Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide

Bombay Indian Restaurant, web site, 11229 New Hampshire Avenue, White Oak Shopping Center, Silver Spring, MD, 301-593-7222 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper]

This place has gotten very good reviews and in fact it is now one of the premier Indian restaurants around. Very consistent with some Kashmiri inspirations. Rich spicing, though without being too hot. The bread with the cherries and nuts is one special dish you can get here but most of it is excellent. It's not near anything else you might visit, but worth the trip.

Sangam, Johnson Center Food Court (GMU map | Google map), GMU, Fairfax, VA

That's the new Indian food place in the Food Court, at the Johnson Center at George Mason University. It's excellent, at least so far, thereby making it the first good food at GMU, ever. I'd put it in the top quarter of local Indian restaurants, though I expect time and the crowds to take its toll. The vegetarian sampler is the best dish and they serve Halal food as well. The samosas look overfried. The analytical question is why this took so long to happen, or alternatively why it has happened at all. I have read there is also a wave of innovation in hospital food as well.

[Run by the folks who own Sangam Restaurant, web site, 1211 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA (in the Comfort Inn), 703-524-2728 [Yelp]]

Indebleu, web site, 707 G Street NW, Washington, DC, right at Verizon Center, 202-333-2538, not open for lunch it seems (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | | City Paper | Yelp | Gayot]

This new and trendy restaurant mixes French and Indian influences. First of all, note that the place has been “redefined” since the two times I went. The new reviews are not stunning. But in the old days the dishes were good, some were excellent. The mushroom dosa was superb (it is or perhaps was a must-order). The veal tenderloin is recommended as well. That being said, the bill was very high and I didn’t even stuff myself. The best way to go here is to sit in the lounge and order the bar food, they still will bring you the mushroom dosas, plus get the lollipop lamb tandoori. At this point I don’t know what to say but it is unlikely that a visit is a good idea.

Merrifield Kabob, web site, 8428 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, 703-204-4400 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Yelp | zabihah]

More of a dump than you would expect, given the location. The core influence here is Pakistani, and shady characters smoke hooka during the off-hours. This kind of food is almost always good enough to enjoy, but so far this place doesn’t compete with Ravi or Food Factory or my other favorites of similar ilk. Go for locational reasons, that makes sense, a special trip not.

India Curry House, web site, 3181 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, right near Clarendon Metro, 703-527-3444 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]

This place became crowded right after opening, and it is easy to see why. High-quality Indian buffet food, at reasonable prices. I wish they had more regional dishes, and perhaps someday they will. I've yet to try from their regular menu. This place is right near my office in Arlington, and it has rapidly become a lunch favorite. My only complaint is that sometimes the line for the buffet gets too long.

Indique Heights, web site, 2 Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, MD, 301-656-4822 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | MenuPages | City Paper | Gayot]

From the people who brought you Indique. I used to love Indique, but I fear the brand is being diluted. This one is pretty good, and certainly worth trying. The Fried Syrian Lamb is a very good dish or appetizer, especially if you don’t mind strong cardamom. But I just don’t feel the same excitement here as I did at Indique when it opened. The restaurant is defined by small plates, which is a good sign. I am told you should try the shallot potatoes. And it is a very nice place to sit, and the best restaurant in its immediate area. For me it is lacking that excitement factor, though I liked what I had.

Hot Breads, next to Sichuan Village and Il Mee in Chantilly, web site, 14027 Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway, Chantilly, VA, 703-263-1466 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian - see also "The Guru's Pick: Hot Breads in Chantilly" | WaPo]

Also in MD: 70 Market Street (at Kentlands Blvd.), Gaithersburg, MD

Indian breads and sandwiches, chicken tikka, not really a sit down place. Part of a small chain, but very mom and pop. Curry-filled pastries and Indian sweets. For a quick lunch, this place is quite good. They also have Indian soft drinks.

Saravana Palace, web site, 11725 Lee Highway, #A15, Fairfax, VA, 703-218-4182, one light west of Fairfax Wegman’s, turn into the strip mall, directions on web site (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | MenuPages | Happy Cow | Don Rockwell]

Go for the weekend lunch buffet, which has both better items and a broader selection. Right now this is the best southern Indian, or Indian vegetarian place around. The largest selection of dosas and related items, such as Pesarat. Great okra. Yogurt rice. Carrot dishes. Every vegetable dish is first-rate. Raises the bar for all other Indian vegetarian places. Go, go, go. Excellent for people-watching as well.

Here is a good Washingtonian chat about the place.

Rasoi Indian Restaurant, 2800 South Eads Street, Crystal City, Arlington, VA, 703-684-2095 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window)

One reader tells me this is the best place around for foods from Delhi, including butter chicken and chicken curry with nan.

Another reader says this place is closed. Phone number is disconnected.

Tandoori Nights, web site (Flash), 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-248-8333 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Wash Times | City Paper | Yelp]

Remember how Clarendon was once the epicenter of good ethnic dining? Well, those days are long since gone.

Avoid the Tandoori here. Some of the vegetable dishes are not bad. Don’t think this substitutes for any of the real Indian places around. But some of you will be caught short in Clarendon, wondering where to go, and tempted to try this. What can I say? You should be in your car driving down to Minerva. But you’re not. Boo-hoo. Give Tandoori Nights a try, but don’t complain to me if you go home disappointed. The décor is nice.

Rasika, web site (Flash), 633 D Street NW, near MCI Center, Washington, DC, 202-637-1222 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | food-plan | The Hill | Don Rockwell | Yelp | Gayot]

Right now this is one of the best places in DC. It has declined since opening but it still pretty good. The food here has real taste, much as you might find in India. Nice décor. Many fine touches in the cooking. The best dish is the spinach (somewhat fried or frittered), with corn; better than it sounds. The way to go here is to order starters, chats, appetizers, etc., and avoid the good but less innovative main courses. Good okra, very good cauliflower and I very much like the black lentils. Going all-vegetarian here is not a mistake. Good prawns. Overall a strong entry into Washington’s dining scene.

Naan and Beyond, no longer at 513 South 23rd Street, Crystal City, Arlington, VA. Now at 1710 L Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-466-6404 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | openlist | Yelp]

Above average Tandoori chicken, overall the place is less spicy than most.

Bombay Garden, 4008 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 703-383-1553 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Yahoo]

It takes stones to open an Indian place right next to Connaught's. Do I ever go here? Yes. It has different dishes and consistently offers chicken tikka on the buffet. Very good all around, and a bit cheaper. Recommended.

Many of the staff from Connaught's relocated to Infusion Restaurant, web site, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Unit 8008 LA, McLean, VA, 703-748-9800 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Gayot]

Other locations according to Infusion web site:

• The Connaught Place, web site, 10425 North Street, Fairfax VA, 703-352-5959
  
• Raaga Restaurant (see separate post)
  

Connaught's, University Ave., Fairfax, at Main St., Rt.236.

Good Indian food - this restaurant revolutionized the Fairfax dining scene. The lunch buffets are good, especially if you arrive early. Probably the best place in downtown Fairfax.

But note: as of November 1, 2005, it was closed, forced to shut by the evils of eminent domain. I’ll keep this review on the web site for a few years, just so you know how Fairfax City handled this matter, they didn’t even give much notice…

Many of the staff relocated to Infusion Restaurant.

Also for Indian, Aarathi in Vienna is decent, it is a cousin restaurant to Aditi in Georgetown. Cafe Taj, in McLean, on 1379 Beverly Blvd., also merits attention.

• Aarathi, web site, 409 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA, 703-938-0100 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp ]
• Aditi, web site, 3299 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-625-6825 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]
• Cafe Taj, 1379 Beverly Road, McLean, VA, 703-827-0444 [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Mehak, web site, 7716 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA, 703-573-8076 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Falls Church News-Press | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Yelp], also a DC location: 817 7th Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-408-9292 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

Update August 13, 2006: Mehak is closed.

A good Indian restaurant, believe it or not they used to serve Italian food also. Not the area's best, but good enough to enjoy, with a good branch in DC too.

Amma Vegetarian Kitchen, web site, 344-A Maple Avenue East, Vienna, VA, 703-938-5328, Chain Bridge Road, just across from Outback Steakhouse (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp]

Also in Georgetown, 3291 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-625-6625 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Strictly Indian, strictly vegetarian, mostly dosas. Excellent channa (chickpeas). This place significantly ups the options for Vienna dining. I’ve never tried the Georgetown branch.

Saran Foods, 5151 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA, 703-533-3600 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [City Paper | Yelp]

Very cheap south Indian food, larger than usual selection of dosas. A hole in the wall, but worth a visit.

Update June 1, 2006: A commenter reports that they've moved a few doors away to 5177 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA

Delhi Club, web site, 1135 N. Highland St., Arlington, VA, 703-243-6522, right at Clarendon Metro (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Perhaps you thought we had so many good new Indian places that we don’t need another one? You were wrong. The food here is excellent, quality ingredients, and somehow the feel and cooking differ from the other places on this list. It reminds me of how Indian food often tastes in the UK. I like the cardamom dishes best, and yes it is from the same people who do Bombay Curry Company in Alexandria.

Sangam, web site, 1211 N. Glebe Road, at Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-524-2728 (in the Comfort Inn Ballston) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist]

Above-average Indian, though more costly than many. Has both North and South Indian dishes. Draws a very white crowd. Has many loyal fans. I have no complaint with the place, but somehow I don’t feel compelled to go back.

Nirvana, web site, 1810 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-223-5043 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Gayot]

Excellent South Indian dishes and most Gujarati vegetarian dishes. It is from the people who once brought you Swagat’s, near the University of Maryland. Not everything on the buffet will be good, but the best dishes are superb and original, not what you find elsewhere in the area. You will always feel that this place is not as good as it might have been, but anyone who likes Indian food should have this in their repertoire.

Aroma, web site, 1919 Eye Street NW, Washington,DC, 202-833-4700 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

Foggy Bottom Indian stand-by. Reliable.

Taj of India, web site, 2809 M Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-965-4266 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | Yelp | Gayot]

I haven’t eaten here yet. One should always be suspicious of Georgetown ethnic restaurants, but my sixth sense tells me that the place is probably decent.

Aatish on the Hill, web site, 609 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 202-544-0931 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

Some years ago Phyllis Richman asked why this place isn’t better known. I still wonder. It is not perfect, but far better than the Capitol Hill competition. Their specialty is lamb, especially Rogan Josh, real full-flavored lamb taste. Above average Mango Lassi. Not outrageously priced.

Heritage India, 2400 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, across from the Fresh Fields, 202-333-3120. (Also a Dupont Circle branch, 1337 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, near N Street, 202-331-1414, with a different menu.) (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | Don Rockwell | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Why don’t they have an ethnic restaurant that adheres to mainstream restaurant standards of ingredients, presentation, and service? That’s Heritage India for you. Extremely yummy, one of the best Indian places around. Worth the trip into DC, even if you’re happy with your local places in VA or MD. Not as good as Indique, but still good enough to knock your socks off. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the new Dupont Circle outlet, which also offers Indian tapas.

Bombay Cafe, 11213-E Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, 703-352-8282, near Jermantown Road (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Mom and pop, where they cook for you or you grab from simmering trays on the counter. Not as good as my favorites, but still good enough that I look forward to eating here.

Raaga, web site, 5872 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, 703-998-7000, just east of Duangrat's. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

Indian food, from the folks who brought you Connaught's in Fairfax and Infusion in Vienna. Certainly very good, but lacks special dishes if you know the other places on this list.

Polo India Club, web site, 1736 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-483-8705 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp]

Excellent Indian food. They have a thick yellow chicken curry, exactly the same as the chicken that used to be served at Katmandu, the now-defunct Nepalese place. Order that.

Haandi, web site, 1222 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA, 703-533-3501. Also 4904 Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-718-0121 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

They take no reservations, and some times the place fills up, though not as it used to. I like their wok-cooked specialties and their salmon, but I find some of the portions a bit too small and the spicing a bit too weak. This was once a prime option but now other places are passing it by.

Tiffin, web site, 1341 University Blvd. East, Takoma Park, MD, 301-434-9200 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

A non-vegetarian spin-off of Udupi Palace, and just a short bit further down the road, heading away from the Beltway. Very good Indian food, and very authentic, these people know what they are doing.

Jaipur, 9401 Lee Highway, Unit 105, Circle Towers, Fairfax, VA, 703-766-1111 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

You would never expect to find a restaurant in this locale, attached to a condo building, but this place draws a surprisingly good crowd. They put real spices in the food too. Above average, and they offer a good buffet.

Supper Club of India, web site, 13055 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, VA, 703-736-0466 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | Connection Newspapers | City Paper | Gayot]

My readers like the place. It is more influenced by Persian ideas than are most Indian restaurants. I have yet to go.

Woodlands, 8046 New Hampshire Avenue, at University Blvd., Hyattsville, MD, 301-434-4202 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot] also located in Fairfax, in the mall where Germantown Rd hits the K-Mart, just off of Rt. 29, 4078 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA, 703-385-1996 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp]

Finally Fairfax has top-rate dosas. The Maryland branch has now overtaken Udupi with the Indian crowd, although the menus are almost the same. Fairfax branch not quite as good but still excellent. The kind of food is simply hard to beat. Be grateful that you can get it at all. There is one lentils dish, with vegetables, comes with a side order of yogurt, it is my favorite here.

Delhi Dhaba, web site, 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 703-524-0008, usually open (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian], other locations: 7236 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 301-718-0008 and 4455 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-537-1008 [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

The food simmers in front of you at the counter, and you order what you want. Weekend buffet. Very quick, very cheap, good atmosphere, good Indian videos and TV programs - this place fills a niche. Not the finest, but I like it. That said, many of the other local Indian restaurants and improving and this place isn't, so take note.

Bombay Bistro, web site, 3570 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA, 703-359-5810, also at 98 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, MD, 301-762-8798 (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | Don Rockwell | openlist | Gayot]

A good restaurant with a wide-ranging menu. The Fairfax branch opened late in 1995, and rivals Connaught's as the best restaurant in Fairfax. They even have several kinds of dosas. The lunch buffets are good and fresh. There is also a main branch in Rockville, but I have never been there.

Bombay Tandoor, web site, 8603 Westwood Center Drive, Vienna, VA, 703-734-2202. Near the auto dealerships but off Rt. 7, impossible to spot from the street, call for exact directions, not hard to get to. (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

An attempt to create an upscale Indian place for the nouveau richesse Indians who work in the software firms out near Dulles. Better than average. I like the tandoori and spinach best. For those who don’t want the mom and pop atmosphere, but still want tasty and authentic food. Recommended.

Bombay Club, web site (flash), 815 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 202-659-3727, Sunday brunch (Metro Trip Planner - opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | City Paper | food-plan | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]

Gourmet, expensive, the most refined Indian food in the area.

Bombay Palace, at 2020 K Street NW, Washington, DC, 202-331-4200 is also quite good, but both are too Americanized for my tastes. [Washingtonian | City Paper | openlist | Yelp | Gayot]