Jab We Met Indian Kitchen — Restaurant in Washington

Yesterday evening, May 4th, 2025, my two friends and I had the pleasure of dining at Jab We Met, located at 515 8th St SE, Washington, DC. It was our first visit, but it certainly won’t be our last!

From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the wonderful atmosphere that perfectly balanced elegance and warmth. The beautifully decorated interior, with its tasteful blend of modern and traditional elements, set the stage for a memorable meal. The ambiance at Jab We Met is nothing short of enchanting. The soft lighting and carefully curated decor create a cozy yet sophisticated environment that invites you to relax and savor every moment. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or that special someone, the atmosphere is perfect for both intimate conversations and lively gatherings. To top it all off, we were greeted by a wonderful server who made sure we got what we deemed to be the best spot in the restaurant.

One of the standout features of Jab We Met is its attentive employees. The staff go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of. From the moment you are seated, you are treated to impeccable service that is both friendly and professional. The waitstaff are knowledgeable about the menu and are more than happy to offer recommendations or accommodate special requests. Their attention to detail and genuine care for our experience truly elevated our dining experience.

And now, for the most important part—the cuisine! ✨ The food at Jab We Met is a testament to the exemplary skills of the chef and kitchen team. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, resulting in rich and flavorful creations. As a pescatarian, I personally had the curry with fish, which was cooked to perfection. The sauce was impeccably filled with rich flavors and spices. Coming from a West Indian Caribbean background, I was in awe of how bold and grounded the flavors were. Additionally, the menu offers a diverse selection of dishes catering to the unique needs of each guest, whether vegetarian, pescatarian, or otherwise. Every dish bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors that showcase the culinary team’s dedication to quality and creativity. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty entrée or sampling a delicate appetizer, the food is consistently outstanding.

My friends and I left incredibly satisfied and are already looking forward to our next visit. 😊

Happy One Year Anniversary, and...

We came across this place on Google and the name seemed so attractive that we ended up visiting that restaurant for our next meal that day. We reserved a table but there was no wait time. The restaurant ha multiple tables for variety of groups.

In appetizers we tried their palak chat after reading the raving reviews , It has nice taste and flavor although I would not recommend this dish to people who don't like sour food as this one has tamarind chutney as well as yogurt so it's a little too much tangy

Their samosas were really tasty and warm. They were crisp and felt like they were freshly made. I would highly recommend it.

In entrees, we tried their paneer makhani and daal fry, I will highly recommend it. I think there was food color added to makhani coz it looked too red in colour.

In breads we tried their butter naan , laccha paratha and bhootiya chilli naan. I think both the naans felt the same to us. The chilli naan had chilli's but it was not spicy at all. The laccha paratha was okay.

In dessert, we tried their rice pudding, it was nice but they can probably make it a little less sweet.

The hospitality and service here is really good. We came here in the afternoon, seeing that they were open but probably there was so problem and they had already closed by then. We came back next day as we really wanted to have food here, the owner was so happy seeing us back. He made sure we were comfortable and we get everything we needed.

All in all a really good place. I just hope they fix the palak chat and make their breads more distinguished

We visit this place...

One year later and still by far my favorite Indian restaurant in Capitol Hill/Eastern Market/Navy Yard/Southwest.

It's a delight that this Indian restaurant has found so many delectable new interpretations of staple Indian American dishes when DC is already so flush with top tier cuisine in the same category. But as special as it is for newcomers and carryout diners, for regulars it is one of those coveted third spaces: a place to catch up with friends, commiserate with the bartenders, or try the occasional off-menu dish or holiday treat.

Atmosphere is eclectic: colored lighting adjusted for different times or moods, white lantern pendulum table lights, and artwork from many inspirations give the dining area a cozy feel.

Cocktails are a great mix of their unique and classic, though that is table stakes for a top flight DC Indian restaurant such as this. Dishes are excellent as noted, though a few unique standouts bear mentioning.

First, the Chicken 65 is the best there is in DC, weekending a good dish to a great one.

Second, anything with goat cheese has been particularly excellent.

And third is the simplest but the most emblematic of the greatness of this menu: the breads. Among a very large selection offered, this is the only place I recall seeing mushroom naan. It is rarely offered, but it shouldn't be. It is phenomenal on its own with a little butter or in the company of another curry or sabzi.

Highly recommended for dine in...