Rasika West End

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Address:
1190 New Hampshire Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20037

Neighborhood:
West End

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Cuisine:
Contemporary Indian

Price: $31 to $50

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Rasika West End Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.rasikarestaurant.com
Phone: (202) 466-2500
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 10:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary Indian
Executive Chef: Vikram Sunderam
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access
Catering: We can cater events from 10 to 1000 guests.
Private Party Facilities: We offer three private dining room options.
The Library Room seats up to 36 guests for a sit down dinner and Stand up reception for 60 guests.
Window view Private room seats up to 10 guests.
Glass enclosed Private Dining Room in the Kitchen seats up to 8 guests.
Private Party Contact: Atul Narain (202) 466-2500

Getting there

Cross Street: New Hampshire & M Street
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: We offer valet parking at Dinner service at eight dollars per car. Our valet station is situated at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and M Street.

A word from Rasika West End

Rasika, which is derived from Sanskrit meaning "flavors,” is the award-winning modern Indian restaurant owned by Ashok Bajaj. Leading the kitchen is Group Executive Chef Vikram Sunderam, a 2012 nominee for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic from the James Beard Foundation. Rasika has consistently earned four… stars in the coveted Dining Guide of The Washington Post, and is in the top tier of Washingtonian magazine’s annual “100 Best.” Esquire magazine named it among the country’s best new restaurants in 2008 and Food & Wine magazine also stated that Rasika is “One of the hottest restaurants in the world.” Rasika showcases authentic Indian fare prepared on the Tawa (griddle), Sigri (open barbeque), as well as Tandoori and regional dishes. The restaurant is also noted for its international wine list, innovative cocktails and intimate, plush dining room. For private dining, Rasika has an exclusive space that can seat up to 16 guests and a semi-private area for up to 28.Continued

Foodspotting photos

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies

Rasika West End - Best Restaurants in West End DC

Diner Reviews

"Paalak Chaat- incredible- lightly fried spinach leaves with spices, very thin, light and sparse flour coating - added great taste and chutneys/garnish. Flounder great+ house-made chutney- elements blended well. Fish fresh- nice firm but tender texture/ flavor. Bhindi delicious- cooked perfectly (firm dry instead of the usual gooey stringy with large seeds). Dum Lamb Biryani- good but have had better. More like Pulao (with masalas/ ingredients mixed in) and not layered dish that expectedi. Lamb firm but well-cooked- no bones or fat- excellent. Overall- Excellent ingredients, creative blending of texture, colors and tastes, food prepped with care/ thought but needs to improve to earn buzz as 'best Indian restaurant' in US and top 20 overall."
Dined on 7/26/2014
"My favorite dish was railway lamb curry. Their service was great. Surrounding was too noisy"
Dined on 7/26/2014
"Consistently well executed Indian food with a creative twist. It never ever disappoints. The Palak Chat is beyond other worldly."
Dined on 7/26/2014
"No matter we've ever ordered at Rasika (3rd time there), it's always been just fantastic - appetizers, drinks, entrees, dessert. I find myself saying a number of times, "these people know how to cook"! It's become our go-to place for celebrating special occasions - this time a new job. We tried the newer West End place because the other was booked for months on weekends and found the food was just as great."
Dined on 7/26/2014
"This restaurant and its big sister, Rasika, are exceptional in the quality of their servings along with the unique flavors they bring to your table. This is not your local curry house. Well worth the price."
Dined on 7/25/2014
"The spices and flavors at Rasika are exceptional! As a vegan, I find it difficult to find places that go beyond the perfunctory one dish ( if they even have that). Rasika goes above and beyond with many offerings and professional and helpful waiters. Rasika has a wonderful reputation for a reason.....an exceptional dining experience. Highly recommended."
Dined on 7/25/2014
"I would never be tired to have lunch or dinner at Rasika. The food is delicious and the service is great! It was the first time for my daughter and husband, and they were not only happy but they enjoy each minute we were there."
Dined on 7/25/2014
"We ate at Rasika based on a recommendation from a friend. The food was outstanding! Very flavorful and beautifully presented. We ordered several different dishes for the table and shared so everyone could try."
Dined on 7/23/2014
"This is one of the most consistently wonderful restaurants in DC. Always dependable, always inventive, always top-notch in every way. If you are an Indian food fan, this is the restaurant for you. It's even a bit quieter than its sibling in Penn Quarter and a bit less "corporate". We love it and go back over and over."
Dined on 7/23/2014
"Rasika was a lovely place to celebrate my birthday with my out-of-town nephew. Service was first class- professional and keenly attentive. Our dinners were excellent. We shared the Palak Chaat and a shrimp dish for appetizers (Palak Chaat is my favorite and I could have meal from that alone) Our main entrees were an excellent chicken dish and the signature black cod entree. Both perfect. For dessert I was surprised with a cardamon ice cream with two little cakes in a sweet sauce: a very nice ending to a very special meal. I highly recommend Rasika West End!"
Dined on 7/23/2014
"We dined here for my father's 60th birthday at his request, since my mother usually refuses to eat Indian food. The food was fabulous from start to finish, especially the sev batata puri, the crispy spinach, and the duck entree. The wine we ordered was excellent, although the server was not as familiar with the liquors (whiskey) on the menu. The restaurant kindly brought a comped dessert (gulab jamun with ice cream) with a candle for my father, which was a really nice touch. The restaurant can get a little loud, and I have preferred sitting outdoors here in the past, but overall, you can't beat Rasika WE for a special occasion!"
Dined on 7/22/2014
"What an awwwesome experience!!! From our entry to our exit everything was exceptional …the hostess, our wait staff, and whewwwwww …THE FOOD!!!! You must experience the Palak Chaat …the description does it no justice! This has definitely become one of our favorites in the District!!!"
Dined on 7/22/2014
"This meal was spectacular. The crispy spinach is not to be missed. Our waiter recommended the tandoori lamb chops, and they were possibly the best I've ever had. The black cod lived up to its reputation. There was no dish that was not outstanding. Highly recommended."
Dined on 7/21/2014
"Everything we tried was over the top delicious. The service was excellent. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 7/21/2014
"One of the best Indian restaurants in the US. It helps to know what to order."
Dined on 7/21/2014
"I went to Rasika West End with a group of people on a friend's birthday. Mind you, it is a very popular restaurant and you need to book maybe a week (or a couple) in advance. The service was impeccable & the food delicious! We ordered a lot of food, but I would strongly recommend their butter chicken, chicken 65, spinach chaat & gulab jamun with icecream. Simply out of this world! Also, their wine selection is fantastic! I totally fell in love with the ambience: urban, chic & romantic! I would definitely recommend this place if you are planning to go out on a special occasion."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"But noisy. they need to provide linen covers for dining tables, and better quality silverware."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"The food here is divine! The cocktails are super tasty. And the service is second to none. Particularly Tibor! Request him if you can! He's great."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Our dinner at Rasika was very good. Certainly as good as any Indian meal I have had, in the US, in India, or elsewhere. And, it was no better. With the hype and difficulty in getting reservations, I expected a more dramatic taste experience. That it turned out to be merely a very good Indian restaurant was a bit of a let down. We ate at a table outside on the sidewalk, as the weather was perfect."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"While Indian food may not appeal to everyone Rasika is divine! Simply being able to secure a reservation at DC's most popular restaurants was a thrill! The service was unbelievably good, our waiter recommended several great dishes that we enjoyed immensely. As a frequent diner in New York I felt as if I was transported to the likes of Per Se or French Laundry in Napa. The must try dish at Riska is the chaat, the melt in your mouth fried spinach is full of so many flavors unlike anything you have had before. Each dish is hand crafted to perfection as the presentation looks so good you dare to disrupt this work of art before you. Would recommend sharing several small plates to experience the true Indian cuisine."
Dined on 7/18/2014
"Just outstanding. Every bite was better than the one before. My favorite restaurant in DC!"
Dined on 7/18/2014
"Food was good, but considering the acclaim we expected better. The sides were dull and the service spotty. Entrees ranged from good to great. Overall don't think it compares favorably to, say, Indika (in Houston) or other truly world class restaurants of this genre but still was the best food we had during our stay in DC area."
Dined on 7/17/2014
"Great restaurant - good, unique food and well presented. Very nice interior deisgn and atmosphere."
Dined on 7/15/2014
"We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Rasika West End. We were given a nice private table by a window. We ordered the Vegetarian Tasters Dinner. We love Indian food and this was the best we have ever had. Every course impressed both in presentation and flavor. Our waiter was amazing. The staff was friendly and helpful. We will be back and we will recommend Rasika to our friends and colleagues."
Dined on 7/15/2014
"Found Rasika- West End last year on a trip to D.C. Came back this year and was not disappointed! Just as good as I remembered."
Dined on 7/14/2014
"It took us almost 2 years to get here for dinner as we had to co-ordinate with another couple. We booked a table in May for July and made it. The restaurant was busy @ 6:30pm. We were seated immediately. Our server was good and helpful in selecting a few dishes. We had the palak chaat, it was alright, my mom makes it better...sorry. The dal dungharee was a tad bit salty for me but the tandoori stuff was very good. my daughter loved the lamb reshmi kebabs and we ordered another one for her. The chicken in the makhni chicken dish was disappointing as it was chewy and left a lot to be desired. Would I be back? sure, but only for the tandoori stuff."
Dined on 7/12/2014
"We dine regularly at Rasika West End and the food, service and ambience are consistently excellent. The food is artfully prepared and spices and flavors are masterfully controlled. The menu also changes with the seasons. Staff are very knowledgeable about the food and preparation. Service is exceptionally well-paced and professional. Cocktails are creative and unique. Zoe, the sommelier, is very knowledgeable and friendly and very adept at matching her wines to the cuisine. Desserts are creative, beautiful and amazing to taste. At Rasika West End everything comes together to provide possibly the best dining experience in DC!"
Dined on 7/10/2014
"The food was exquisive. And service was outstanding"
Dined on 7/10/2014
"Ive been to both Rasika spots. West end is visually more pleasing but much more noisy. If you want to go and have food only, go west young man. However, if you want to talk - choose the other. Food and service are always top shelf - no issues - i love the food."
Dined on 7/8/2014
"The food was amazing.... I really enjoy our dinner!!!"
Dined on 7/8/2014
"Nice variety of items on the -- very tasty -- tasting menu; wine pairings perfect. Popular = noisy, but still fun. Excellent take on South Asian cuisine."
Dined on 7/8/2014
"Fabulous and very upscale food. I thoroughly enjoy this restaurant, the atmosphere, and the staff. A truly excellent experience."
Dined on 7/8/2014
"excellent indian food in wahington ,dc -- for that matter in the country."
Dined on 7/7/2014
"This is one of my fav places in DC. It is ALWAYS good food, very consistent, and delightfully palate stimulating. It is a beautiful restaurant, not too loud, but not so quiet that you need to worry about who will hear your conversation of love or politics. And the service... like all of his restaurants, but particularly this one,it is professional, elegant and friendly... Beginning when you walk in the door Atool (sic) makes you feel like a special client. You just can't go wrong here"
Dined on 7/7/2014
"After much difficulty, we (a party of 4) managed to get a reservation at 5:45 on a monday evening. We were very disappointed for several reasons: 1. We were ushered to a round table with a place setting of 5, sitting awkwardly spread out. When asked to change the table, as the restaurant was completely empty but one table, we were told that unless we reserve a booth, that cannot be accommodated. We did move. 2. Food was mediocre in that basmati rice was lumpty. Railway lamb curry was too salty. Nan (both onion/sage and mint) were not very fluffy. Dah was too watery. Rasmalai with strawberries was so different than the traditional one that it was not tasty 3. Half of the food came after more than 12 minutes from the first batch."
Dined on 7/7/2014
"Rasika West End serves tantalizing upscale Indian food. Exciting flavors and new age presentation while paying homage to the tradition of flavor, color and spice. While some dishes can be very spicy there is an ample selection of tasty favorites with mild spices still loaded with flavor and all is beautifully presented. They say casual dress, but I feel office casual better expresses the attire you will see around you."
Dined on 7/7/2014
"Food was awesome. We really enjoyed the food. The ambeiance looks great. Service was nice."
Dined on 7/5/2014
"Rasika West End works hard - and successfully to keep the standards of its older sibling in Penn Quarter. The food is consistently excellent. I can ever tire of the palaat chaat appetizer. The shrimp with black pepper sauce wakes up taste buds long dormant and the tikka masala is always reliable. For the quality of the food, I think it is quite reasonable and I return as often as I can."
Dined on 7/5/2014
"Nothing very exciting about this restaurant. The food isn't bad. But very average indian cuisine."
Dined on 7/4/2014
"Came for a night in town. Awesome food. Some delays with our plates but nothing to hard to manage. I will come back."
Dined on 7/3/2014

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