Imagine winding down in a comfortable, many-hued dining room, with the soft sounds of the sitar and murmured conversations mingling with the mouth-watering fragrance of cardamom, cumin, garlic, and tamarind. As your appetite crests, a waiter arrives, carrying beautiful platters filled with your favorite curry, flatbreads, raitas, and all the trimmings of a traditional Indian feast. The scene could unfold in Bombay or New Delhi, Sri Lanka or Islamabad -- but for thousands of American Desis, such an experience can be had around the corner, without the ten-hour flight. Indian cuisine has taken the United States by storm over the past few decades, offering diners nourishing meals that evoke the customs and flavors of South Asia. From tiny snacks and sweets shops with standing room only to extravagantly appointed banquet halls that deliver the full dining experience, Indian restaurants in the United States are a testament to both the strength of the American Desi community and the continental adoration for its spice and warmth. Washington DC enjoys close proximity to many major metropolitan areas on the Eastern seaboard, where a vast percentage of the nation's best Indian restaurants can be found. But residents need not make a long journey for great Indian restaurants in Washington DC; many fantastic venues can be found without packing the miles on your odometer. If you're new to the area or just looking for a different place to grab a great lunch or dinner, consult the FunduSearch listings for the best area restaurants. To help you get started, this quick guide will introduce you to one of Washington's best.


Centrally located on 18th Street Northwest, Jyoti Restaurant is a local favorite highly acclaimed for its liberal use of spice and traditional cooking methods. The team of highly experienced master chefs from South India focus on authentic flavor but aren't afraid to try new things, especially when it comes to seafood. Experience fresh fish and shellfish like you've never had them before: served steaming hot in a delicious savory curry sauce with vegetables or roasted to tender perfection in the kitchen's prized tandoor. The service is praised as some of the best in the city, provided by friendly waitstaff who bring flatbreads and a great assortment of pickles and chutneys to your table upon arrival. The staff is more than happy to help create a perfectly-paired meal for you and your guests, or to work with you and the chef to accommodate any special diet needs or spice intensity preferences. Enjoy all this in an elegant yet understated atmosphere, surrounded by traditional artwork and devotional elements, but ultimately kept comfortable and unassuming. Take advantage of a great Washington DC India experience and spend your next meal out at Jyoti.


Finding just the right venue for a quite bite out or a planned gathering with friends or family where impressions mean everything can be a daunting task in the midst of so much variety. FunduSearch is here to help you simplify your quest, allowing you more time and peace of mind to enjoy your experience. Check out the local restaurant listings, and find links to other great establishments for a little bit of India in Washington DC: Day Care services, Hindu temples, travel agents, and more.