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Daru Washington Yelp Reviews
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22 Reviews
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While I have been greatly anticipating dining at the
While I have been greatly anticipating dining at the establishment, I cannot say I was disappointed but I will say I was underwhelmed; To begin, the service is without rival. The host is very knowledgeable and friendly. Not only did she memorize the entire menu and have a strong background knowledge on all of the elements of each item but she seems to also be quite cultured on food in general; and seeks to actively engage and enquire about guests. I was blown away by every measure of potential expectation; service was what you would expect from a five-star hotel and not a small, unassuming restaurant in a not so nice area. The food is incredibly well-balanced. While it is trendy and fusion, I will say it leans a little too much into the conventional and avant-garde to be recognizable as Indian cuisine. However, everything has logic and flows nicely, both in terms of a single cohesive dish as well as in working with other items. Quality of ingredients is high whereas quality of execution is variable from okay to good, to great/superior. Additionally, there is enough divergence but cohesiveness between dishes to feel there is no waste nor sunk cost in ordering a lot of dishes. I laud places where you can pick your own adventure, and it is neither redundant nor pointless. Portions are okay, but nothing to write home about. Contariwise, given the price point of DC, and for much lesser fare, mind you, I wager the value of this dining experience is B to B+; a rarity, in general, much less for the surrounding area as well as when it comes to fine dining. The ambiance, while eclectic and schizophrenic, is charming. My biggest qualms are that the food is not quite as exceptional as portrayed by many; and, again, that the location is very poor. Keep your head on a swivel and travel in larger groups if coming here. Photos don't do justice for how beautiful the presentation is of each dish. It is not always easy to get a table here, but it is worth it. One of the very few restaurants I would recommend going back to, and it is exceedingly rare I return to the same restaurant more than once.
Be the first to ReplyOutstanding, fun Indian spot on a sketchy corner! Worth it
Outstanding, fun Indian spot on a sketchy corner! Worth it though! All of our food was great, as was the service. Next time I may stick to vegetarian dishes because the ones we had were phenomenal (the meat and fish dishes were too). Can't wait to come back! One of the best meals I have had this year!
Be the first to ReplyThe absolute best Indian food in the dmv, one of the best
The absolute best Indian food in the dmv, one of the best meals I've ever had. You cannot order wrong, I promise you that.
Be the first to ReplyOkay honestly if you are in the DC area and don't go here,
Okay honestly if you are in the DC area and don't go here, you are doing yourself a disservice. I must say this is my favorite restaurant in DC and honestly one of my favorite places to eat just in general. The food here is unique, flavors are off the chart, staff is usually on point and make good recommendations and it's small and cozy inside so you feel like you're eating at someone's house, with grandma cooking in the back. *Food is usually on the spicer side, just a general warning for those that may not like any spice at all. Some of my favorites here are: - Daal burrata (chef's kiss) - Herb laccha paratha - Za'atar Olive naan - Striped Bass - Scallop Moilee - Blue cheese reshmi kabob
Be the first to ReplyFood tasted great but both my partner and I were on the
Food tasted great but both my partner and I were on the toilet for the next 24 hours. Order was chicken tikka, burrata, scallops, lasagna, cabbage, garlic naan, and sunchokes
Be the first to ReplyHad dinner here with friends.
We had a wonderful night. The service was great, and our waitress offered an overview of the menu and favorites without me having to ask-- I really appreciated this. The inside of the restaurant is small, intimate, and ambient. Chai-Teani - Delicious, sweet, and creamy. I don't usually like chai, but I thought this cocktail had a perfect and subtle amount. (5/5) Sham Valley Punch - Underwhelming. I didn't like the slightly sour flavor. The drink wasn't strong like an old fashioned, yet it was served in a similar manner and small amount. (3/5) Bread Basket - A must get if you are like me and use naan to lick curries and sauces off the plate. I loved it for the Scallops Moilee, and it was also good for dipping in the sauces of the Murgh Makhani and Nariyal Lamb Shank. (5/5) Roasted Sweet Potato Chaat - Delicious and perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with flavorful sauces. My one complaint is that it was missing a crunchy textural component. I think this would have given the dish the extra excitement it needed because the sweet potatoes and yogurt were both soft. (4/5) Scallops Moilee - Favorite of the evening. Perfectly cooked scallops with beautiful spices, tossed in a gorgeous sweet and spicy sauce. (5/5) Murgh Makhani - Delicious. A thicker butter chicken with perfectly cooked chicken thigh. (5/5) Nariyal Lamb Shank - Good but nothing too special compared to lamb shank you can get elsewhere. The curry had a nice spice. (4/5)
Be the first to ReplyTerrible interaction cancelling a reservation.
We notified the restaurant that a member of our party had tested positive for COVID, and then they proceeded to charge us a no show fee and implied we should've come anyway. Owner was incredibly rude over the phone.
Be the first to ReplyIt is hard to churn out better Indian food than the
It is hard to churn out better Indian food than the juggernaut called Rasika (both locations) does, but, in my humble opinion, Daru accomplishes this! This is high praise from a huge fan of Indian food, first, and Rasika, second. The food is fantastic! For starters, we had scallops in a beautiful sauce of coconut, curry leaf and "gun powder" masala. Crazy good! The sauce was so good that we took our bread and sopped up every drop. Our second starter was Blue Cheese Tandoori Chicken kabobs! Yes, blue cheese and cherries!!! So unique and, like the scallops, had a wonderful sauce. Both dishes were perfectly balanced with all the exotic spices available to Indian food. As the food rolled around in our mouths, the various ingredients set off different taste buds - first the heat, then the deep dark sweetness of the sour cherries and finally the blue cheese (in the case of the kabobs - seriously, who EVER heard of blue cheese in Indian food???). And on and on. I do not know how they created a sauce that perfectly complimented the protein while retaining the individual component tastes - BUT THEY DID!!! It was beautiful and reminded me of why I love Indian cuisine so much. Our main courses were Chicken Tikka Masala and Nariyal Lamb Shank. The lamb shank was a huge piece of lamb with fork tender lamb perfectly cooked. Delicious! The sauce here was very robust - strong and luxurious! The spice took me to the brink of excess but stopped short thankfully. I loved each bead of sweat that popped on my forehead! But - as good as that lamb was - it was the Tikka Masala that was by far the star of this show! I have never had such delightful Tikka Masala. The sauce was so unique and so great that I am not sure I would have identified it as Tikka Masala if I had not ordered it myself. It did not taste of tomatoes so much as a creamy sauce made of perfectly balanced Indian exotic-ness. Again, the balance of each ingredient was amazing; one minute tasting hot spice, the next a luscious creaminess that took my mouth in a different direction. Perfection! Without a doubt, this was the best chicken Tikka Masala I have ever had - certainly way better than I have had at Rasika (either location). The dining room is pretty bare bones. An old Washington DC rowhouse that was renovated - we have seen these all over the city. You do not go to Daru for the elegant interior. You go to Daru for the perfect party of Indian spices that delights and makes you crave more. I am certain you will want to lick each plate! The service was fantastic too. Each staff member was happy to explain the dishes and take time with us. It is a loud restaurant so listen carefully. Highly recommend Daru to everyone! Call ahead and make reservations - for sure - because the dining room is small. But get there as soon as you can!
Be the first to ReplyI enjoyed the food.
It was surprisingly a lot so we got full fast. Good atmosphere and service too!
Be the first to ReplyFood was delicious.
Make sure you have reservations. Staff was very friendly and helpful. We got the lamb, chicken, sweet potato appetizer, naan, and eggplant. I was pleased, thought the price was reasonable. I would highly recommend. The ambiance was pleasant and cozy. Perfect spot for the winter.
Be the first to ReplyWe had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Daru.
We had the dahi puri, bison momo and scallops for starters and all were excellent. Then we had the lamb chops (2), butter chicken, and bread basket. The lamb chops were divine I still think about them, best item on the menu. The butter chicken tasted differently from what I've had in the past and we were not big fans. But everything else was great including the two mocktails. Also like that the music was good but the volume was low enough for us to enjoy it and our conversation at the same time. Highly recommend Daru.
Be the first to ReplyGreat place .
Very different kind of food not your typical Indian menu .We ordered lamb shank , Fish Paturi , Bodon Momo, Baingsn Paneer Bhurji, Sunchoke, Bread basket, Dal Burrata . Mango Tango , Orar laddo, Chsi Teani Chardonnay. I can't say enough this place is the best Indian food I ever had in DC. From Drinks to appetizers to main dish . Superb flavor unique dishes.
Be the first to ReplyAmazing Indian.
Some of the best in town. Also excellent cocktails and service. Ambiance is good mid-range; approachable, casual enough without being haughty.
Be the first to ReplyA hidden neighborhood gem deserving of a Michelin star.
Daru provides contemporary-fusion Indian dishes with exemplary service, drinks, dishes, and ambiance. Daru, meaning "Alcohol" in various South Asian languages, over exceeded my expectations- it was a great choice to celebrate my birthday. As an Indian-American, I don't visit Indian restaurants much as I'm very critical. I know Daru isn't your traditional and authentic home cooked Indian food, but wow, their creations are bold, unique, and inspiring. I love their cocktails having Indian influences and overall admire their strive for sourcing local, high quality ingredients like their mushrooms. I went to celebrate with my significant other who has various food allergies such as eggs, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts. Daru provided top notch service regarding food allergens and dietary restrictions- the owner asked about allergens and provided a detailed menu listing what allergens are present in certain dishes and which ones can be altered. My partner never eats at restaurants due to uncertainty of safety, but Daru allowed them to feel safe and became the first real restaurant where they could try foods in peace- it's a beautiful thing to see and may Daru keep up the work in this regard as many restaurants aren't this accommodating and safe. Regarding drinks, I tried their Chai-Teani and Artemesiac cocktails along with their Pear & Cinnamon Lassi. The Lassi was a unique combination which I had to try- it's more of a cinnamon and sugar taste with subtle hints of pear; but, simply delicious and a great non-alcoholic option. I am a sweet drinks lover- The Artemesiac was sweet, but not too sweet with tropical pineapple vibes. I HAD to try their famous Chai-Teani since it's been raved about in The NY Times and other sources. It's not extremely sweet, but also an amazing drink and a great way incorporate Indian chai. For food, we ordered their Sunchoke Chaat, Murgh Makhani, Nariyal Lamb Shank, Striped Bass Paturi, and Za'aatar Olive Oil Naan. My partner's Murgh Makhani/Butter Chicken was decadent; although it tastes not authentic and from a restaurant, I would order this again. Their Sunchoke Chaat is AMAZING and tastes authentic despite unique ingredients like avocado and dates- I would highly suggest this and would order every time. The Striped Bass had delicious, citrusy flavor with an INCREDIBLE kale khichdi. The khichdi was actually my favorite part and I was pleased to see achar, pickled Indian veggies served with it- it tasted authentic. The fish itself could've used more Indian spices and flavor, but the fish was nonetheless incredible with great flavor and texture. The Lamb Shank although good disappointed me the most- the portion is huge but rather bland and could use more toasted Indian spices in the dish. I expected the coconut flavor to come through more and have more flavor and heat- good, but maybe wouldn't get again personally. I found the Za'aatar Naan to be too salty and overhyped; but, the Za'aatar flavor is on point and has good middle eastern flavors. In my opinion, stick to their more traditional breads like roti, parantha, and the garlic naan if a Naan. But, they all were still good just not as great as the Chaat, Murgh Makhani, or Striped Bass dish. Although not pictured, I received a cardamom gelato. Gelato is my weakness and favorite thing in the world. This was absolutely delicious and great way to end the meal. I recommend booking reservations since they tend to be full way in advance. Thankfully, you can always do walk-ins at the bar like I did. Keep in mind, the restaurant is fairly small. To me, the ambiance is quaint and comfy. I know others believed such an accredited restaurant should have better interior design, but I didn't mind the chill, sophisticated vibe. On a Saturday night, the restaurant wasn't crazy loud- music was playing and I could hear myself talk when at the bar. The only con I can think of is its location- it isn't the safest area. Regardless, I'd absolutely visit again for the stellar customer service and unique food and drinks. I cannot wait to come back here.
Be the first to ReplyFood was so good, I visited this restaurant twice in less
Food was so good, I visited this restaurant twice in less than month! Everything on the menu is solid, but I'd definitely recommend the Bison Momo, the Daal Burrata, the Striped Bass Paturi and the Grilled Lion's Mane Mushroom. Truly outstanding dishes!Our server was outstanding. We got him both times we visited, and he immediately recognized us the second time we went. He gave us excellent recommendations and gave us complementary drinks and small dishes the second time we came. Excellent, homey service and ambiance. One of the best restaurants in the DC area. A culinary experience that blends the best of Indian cuisine with modern and contemporary techniques.
Be the first to ReplyComing to give Daru yet another five stars.
We came for an early dinner and got to sit outside on a nice day. There were three of us and we each got one of their delicious cocktails. I got a chai teani and later a masala chai which comes in an adorable tea cup. Together we shared two snacks, one main, and four sides along with naan and a sauce platter and that was plenty of food (also made it easier to try and share a bunch of things). Everything was delicious, the black daal burrata is just as good as the articles rave. I would definitely come back to try more of their menu (food and drinks!), there's so many great vegetarian options!
Be the first to ReplyDaru has been on my list for a long time and I was very
Daru has been on my list for a long time and I was very excited to get the opportunity to try it. It's small, definitely do not go without a reservation and expect to be able to wait for a table opening. We did that and were barely able to snag space at the bar after about an hour wait. Not sure if it's normally this way, but seems like they keep tables fully booked with reservations and don't leave room for walk ins! Just important to keep in mind.Ambiance was great, super cute touches of decor and perfect for an intimate dinner. We got seated at the tail end of happy hour and got to try the Chicken tikka masala taco which was amazing! Definitely would say you have to get that. The burrata daal was a perfect side as well. Definitely will have to come back (with a reservation) to try more!
Be the first to ReplyDaru offers a twist on Indian cuisine, and their menu
Daru offers a twist on Indian cuisine, and their menu includes snacks, main entrees, sides, and breads, with an extensive beverage list.We came for an early dinner, and we ordered the following:+Grilled Lion's mane Mushroom - with carom, nigella, walnuts, and sour cherries+Narangha Shrimp Bhel - with mangoes, cashews, mustard seeds, and puffed rice; wasn't really a fan of the flavors of this dish; the shrimp also seemed to be slightly overcooked, as they were rubbery+Blue Cheese Reshmi Kebab - tandoori chicken with cashews and sour cherries; one of their popular dishes, this was interesting with the crunchiness from the cashews, the cheese, and the cherries+Scallops Moilee - prepared with coconut, curry leaf, and gun powder masala; this was a favorite for our table due to its sauce+Short Rib Sekuwa - with blue fenugreek, nutmeg, and chimichurri+Chicken Tikka Masala - prepared with onions, tomato masala, and fenugreek, served with basmati rice; the sauce was okay; I think it could be a bit more thicker and creamier+Wild Mushrooms Biriyani - with cremini, shiitake, mace, apricot, and served with seasonal raita; not really much of a biriyani fan, but this version was pretty good for a mushroom lover; the raita was a good complement+Pomegranate Aloo - with marble potatoes, sumac, and garlic; definitely more sweeter in taste and not what we expected+Bread Basket - came with plain naan, garlic naan, and herb laachaNote that the chutneys/sauces are all at an additional charge, so if you like to sauce your food up, you probably are good in ordering a variety to customize to your palate. Everything was well-plated, but the portions are more on the smaller end; the place seems to be more of a focus on shareable plates with drinks. Service was friendly. The space is small and cozy, and it seems like a popular spot for date nights and small get-togethers.+friendly service
Be the first to ReplyAn absolutely outstanding experience from start to finish
An absolutely outstanding experience from start to finish in every way. Daru is the rare restaurant to exceed the tremendous hype it has. My friend and my amazing experience started the day before, when Daru asked us if anyone in our party had any food restrictions, which my friend did. When we arrived for our weeknight reservation, we were seated immediately. What distinguishes Daru from almost anywhere I've been is that our server gave us a paper menu with the dishes my friend could eat based on the listed dietary restrictions starred-above and beyond service. The rest of our service was similarly excellent, with our server making some excellent recommendations that allowed us to try the dishes we wanted and additional dishes in the most cost-efficient way. Our dishes were delivered in a timely manner and the meal itself was extremely affordable. Daru adds an automatic 20% charge to all checks and tells you on the menu; our experience was worth all of that gratuity.The food itself was incredible-a modernist take on Indian cuisine. Everything my friend and I had was good and ranged from fine to incredible. I recommend sharing 4-5 small and large plates per two people like my friend and I did to enjoy as many dishes as possible.Black Dal Burrata-my least favorite dish of the evening, but still fine. The lentils could have had a bit more flavor and the dish needed a side of rice, but the burrata was rich and creamy.Bread basket: The za'atar naan was fine but no need to order it, as the garlic naan was outstanding. The parota was good but needed more butter or oil.Chutneys and sauces: My favorites were the sour cherry chutney, the chimichurri, and tomato-szechuan. I love spicy food but the habenero-kashimir chili overwhelmed overwhelmed any other flavors.Blue Cheese Reshmi Kebab-One of Daru's most recommended and unique dishes, it lives up to the hype. The chicken was well-cooked, the cashew provides crunch, the cheese umami, and the sour cherry sauce complemented everything perfectly.Striped Bass Paturi: Simply outstanding. Perfectly cooked fish with good spice, greens, and creaminess. Some of the best bass I've ever had.I highly recommend Daru for your next special occasion and make sure to book well in advance if you want a reservation between 6-9 PM-there are many reasons Daru is this popular!Things to note:1. Daru is small and it can be hard to hear at times.2. The surrounding neighborhood isn't the safest-I would recommend not coming alone at night and taking a rideshare after dark if possible (avoid public transit and parking nearby)3. The lot next to Daru is currently a construction zone, so you may see a rat or two if you are at Daru after dark and sitting by the window. This is beyond Daru's control; something to note for the next few months if you go there.
Be the first to ReplyIncredible flavors, inventive dishes and an end to end
Incredible flavors, inventive dishes and an end to end incredible dishes. From the wonderful naan bread basket to the desert menu the choices were diverse and delicious. My favorites by far were the lamb chops and daal Burrata. Service was impeccable and the vibes were cozy and cool. I can't wait to be back!
Be the first to ReplyAbsolutely loved this place!! Kinda new age Indian, with a
Absolutely loved this place!! Kinda new age Indian, with a very vegetarian friendly menu.- Good vibe, lil hard to get a resy but they accept walk-ins at the bar- The dal was insane, 10/10, doesn't even need the buratta - mushroom biryani was amazing, aromatic, raita was really rich & complemented the rice perfectly- paneer was good but all paneer in America is pretty hard to chew lol- great service Would highly recommend!!
Be the first to ReplyThis restaurant is delicious.
The flavor profiles are immaculate. The layering of flavors are innovative and do not detract from tradition. The only minor flaw is the Daal Burrata. While the dish is well balanced, the mozzarella casing was too thick, detracting from the creaminess of the burrata and preventing it from folding in with the lentils. It is still an excellent dish and overall one of the best meals I've had in a while. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu.
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