The Washington DC area is home to some of the finest food in the country. From award-winning steakhouses to internationally-inspired cafes, there are many excellent options for finding a great place to eat in this city. However, things aren’t quite as straightforward if you want something a little different and are looking for somewhere that offers delicious Indian food.
For those who don’t yet have that insider knowledge, here is our list of the top 5 Indian restaurants in the DC metro area. These eateries offer incredible examples of Indian cooking and serve fantastic dishes that will make you think twice about ever eating at another chain again.
Sai Saravana Bhavan
If you’re looking for a top-notch Washington DC Indian restaurant, this is one of the best places in the Washington DC metro area. This award-winning restaurant has become a staple for anyone craving authentic Indian food, with many diners traveling from far and wide to try it out. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and can be adjusted to suit different dietary requirements, making Sai a great choice for a wide variety of guests.
Newbie tip: Chicken Tikka Masala – This dish is one of the most popular Indian dishes in the world and a must-eat for any fan of Indian food. The Chicken Tikka Masala at Sai is one of the best we’ve ever tried!
Shouk DC
Shouk is a relatively new Washington DC Indian restaurant located in the heart of DC at 1025 8th Street Northwest. Owned by the same group that operates the nearby Mediterranean restaurant, Shawerma, this restaurant focuses on traditional and modern Indian cuisine, making it a wonderful choice for Indian food lovers who want something different. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, you will find a wide array of excellent dishes featuring Indian and Mediterranean flavors. If you love Indian food, this is one of the best places to eat in the Washington DC area.
Newbie tip: Chicken Tikka Paneer – This is one of the most popular dishes at Shouk. It comprises a tender chicken breast, perfectly complemented by a creamy paneer sauce.
Indigo
If you like a little history with your food, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Indigo. This Washington DC Indian restaurant has been serving Indian food for over 30 years, making it one of the longest-running Indian restaurants in the entire DC area. You won’t find a more extensive menu of traditional Indian dishes anywhere in the region, and unlike many other Indian restaurants, Indigo is also open for breakfast. This is the perfect place to head if you’re craving a taste of authentic Indian cooking and want to go sightseeing at the same time.
Newbie tip: Goat Curry – Goat is one of the most popular meats in Indian cooking, and it is served at India House with a delicious sauce.
Naanwise Indian Cuisine
If you are looking for a more upscale Indian restaurant in the Washington DC area, Naanwise is a great pick. This popular Indian eatery offers a wide selection of classic dishes and modern takes on Indian cuisine, served in a stylish and elegant environment. The portions are generous, and the food is fresh and flavorful. Naanwise is a great choice for a date night or special occasion and is a contender for the best Indian restaurant in Washington DC.
Newbie tip: Butter Chicken -The chicken is tender, juicy and perfectly flavored with a rich and creamy sauce.
Namaste Foods
If you are looking for a Washington DC Indian restaurant that is a little different, check out Namaste Foods in Falls Church. It is a great place to try Indian fusion food, with a menu featuring Indian and Mexican flavors. This is the perfect place to grab a quick and delicious meal on the go or to grab a few dishes to take home and share with friends.
Newbie tip: Anything – Seriously, everything on the menu is delicious at Namaste, but if we had to choose one dish, we’d go with the Aloo Tikki. These are Indian-spiced potato fritters served with a spicy yogurt sauce.
FAQ
While there are many options, Namaste and Indigo stand out for their fantastic delivery services. However, precautions have been put in place due to COVID-19 and the delivery is often no-contact.
Tastes vary between clients, and everyone has their own opinion. However, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken and Biryani are some of the most popular dishes.
Indigo is the most famous Indian restaurant in Washington, closely followed by Rasika. There are few cuisines as diverse and flavorful as Indian cooking, which makes it a wonderful choice for diners who like trying new things and don’t want to order the same thing every time they go out to eat. The Washington DC area is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in the country, and these five are the best of the best. If you love Indian food and live in the DC metro area, you don’t want to miss out on these Indian restaurants in Washington. Now, all that’s left is for you to pick a restaurant, put on your best outfit and head out for the best Indian food in the DC metro area!
