Restaurant
Ben’s Chili Bowl
A family-run U Street institution since 1958, serving its original half-smokes and chili from a building that was once a silent cinema.
Rasika
A modern Indian restaurant in Penn Quarter led by chef Vikram Sunderam, known for tawa, sigri and tandoori cooking and regional curries.
At a glance
- Type
- Modern Indian
- Area
- Penn Quarter, Washington DC, United States
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- rasikarestaurant.com
Good to know
- Lunch and dinner
- Valet parking from 5pm
- Smart casual dress
- Resy bookings
- Second branch in West End
Why we recommend it
Rasika is one of Washington's most respected Indian restaurants, with its original dining room at 633 D Street NW in Penn Quarter and a second branch in the West End. It is run by the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, and the kitchen is led by group executive chef Vikram Sunderam, who won the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic in 2013.
The menu is organised around Indian cooking methods: dishes from the flat tawa griddle, the sigri grill and the tandoor, alongside regional curries and biryanis made with goat or lamb. Chaat, the snack dishes of Indian street food, are a strong part of the menu, including an avocado and banana chaat. The best way to eat here is to share several small plates and a couple of mains between the table, with rice and breads.
Rasika is open for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm on weekdays and Sunday, and for dinner every evening, usually from 5pm (4:30pm at weekends) until between 9:30pm and 10:30pm depending on the day. There is no lunch service on Saturday. Book through Resy, especially for dinner from Thursday to Saturday, when tables go quickly.
There are some house rules worth knowing. The dress code is smart casual. Children are admitted only if they are over eight. Parties of five or more have a 20 per cent service charge added. Valet parking is available from 5pm for a fee, although most visitors staying downtown will find it easier to walk or take the Metro.
The restaurant suits couples, food-focused travellers and small groups who enjoy sharing plates. It is a good choice for a celebration meal that is less formal than a tasting-menu restaurant. Allow around 90 minutes for dinner. If you cannot get a table at Penn Quarter, the West End branch at 1190 New Hampshire Avenue NW has the same opening hours and a similar style.
The Penn Quarter restaurant is close to the National Gallery of Art and the museums along the east end of the Mall, and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station is nearby. It makes a good lunch stop between galleries or an evening meal before a show downtown.
Rasika FAQs
Do I need to book Rasika?
Booking through Resy is recommended, especially for dinner later in the week.
What are the lunch hours?
Lunch is served from 11:30am to 2:30pm Monday to Friday and Sunday. There is no Saturday lunch.
What time does dinner start?
From 5pm on weekdays and 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. The dress code is smart casual.
Can I bring children?
Children are admitted only if they are over eight years old.
Is there a service charge?
Parties of five or more have a 20 per cent service fee added.
Is there parking?
Valet parking is available from 5pm for a fee.
Is there another branch?
Yes. Rasika West End is at 1190 New Hampshire Avenue NW.