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Polished restaurant & lounge serving contemporary Indian food, wine & cocktails.
Hours
| Saturday | 4:30–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30–9:30 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 637-1222
Website: http://www.rasikarestaurant.com/pennquarter/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Rasika
Penn Quarter. Rasika included in Tom Sietsema’s 2019 Fall Dining Guide in The Washington Post. The D.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame – Washington Post …
Book Your Rasika Penn Quarter Reservation Now on Resy
Rasika, which is derived from Sanskrit meaning “flavors,” is the award-winning modern Indian restaurant owned by Ashok Bajaj. Bajaj was recently named by both …
Rasika – Washington – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Rasika. 633 D St. NW, Washington, DC, 20004, USA. $$$ · Indian.
Reviews
Bill Yu
Very refined Indian food. Equally refined ambiance. A combination that earned then a Michelin recommendation and a most sought after reservation. We had Palak Chaat (a must-order), Sweet Potato Samosa, Truffle Seekh Kebab. For the mains we had Saiji Lamb Shank (best dish and best value), Duck Vindaloo, Halibut Goan Curry, Goat Ahuna. Go ahead and order extra rice or roti or nan as the sauces are heavenly.
… moreSnehal Sonawane
This was my second time at this place, and it didn’t disappoint. Tried the Spicy Reshmi Kebab, Halibut Goan Curry with butter roti, and the Dhaniya Cooler cocktail, such an amazing combination! The kebabs were perfectly juicy, and the Goan curry was really flavorful and comforting and great portion. Nothing was overly spicy, so you can ask for extra heat if needed. Great ambience and a wonderful overall experience.
… moreJay Fal
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 Instagram page. The server was super nice and understood the request
Two minutes later, the manager came over with a very serious face and told me he is not giving anything for free and that I am not allowed to take any footage of the restaurant except the plate. I never asked for anything free and I never said I wanted to film the restaurant
It was surprising to see this kind of attitude in such a well known place. Good restaurants grow when they understand hospitality, communication, and how people share their experiences today. Sadly, this was not the case here
… moreTwo minutes later, the manager came over with a very serious face and told me he is not giving anything for free and that I am not allowed to take any footage of the restaurant except the plate. I never asked for anything free and I never said I wanted to film the restaurant
It was surprising to see this kind of attitude in such a well known place. Good restaurants grow when they understand hospitality, communication, and how people share their experiences today. Sadly, this was not the case here
Darshan Shah
Had a great dinner here today. Everything tasted amazing with rich flavors. Presentation was outstanding and our server was very attentive and took care of us nicely.
… moreTitus Arthur
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 first, but then the heat builds as you eat (to be clear, this is a selling point and part of why I enjoyed it). The sauce was flavorful and the lamb was beautifully tender. The chicken tikka is also amazing with complexity to its flavors, and definitely don’t skip out on the naan! Their apple beignet was also delightful.
We will absolutely be back when we next visit DC. This is stop you MUST make when visiting. It’s a little dark though, so bring a headlamp. (kidding!)
… moreWe will absolutely be back when we next visit DC. This is stop you MUST make when visiting. It’s a little dark though, so bring a headlamp. (kidding!)
Ravi Singh
Rasika — A Thoughtful Review
I’ve been going to Rasika for well over a decade, and it has always held a special place as one of Washington DC’s polished and elegant Indian dining experiences. While some things feel different since the pre-COVID days, my overall sentiment is still positive. This review is meant to reflect long-term observations with fairness and appreciation.
Ambience & Atmosphere — 5/5
Elegant, comfortable, and thoughtfully modern — Rasika has always nailed ambience. The design aesthetic is warm yet sophisticated: subtle lighting, muted colors, tasteful textures. It never feels pretentious, and works equally well for date nights, business dinners, or a relaxed celebration.
You can dress up or dress casually and still feel completely at home.
Service & Staff — 4/5
The staff remains very professional and well-trained — attentive without being intrusive. Water glasses are topped off, dishes are cleared discreetly, and servers take the time to explain dishes or answer questions. Over the years, this consistency has been Rasika’s strongest hallmark.
️ Food — Mixed Feelings But Still Enjoyable
Appetizers — 5/5
This continues to be Rasika’s strongest category.
– Creative, modern takes are where they shine.
– The famous palak chaat is still delicious.
– Starters tend to be balanced, flavorful, and memorable.
When Rasika experiments or fuses ideas, the results are often excellent.
Main Dishes — 3/5
Since COVID, I’ve personally noticed that the deeply traditional flavors I used to experience didn’t quite carry forward.
To be clear, the food is still good — just not what it once was.
I can’t tell if: the kitchen team changed, recipes evolved, or the management shifted focus.
But the traditional curries and classics just don’t consistently capture the earlier richness. A softer way to phrase it: they feel gentler and more restrained than before.
Still enjoyable, just not the standout they used to be.
Dessert — 5/5
Desserts at Rasika remain consistently delicious.
Presentation and taste both satisfy — a great way to finish the meal, especially with guests.
Drinks / Bar — 3/5
Before COVID, the bar program felt stronger — cocktails were creative, well-balanced, and executed with personality.
Recently:
– drinks are fine, not bad at all
– but they lack the “wow factor” they once had
– bartenders seem to rotate more, so consistency varies
Again, this isn’t a harsh criticism, just a gentle observation from someone who has been going there for many years.
Final Thoughts
Rasika continues to be:
– a beautiful restaurant with refined ambience
– staffed by polite and professional servers
– a reliable destination for upscale Indian dining
Its appetizers and desserts still shine. Some of the main dishes and drinks feel different from the “classic Rasika” I remember, but still enjoyable and worth ordering.
For newcomers, Rasika remains a fantastic DC dining experience. For those who knew the pre-COVID flavor profile, expectations just need to be calibrated a bit.
… moreI’ve been going to Rasika for well over a decade, and it has always held a special place as one of Washington DC’s polished and elegant Indian dining experiences. While some things feel different since the pre-COVID days, my overall sentiment is still positive. This review is meant to reflect long-term observations with fairness and appreciation.
Ambience & Atmosphere — 5/5
Elegant, comfortable, and thoughtfully modern — Rasika has always nailed ambience. The design aesthetic is warm yet sophisticated: subtle lighting, muted colors, tasteful textures. It never feels pretentious, and works equally well for date nights, business dinners, or a relaxed celebration.
You can dress up or dress casually and still feel completely at home.
Service & Staff — 4/5
The staff remains very professional and well-trained — attentive without being intrusive. Water glasses are topped off, dishes are cleared discreetly, and servers take the time to explain dishes or answer questions. Over the years, this consistency has been Rasika’s strongest hallmark.
️ Food — Mixed Feelings But Still Enjoyable
Appetizers — 5/5
This continues to be Rasika’s strongest category.
– Creative, modern takes are where they shine.
– The famous palak chaat is still delicious.
– Starters tend to be balanced, flavorful, and memorable.
When Rasika experiments or fuses ideas, the results are often excellent.
Main Dishes — 3/5
Since COVID, I’ve personally noticed that the deeply traditional flavors I used to experience didn’t quite carry forward.
To be clear, the food is still good — just not what it once was.
I can’t tell if: the kitchen team changed, recipes evolved, or the management shifted focus.
But the traditional curries and classics just don’t consistently capture the earlier richness. A softer way to phrase it: they feel gentler and more restrained than before.
Still enjoyable, just not the standout they used to be.
Dessert — 5/5
Desserts at Rasika remain consistently delicious.
Presentation and taste both satisfy — a great way to finish the meal, especially with guests.
Drinks / Bar — 3/5
Before COVID, the bar program felt stronger — cocktails were creative, well-balanced, and executed with personality.
Recently:
– drinks are fine, not bad at all
– but they lack the “wow factor” they once had
– bartenders seem to rotate more, so consistency varies
Again, this isn’t a harsh criticism, just a gentle observation from someone who has been going there for many years.
Final Thoughts
Rasika continues to be:
– a beautiful restaurant with refined ambience
– staffed by polite and professional servers
– a reliable destination for upscale Indian dining
Its appetizers and desserts still shine. Some of the main dishes and drinks feel different from the “classic Rasika” I remember, but still enjoyable and worth ordering.
For newcomers, Rasika remains a fantastic DC dining experience. For those who knew the pre-COVID flavor profile, expectations just need to be calibrated a bit.
Lavern Bentt
I had always relied on Rasika as a go-to spot for special occasions and hosting out-of-town guests, but my most recent visit was quite disappointing. The food quality did not live up to past experiences. The entrées were noticeably small in portion size, served with a large amount of sauce, and the rice—charged separately—did not feel like good value.
A more concerning issue was that I found metallic pot-scrubber pieces in my rice. When I brought this to my server’s attention, the response was casual and dismissive, with no effort made to address or remedy the situation. Similarly, when I expressed that I did not enjoy the rice-based dessert, I was told it was a popular dish but was not offered a substitute or any alternative.
Overall, the lack of attentiveness and care left me very let down, especially given the restaurant’s past reputation for excellent dining. Based on this experience, I have not returned.
… moreA more concerning issue was that I found metallic pot-scrubber pieces in my rice. When I brought this to my server’s attention, the response was casual and dismissive, with no effort made to address or remedy the situation. Similarly, when I expressed that I did not enjoy the rice-based dessert, I was told it was a popular dish but was not offered a substitute or any alternative.
Overall, the lack of attentiveness and care left me very let down, especially given the restaurant’s past reputation for excellent dining. Based on this experience, I have not returned.
Ruby T
Rasika was a nice experience. Started with a crispy green dish and eggplant which was good. The chicken masala had a lot of rich flavor. Overall the food didn’t wow me, but it was solid. Really enjoyed the garlic naan and cheese naan.
… moreVicki
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. They also have a pretty extensive menu to choose from!
… moreWe went during lunch time and every waiter and staff there was friendly and nice to us. They also have a pretty extensive menu to choose from!
AJ
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 apart from rest of restaurants around the block.
The only highlight for me was the crispy spinach appetizers. Honestly, I could have eaten this as all 3 courses, partly coz it’s tasty and a newer take on an appetizer but also coz none of the other appetizers were good and don’t get me started on main course and dessert.
Roti was okay, not too hard I guess and naan was nothing different than a roti. Lachcha paratha did taste a bit better than both.
Vegetarian dishes for main course were no delight, too watery of a curry with loads of saffron and a silver leaf put in to make it look fancy and basically to cover up the taste of rest of the dish.
Multiple menu options in vegetarian section were dishes which you can easily (in 10 mins) make it at home and may be even tastier.
Malai palak was just a thick soup of cooked spinach run to a paste. No notes of any other taste.
Rice doesn’t come standard with entrees which was a surprise as all other Indian restaurants do include rice along with the dish.
Servers were fine, courteous and polite for most of the service, sometimes difficult to find once the restaurant had a few more tables occupied. Food came out decently fast.
Overall prices were decent but I bet you can find better Indian restaurants within same price range for better food.
Really no effort made to stand out from other restaurants and charge this much!
… moreThe place has either lost its charm or may be I was expecting it to stand apart from rest of restaurants around the block.
The only highlight for me was the crispy spinach appetizers. Honestly, I could have eaten this as all 3 courses, partly coz it’s tasty and a newer take on an appetizer but also coz none of the other appetizers were good and don’t get me started on main course and dessert.
Roti was okay, not too hard I guess and naan was nothing different than a roti. Lachcha paratha did taste a bit better than both.
Vegetarian dishes for main course were no delight, too watery of a curry with loads of saffron and a silver leaf put in to make it look fancy and basically to cover up the taste of rest of the dish.
Multiple menu options in vegetarian section were dishes which you can easily (in 10 mins) make it at home and may be even tastier.
Malai palak was just a thick soup of cooked spinach run to a paste. No notes of any other taste.
Rice doesn’t come standard with entrees which was a surprise as all other Indian restaurants do include rice along with the dish.
Servers were fine, courteous and polite for most of the service, sometimes difficult to find once the restaurant had a few more tables occupied. Food came out decently fast.
Overall prices were decent but I bet you can find better Indian restaurants within same price range for better food.
Really no effort made to stand out from other restaurants and charge this much!