Image: Eggplant.
Last Updated: November 2024
Overview:
Rasika is one of the special and important restaurants in D.C. Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj already had a winner with the power lunch spot Bombay Club. He has also opened (and closed) various other kinds of spots (New American, French, Israeli, Italian) over the years. In 2005, he opened Rasika as a statement and a crown jewel doing modern Indian in an elegant setting. Early hires included a plucky young sommelier who saw how wine could work with the food. For the cooking he brought over Vikram Sunderam from London. Sunderam would go on to several James Beard nominations and win Chef of the Year in 2014 (what an interesting group of names that year). It all worked and still does.
A few dishes established the early reputation and became signatures like the Palaak Chaat – crispy spinach leaves over yogurt sauce and date chutney – and the black cod. The dishes are created with precision, carefully balancing flavors, spice, and texture. They are good for sharing (our preferred method) but also work individually. Consistent with the “modern” description the food is rooted in traditional Indian cooking but subject to refinement and creative twists. One favorite of ours is the eggplant potato combination of the Tawa Baingan with peanut sauce.
Rasika has more than its fair share of fans. The Clintons and Obamas dined there. Angelina Jolie frequents the West End location. The Post restaurant critic routinely gave it four stars (when he dispensed stars). Perhaps the most notable praise comes from Andy Hayler, who dines at Michelin-starred spots frequently for his site. Hayler, who lives in England, wrote after a 2019 visit, “Rasika is a proper Indian restaurant that would do perfectly well even in the competitive Indian restaurant scene in London. By the low standards of Indian food in America it is practically miraculous.” For a slightly cringe-y take Michelin describes it as “kitsch-free Indian cuisine.”
As noted above, there is a second location in the West End with its own executive chef, Rakesh Singh. We would also note that it seems a little less buzzy, more calming, with a bit of a lounge area in the front for hanging out.
With some minor glitches aside (there is a seat at the main spot that felt like you were sharing the table with a post), Rasika remains a favorite. It is a unique and special D.C. spot that is worth recommending and treating yourself to.
Other Guidance: Both locations are located at street level with no interior steps. GF can do well, as can vegans, vegetarians. The website advises, “No jacket is required; however, we respectfully request that our patrons refrain from wearing shorts, sandals, sleeveless shirts, and baseball caps. Athletic wear and torn clothing are not permitted.”
Gift Cards – for the whole restaurant group.
Summary:
Cuisine: Indian
Locations:
Penn Quarter/Chinatown: 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Reservations: Resy
West End: 1190 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC
Reservation: Resy
Website: https://www.rasikarestaurant.com
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom has probably been the biggest Rasika cheerleader over the years. He has consistently given it 4 stars (3.5 for West End), put it in his Hall of Fame spots, and called out Michelin for not giving it enough respect. Though even Rasika had to start with 2.5 stars.
Washingtonian: Top 100 in 2024; Top 100 in 2023, #27 in 2019 (jointly with West End); and several in the previous years: 2016;
DonRockwell.com: Though Don himself has not always had the best of experiences.
Lori Gardner (Been There Eaten That)
Forbes: The best Indian restaurant in America.
Michelin: Listed and oblivious to the second location. Also, in the odd miss category, the Infatuation seems to not realize that it does a la carte in addition to a tasting menu option.