Rasika
Rasika Restaurant
By: Blake Montalto
Rasika is a modern Indian restaurant with two Washington, DC locations, Penn Quarter and West End, and is part of the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, founded by Ashok Bajaj in 1988 with the opening of The Bombay Club. After years of acclaim at The Bombay Club, Rasika debuted in Penn Quarter in 2005, helping usher in a new era of modern Indian dining in the capital. Growing demand quickly followed, leading to the opening of a second Rasika in the West End in 2012.
Recently, Rasika refreshed its art and décor to better reflect the contemporary energy of the dining experience, including the modern music that sets the tone during service. The Penn Quarter location offers a variety of dining settings: a spacious main dining room for larger gatherings, intimate tables for two, a private dining room for up to 14 guests (ideal for business lunches), and a semi-private chef’s table overlooking the display kitchen. The bar program complements the menu with a thoughtfully curated selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Designed for sharing, Rasika’s menu showcases classic techniques, from Tawa (griddle) and Sigri (open barbecue) to tandoori and regional curry preparations. Standouts include Crab Pepper Masala with Chesapeake Bay crab and curry leaf oil; Honey Chili Scallops with burnt garlic, red pepper, and spiced honey; and Patra Ni Machi, featuring sea bass wrapped with coconut, mint, and cilantro. From the Sigri, Mango Shrimp with fresh mango, cashews, ginger, and mint chutney is a favorite, while the signature Black Cod, finished with dill, honey, and red wine vinegar, is so memorable you may not want to share.
With a long list of accolades, including James Beard Awards, recognition among the 100 Best Restaurants in the USA, and induction into the DC Restaurant Hall of Fame, Rasika remains a must-visit destination. Reservations are highly recommended to experience firsthand why Rasika continues to define modern Indian cuisine in Washington, DC, setting the standard for more than two decades.
