Address: 633 D Street NW
Phone: 202-637-1222

http://www.rasikarestaurant.com

Traveler Reviews

Classy and interesting
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 15, 2008


This was my first time eating Indian food and I really wasn't sure what to order. I ate dinner there by myself as I was in the city taking a grad class. I sat in the bar area at a tiny glass topped table. I went in right at 5:30 and got a seat, but if you don't have reservations, I'm sure it is very difficult to get a table. I had a blood orange margarita for $11 which was good. I also tried the avocado banana chaat which is an appetizer- I didn't really care for it, but that may just be my taste. For an entree I had tandoori chicken tikka which was good with white rice and naan bread. I loved the bread and wished I would have listened to the waiter and tried the other rice. Restaurant is beautiful and the wait staff were very pleasant and quick. On an interesting note, while I was eating a couple came in and wanted to sit in the bar area. There were 2 tables on each side of me that were empty, but they only had 2 seats a piece. She needed three seats, so she asked me if I would move. Now, normally if I had just received my drink or was waiting on my food, this wouldn't be a big deal, but I had my meal and was 1/2 way through it and was slightly stunned that she would be that rude. Before I had the chance to answer, the manager came over and said that the 2 tables next to me were saved. She became very angry because she said that she called and that they said the bar seating wasn't reserved. She ended up moving somewhere else, but I was really glad that the manager hadn't moved me. All in all, I would try it again. My total was about $50.

Tasty Food, Friendly Service But Lousy Table
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jun 26, 2008


Very, very tasty appetizers - particularly Ragda Patties and Sev Puri. Calamari Chili Garlic a tad tough but very tasty with a nice zing. Entrees fairly solid but less inventive, Tandoori Salmon not terribly fresh, Rogan Josh above average but unremarkable. Best entree our party had was the vegetable entree on the Pre-Theatre menu which included servings of Vegetable Moilee (veggie curry), dal and cauliflower (Gobhi Mattar). Wait staff very, very pleasant and attentive. Two of us split the salmon and vegetarian entree and they plated them so we didn't have to swap plates or transfer food across the tablecloth - nice touch. Fairly disappointed with our table particularily considering the fact that we'd made a reservation a month in advance. We were in a corner where all the wait staff congregated (as it turns out there was a flat screen computer adjacent to our table) so it felt like people were hovering over us the whole meal. We'll return but will focus on the appetizers and will definitely veto the tables by the computer.

Overrated
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jun 11, 2008


My friends and I were excited to have dinner at Rasika since we read all the reviews. Unfortunately, the food was mediocre and seemed to be modified for the inexperienced in Indian cuisine. It lacked the punch and depth of spices and seasoning. The dishes were terribly disappointing and almost bland in comparison to other Indian restaurants.

Love it!
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Apr 14, 2008


I've been to this restaurant three times now and love it more each time. Rasika is the only Indian food I've eaten, so I certainly can't attest to its authenticity, but it's been great each time and I find myself craving it all the time now! The first time I went, my table of five all shared our meals, plus many side dishes. On my subsequent trips I've only had the lamb roganjosh. All of their dishes have a lot of flavor and great quality meat. They also have homemade juices each day (unique flavors like watermelon or grape juice). The restaurant has great decor and fantastic service. Plus, it's not a loud as most of the DC restaurants. If you're into Indian food, definitely check Rasika out. You won't regret it.

Best Indian I Have Had
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Apr 2, 2008


We found this in the Washington Post restaurant reviews and persuaded a friend to join us for dinner. Very elegant and modern decor, super service, and the best Indian food I have had, although a bit more expensive than I am used to in Philadelphia. Wonderful lamb dishes, and sides of dal makhani and raita were a big help. Desserts are creative and scrumptious, and don't miss the kolfi (ice cream). Well worth the price.