Daru — Restaurant in Washington

Daru was an excellent experience. We tried making plans over the last year, but each time something came up, and our inaugural experience was definitely worth it!

Here are brief reviews of the following that we ordered: Pear & Cinnamon Lassi: Very unique take on Lassi, nice and fragrant! The portion size was perfect; if it was bigger I think it would been too heavy to enjoy any other other items we ordered! (Score: 4/5) Mango shrimp bhel: the Shrimp was nice and big, and that combined with the bhel mix was a great combination. (Score: 3/5) Scallops Moilee: the scallops was cooked to perfection, almost a creamy texture, but also seared and crusted with a great mix of spices. They were placed in a bowl with this light, I think tomato-based sauce which was also great for dipping the naan we ordered. (Score: 5/5) Spicy Nawabi Duck Kebab: the most tender kebab I've had, and it really packed a nice spicy punch of flavor. The seasoning was perfect, so as not to over power the duck's natural flavor. One of my most favorite dishes. (Score: 5/5) Squash Bhartha: I've only ever eaten eggplant (Bhaingan) bhartha. Essentially lightly mashed butternut squash, but carried other nutty flavors, as well. I think I may try to recreate this at home! (Score: 5/5) Wild mushroom biryani: Very neat presentation cooked with in a bowl, and cooked "dum"-style with a dough cover. Packed great earthy flavors, with an interesting sweet flavor that played with the spicy. (Score: 4/5) Striped Bass Paturi: Probably my favorite dish during my visit! Very well seasoned, which carried a mixture of "heat"-spice, but also packed in the really great citrus-sour flavor that I'd never tasted before. I looked up and one of the ingredients is "Makrut", who other name is "Kaffir lime", so I believe that's what I was tasting. I wished the portion size was bigger for the cost, however. Still give it a perfect score. (Score: 5/5) Black Daal Burrata: Really appreciated this dish because it used the burrata as discrete flavor packets to give the traditionally heavy-cream/butter loaded daal (lentils) it's creamy and rich texture. Portion size was great, but wish there was more to take home, lol (Score: 5/5) Pomegranate aloo: My mom makes really great sour aloo (potatoes) and this kind of reminded me of those. Again, using the pomegranate to add a nice discrete spurt of flavor. The potatoes were seasoned very evenly, that's what I like to see; I don't like seeing bare potatoes, lol! Tired of the salt, pepper and butter BS. Wished they were cooked just a smidge more though (Score: 4/5) Kale Kichidhi: A healthy take on an already homey comfort food that is usually served when you're sick. I enjoyed the green flavors infused into the kichidhi which was perfectly creamy and rich already! (Score: 4/5) Naan basket: Smaller versions of traditional naan. Not as fluffy as I'd hoped. The herb lachcha was interesting, but didn't stand out as much. Maybe just personal preference (Score: 2/5) Beetroot halwa: This dessert was not as flavorful, as I'd hoped. I tried the gulab Jamun with ice cream from another person at the table and wished I'd gotten that instead. Maybe I have too much of a sweet tooth. (Score: 1/5) Gulab Jamun with Ice cream: It was not just rose water and dough balls with screams there was something else which gave it it's fragrance; maybe cardamom? But I only had one bite, and it was heavenly. (Score: 5/5) Masala Chai: Great drink to finish off the night. Very well seasoned with the traditional spices infused in a masala Chai, and not too heavy either! (Score: 5/5)

Daru takes up a neat little corner, and upon entering it was bustling! The atmosphere was very inviting. Upon being seated, we received our menus, which we were informed to try everything on by our accompanying family who have been to Daru before. And we did try A LOT of the menu!

Also want to shoot out to the wait staff. I don't know how they were trained (well, apparently), but it also speaks volumes that they genuinely wanted to...

Daru presents a dining experience that ambitiously blends traditional Indian flavors with modern culinary innovations. The menu is a tapestry of creative dishes, some of which shine brilliantly while others leave room for refinement.

Our meal commenced with the Dahi Puri, which was nothing short of exceptional. Each bite delivered a delightful burst of textures and flavors—crispy shells filled with a harmonious mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. It’s a dish that exemplifies the kitchen’s potential and stands as a highlight of the evening.

The Lasagna was another standout—a fusion masterpiece marrying Indian spices with Italian comfort food. Rich and satisfying, it could reach new heights with an added kick of spice to deepen its already delightful flavor profile.

The Chicken Tikka Masala featured tender chicken pieces that, while not dry, lacked a certain juiciness. The sauce was flavorful but would benefit from a more pronounced spice level or offering diners the option to adjust the heat, honoring the dish’s traditional roots.

Regrettably, the Daal Burrata did not meet the same standard. The burrata lacked the expected creaminess, preventing it from melding harmoniously with the daal. A softer, more velvety cheese might enhance this dish, providing the creamy contrast that complements the earthy lentils.

Side dishes like the Naan and Cabbage were satisfactory but unremarkable. Both could use an infusion of spice or distinctive seasoning to elevate them beyond mere accompaniments.

The ambiance of the restaurant is inviting, with comfortable booths that encourage relaxation and enjoyment of the meal. However, seating comfort was inconsistent; while the booth was plush and accommodating, the chair on the opposite side was notably uncomfortable, making it challenging to sit through the meal without discomfort. Attention to such details can significantly impact the overall dining experience.

Our server was a beacon of warmth and professionalism, attending to our needs with genuine care and enhancing our time at the restaurant. Unfortunately, the evening began on a less favorable note due to our interaction with the host. Despite calling ahead to inform the restaurant of our 30-minute delay and being reassured that as long as we finished our meal by 7:00 PM was acceptable, we were met with a curt reception. His remark—“A little? You’re not just a little late.”—I felt unnecessarily admonished. Even after expressing our readiness to order promptly and forgo dessert, he questioned the feasibility of serving us in time. We concluded our meal by 6:51 PM, noting several vacant tables and bar seats as we departed.

In conclusion, Daru has the makings of a noteworthy dining destination. With a menu that showcases flashes of brilliance and a service staff that largely embodies hospitality, the restaurant stands to benefit from greater consistency—in both its culinary offerings and guest accommodations. Enhancing certain dishes, ensuring seating comfort throughout, and providing a more gracious welcome at the door would undoubtedly elevate the dining experience and solidify Daru’s standing in a competitive...

Nestled in the heart of D.C.'s thriving Shaw neighborhood, Daru has quickly established itself as one of the city's premier dining destinations, offering a captivating exploration of modern South Asian cuisine. From the moment you step through the restaurant's unassuming entryway, you're transported to a world of bold flavors, innovative culinary techniques, and impeccable service that elevates the entire dining experience.

The first thing that strikes you about Daru is the stunning, design-forward atmosphere. The spacious, open-concept dining room is adorned with a mix of sleek, contemporary accents and subtle nods to traditional South Asian aesthetics, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. Warm lighting, plush seating, and thoughtfully curated artwork all contribute to the restaurant's inviting and sophisticated ambiance.

But the true star of the show at Daru is, without a doubt, the culinary prowess on display. Led by a talented team of chefs, the restaurant's menu is a meticulously crafted and thoroughly researched journey through the diverse flavors of the Indian subcontinent. Dishes are expertly executed, showcasing a refined balance of spices, textures, and presentation that elevates each ingredient to new heights.

Take, for instance, the showstopping Tandoor Octopus – tender octopus tentacles infused with smoky, caramelized char, served alongside a vibrant tamarind glaze and cooling cucumber raita. Or the Lamb Keema, a beautifully spiced ground lamb dish that is both comforting and complex, accompanied by delicate mint chutney and pillowy naan bread. Every bite is a revelation, challenging preconceived notions of what South Asian cuisine can be.

Beyond the main courses, Daru's beverage program is equally impressive, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and an extensive wine list that seamlessly complements the bold flavors of the food. The innovative mixology skills on display further elevate the dining experience, with each drink a work of art in its own right.

What truly sets Daru apart, however, is the unwavering attention to detail and exceptional level of service that permeates every aspect of the restaurant. The staff is well-versed in the menu, offering insightful recommendations and patiently guiding diners through the myriad of unfamiliar ingredients and preparations. Their genuine passion for the cuisine and dedication to hospitality create a dining experience that feels both elevated and genuinely welcoming.

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of South Asian flavors or simply seeking a culinary adventure, Daru is a must-visit destination in the nation's capital. With its stunning design, impeccable execution, and unparalleled service, this restaurant has firmly cemented its place as one of the city's premier gastronomic institutions, delivering a dining experience that is truly...