Masala Art - SW Waterfront, Washington, DC

Masala Art - SW Waterfront

4.4

987 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary Indian

Top Tags:

At long last, I have a good answer for theatergoers hoping to catch dinner near Arena Stage on the Southwest Waterfront. It’s called Masala Art and it’s a spinoff of the Indian restaurant of the same name in Tenleytown.

Since mid-July, when the second restaurant made its debut, loyalists have had rich reasons to dine closer to home. One is chicken tikka, its moist nuggets elevated with basil and lime leaves. Another is a south Indian fish curry that gathers chunks of cobia in a turmeric-tinted coconut milk gravy. (The dark purple rind in the bowl is kokum, a fruit that imparts a pleasant sweet-sour note.) Tender baby eggplant draped in a thick cloak of pureed peanuts, sesame seeds and tamarind makes for a meaty vegetarian meal.
1101 Fourth St. SW. 202-554-1101. masalaartdc.com.
WashingtonPost.com,

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 25, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Indian, Indian
Hours of operation
Monday to Sunday: Lunch: 1130am to 230pm (mon to fri) Dinner: 5pm to 10pm (sun to thu) 5pm to 1030pm (fri - sat) Brunch: 1130am - 3pm (sat - sun) Happy hour : 4pm - 7pm (mon to sun - at the bar only) 10pm to close every night -at the bar only
Phone number
(202) 554-1101
Website
http://www.masalaartdc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ajay Ramola
Catering
full service available

Location
1101 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Neighborhood
Waterfront
Cross street
4th & M street SW
Parking details
Parking garage just below the restaurant and plenty of street parking available
Public transit
Waterfront metro on Green Line.<br />Diagonally across from the restaurant.
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 987 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.2Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

987 Reviews

CW
CraigW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. Very chill and laid-back atmosphere, great food, excellent service.
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LC
LarryC
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Wonderful in every way—food, staff, ambience!!! A treasure!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always fantastic, and the staff are very friendly and attentive! Overall a great experience!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, attentive service, the Happy Hour is back! The bhelpuri was excellent as always, and the bhaigan barta- eggplant - was rich and tasty, great with the naan. We were invited to try the Aam Palak Chaat - new to the menu for us - and it was so good. Will order that next visit for sure. A great spot to get dinner before a show at Arena Stage - a short walk - and much less expensive than the wharf. They serve lunch as well.
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MR
MichaelR
Baltimore
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Delicious food with ample portions. Stuffed paratha bread was wonderful. Very good biriani. Waitress and kitchen staff didn't coordinate signals on when food was to come out but we had a good time.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Very good atmosphere, food was outstanding. Only downside was I’m new to this type of cuisine so the menu was lacking information about the dishes (how they are served, what is included,etc.) but the staff was very kind and helpful in answering my questions. With their help everything we ordered was amazing.
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CS
ChelseaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, we recommend the appetizers. The spice was just right!
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d
debt
Washington DC
39 reviews
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience4
Food is EXCELLENT. Service August 10 was not up to par.
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BM
BeaMarie
Washington DC
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Each of the many times that we return to Masala Art, it is like coming home. It has a very welcoming ambience. Dishes we've enjoyed are spiced and prepared wonderfully. Kudos to Sarah who was our server at our last visit. Her efficient professionalism and friendly demeanor was truly appreciated. We also thank the manager for sharing a sample of a new appetizer; outstanding. We highly recommend anyone to go to Masala Art and enjoy a quality culinary experience.
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n
none
Washington DC
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I hadn't seen my friend for 30 years. They were very patient with us and let us stay and talk until the last possible minute. Thank you
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DW
DavidW
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
My friend and I shared Am Palak Chaat appetizer. I continued with Saag Gosht, while my friend had Murg Makhani, which I tasted. Both mains were delicious. Mine included a generous portion of tender lamb chunks, immersed in an aromatic spinach sauce. I didn't taste my friend's chicken, but the tomato sauce with fenugreek was excellent. Both dishes came with brown rice--a nice plus. The appetizer was less praiseworthy; a tempting medley of flavorful ingredients, but the main element--the fried spinach leaves--were overdone and a little too crunchy, so next time I'm opting for the cauliflower. And there'll be a next time!
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RF
RevaF
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were very pleased with the food and the service.
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W
Warren
Washington DC
90 reviews
vip
5.0
90 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Consistently good Indian food with friendly staff and nice atmosphere. VERY quiet the night we went, too, so no issue getting a table. Good cocktails, too.
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BA
BigAl
Washington DC
67 reviews
vip
4.0
67 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Perfect pre-theater dining for shows at Arena. A difficult neighborhood for parking but metro is down the block and there is a garage across the street
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l
lovelybirthdaylunch
Washington DC
57 reviews
vip
4.0
57 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
A good choice for lunch before matinee at Arena Stage.
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RT
RaghunathT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just one word 'excellent'! Keep up the good work!!
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JL
JeffL
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service. Restaurant was not busy so difficult to gauge what noise level would be if it was busy.
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M
Maxx
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Sticky table, poor service, burnt naan, messed up order (ordered veg biryanis and got chicken biryani). Food was tasteless. Was there to celebrate a special occasion… bad choice!
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l
lovelybirthdaylunch
Washington DC
57 reviews
vip
4.0
57 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
We all enjoyed the butter chicken combo lunch. Delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. Really appreciated everything about the dinner experience!
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FT
FrancoisT
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is a great Indian restaurant. Quiet, good service and the food is really good. I highly recommend!
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BK
BobKatMD
Washington DC
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We chose this restaurant due to A) the proximity to Arena Stage and public transportation, B) vegetarian options, and C) spicy Indian food. Totally happy with dinner! It was nice ambience where you could carry on a conversation with those at your table. If you like happy hour, that was available at the bar area that is screened off from the dining area. Very clean bathrooms too!
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d
debt
Washington DC
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We always eat at Masala Art before Arena Stage. The food is GREAT (and I have Indian godparents & Indian nieces so I do have a basis for judging) I love that you can get 1/2 portion sizes of some entrees so we can order several appetizers and 1/2 eggplant dish. '
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved food and service , will Definitely go back
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RJ
RitaJ
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I am so happy to finally get inside this amazing restaurant. Everything we tried had a unique taste with a perfect pairing of spices. We left NO sauces in their dishes. Our party of 3 shared all the selections. I was the lucky one to take home the leftovers! The staff were efficient and knowledgeable. The space was clean, and inviting. I'll be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
The food was good but the service wasn’t great and the drinks were absolutely terrible. I’d suggest this place for take out but might skip it as a dine in experience.
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DO
DiningOut
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The only place I ate at TWICE in our one week stay - because it was soooo good.
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i
idontcook
Washington DC
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on May 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always great! And service is fast so it’s a great place for pre-theater dinner!
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l
leni
Washington DC
386 reviews
vip
4.0
386 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Always a pleasure! Flavorful food served well. Great choices. Yumm!
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DO
DiningOut
Chicago
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, attention to food allergies was without hesitation. Menu guidance was excellent and the food and atmosphere was fabulous! Highly recommend.
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J
John
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had a great dinner with our children and their spouses. The menu had something great for each person. Service was very attentive.
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j
jenniferr
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and service. Highly recommend this restaurant
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t
tpot
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
The staff was attentive My ginger cumcumber drink was amazing. It is a nice quality place that is good for business dinner or lunch or Romantic evening. The garlic Nan bread was great. It is a good find for ethnic food in the District
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was gorgeous, the food was insanely good, and this is the most reasonably priced Indian food I’ve had in the city
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d
debt
Washington DC
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on April 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I have Indian relatives so I value good Indian food. This is my go-to place. Mostly a group of us share multiple appetizers: the Cauliflower Bezule, fried spinach, lime chicken are fantastic. Ditto for eggplant. I love it that we can add a 1/2 order of vegetarian entrees.
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A
Anniversary
Washington DC
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Birthday and pre-theatre. Superb service, excellent taste, and timely delivery to the table. Manager especially friendly. We’ll be back.
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KH
KarlaH
Washington DC
33 reviews
2.0
33 reviews
Dined on March 31, 2023
overall2food4service1ambience3
The service was terrible. We went for a pre-theater meal and told them that we needed to be out by 7;15 pm having arrived at 6:00pm. Good did not arrive until 6:50pm after much prodding. There were few other tables in use. So, do not go here for pre-theater meal! The food was good. Sorry to not be able to use this restaurant for eating prior to going to the Arena stage
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience3
We ordered their Aloo Bonda as an appetizer. It was provided promptly and it was delicious. There ends the good part of our experience. The main course took way longer than it should to be honest. A lot of other diners had the same experience at the same time. For the main course, we ordered, Tawa Panneer, Kadai Sabziyan and Butter Naan. Tawa Panneer was good. However, Butter Naan and Kadai Subziyan were really bad. The Butter Naan was hard as a rock and we sent it back. They promptly replaced it, this time it was softer. However, both my wife and I have a feeling that, the butter naan was frozen stuff. The Kadai Subziyan was truly bad. Nothing was right about it. Potato was over cooked, cauliflower some cooked right, some raw, bell peppers were simply raw. The tomato sauce they used was watery and simply tasted like fresh tomato purée. It felt like they threw everything into the pan mixed it for a minute it and served it on a bowl. We sent it back. Our waiter was gracious enough to take it off the bill. We were still hungry and decided to take a chance with Bhel Puri. The plating was interestingly placed inside a roasted Papad. Papad was good. It felt like readymade Bhel Puri. Couldn’t eat more than a couple of spoonfuls. Overall, we had a very bad experience. Will not be visiting or suggesting it to anyone else.
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m
mvt528
Washington DC
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great place for dinner before a show at Arena Stage
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TG
TheatreGoer
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Staff is excellent and very professional. My chicken was slightly under done. My daughter loved her vegetarian entree. My husband's was a little spicier than he likes.
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FAQs

Masala Art - SW Waterfront does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Masala Art - SW Waterfront also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 554-1101.

Masala Art - SW Waterfront is rated 4.4 stars by 987 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 25, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Masala Art - SW Waterfront

1101 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Additional information

Cross street
4th & M street SW
Neighborhood
Waterfront
Hours of operation
Monday to Sunday: Lunch: 1130am to 230pm (mon to fri) Dinner: 5pm to 10pm (sun to thu) 5pm to 1030pm (fri - sat) Brunch: 1130am - 3pm (sat - sun) Happy hour : 4pm - 7pm (mon to sun - at the bar only) 10pm to close every night -at the bar only
Cuisines
Contemporary Indian, Indian
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking garage just below the restaurant and plenty of street parking available
Public transit
Waterfront metro on Green Line.Diagonally across from the restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ajay Ramola
Additional
Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.masalaartdc.com/
Phone number
(202) 554-1101
Catering
full service available

Masala Art - SW Waterfront

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Karahi Chicken

Chicken 65

Tandoori Chicken

Vegetarian

Amuse

Aloo Tuk Chaat

First Course

Dahi Papdi

Bhune Bhutte ki Tikki

Second Course

Paneer Makhan Masala

Gobhi Tak - a - Tin

Baingan Mirch ka Salan

Third Course: Dessert Platter

Date and Figs Pudding

Cardamom Ice Cream

Gulab Jamun

Non-vegetarian

Amuse

Aloo Tuk Chaat

First Course

Mutton ki Nizami Pudina Seekh

Kafir Lime and Basil Chicken Tikka

Second Course

Murg Chandi Tikka

Kali Mirch ka Bhuna Gosht

Murgh Tikka Lababdar

Third Course: Dessert Platter

Date and Figs Pudding

Cardamom Ice Cream

Gulab Jamun

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Masala Art - SW Waterfront offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Masala Art - SW Waterfront restaurant rated?

Is Masala Art - SW Waterfront currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information