3 Of The Finest Indian Eateries In Washington, D.C. Showcasing India’s Rich Culinary History

Beyond its world-famous political institutions, the United States’ capital city boasts a thriving dining landscape that showcases the rich tapestry of the world. The quality of Indian restaurants is impressive. And within this diverse culinary scene, Indian cuisine shines brightly. Here we take you on a journey through three spectacular Indian restaurants in Washington, D.C. that go beyond simply serving delectable food. These eateries feature interiors that have been carefully curated to provide an immersive experience, where every detail tells a tale about India’s rich history and heritage. Bookmark this guide to the finest Indian restaurants in Washington, D.C.

 #1 Rania 

Rania is an upscale modern Indian dining experience by international restaurateur Karan Singh and helmed by chef Chetan Shetty. Situated in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., the eatery serves innovative Indian cuisine in an opulent Rajasthan palace-inspired setting. The restaurant has earned a Michelin star, a testament to its culinary artistry. Rania’s expert culinary team celebrates the 5,000 years of cultural history behind Indian cuisine while also modernising recipes for the 21st century. Guests are welcomed to the 4,700-square-foot eatery with the arresting ​​Sundowner Bar, which is made of a 40-foot chiselled piece of solid pink sandstone, ornate chandeliers, elegant decor, and a romantic vibe crafting a luxurious dining experience. 

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Rania is well-known for its impeccable hospitality, lip-smacking food, and elegant details such as Hermés dinnerware. The eatery’s dining room houses a beautiful gold and teal wallpapered accent wall, brass chandeliers and arches, and mother-of-pearl inlay motifs. Rania offers a prix-fixe, multi-course menu of innovative Indian cuisine that goes way beyond  expectations. Guests can elevate their experience by choosing from a variety of wine pairings and cocktails. Highlights from the food menu include Stuffed Morels, Shrimp Koliwada, Baingan Bharta Dosa, Chana Masala Panisse, Parsi Chicken, Scallop Mangalorean, Lamb Shoulder Rogan Josh and Shrikhand Mousse.

​​​​#DP loves Rania’s Sheesh Mahal private dining room where guests can indulge in an exclusive chef’s tasting menu for up to 10 people. In this room, visitors are encompassed by 150,000 hand-laid mirrors imported from India.

#2 Karma Modern Indian

Karma Modern Indian offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that seamlessly marries the art of traditional Indian food with bold, vibrant flavours in a contemporary dining environment. Washington, D.C.’s leading artist Maggie O’Neill and her design firm Swatchroom conceptualised the interiors of the restaurant. Karma Modern India’s design masterfully mix Indian cultural elements with modern aesthetics. The primary dining room houses an open kitchen and live grill, providing guests with an intimate view of the culinary team at work, and enhancing the dining experience with an engaging, behind-the-scenes look. The restaurant’s private dining area boasts a striking tapestry that drapes from the ceiling, infusing the space with warm hues. In the bar area, intricate hanging marigolds are subtly moulded into the wall, evocative of traditional flower strands used in Indian celebrations. Each design element has been thoughtfully curated to create an immersive and visually enriching ambience.

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As evidence of its commitment to exceptional cuisine, Karma Modern Indian has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for three consecutive years (2020 – 2023). In addition to its ala carte menu, ​​the eatery also serves a Chef Tasting Menu, offering a 6-course or 9-course culinary voyage through the Indian subcontinent. Signature dishes include the Balchao Shrimp Cornets, Paneer Pesto, Grilled Branzino, Saffron Duck, Chicken Chettinad, Lamb Gushtaba, Zucchini Kofta, Amritsari Snapper, and Tellicherry Crab. 

​​​​#DP loves Karma Modern Indian’s open kitchen and live grill offers an engaging experience, allowing guests to witness the artistry and skill of the culinary team firsthand. 

#3 The Bombay Club

The Bombay Club, situated one block from the White House, has been wildly popular with tourists and locals since its  establishmented in 1988. It is a chic Indian restaurant, renowned for its stylish ambience and refined traditional Indian cuisine. This high-end establishment serves an extensive menu featuring dishes from several regions of India, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant’s old-world dining room–complete with live piano music–crafts a sophisticated ambiance. ​​This area is decked with rich mahogany panelling, lavishly appointed velvet sofas, and intricate details reminiscent of colonial India. Soft lighting, crystal chandeliers, and tasteful artwork add to the refined atmosphere. The overall setting is one of timeless luxury, creating a welcoming backdrop ideal for special occasions.

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Over the last few decades, The Bombay Club has hosted international dignitaries and Hollywood stars, like Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, and political figures like former President Obama, former President Bush, former Secretary of State Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and many more. The food offerings at The Bombay Club comprise delicately spiced tandoori meats, rich and creamy curries, and delicious vegetarian options. The restaurant’s culinary team uses only the finest ingredients to craft dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Our favourites from the menu include the Scallop Chettinad, Crab Masala, Mango Shrimp, Bengali Fish Curry, Chicken Makhani, Lobster Lababdar and Dal Makhani.

​​​​#DP loves The Bombay Club’s floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled bar, which pays homage to the age-old Indian clubs from the colonial era.