Karma Modern Indian serves up innovative Indian cuisine with a sleek, modern vibe and creative cocktails that elevate classic dishes to new heights.
"Penn Quarter’s Bib Gourmand-designated Indian restaurant debuted an anticipated tasting menu under chef Ajay Kumar’s watch last year. Venison lal maas pays homage to the vibrant flavors of Rajasthan, simmered in rich gravy with fiery Mathania chiles and served with caraway potato mash. Gucchi chicken, surrounded in morel mushrooms and pine nuts, is another gorgeously plated dish. The four-course tasting menu is $95 per person (plus an optional $65 wine pairing), the six-course spread is $125 per person, and an extended nine-course option is for $165, with curated wine pairings for $85. Reservations via Resy." - Tierney Plumb, Emily Venezky
"An Indian restaurant known for its modern take on traditional dishes, providing a memorable dining experience." - MICHELIN Guide
"Karizma serves traditional Indian flavors with modern grilled entrees and small plates, featuring a new signature dish, Nirvana 37, and inventive cocktails." - Emily Venezky
"This upscale spot in Mt. Vernon Triangle takes delicious familiar dishes and makes them delicious fancy dishes. The paneer pesto, with a spicy red pepper sauce and bright greens, is one of the best starters in the city. Crispy garlic naan is so buttery and garlicky, we wish it were served everywhere. And slightly sweet lobster masala comes piled high with chunks of tender meat and bell peppers plated under the leftover tail. Other than the gold and blue hooded chef’s table that draws your eye as soon as you walk in, the look of Karma is pretty minimalist. But there are a handful of large tables, which make it a great place for a family or group dinner, or a useful spot to catch up with a couple of friends." - tristiana hinton
"Open since 2018, this sleek, Bib Gourmand-designated restaurant just north of Chinatown integrates nontraditional Indian ingredients into its inventive offerings. Highlights from executive chef and New Delhi native Ajay Kumar include chicken chettinad punched up with peppercorn and curry leaves, saffron duck, masala-style lobster, and herb and goat cheese naan. A big bar up front stirs creative cocktails like the Vimana with mezcal, fresh orange juice, chili water, lime, and a red wine float. Kumar will soon split the space in two; its new next-door sibling called Karizma plans to serve butter chicken, grilled lamb chops, and more. Karma Food Group also owns a casual counterpart to Karma in Old Town Alexandria called Kismet." - Tierney Plumb
