Bombay Club - Washington, D.C.

Located near the metro station, it's no wonder this place gets so much traffic. On a busy weekend, I would make sure to make a reservation. The dress code is smart casual, so no athletic wear or torn clothing! It is quiet, simple, and romantic, perfect for a date. The aloo ragda is a sweet and savory dip that goes well with the naan. The truffle naan is just very standard naan but is very light and airy; it tastes the same as a regular naan, however, so don't be fooled by the name truffle! The lamb vindaloo is just a tiny bit spicy. I would definitely try their very spicy next time. The chicken tikka is also very good, although the meat was a little tough.

We made a reservation and were welcomed. Upon arrival we spend 10 mins at the bar area. Very welcoming and friendly service. Truly enjoyed every bit. Food was exquisite. EoF explosion of flavors.. Kale appetizer is my top choice, next to purple potatoes. Spices are just right for an amazing experience. Main course were salmon, chicken tikka and chicken makhni (similar to butter chic) Each was had amazing flavors. The vegetarian winner is lentils (dal) cooked for 16 hrs. I would come back only for the dal. Tikka was a bit dry as our server cautioned. Ambiance is traditional, classic architecture with piano music live. I would come again.

Finding an Indian restaurant just a block away from the White House, where most of the presidents have dined in, had to be the selling point for me. The place feels very elegant, you are required to dress in smart casuals...you yourself would not want to dine in here wearing some loungewear or street clothes, as the ambience and the crowd is very fine. Service is great. The menu has a lot of options, and it is famously known for their thalis (a combination of small quantities of multiple type of dishes in a plate). We ordered the veg thali as an Indian, I would say they can improve their flavors. It did not taste authentic to me, except the dal makhani, that was yum. Also ordered the green chicken curry, did not work out for me at all. Their naan is soft and tastes fresh. Dahi Puri was amazing. Ragada Aloo tasted really good too. For dessert, we ordered the pistachio kulfi, which was delicious and I loved the fact that they had balanced the sweetness very well. Overall, I would say it did not taste like authentic Indian food. I expected more. Parking will be in a paid garage nearby.

Have yet to have a bad meal or experience at this restaurant. If you love Indian food and are staying at a hotel near the White House, this is a must try spot. Love the Club Thali plate, try this for a variety of flavors/tastes and you'll love their garlic naan. The staff are very friendly and attentive so you'll feel more than welcomed when dining here.

When an establishment is open since 1988, things that could be said about it have likely already been stated, repeated, written about and then cemented into the hall of fame of the restaurant business. The Bombay Club, located a block away from the White House, is a place where white tablecloths reign, where major decisions happen and where one might just find themselves very lucky to be dining. Obama, Clinton and Bush have all dined here. So have many celebrities over the years. Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Michael Douglas just to name a few. The place is owned and ran by Ashok Bajaj, who also runs the famous Rasika and has a proven record of very successful restaurants. It is now equally an American meal to dine here as anything else could ever be. The tandoori salmon is served bursting in juices, unique flavor and a side of lemon. Lamb Rogan Josh is delicate to a level where it simply falls apart with a rich spinach curry that's going to soak up every bit of basmati and naan that comes its way. A side of lamb samosas is a pleasant add for those who may not have had enough lamb yet. To complement the perfectly executed entrees, there is a vast wine list that's priced at an extremely reasonable 2x up charge vs retail, which is starting to become less and less common these days. Service is sharp, with waiters well trained and dressed to the theme of this fine dining establishment. Bombay Club can now be referenced to as a legendary place in the city and is an absolute must to visit.