3 Best Restaurants in Downtown, Washington, D.C.

Adventurous wine lists, stellar service, and inventive presentations that don't scrimp on the spice—this Indian kitchen is a local legend. A warm, romantic atmosphere means couples snatch up reservations weeks in advance. The menu highlights unique tandooris and grills, from lamb to chicken, and popular vegetarian dishes such as the fried spinach leaves with sweet yogurt sauce called palak chaat. Vegetarians and vegans will be pleased with their extensive veggie-forward menu. There's another location in the West End near Georgetown.

One block from the White House, the beautiful Bombay Club serves classic and modern Indian fare in a refined setting. On the menu are unusual seafood specialties and a variety of vegetarian dishes, but the real standouts are the aromatic curries. The bar, furnished with rattan chairs and dark wood paneling, serves hot hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hour. You can enjoy live piano music by the bar from Thursdays to Saturdays. 

A mix of old and new, Karma Modern Indian offers a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine. The dining room is bright, stylish, and colorful, which pairs well with its beautifully plated dishes and cocktails. Executive chef Ajay Kumar combines traditional Indian spices with nontraditional ingredients such as octopus, lobster, and quinoa for a fresh take on the long-established perception of Indian cuisine.