The vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine is woven into the fabric of Washington D.C.'s culinary scene. Their colorful and spicy dishes let the zesty spices and aromas transport you to a world of culinary delight.
From upscale establishments serving contemporary regional dishes to cozy neighborhood joints offering home-style food, there's an Indian restaurant in DC to intrigue every palate and budget.
1. Jyoti Indian Cuisine
Jyoti Indian Cuisine is among the popular Indian restaurants in DC due to its flavors and warm hospitality. The menu includes a variety of dishes from different regions, such as North Indian, South Indian, and Indo-Chinese specialties.
Some popular items include Tandoori platters, chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, biryanis, and Indo-Chinese specialties like chili chicken and vegetable Manchurian.
Location: 2433 18th St NW, Morgan Adams
2. Pappe
Pappe offers a contemporary yet authentic dining experience celebrating India's diverse flavors and culinary traditions. From street food favorites to hearty curries and tandoori specialties, each dish is thoughtfully crafted.
Their menu, curated by Executive Chef Shankar Puthran, showcases a diverse selection of dishes inspired by the various regions of India.
Location: 1317 14th St NW, Logan Circle
3. Aatish On the Hill
Aatish offers a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine in a cozy and inviting setting. Being one of the best Indian restaurants, their menu includes classic dishes and innovative creations.
Indulge your sweet tooth with traditional Indian desserts such as gulab jamun, kheer, or ras malai.
Location: 609 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Capitol Hill
4. Indique
Whether you're enjoying a meal with friends, hosting a family gathering, or dining solo, Indique offers a welcoming setting to relax and indulge in flavorful Indian cuisine.
From flavorful curries and tandoori specialties to innovative small plates and vegetarian options, the menu is designed to offer a culinary journey through India.
Location: 3512 Connecticut Ave NW, Cleveland Park
5. The Bombay Club
The Bombay Club, one of the best Indian restaurants, shows its Indian culinary excellence with its elegant ambiance, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service.
Start your meal with appetizers, such as the iconic samosas or the tantalizing chaat. You can savor classic dishes like butter chicken, lamb rogan josh, or paneer tikka masala.
Location: 815 Connecticut Ave NW, Downtown
6. City Kabob & Curry House
City Kabob & Curry House is a low-key counter-serve spot doling out halal Pakistani and Indian food. They start with mild spices and then ramp up the hotness to your liking.
They have Indian specialties like saag paneer lamb vindaloo and feature Pakistani flavors in dishes such as lamb biryani, chicken karahi, and house kabobs.
Location: 204 Michigan Ave NE, Edgewood
7. Himalayan Heritage
Himalayan Heritage offers a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of India and Nepal. It has a cozy and welcoming ambiance, with warm lighting and tasteful decor that reflects elements of Indian and Nepalese culture.
It specializes in a menu that highlights the diverse culinary traditions of the Himalayan region.
Location: 2305 18th St NW, Adams Morgan
8. Karma Modern Indian
Karma Modern Indian is among the contemporary Indian restaurants that stand out for its creative interpretation of traditional flavors. Their menu showcases the richness and complexity of Indian cuisine.
Guests can start their meal with appetizers like the crispy spinach and tandoori octopus. For main courses, signature entrees include the butter chicken and the Goan fish curry.
Location: 611 I St NW, Penn Quarter
9. Spice 6 Modern Indian
Spice 6 aims to bring the vibrant flavors of Indian street food in a modern and casual setting. Its open kitchen allows diners to witness the cooking process.
Diners can choose their preferred protein, sauce, spice level, and accompaniments, allowing for a personalized dining experience suited to individual tastes and dietary preferences.
Location: 5501 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville
10. Bindaas
Bindaas, which translates to "carefree" or "cool" in Hindi, embodies its name through its lively atmosphere and creative menu.
One of its highlights is its emphasis on small plates and sharing, allowing diners to sample a variety of flavors and textures in one meal. The dishes draw inspiration from street food vendors across India, offering a mix of classic favorites.
Location: 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Foggy Bottom
11. Masala Story
Masala Story specializes in traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Some popular items on the menu include Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Masala Dosa.
From hearty lentil dishes and vegetable curries to flavorful tofu and paneer-based dishes, vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of choices to enjoy.
Location: 3301 12th St NE #4008, Brookland
12. India Gate Restaurant & Bar
India Gate prides itself on offering a diverse menu that showcases the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. The tandoori platters are highly recommended.
Among the standout dishes are classics such as butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and paneer tikka masala, each prepared with authentic spices and fresh ingredients.
Location: 2020 P St NW, Dupont Circle
13. Bombay Street Food
Bombay Street Food is all about the savory and snackable delights in Mumbai's bustling street food scene.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with vibrant decor, reminiscent of India's bustling bazaars. It features various street food classics, ranging from flavorful chaats to hearty pav bhaji and vada pav.
Location: 1413 Park Rd NW, Columbia Heights
14. RASA
The restaurant's name is derived from the Sanskrit meaning "essence" or "taste," reflecting its commitment to delivering flavors.
The menu offers a variety of customizable bowls that allow guests to create unique combinations. Each bowl starts with a base of rice, greens, or naan, topped with protein, vegetables, sauces, and garnishes.
Location: 1247 First St SE, Capitol Riverfront
15. Salt And Pepper Grill
Salt And Pepper Grill is an Indian and Pakistani fast food spot with halal meat options. Run by a well-experienced family, their food is like home-cooked comfort food.
This casual counter-serve spot is a great place to grab a quick and delicious meal. Some popular dishes include chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and goat curry.
Location: 2632 Georgia Ave NW, Pleasant Plains
16. Sacrificial Lamb Kabobs & Wraps
Sacrificial Lamb Kabobs & Wraps, a below-the-ground spot in DC offers a Pakistani-Indian menu. It is primarily a delivery and take-out spot with reasonable prices.
This northern Indian restaurant has everything from delicious Kabobs and Fantastic Wraps to Delectable Indian & Pakistani dishes like Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry, and Mango Lassi.
Location: 1704 R St NW, Dupont Circle
17. NaanWise Indian Cuisine
NaanWise is a fine dining restaurant and also do in-house parties, banquets, weddings, and outdoor catering for private and corporate functions.
It serves a variety of savory recipes from India’s rich culture & culinary traditions so that you can try a bit of everything. They combine aromatic herbs & natural spices to create true Indian dishes.
Location: 2635 Connecticut Ave NW, Woodley Park
18. Rasika
Rasika offers a sophisticated dining experience that seamlessly blends flavors from various regions of India with modern culinary techniques.
Signature dishes at Rasika include the iconic palak chaat, black cod, lamb roganjosh, butter chicken, and an array of vegetarian options such as the paneer makhani and baingan bharta.
Location: 633 D St NW, Penn Quarter
19. Indigo
Indigo specializes in North Indian cuisine, showcasing diverse flavors and regional dishes. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including appetizers, mains, bread, and desserts.
Expect to find classic dishes like samosas, biryanis, tandoori meats, curries, and more, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic spices.
Location: 243 K St NE, NoMa
20. Rajaji Curry House Indian Restaurant
Rajaji Curry House delivers a flavorful journey through diverse flavors. From North Indian classics to regional specialties, the restaurant keeps presenting flavorful dishes.
This Indian restaurant is renowned for its curries, ranging from creamy and mild to spicy and aromatic. From palak paneer to aloo gobhi, vegetarians will find plenty of choices.
Location: 2603 Connecticut Ave NW #2634, Woodley Park
