Part of the restaurant group that includes Ardeo, 701 Restaurant, The Bombay Club, and the Oval Room, Rasika brings to the Washington area a Bombay native who commands the kitchen, producing a diverse menu of traditional dishes with a contemporary edge. And while the food is a major attraction, Rasika’s setting — with its warm salmon, persimmon, and peach hues — suggests a warmth that is both appealing and a bit provocative.
To enhance the effect, management has incorporated just enough of modern Indian artwork to beguile the eye with a bit of opulence without overwhelming the senses with Maharaja-like gilt and jewels.
» The atmosphere
Because of its handy Penn Quarter location, Rasika tends to be crowded — as at a recent lunchtime — and even those with reservations may face a wait. But there’s at least one solution for the time-pressed: Take a seat in the lounge-bar area. Settling onto one of the comfy banquettes provides patrons with an instant seat and, for those inveterate foodies, a partial peak into the kitchen.
» The food and drink
Then, of course, there’s the menu to contemplate. If you lust after Indian food in all its glories and appreciate a restaurant that ventures away from the tried-and-true, you’ll find this selection sets the mood for an Indian feast: Appetizers include non-clichéd items such as avocado-banana chaat, meen pollichathu, and crab pepper masala. For those inclined to crave fiery eats, the chapli kebab provides the cure.
» The last word
Rasika’s tasty and unconventional dishes ones won’t turn up at your corner Indian eatery.
Rasika
Where: 633 D St. NW, Washington
Hours: Lunch: Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: Monday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, until 11 p.m.
Prices: $15 to $28.
Major credit cards accepted.
Info: 202-637-1222,
