47 Best Indian Restaurants in Washington

“I've never had a better meal in my life. This is THE only restaurant to completely blow my mind in any genre, start to finish. Impeccable service, ambiance, and quality.“

“Good food and good service“

“This place is awesome! The staff was welcoming and friendly, they made conversation with us. Couches by the bar were inviting and comfortable and music was great. Dosa was like nothing ive had before, absolutely delicious. I highly recommend.“

“Absolutely in love with this place! 🍽️✨ The food is a beautiful symphony of flavors, and the atmosphere is just so warm and welcoming. The perfect spot for a cozy meal with friends or a special dinner. Every bite was a little piece of happiness. 💛“

“First I would like to say that I wish there were more than 5 stars. My son and I are visiting the DC area for the Cherry Blossom festivities. My son has a love for Indian food ever since his trip to India. I have never tried Indian food ever. So this was my very first experience. From the moment we walked in the door our amazing experience began. The atmosphere is beautiful and so is the staff. Our server, April was super helpful and very knowledgeable. She has an amazing spirit and is wonderful with her job! The food... was very fresh, aromatic and DELICIOUS!! My son said the food was the closest to the food in India that he has had here in the states. For my first time... OMG!!! I am HOOKED! The only bad part is that I have to go back to Florida and wait impatiently for my next visit.“

“Stumbled upon Herbivore Indian Cuisine during a DC visit and really liked the overall experience. Simple, tasty, and satisfying.

Some quick notes:

* Small but cozy restaurant with a welcoming vibe
* Food was good and had that touch of homemade flavor
* Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available
* Portion size was on the smaller side but filling and flavorful
* Naan was fresh and soft—definitely a highlight
* Quick service and polite staff
* Clean interiors and neatly maintained space
* Roadside parking available nearby, typical for DC
* Great spot for a casual meal with authentic Indian taste“

“I’ve had Indian food all over the country and internationally, and I would say this was the best Indian food I’ve had in my life. Everything was super fresh, flavorful, dynamic without being overly salty or sweet, just delicious and interesting and well balanced. I can’t recommend it enough. The cherry on top is that it’s also super reasonable. Parking is a little dicey in that area but if you look in the residential neighborhoods, you’ll eventually find something. If you can, Uber to it that’s even better.“

“I was in DC for 3 days, and wanted different and outstanding!
OMG. Friendly, outstanding service and ambiance, and... let me tell you, my meal, do not remember what it was. ... I have not had my mouth so happy in YEARS. I tried going back next day, but it was closed at that time! Thank you ... for making my DC trip extra special!!!!!“

“It is really good good with good quantity Very friendly staff and good at explaining their menu Must try“

“The best Punjabi food in DC. G.O.A.T Room brings the rich flavors of Punjabi/ Indian food here to DMV. They have every dish (fish, goat meat, naan,butter chicken) that I tried there…the BEST that I ever had. I had tried over 100 of restaurants in DMV and no one can beat this. Punjabi food is known for its rich and buttery flavors and G.O.A.T Room uses only fresh spices and herbs, such as turmeric cloves, ginger, and garlic. The owner, Bobby has created an extraordinary dining experience that brings this special food and culture right to DC. Bobby will visit your table and discuss your meal and personally thank you for coming in. He made a wonderful suggestions of food and drinks.. we were amazed with that selections. Butter chicken has a creamy gravy made of onions, yogurt, seeds, and did not disappoint. The goat meat was the best I’ve ever eaten. Naan and everything was perfect and not too oily at all. The portions are good sized and the presentation is exceptional. The atmosphere is lovely with authentic decor, and smartly set tables but mostly it’s the staff’s hospitality that amazed us. Bobby and his team has accomplished what they have set out to do and that is to bring the best food to the people of DMV. With the rich flavors, fresh, spices, freshest yogurt, and love and care in every dish- they have succeeded. Will be making more trips to DC just for their yummy food! Highly recommended. 10 stars. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5“

“It was my first time there. Food was great. I would definitely return.“

“We went to Rasika for Valentine’s Day dinner, and they were offering a three-course prix fixe menu. From the appetizers, we were told that the spinach chaat was the only item from their regular menu. I was a little skeptical at first, but our waiter mentioned it’s one of their most popular dishes, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. I cleaned the bowl completely and already know I’ll be dreaming about it for a long time. The next time I’m in DC, Rasika will definitely be a must-visit for me.“

“Their food is amazing, the atmosphere of the place is really cool. It looks very nice decorated. They have different kind of Naans. You know an indian restaurant is good when the chef is from India. And this is one of those. Come and enjoy! 😊🤤“

“Delicious!!! Some of the best Indian food in town“

“feel home even far from home good food and service ❤️👍“

“Our feelings are a bit mixed about this restaurant. On the plus side, the crab appetizer and the baby eggplant dish were fantastic and unique. The service was friendly and attentive. The ingredients in all the dishes seemed very fresh (we did have a long wait between appetizer and main meal, which we think meant one dish at least was freshly made as the restaurant was not too busy). On the less positive side, the lamb vindaloo was good but not superb, as was the bhindi, and the raita was bland. The cocktails, quite watery, were disappointing. We will come another day for the lunch thalis.“

“So very happy that the buffet is back on Friday afternoons. Had a fabulous lunch, great salad, terrific entree choices and attentive service. I recommend everyone to drop in and partake of some seriously tasty food!“

“Never thought to stop in until now--after five years in Woodley Park, we've found our spot for weekend brunch/buffet!“

“Best way to describe it is as an Indian inspired - chipotle, noodles &co, poke place, etc. choose one or more proteins, carbs, veggies, toppings, sauces.

It allows for a variety of combinations that one should find very satisfying. The portion size was pretty good and the value was also very good but consider the high rent location you are in and take that into account. Restaurants in that general area by the convention center are “expense account joints”. I was glad they were there when I just wanted to take my time and eat something satisfying in a quiet place.“

“Authentic Indian cuisine served with care—RASA never misses. A flavorful escape right in the neighborhood.“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 – A Hidden Gem for Biryani Lovers! Curry and Pie is hands down one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve ever visited! Their chicken and lamb biryani are absolutely phenomenal perfectly spiced, incredibly flavorful, and cooked to perfection. You can truly taste the authenticity and care in every bite.“

“This place serves surprisingly good Indian food fast, and at a very reasonable price. The people are friendly. The seating is comfortable. The portions are large - go there hungry. Butter chicken is surprisingly hard to find in DC and theirs is good. Fresh cucumber and tomato, raita, and chutneys if you want. The Aloo tikki are a fun snack. They also have delicious grab-and-go mango lassi.“

“My cousin and I love Indian food and have tried several places in our home town and when traveling. I can’t speak for the rest of their food but we ordered delivery for their butter chicken and it was amazing. Literally craving it now 2 months later!“

“Best Indian food on the east coast!“

“It was my 1st visit and I really enjoyed the food. Chef Ajay was personally paying attention to our needs and was very approachable. People who are Indian vegetarians or who eat vegan, they must try their vegan bowl. It's wholesome and gives home comfort food feel. Even the burger (vada pav) is super good! Will highly recommend it !!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best in town for food and drinks.“

“My experience here just makes me want to believe that human beings are kind and the only way we grow is by spreading love and care. The owner and every employee here taught me a big lesson for life - humanity exits and help in whichever way you can! Thank you - loads of blessings coming your way!“

“I spent a semester studying abroad and missed food from back home. I tried their biryani and couldn’t stop having it every weekend for the next 6 months. The chicken biryani medium spice is the best biryani I’ve ever had from any restaurant!! It’s the one thing I miss about being in DC“

“Incredible experience. I had the Chef's Tasting menu with my partner and it was one of the best food experiences that we have had at any restaurant. Each dish was incredibly put together and beautifully presented. The flavors were unreal and each dish had us saying just send us more of that, until the next dish came. The cocktails were just as beautifully presented as the food and were exceptional. The service was top notch and we absolutely will be returning.“

“I live in VA, but love to try different food. My second time here, because food was great. The girl serving was super too. Was not busy the time I was eating. After reading reviews, I wonder where people normally eat as most restaurants have a charge for sharing if they let you all. I like the quiet atmosphere to relax. Nice to be able to have a glass of wine & do that. The manager was super friendly too.“

“I used to order from here a minimum of once a month. Butter chicken has been garbage last three orders. Tastes like cheap tomato sauce. Like the canned spaghetti-o level of cheap, too sweet, and over processed. May try again in a few months. But miss the quality, great staff, and on point flavors.“

“I was there with friends as a walk in (a very large party) for Eid brunch on Friday and even though we did not have reservations and they always have a great crowd, Chai Pani was very helpful and patient with us and made it happen. Swathi and Kua are AWESOME!!! The food is amazing but we all loved how nice and accomodating the staff was with everything. Thanks =)“

“Excellent service, amazing food, and wonderful atmosphere! Highly recommend!“

“I’m an out of towner who stubbles upon this gem while shopping! Lovely atmosphere and the food is heavenly. My sister and I had the goat vindaloo and shrimp curry with garlic and cheese naan. Just the right amount of spicy and pares great with their “passion of taj” cocktail“

“Friendly staff, inviting atmosphere and the BEST for buffet lunch after an early day at the National Zoo.“

“palak paneer is perfect on a chilly March day.“

“Awesome food & service, my favorite go place!!“

“hello sir can you dm me“

“This was BY FAR the best dosas and Idli we have had in years! Chef Paul is amazing and he told me he doesn’t believe in catering or delivery because South Indian food is best served hot and fresh and I couldn’t agree more! The Idlis melted in my mouth. The dosas were just perfect - the masala and chutney and sambhar -10/10! Go - no run to this place!“

“Every bite, Always right! I appreciate your drivers and will tip them.“

“They have the best Indian food I've ever had in my life it's definitely one of my favorite restaurants I wish I could afford to go more often I especially love their curry I would definitely recommend this restaurant so good 10/10 I'm going to ask my boyfriend to take me there this weekend I'm so excited“

“Our group has iftar buffet here. Food was really good with 10/12 items and had naan and tea included for the table. The restaurant is really pretty and we all had a good time. Service was good and so were the refreshing drinks for breaking fast. Will definitely recommend for Iftar or any other meals for any size of groups. The bar is alcohol free and I’d say the price is absolutely reasonable for the Iftar. I wish them well and thank them for a wonderful evening. We were so busy eating and talking that we didn’t get to take any photos of the food or decor of the place. Will go back to try their à la carte for sure.“

“New place to me , was great to eat some good Indian food for the first time .“

“Wanted to try something new during birthday excursion. redditors recommended this place. finding out that they had a buffet helped me ensure I'd definitely find something I like. but I actually loved EVERYTHING they had in their buffet once I got there. had multiple plates. If I lived closer, it would've been a regular spot for me. hope to visit again soon. would recommend to anyone.“

“I highly recommended this place. atmosphere is cozy food is delicious!“

“The waffle were delicious!“

“I am huge fan of Bindaas Wada pav. They have the best wada pav in USA“