Daru - Washington

Loved the food! Such a great taste. The staff were nice and informal. We had the sit outside because the inside was food. Wish they were located in a nice place. We couldn't sit there long because of mosquito bites and smell. I hope they change the location and open it in a better location.

We loved the experience of dining at Daru! Very attentive and helpful service. Attune to food allergies. Delicious and interesting cocktails. All of the dishes were satisfying as you would expect of Indian cuisine but they had a twist. We especially loved the black daal with burrata, wild mushroom biriyani and tandoor chicken with blue cheese. There are many more items on the menu that I would like to try. It was a very special date night.

Excellent service couldn't make up for an uneven menu, and the decor and atmosphere were a bit lacking as well.We enjoyed the well balanced mocktails our server fashioned for us, they were as delightful and refreshing as his demeanor.As for the food, results were mixed.Avocado Pani Puri (Tamarind, Black Salt, Roasted Cumin, Mint) were delicious bites and a nice way to begin the meal.Baigan Paneer Bhurji Eggplant (Rhubarb, Sumac, Chaat Masala) was a bit underwhelming, both in texture and flavor.Chicken Tikka Tacos (Tandoori Chicken, Red Chili, Sour Cream, Red Cabbage) were excellent, wonderful combination of flavors on a solid chicken tikka.Spicy Nawabi Duck Kebab (Caramelized Onion, Green Chili) was succulent and supremely rich in flavor, to be enjoyed slowly bite by bite.Bison Momo (Scallion, Sesame, Sichuan Peppercorn) were underwhelming, nothing too memorable.Chicken Tikka Masala (Onion, Tomato Masala, Fenugreek, served with Basmati rice) was a disappointment. Fell short in both any distinctive flavor or the classic flavor of the dish, just middling.Nariyal Lamb Shank (Saffron, Kashmiri Chili, Coconut, served with Basmati rice) was extraordinary, one of the best versions of this dish I had. Served medium rare, it was pitch perfect in temperature and flavor.The Gulab Jamon balls were fine but fairly anticlimactic as a dessert.

Expecting authentic Indian flavors dishes? You will be disappointed.Menu was unique and is a modern take on Indian cuisine. Dishes were very well curated. Flavors were very delicate yet delicious. Lots of vegetarian options.Roasted sweet potato chat stands out. Perfect texture, not too crisp not too soft. Did not seem deep fried at all.Dahi puri is a must try. Blast of flavor.Spicy Nawabi duck Kebab was nothing like I expected. Again flavors nailed.Loved the Panner in Pesto Tikka. Gravy was just alright.Wok fried cabbage is not for everyone, I enjoyed it though.Most of the drinks on their menu were good.Ordered few drinks off the menu, they were even better.Service was excellent.

We loved our Daru meal. We started with drinks, Mango Tango (bourbon, mango, cocchi, lemon etc) and Artemesiac (aged rum, grilled pineapple, feni etc) so good, rich flavors. For snacks we had Baigan Paneer Bhurji and Scallops Moilee (make sure to order Naan with your snacks to get all the yummy curry sauce). For Mains we had Paneer Pesto Tikka and Stripped Bass Paturi. For dessert delicious Gulab Jamun (sweet balls with pistachios ice cream). We highly recommend.