Best Indian Restaurants in Downtown, Washington, D.C. Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Adams MorganAlexandriaArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Chai Pani

4.7

Exceptional(443)

$$$$

• Indian • NoMa

Booked 97 times today

Chai Pani is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant by chef Meherwan Irani, known internationally for broadening the representation of Indian street food in America. Meherwan and Vishwesh Bhatt, the executive chef and southern food icon, believe Indian street food - the everyday cuisine of more than a billion people - reflects the greatness of India. The shareable menu they created honors both street food and Irani cafe traditions of chaat (street snacks), uttapam (savory fermented pancakes), chhota plates (truck stop–style small plates), sigri (grill), pav (street sandwiches, pronounced “pow”), and specialties. An experience that sparks your curiosity, blasts your culinary and visual senses under kaleidoscopic colors, garlands of bougainvillea, and hand-painted museum-worthy murals by local District artists - transporting you to the streets of Mumbai. Ok! Be one of a billion. Come visit us!

2. Rania DC

4.6

Exceptional(815)

$$$$

• Indian • Penn Quarter

Booked 10 times today

We are excited to welcome you to Rania, DC's hottest destination for modern Indian food. Tom Sietsema has called our food "some of the most inspired Indian cooking in DC." At Rania, we offer homage to the time-honored traditions, rich flavors, and spices of India in an intimate, luxurious setting. We look forward to sharing our vision with you!Presenting sophisticated, highly acclaimed 4-course prix-fixe menu, with an upcoming debut of our chef's tasting menu.Policies:-Dress Code: Smart Business Casual. No shorts, athletic wear, or baseball caps are allowed.-Children under 10 are not allowed in the main dining areas.-Reservations are available for parties of up to 6 people.- A non-refundable deposit of $30 per person is required for parties larger than 5.-A 20% gratuity will be added to all parties 5 or more.For large party or private dining inquiries, please email: Info@raniadc.com

3. G.O.A.T. Room

4.5

Awesome(127)

$$$$

• Indian • Downtown

Booked 16 times today

G.O.A.T. Room in Downtown Washington masterfully showcases the essence of Contemporary Indian cuisine by blending the vibrant flavors of the Punjab region with a modern twist. As praised by diners, "the food was nothing short of spectacular," offering an exciting variety of dishes like Gol Gappe and masala fries that are both innovative and authentic. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the "exceptional service" and "delicious cocktails & entrees," making it a standout destination for Indian food enthusiasts. With its chic yet cozy ambiance, G.O.A.T. Room promises an unforgettable dining experience filled with bold flavors and warm hospitality.

A photo of Karma Modern Indian | Karizma Modern restaurant

4. Karma Modern Indian | Karizma Modern

4.7

Exceptional(581)

$$$$

• Indian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 3 times today

Karma's dining rooms now offer TWO distinct dining experiences - A CHEF TASTING MENU & A-LA CARTE experience. Karizma - the new format offers a refreshed menu for ala carte dining. Visit: www.karizmadc.com or www.karmamodernindian.com for details.Karizma, the latest ala carte concept by Karma Modern Indian, offers an upscale casual dining experience. Led by award-winning Chef Ajay Kumar, Karma | Karizma blends traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary techniques to create bold, innovative dishes. Karma Modern Indian is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant since 2021 in Washington, D.C., known for its innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine. Karma has now transitioned to an exclusive, reservations-only tasting menu concept, offering 4-, 6-, and 9-course dining experiences alongside Karizma. Our carefully curated menu, crafted by award-winning Chef Ajay Kumar, takes guests on a culinary journey through India’s diverse flavors, paired with an exceptional wine selection.

A photo of Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar restaurant

5. Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar

4.3

Awesome(168)

$$$$

• Indian • Adams Morgan

Voted Best 100 Restaurants in DC - Washingtonian Magazine 2009 & 2010, and located in the heart of Adam Morgan, Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar provides the perfect fusion of Nepalese and Indian cuisine. We serve only the freshest ingredients, choice meats, and a wide variety of vegetarian options, spiced just right and sure to please even the most discerning palette. Our personable and attentive staff will more than exceed your every expectation. We look forward to being of service, and seeing you at your next visit to Himalayan Heritage.

6. Tikka

4.4

Awesome(27)

$$$$

• Indian • Van Ness

Booked 3 times today

At Tikka, we bring the heart and soul of North Indian and Nepali cuisine to your plate, blending tradition with a touch of innovation. Renowned for our signature dishes from the tandoor and our authentic tikka masala sauce, we take pride in delivering bold, vibrant flavors that stay true to their roots. Our menu showcases the depth of South Asian culinary artistry, crafted with expertise and passion for authenticity. Complementing our food is our unique collection of cocktails, each infused with a South Asian twist—exciting yet comfortably familiar.

A photo of Jab We Met Indian Kitchen restaurant

7. Jab We Met Indian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(29)

$$$$

• Indian • Capitol Hill

Booked 5 times today

Welcome to Jab We Met Indian Kitchen, where culinary tradition meets innovation. We offer an authentic and diverse menu crafted from the finest ingredients, showcasing the rich flavors of India. From classic curries to contemporary delicacies, our dishes are prepared with utmost care and passion. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates Indian culture and cuisine.

8. Delhi Dhaba

4.4

Awesome(51)

$$$$

• Indian • Arlington

Booked 3 times today

Delhi Dhaba was established in July of 1991 by a local Arlingtonian family that emigrated from New Delhi to the United States in the 70’s. Their vision was to bring the colors, flavors, and riches of a traditional Indian Dhaba to the locals in the metropolitan area. Traditionally, a Dhaba is a roadside restaurant or cafe found on highways and on the outskirts of cities, towns, and villages. Dhabas were initially started by enterprising Punjabi’s to cater to the needs of truckers, for wholesome, clean, and hot authentic Punjabi food at any hour of the day or night. Over the years Delhi Dhaba has become one the most well known and respected Indian restaurants in Arlington. The family continues to push the envelope of new ideas everyday while staying true to their culture and values.

9. Rajaji

4.0

Excellent(36)

$$$$

• Indian • Woodley Park

Come experience the taste of Egypt. Medaterra is a unique twist of Egyptian-American Cuisine. Rajaji Curry House has been serving authentic Indian food to the community since 1969.

10. Urban Tandoor

4.4

Awesome(111)

$$$$

• Indian • Arlington

At Urban Tandoor, you will be able to take a delectable culinary tour of India and Nepal. Our specialities include menu items prepared in the traditional Indian clay oven (“tandoor”), grilled items, classic curries, and a wide variety of comfort delicacies. The tandoor-based and grilled items are light but highly flavorful, and the curry items provide a wide sampling of curries from North and South India. Menu items are selected meticulously to help our customers appreciate the art of bringing the ingredients and spices (also called “masala”) together.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Don
Washington, D.C. Area •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fabulous food and delightful service. It was a special occasion and we had a wonderful time
More info
Rania DC$$$$• Indian• Penn Quarter
•
4.6
R
RobertGold
Montreal / Quebec •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The indian street food rivals any other Indian food in DC. The braised lamb shank was tender as butter and the Indian spices on the lamb were fragrant, balanced and delicious. The chicken in the butter chicken was tender and the sauce had a lot of umami! The deserts are the best Indian deserts I have ever had! This restaurant is definitely up for repeat
More info
Chai Pani$$$$• Indian• NoMa
•
4.7
K
Kathleen
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great food and lovely service. Restaurant has a really nice vibe, even on a Sunday night.
More info
G.O.A.T. Room$$$$• Indian• Downtown
•
4.5
S
Syed
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 21, 2026
Food quality was fantastic! I had the chettinad chicken. I look forward to coming again, and trying the Fixed Price menu next door. Excellent service and high quality ingredients / dishes!
More info
Karma Modern Indian | Karizma Modern$$$$• Indian• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.7
K
Kate
Washington, D.C. Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 14, 2026
Great mo mo’s!!!!! Beautiful small restaurant with great friendly service.
More info
Himalayan Heritage Restaurant & Bar$$$$• Indian• Adams Morgan
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Cuisine Nearby
Indian Cuisine

Downtown

Indian

Tysons Corner / McLean
Woodley Park
Foggy Bottom
Northeast
Falls Church
Bowie State University
Olney
Mount Vernon
Keswick
Logan Circle
McLean
Bethesda
Fauquier County
Vienna
West End
Mount Vernon Triangle
Washington
Capitol Hill
Warrenton
Silver Spring