Kismet Modern Indian RVA — Restaurant in Richmond

One of the best meals we've had in such a long time. Just spectacular food...

Everything from the service, to the decor, to the artistic, flavor-inspired dishes was simply top notch. Richmond just doesn't have many gems like this that can blow my mind with every bite and I'm honestly baffled that the place isn't packed from 5 to 10 every day of the week.

We made a reservation for our wedding anniversary on a Wednesday evening which was noted on the res, and warmly welcomed by the manager and our server, who showed us to a private table tucked away by the windows, with a happy anniversary sign awaiting.

As adventurous diners, which you admittedly will have to be to enjoy the experience here, we were craving spice and complexity, and every single dish delivered. Kismet perfectly fit the bill for the dinner experience I was looking for.

We ordered three appetizers, garlic naan, and two main entrees. The food was so flavorful we didn't notice how incredibly full we were getting. It was hard to leave a morsel on the plate, which we were regrettably finally forced to do with the last of our entrees.

Our line up: Bottle of Gruner Veltliner--a sturdy, dry white that stood up to the spicy food. Not too often a white can leave you with a lasting finish, but this one did and was both pleasing and affordable. Calcutta Jhaal Muri (the texture is phenomenal) Sweet Potato Sliders (the bread to die for, everything was so unexpected about this dish) Chicken Apollo (mouth ablaze in the best of ways) Butter Chicken (an elevated classic) Black Pepper Paneer (if I had to choose my least favorite, I suppose it was this one, but each bite grew on me more than the last, and I finished every morsel).

Our server brought us a palate cleanser in between courses--an icy rose infusion that set a whole new wave of neurons firing.

We declined dessert, naturally, but even so, our server brought us an exotic ice cream, also rose-infused, which we simply couldn't pass up. So incredibly interesting and we ended up finishing that too.

It's a good thing our meal was at 6 so we had time to digest before going to sleep, but we were so stuffed, the remainder of the evening was a bit uncomfortable. This is hardly a detraction, but just a recommendation: eat early, pace yourself, and get the to-go box if necessary.

We will certainly be back again and again. Compliments to the chef and the management. You're doing...

I recently visited Kismet Modern Indian for a birthday dinner on a Wednesday around 6:30 pm. We had a reservation for 7:00 pm and were able to get our table upon arrival. The manager was friendly, wished my boyfriend a happy birthday, and provided a table card with a birthday greeting, a thoughtful touch.

The restaurant's atmosphere was modern and well-decorated, with an airy feel. Our waiter was attentive and helpful, guiding us through the menu since we were first time visitors.

We started with drinks. I ordered the Evolution Lot 6 DIPA, and my boyfriend had the Salt and Pepper Gimlet. Both drinks were flavorful and enjoyable. The DIPA was very orange flavor forward, and the Gimlet was close to a lemonade. For an appetizer, we shared the delicious Garlic Naan, which we would definitely order again.

For our main dishes, I chose the Homestyle Chicken Curry, and my boyfriend opted for the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani. Both dishes had a great mix of spices and were quite satisfying. The Curry had a good spice level that wasn't too hot, but also not just "spicy" in the name. The portion sizes were adequate but not overly generous, leaving us full but without leftovers.

The service throughout the meal was attentive, and the staff ensured we were well taken care of. However, we were offered more bread at the time of ordering our entrees, but I was unsure if the bread was complementary or not. I think it should have just been brought out with the entrees.

Although we enjoyed our experience at Kismet Modern Indian, the main issue we found was the value for the price. Our drinks ranged from $8 to $14, and our meals were $22 and $25. With tip, our total was around $100. While the food was delicious and the ambiance was upscale, we found the price to not be worth just going to another local Indian restaurants, such as Lemon.

In conclusion, Kismet Modern Indian offers a pleasant dining experience with attentive service and well-crafted dishes. However, considering the higher price point, we may opt for other Indian restaurants that provide better value, like Lemon, which has a more casual atmosphere but similarly enjoyable food. While we enjoyed our birthday celebration at Kismet, we may try a different upscale restaurant next year for a...

A refined spot for a special occasion. Celebrated my wife's birthday here with a weekday lunch. We had the Calcutta jhaal muri and the chicken jodhpur for appetizers, Hyderabadi chicken dum biryani and zucchini kofta paired with a roti for entrees, ordered off the slightly cheaper and quicker limited lunch menu. For fun, ordered the alcohol free Tiger's tail and familiar faces mocktails. Rounded off our meal with a rose ice cream because the name is so tempting. Offered the option to order from the expansive dinner menu, though we didn't.

Liked the way we got items one after the other, never waiting long or having many to graze from. Delightful menu, a good amount of variety without overwhelming us. Highlight of the presentation was the jhaal muri in the natural cone, replicating the real street deal though in an old newspaper tear off. Tender chicken in the jodhpur, which is a kebab version. Biryani decent. The fusion zucchini kofta reminded us of the bondas mixed with tomato gravy, another street food delicacy memory from our home towns, always a win. I loved the hibiscus drink and had to drink the spicy tiger's tail too as she was full. Killer deal is the rose ice cream with a rose petal on a thin waffle bed. Wifey can't stop talking about it and ordered it after a full stomach. Just the perfect birthday lunch.

Thrilled with the friendly smiling service, cute reaction to our gestures. Food presentation stunning, portion size befitting a modern take perfect for an adult on a diet :). Well lit naturally with a tall ceiling space. Definitely pricey as you should expect for the ambience and overall experience, totally unlike the regular Indian buffet place. Shared free parking lot. Slightly confused with the entrance door. Might need to reserve on weekends, requires credit card on Google. Worthy competition to LehJa in Short pump. Family wants to be back for the next birthday, anniversary, etc. I wish someone else will pay! Otherwise, will leave it...