Rasika
Category: Lounges, Upscale, Romantic
Neighborhood: Gallery Place / Chinatown
Price: $$$
Address: 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004
✨ Vibe
A sophisticated and trendy powerhouse of modern Indian dining, blending an elegant, dimly lit atmosphere with a high-energy bar scene that redefined contemporary cuisine in the capital.
🍸 Best For
Romantic date nights, milestone celebrations, impressive business dinners, and adventurous foodies looking for award-winning signature plates.
🔥 Highlights
- Recently honored as one of the most influential restaurants in America on Eater’s "All-Time 38" list for its revolutionary impact on U.S. dining over the past 20 years.
- Must-try culinary masterpieces from James Beard Award-winning Chef Vikram Sunderam, including the legendary shatteringly crisp Palak Chaat and the gold leaf-flecked Khubani Ka Kofta.
- An upscale bar experience featuring a curated selection of single malts, boutique beers, and signature cocktails served in a modern, stylish setting.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Reservations are highly recommended for this popular hotspot; a "Smart Casual" dress code is observed (please refrain from athletic wear, shorts, or sandals).
- To ensure an intimate dining environment for all guests, the restaurant maintains a restricted entrance policy for children above 8 years of age.
📰 In the News
D.C.‘s Next Big Restaurant Is an Ode to Indian Seafood
Rasika owner Ashok Bajaj is opening a new coastal Indian restaurant called Malabar in Washington D.C.’s Forest Hills neighborhood in mid-January 2026. The menu features seafood-centric dishes, including a new interpretation of Rasika’s signature black cod, as the restaurateur expands his portfolio following Rasika’s recognition as one of the most influential restaurants in America.
Carmine's, Rasika owners buy their D.C. restaurant spaces
Rasika's owners have purchased their restaurant's space in Washington D.C., securing the venue's long-term future in the city. This real estate acquisition removes the unpredictability of leasing and helps protect the establishment from the market pressures causing other local restaurants to close.
D.C.’s Rasika Recognized as One of the Most Influential U.S. Restaurants of the Past 20 Years
Rasika has been named one of the most essential and influential restaurants in America by Eater’s “All-Time 38” list, which honors establishments that have shaped U.S. dining over the past 20 years. The Washington D.C. institution is celebrated for redefining Indian cuisine through signature dishes like its palak chaat and for paving the way for contemporary Indian cooking nationwide. Led by restaurateur Ashok Bajaj and chef Vikram Sunderam, the restaurant remains a critical favorite and a central fixture in the city's culinary landscape.
Rasika is serving up delicious Indian cuisine during Summer Restaurant Week
Rasika Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam highlights the restaurant's modern Indian cuisine, featuring signature dishes like kebabs, shrimp curry, and Mango Sutarfeni. The Washington, D.C. venue also showcases its street food-inspired concept, Bindaas, which focuses on the fun and traditional snacks of Sunderam's childhood.
The D.C. Restaurants We Loved in May
Rasika Penn Quarter continues to impress with its signature shatteringly crisp palak chaat, six-hour dal makhani, and gold leaf-flecked khubani ka kofta. Chef Vikram Sunderam’s menu is celebrated for its impeccable execution and balance of flavors, maintaining its status as a premier destination for Indian cuisine in Washington D.C.
Recent Reviews from Google
I had a disappointing experience at Rasika on D Street. I gave my card to the server (Rahoul) and asked him to pass it to the chef so the plates could be presented nicely for photos and videos for our...
This is one of the best Indian restaurants we've ever been to. There's an elegance to everything you order, and the flavors are impeccable. I loved the lamb shank, whose spice level seems okay at...
Regardless of type of cuisine, this Indian restaurant seemed to be the most recommended place we’ve gotten! We went during lunch time and every waiter and staff there was friendly and nice to us....
Recently visited Rasika hoping to have a first hand experience of next level Indian cuisine but it was all too disappointing. The place has either lost its charm or may be I was expecting it to stand...
Rasika is a good Indian restaurant that offers a great dining experience. The food is delicious with excellent presentation, and the service is always very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend...
