was delicious. Recommend starting with the Ragda Pattice and your main dish butter or tandori chicken. If they are serving scallops, order it! Whatever main dish you order, you have to order one of their house made chutneys. We really enjoyed the mango chutney. Also, don't forget the naan! We like plain or garlic. They are about a 5-7 min walk from the Capital One Arena. So, it is best to make reservations just in case you are trying to dine here when there is an event at Capital One. It gets crowded! Notable is the service. Our server was super friendly and. attentive. He made some very good recommendations, to include a glass of champagne that enhanced the meal.
The best Indian in the US in my opinion, and they've been consistently good since they opened over 20 years ago. That was probably the last time I visited the restaurant before this trip, and the first thing I did was order the spinach dish, Palak Chat, which had changed but actually improved. This dish is outstanding and a must for every visit. Everything was prepared perfectly, the chicken so tender, mushrooms flavorful, lentils perfect flavor and consistency. Our server was extremely attentive and polite. Ask for the front booth if you have a large enough party. It's the best seat in the house.
This is a composite review for several visits over 15 years. I'm glad to report that it's still a beautiful and comfortable dining experience with fresh and delicious interpretations that make me a repeat customer. Seating and ordering food ends by 2:30 for lunch before reopening for dinner. Even with a late lunch Yousef was an attentive and helpful presence. The masala chai was more black tea forward. Palak chaat is always a tasty treat; I still remember the first time tasting it here over fifteen years ago. All the tastes and textures still create a dopamine rush. The okra was more astringent than I recalled. The roasted style reduced the mucilage, which many people prefer. The crusted two tandoori lamb chops were a generous size so made it more filling. The lemon cashew rice was tasty also. Feel like a little kid to report that my dessert was probably my favorite part. The warm black rice pudding was delicious comfort food and something I will remember for a while. Unctuous and crunchy with stewed raisins and cashews, I will add this as something to order each time.
Cauliflower Bezule was great as an app to munch on. The Sweet Potato Samosa was like Thanksgiving in a samosa, and it was a unique pairing we didn't expect to enjoy as much as we did. Definitely try it if you can. Got the Gosht Ahuna which was well made, and the lamb pieces were very tender. Chicken Makhani was average, good but not exactly a memorable dish in my opinion. Truffle Naan was a bit of a miss and didn't really pair that well with our entrees, but the Garlic Naan was pretty good. We got the Kashmiri Sour and Ginger-Pom Pisco Sour for drinks, and they were both well made and paired really well with our meal. The Kashmiri Sour was definitely our favorite drink of the night between the two. Overall, service was great and the staff was attentive. It was also pretty easy to get a reservation.
Rasika: The Crown Jewel of D.C. Dining When Ashok Bajaj opened Rasika in Penn Quarter in 2005, he didn't just open a restaurant--he revolutionized how the nation's capital views modern Indian cuisine. Two decades later, it remains an absolute powerhouse and a masterclass in culinary consistency. The Accolades Rasika's trophy case is legendary. Chef Vikram Sunderam secured a prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, and the restaurant has consistently retained a top-tier spot on The Washington Post's 100 Very Best Restaurants list. It's the kind of place that effortlessly balances critical acclaim with a fiercely loyal local following, famously serving as a birthday hotspot for President Obama and a staple for D.C.'s culinary elite. The Menu While the iconic Palak Chaat gets plenty of well-deserved press, the true depth of the kitchen shines brightest in their classic entrees and customizable heat profiles. The Lamb Shank: A definitive triumph of slow-cooked execution. The meat is spectacularly tender, effortlessly falling away from the bone at the mere suggestion of a fork. Infused with a rich, aromatic blend of saffron and roasted coconut, the sauce achieves a profound depth of flavor that is both deeply comforting and complex. Saag Paneer (Malai Palak): Rasika's take on this classic elevates standard creamed spinach to an art form. The spinach retains a vibrant, fresh green character, expertly laced with garlic, onions, and green chilies. The paneer cubes are beautifully delicate, acting as the perfect velvety vehicle for the impeccably spiced greens. The House-Made Hot Sauce: For those who appreciate true heat, Rasika offers an exceptional house-made hot sauce that is cooked to order. Rather than just dumping standard chili oil on top, the kitchen freshly fires up this blend to your exact specifications, seamlessly integrating a fiery punch into your dishes without sacrificing an ounce of the underlying flavor profile. The Verdict Rasika isn't just a great Indian restaurant; it is one of the finest dining institutions in Washington, D.C. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, the flawless execution of the lamb shank, the sophisticated balance of the saag paneer, and the tailored precision of their custom-cooked hot sauce make every meal feel like an event.
I'm going to be honest, Indian food isn't my first go-to but Rasika changed my mind about it. I was hooked with the appetizers, especially the Cauliflower Bazule! The Sweet Potato Samosas were also surprisingly delicious. The Chicken Tikka Masala was savory and had the perfect balance of spice. Don't forget to order Garlic Naan because IT IS GOOD! The ambiance is great for a date night and service was amazing. Would I come back here? Absolutely!
Went here with a friend for dinner. The lighting is very, very dim with candles on the tables. Still, it is quite difficult to even read the menu. The service was very prompt, and waiter was kind and answered all of our questions. I was excited for my dish, but I promptly noticed that it contained a very high amount of cilantro. It wasn't listed on the menu, and I didn't think to ask the waiter. Four stars for good service, the food I did eat was great, and also for having allergy and dietary information on the menu (for gluten free, vegan, etc.).
The best meal during my most recent trip to DC!! A friend raved about how amazing the Palak Chaat was at this restaurant. She said I had to try it the next time I was in DC! I love recommendations so I had to come check this spot out. We were able to make a reservation a day in advance for 5pm on a Friday. We arrived a few minutes prior to 5pm so did have to wait to be seated. They were nice enough to allow us to wait inside. We were quickly seated , and our wait staff approached our table shortly after being seated. To our luck- we dined here during restaurant week. This meant that for $55 we were able to enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert. My friend and I decided to order different items so that we could try more items. We ordered the following: Appetizers 1.-Palak Chaat -Crispy baby spinach / sweet yogurt / tamarind / date chutney 2. Andhra Tawa Shrimps-Shrimps / Guntoor chili /peppercorn Entree 1. Black Cod-Fresh Dill / red wine vinegar / star Anise / dill Potato 2. Chicken Tikka Masala-Onion / tomatoes / dry fenugreek Dessert 1. Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream 2. Chocolate Mint Pudding The food came out quick and I was impressed. The star of the show was for sure the Palak Chaat! I can't compare the taste to anything else- but if you are considering ordering it- I highly recommend that you do. I was not a fan of the shrimp- too spicy for me. The black cod was ok-i have had better. The chicken masala was well done! I appreciatey the taste of the masala- it was not over powering. The chocolate mint pudding dessert was good! It was comparable to a bread pudding. The ice cream that accompanied the gulab was amazing! Our server highly recommended that we don't skip the ice cream! I have to admit I am glad we took his advice! Overall the food was memorable , the service was comparable to Michelin Star rated restaurants. Our serve constantly made sure our water glasses were full, cleared our plates promptly, and wiped off any crumbs on the table-- highly impressive service! I would say that Rasika is worth patronizing! I know that this spot will be on my list to visit for my next trip to DC!
Had been meaning to return to Rasika for some time now, but were never in the area when it was convenient to do so. We had a show at Wooly Mammoth last night, so that was the perfect excuse for a pre-show dinner. We had a reservation and were seated right away. James was our server and he took good care of us. We had the goat cheese kolcha, the palak chaat, mixed grill, purple potato dosa and black cod. It was all very good. The black cod and palak chaat were our favorites.. In fact, the food was so good that, even with the mediocre cocktails, we still gave our visit 5 stars. Also, thank you Rasika for circling the 20% service charge on the check, as to not trick patrons into waaaay over tipping. We still added a tip, but it's nice to see Rasika being up front about it
3 days ago
A DC classic that is just as wonderful as I remembered. I lived in the Washington, D.C. area years ago and used to dine at Rasika often. It had been quite a while since my last visit, and I'm happy to say it was every bit as good as I remembered. I visited with my two daughters, ages 8 and 22, after a long day of sightseeing in nearly 100-degree weather. We were dressed for the extreme heat outside and, understandably, didn't want to carry sweaters or jackets around all day. Our original table was directly beneath an air conditioning vent, and the staff graciously accommodated our request to move to a warmer table. When my 8-year-old was still chilly in the 67-68° dining room, our waiter thoughtfully brought over a tablecloth for her to drape over her shoulders. It was such a kind gesture and an example of truly exceptional hospitality. The food was outstanding. The appetizers were fantastic, and my youngest especially enjoyed the mango lassi and a butter paneer dish that served as a kid-friendly alternative to butter chicken. My oldest daughter and I shared several appetizers along with a shrimp entrée, and everything was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Rasika continues to excel in every way--wonderful food, attentive service, and a beautiful atmosphere. It's easy to see why it has remained one of Washington's premier restaurants for so many years. We had a fantastic evening, and I look forward to returning the next time I'm in D.C. Keep up the great work! read more
Get reservations!! I am go glad i got reservations because we were seated right away and saw people having to wait a while before they were seated. The place is quite dark with that moody ambiance. It's also loud. Our server bhaskar was very attentive and a total sweetheart. I heard him ask a delivery driver if he wanted water or anything before he got his delivery order. Since we got the mixed grill, he recommended a new dish to us, chicken green masala. We also got the lacha paratha to go with it. The mix grill was nice to taste a bit of everything. The salmon was a bit undercooked in some areas but very tasty. The tandoori chicken was dry. The lamb was absolutely delicious and i could have eaten a whole platter of just that. The green masala has such warm spices and it was perfectly spicy. It went sooo well with the paratha. The paratha was flaky and buttery. The mushroom was so unexpected. I loved it so much. It was tangy and spicy. Perfect also. Overall, I'll be back for the mains, for the grill, i would definitely recommend the lamb but not others. This was our anniversary dinner, so bhaskar surprised us with a small ice cream and gulab jamun. Sooo sweet to recognize this. He is the best. read more
Me and my son looked this up and went here since we were visiting DC. Had no reservations, we were seated near the kitchen. Food and service were amazing. Sekhar offered us an amazing service. Will definitely come here when we visit DC again read more
Came here over 10 years ago with my parents and it left a strong impression on us back then as some of the best Indian food we've had. Was pleased to see that the restaurant is still around (and super busy). No reservations, but we were lucky enough that there were enough seats at the bar, otherwise I don't think we would've been able to eat here at all. So hard to choose from a menu where everything sounded so good. We got the palak chaat, bhindi ka lonj, gobhi mattar, mint paratha, vegetable pulao, gujarati lasagne, and chili and olive oil naan. Standouts were the palak chaat and mint paratha. The palak chaat was the most well-balanced dish that satisfied every part of the flavor wheel: crispy spinach fritters, some tang from the yogurt and tamarind, sweetness from the date, and a lovely savoriness. The mint paratha was wonderfully flaky and herbaceous. The other dishes were good, but not particularly exciting. For desserts, we had the mango rasmalai and gulab jamun. Generally love ordering gulab jamun whenever I can, and it really hit the spot. The cardamom ice cream was the perfect pairing for it. I can kind of see where they were going with the mango rasmalai and the different textures/presenations of mango, but personally did not find it to be that memorable. Overall, not as mind-blowing as I remember but still enjoyed the meal. Definitely recommend making reservations if you want a table. read more
3 months ago
Valentine's Day here was perfect. We were seated for our reservation at the bar immediately as we were on time. The server was amazing and properly engaging. The decorations were lovely, included the photo backdrop being such a cute idea! The crowd was classy so it was ideal for my liking. The food was a disappointment to me as an Indian food lover and to him with a big appetite and trying something new given the menu was limited! My favorite part was that they gave the ladies a pretty rose after the check was paid! The most thoughtful Michelin experience on a loving holiday. I so appreciated the door to door service. Just work on the food the fish was a bit dry and tough vs flaky and soft to enjoy. Go, maybe they're better today. read more
What an awesome restaurant... the food is absolutely delicious! Everything we ordered was delicious. Recommend starting with the Ragda Pattice and your main dish butter or tandori chicken. If they are serving scallops, order it! Whatever main dish you order, you have to order one of their house made chutneys. We really enjoyed the mango chutney. Also, don't forget the naan! We like plain or garlic. They are about a 5-7 min walk from the Capital One Arena. So, it is best to make reservations just in case you are trying to dine here when there is an event at Capital One. It gets crowded! Notable is the service. Our server was super friendly and. attentive. He made some very good recommendations, to include a glass of champagne that enhanced the meal. read more
The best Indian in the US in my opinion, and they've been consistently good since they opened over 20 years ago. That was probably the last time I visited the restaurant before this trip, and the first thing I did was order the spinach dish, Palak Chat, which had changed but actually improved. This dish is outstanding and a must for every visit. Everything was prepared perfectly, the chicken so tender, mushrooms flavorful, lentils perfect flavor and consistency. Our server was extremely attentive and polite. Ask for the front booth if you have a large enough party. It's the best seat in the house. read more
This is a composite review for several visits over 15 years. I'm glad to report that it's still a beautiful and comfortable dining experience with fresh and delicious interpretations that make me a repeat customer. Seating and ordering food ends by 2:30 for lunch before reopening for dinner. Even with a late lunch Yousef was an attentive and helpful presence. The masala chai was more black tea forward. Palak chaat is always a tasty treat; I still remember the first time tasting it here over fifteen years ago. All the tastes and textures still create a dopamine rush. The okra was more astringent than I recalled. The roasted style reduced the mucilage, which many people prefer. The crusted two tandoori lamb chops were a generous size so made it more filling. The lemon cashew rice was tasty also. Feel like a little kid to report that my dessert was probably my favorite part. The warm black rice pudding was delicious comfort food and something I will remember for a while. Unctuous and crunchy with stewed raisins and cashews, I will add this as something to order each time. read more
5 months ago
Cauliflower Bezule was great as an app to munch on. The Sweet Potato Samosa was like Thanksgiving in a samosa, and it was a unique pairing we didn't expect to enjoy as much as we did. Definitely try it if you can. Got the Gosht Ahuna which was well made, and the lamb pieces were very tender. Chicken Makhani was average, good but not exactly a memorable dish in my opinion. Truffle Naan was a bit of a miss and didn't really pair that well with our entrees, but the Garlic Naan was pretty good. We got the Kashmiri Sour and Ginger-Pom Pisco Sour for drinks, and they were both well made and paired really well with our meal. The Kashmiri Sour was definitely our favorite drink of the night between the two. Overall, service was great and the staff was attentive. It was also pretty easy to get a reservation. read more
2 months ago
Rasika: The Crown Jewel of D.C. Dining When Ashok Bajaj opened Rasika in Penn Quarter in 2005, he didn't just open a restaurant--he revolutionized how the nation's capital views modern Indian cuisine. Two decades later, it remains an absolute powerhouse and a masterclass in culinary consistency. The Accolades Rasika's trophy case is legendary. Chef Vikram Sunderam secured a prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, and the restaurant has consistently retained a top-tier spot on The Washington Post's 100 Very Best Restaurants list. It's the kind of place that effortlessly balances critical acclaim with a fiercely loyal local following, famously serving as a birthday hotspot for President Obama and a staple for D.C.'s culinary elite. The Menu While the iconic Palak Chaat gets plenty of well-deserved press, the true depth of the kitchen shines brightest in their classic entrees and customizable heat profiles. The Lamb Shank: A definitive triumph of slow-cooked execution. The meat is spectacularly tender, effortlessly falling away from the bone at the mere suggestion of a fork. Infused with a rich, aromatic blend of saffron and roasted coconut, the sauce achieves a profound depth of flavor that is both deeply comforting and complex. Saag Paneer (Malai Palak): Rasika's take on this classic elevates standard creamed spinach to an art form. The spinach retains a vibrant, fresh green character, expertly laced with garlic, onions, and green chilies. The paneer cubes are beautifully delicate, acting as the perfect velvety vehicle for the impeccably spiced greens. The House-Made Hot Sauce: For those who appreciate true heat, Rasika offers an exceptional house-made hot sauce that is cooked to order. Rather than just dumping standard chili oil on top, the kitchen freshly fires up this blend to your exact specifications, seamlessly integrating a fiery punch into your dishes without sacrificing an ounce of the underlying flavor profile. The Verdict Rasika isn't just a great Indian restaurant; it is one of the finest dining institutions in Washington, D.C. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, the flawless execution of the lamb shank, the sophisticated balance of the saag paneer, and the tailored precision of their custom-cooked hot sauce make every meal feel like an event. read more
Regardless of type of cuisine, this Indian restaurant seemed to be the most recommended place we've gotten! We went during lunch time and every waiter and staff there was friendly and nice to us. They also have a pretty extensive menu to choose from! read more
I'm going to be honest, Indian food isn't my first go-to but Rasika changed my mind about it. I was hooked with the appetizers, especially the Cauliflower Bazule! The Sweet Potato Samosas were also surprisingly delicious. The Chicken Tikka Masala was savory and had the perfect balance of spice. Don't forget to order Garlic Naan because IT IS GOOD! The ambiance is great for a date night and service was amazing. Would I come back here? Absolutely! read more
Went here with a friend for dinner. The lighting is very, very dim with candles on the tables. Still, it is quite difficult to even read the menu. The service was very prompt, and waiter was kind and answered all of our questions. I was excited for my dish, but I promptly noticed that it contained a very high amount of cilantro. It wasn't listed on the menu, and I didn't think to ask the waiter. Four stars for good service, the food I did eat was great, and also for having allergy and dietary information on the menu (for gluten free, vegan, etc.). read more
11 months ago
The best meal during my most recent trip to DC!! A friend raved about how amazing the Palak Chaat was at this restaurant. She said I had to try it the next time I was in DC! I love recommendations so I had to come check this spot out. We were able to make a reservation a day in advance for 5pm on a Friday. We arrived a few minutes prior to 5pm so did have to wait to be seated. They were nice enough to allow us to wait inside. We were quickly seated , and our wait staff approached our table shortly after being seated. To our luck- we dined here during restaurant week. This meant that for $55 we were able to enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert. My friend and I decided to order different items so that we could try more items. We ordered the following: Appetizers 1.-Palak Chaat -Crispy baby spinach / sweet yogurt / tamarind / date chutney 2. Andhra Tawa Shrimps-Shrimps / Guntoor chili /peppercorn Entree 1. Black Cod-Fresh Dill / red wine vinegar / star Anise / dill Potato 2. Chicken Tikka Masala-Onion / tomatoes / dry fenugreek Dessert 1. Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream 2. Chocolate Mint Pudding The food came out quick and I was impressed. The star of the show was for sure the Palak Chaat! I can't compare the taste to anything else- but if you are considering ordering it- I highly recommend that you do. I was not a fan of the shrimp- too spicy for me. The black cod was ok-i have had better. The chicken masala was well done! I appreciatey the taste of the masala- it was not over powering. The chocolate mint pudding dessert was good! It was comparable to a bread pudding. The ice cream that accompanied the gulab was amazing! Our server highly recommended that we don't skip the ice cream! I have to admit I am glad we took his advice! Overall the food was memorable , the service was comparable to Michelin Star rated restaurants. Our serve constantly made sure our water glasses were full, cleared our plates promptly, and wiped off any crumbs on the table-- highly impressive service! I would say that Rasika is worth patronizing! I know that this spot will be on my list to visit for my next trip to DC! read more
Had been meaning to return to Rasika for some time now, but were never in the area when it was convenient to do so. We had a show at Wooly Mammoth last night, so that was the perfect excuse for a pre-show dinner. We had a reservation and were seated right away. James was our server and he took good care of us. We had the goat cheese kolcha, the palak chaat, mixed grill, purple potato dosa and black cod. It was all very good. The black cod and palak chaat were our favorites.. In fact, the food was so good that, even with the mediocre cocktails, we still gave our visit 5 stars. Also, thank you Rasika for circling the 20% service charge on the check, as to not trick patrons into waaaay over tipping. We still added a tip, but it's nice to see Rasika being up front about it read more
1 year ago
Loved the place with amazing vibes and great food with amazing presentation . Service was quick ... server well understood the requirement and suggested the food options . Worth the visit read more
7 months ago
My friends and I booked a reservation here for dinner. We were greeted at the door and sat at our table by a kind server who made our entire experience wonderful. He carefully explained how I would be able to get a vegan version of the multiple course meal, and each dish was delicious! Our table by the window felt like a private room within the restaurant so the vibe was perfect. read more
Great ambiance fantastic bar tenders they could make any type of cocktail or mocktail you want. Appetizers OK, I don't like cold food and some of the appetizers were cold. I had the lamb chops which were fantastic, nice presentation and cooked beautifully. I don't try anything else but it seems like the entire team loved their food, based on the empty plates. Dessert good. Beautiful decorated restaurant it was packed on a Wednesday night so a reservation is a must. Why 4 stars because of the naan it was OK. I love the layered wheat naan, they did not have it and the rest of the naan we had was thick not thin. Definitely a must if you are in the area and please make reservations unless you are alone and want to dine at the bar. read more
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this spot is the ambiance- it is fancy but not pretentious, with romantic lighting and a cozy feel. It's a great place for a family night out or a date night. They also have a variety of meat and vegetarian options as well as some vegan ones. Most of the cuisine is traditional North Indian fare but they also have some unique options, like a Gujarati Undhiyu (vegetables in a tangy, creamy sauce). Our favorite items were actually the appetizers (esp the green garbanzo tikkis), which are twists on traditional Indian food and beautifully presented. We come here once every couple years and will definitely be back! read more
11 days ago
Friend of ours said that Rasika was their favorite Indian restaurant so we were very excited to try it. Our main server was very knowledgeable about the menu and answered all ingredient questions right away (vs going back and asking). Everyone else who came to the table to bring food, refill water, clear plates, or pack leftovers seemed to be very inexperienced with restaurant work. They dripped water on food while refilling cups, seemed very uncoordinated when bringing the food out, and didn't understand that nobody else wanted to pack leftovers. The food itself was hit or miss. The mixed drinks were just mediocre - too sweet so that you can't taste the alcohol. Of the starters, the palak chaat was fantastic, the banana avocado chaat was not good, and the papadums with the chutney dish felt stale and weren't crunchy. The mains were all very salty. The duck vindaloo almost tasted like marmite with how salty it was. Most everyone got dessert - the rice pudding was OK - wish the cardamom was mixed in rather separate as ice cream because the pudding didn't taste right. Overall, might come back if someone asked us for dinner. read more
Lovely setting, attentive service, quality food. Hub and I indulged ourselves big time; ordered multiple dishes. Most of them are very tasty. There's a lot of hybrid approaches here, hence the "Flavors of India" in the sub-name of the restaurant. I'm open to a "new take" on an old favorite--provided it doesn't lose the essence of the original. Rasika has also put together some unique, modernist creations and throws them out there for consideration. I believe that what Rasika offers comes from a place of confidence, love of food, and culinary artistry. For the most part, it succeeds. From the Tawa-Griddle: The crab pepper masala appetizer is out of this world, explosive and flavorful. From the Sigri-Barbecue: The truffle seekh kebab is delicate, earthy, and deftly prepared, not over-done which is so easy to do. From the Entrees: The tandoori lamb chops are below par. The marinade of mace, cashew nut and cardamom proves to be too much; it prevents a good char from forming and the meat is somewhat mushy. From the Vegetarian Entrees: The cabbage kadhi is creamy, slightly crunchy and elevates this plain vegetable to another level. The eggplant kozhambu is slyly spicy and sneaks up on you. I'd certainly return. read more
8 months ago
This place never disappoints. We got the honey chili scallops, palak chaat, chicken tikka masala, garlic & herb naan and onion & sage naan. Bottle of wine. We sat at the kitchen counter and saw a lot of the dishes being made. This is our regular go to spot when my mom visits me in DC. Usually great service. read more
The best Indian restaurant that I have eaten at! It has a much larger menu than normal and included dishes from regions all over India, according to my two Indian friends that I dined with. They too were impressed with the menu, which speaks to the authenticity for a US-based Indian restaurant. I ordered a lamb dish. I wish I could remember the name. It had cinnamon listed as an ingredient. Instead of Naan bread like I normally order, I opted for the GOAT CHEESE KULCHA. It was like a Naan but filled with light layer of goat cheese. The creamy bread was an excellent pairing to the spicy food! I tried the GULAB JAMUM for dessert, a recommendation from my Indian friend. It was served warm and was extremely tasty. I don't have opportunity for such a treat very often. read more
4 months ago
17 days ago
2 months ago
Had a great experience here! The vegetarian tasting menu was amazing! Each dish was so delicious and plated very well. The service was great the entire evening as well; our waiter was very helpful and polite. Definitely a must-try if you like Indian food and are in DC! read more
I really enjoyed Rasika, Indian cuisine is always top-tier for me. But there were a lot of items on the menu that surprised me in terms of presentation and sauce pairing. So it felt like an adventure as we ordered different dishes. The sweet potato samosas is definitely one of those surprise dishes. I would recommend a reservation, went on a Thursday night and the restaurant was full. waited a solid 20 minutes before being seated for dinner. But service was quick and good. read more
20 days ago
Overall disappointing, though dessert made up for it (for the most part). We came here for dinner on a weeknight. We had a reservation and were promptly seated. Overall ambiance was nice and the service was great/attentive. Only service complaint was their butchering of the pronunciation of some of the dishes We had high expectations for the food based on the reviews and friends recommendations. We ordered palak chaat, mint chicken masala, paneer apricot kofta, sweet potato bharta, garlic naan and laccha parantha. Overall the food was ok, but disappointing given the expectation. The mint chicken masala had an unexpected spiciness. The naan and paratha portions were stingy (1 full piece for $6?) The rose rasmalai dessert saved the day. 10/10, would definitely recommend. Overall probably wouldn't come back read more
WOW. The moment you walk in the staff is quite attentive and provides excellent customer service. The restaurant is a great venue, with some private booths and a number of folks were there for business lunches. I shared appetizers with my friend and the palak and kebab were both amazing. I didn't know what to expect with the palak dish but both my friend and I were amazed by the flavors of the dish. The chicken tikka masala has an earthy sauce flavor which was nice. The mango dessert was not too sweet -- I believe the fried string was some sort of sugar? A little interesting to eat through but so good!! This is DC so street parking or wifhinf a 10-15 min walking distance from the DuPont and foggy bottom metro stations. read more
1 year ago
Rasika was chosen for Valentines day date night. I do not enjoy driving into the District of Columbia because of the traffic, lack of inexpensive parking. However, the food and service more than made up for the DC challenges. For Valentines day, there was a special menu , no placard. Absolutely wonderful. If you are in the DC area and enjoy Indian food, this is the place to stop into. We had reservations so upon arrival we were.peomptly seated. Prior to the appetizer we were given a small pre appetizer if you will Quite tasty, a bit of heat However it was totoned down with the sauce ..yogurt based. My favorite was the fried spinach...could have made a meal of that alone. The meal was paired with different wines with each course with the last glass being a bubbly. ... read more
We came here for my friend's birthday, and food was very mid. I expected a lot more from a higher end fancy place, but spices and taste palette was just really off. The lamb was gamey, and the samosas were too sweet. The best dishes were the crispy spinach and butter chicken, but that wasn't even the best I've had. Service was a little slow, and they kept adding cilantro to everything even though we asked for no cilantro. The duck was a bit undercooked, and it just felt a little chaotic service wise. They did provide a birthday freebie though. Lighting was dim and not good for photos. read more
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More info about Rasika
633 D St NW
Washington, DC 20004
Penn Quarter
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(202) 637-1222
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http://www.rasikarestaurant.com
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Ask the Community - Rasika
Are the helpings decent sized and worth the prices? Or they small like at a lot of "fine dining" Indian places?
It's between small and medium size. Taste is worth the price but not the quantity.
Is this restaurant kid friendly (9 yr old) in terms of pacing and ambience or is it really just for adults? Is 1.5 hrs enough time for dinner here or longer?
During Covid, Rasika implemented a no kids (I believe under 8 or 9yo) policy. Not sure if that policy still exists but it's obvious they don't really care to have kids there. You can bring your kid (since he/she is of age) but by no means would I…
Can they make dishes that aren't spicy? I have allergy to spicy pepper (chili, jalapena, black, white pepper)
Yeah most dishes are not spicy
Are there many gluten free options? Are many of the protein dishes gluten free?
Don't see any GF options mentioned specifically in the menu.
Do they have Valet parking service?
They have valet parking but only in the evenings, and it is awkward to stop in the street given the location. There are, however, several parking garages in the vicinity so you can do whatever is most convenient for you.
What's the dress code here for dinner? Will I be able to get away with jeans and a nice top?
Yes, you'll find a mix of people in terms of dress code. Some dressed in suits and some in jeans.
Do they have free parking?
No have to find street parking around there and that can be a nightmare depending on the day and time.
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256 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Rasika - indpak - Updated August 2026
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