Passage to India serves a great selection of Indian food in an elegant decor, reminiscent of the dining rooms of the Maharajahs. Chef Sudhir Seth introduced the concept of Regional Cuisines of the Indian subcontinent and showcases food from all over India with local ingredients and home blended spices. The restaurant is located Bethesda's restaurant row, just 3 blocks from the Bethesda metro (Red Line).
"I love this little restaurant with its authentic decorations. The food is always excellent and the wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The brunch menu offered a taste of three appetizers, one main course and rice pudding dessert for $14.95. Wine and other drinks are separate. Conversation is comfortable and the restaurant is family friendly."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion
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"The kitchen has been very good for some time, but it was outstanding on this visit. We loved the flavors, yet could not identify the ingredients. It is always a good sign when no single herb or spice dominates. The wine selection, while limited, is well chosen and very reasonably priced."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"It's in one of the more non-descript buildings in the older part of Bethesda's restaurant cluster, but this was some of the best Indian food I have had in some time. The menu is divided not just into appetizer/entree sections, but also geographically, so you can explore the cuisine of India's various regions. The appetizer, a medley of sweet potatoes and apples was delicately spiced. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the bread had just the right texture. Service was understated, but always timely. My only complaint: tables against the wall are too close together, so if the adjacent table is engaged in a loud conversation, there's no way to avoid hearing it or having it distract from your own. That aside, a hearty recommendation."
Dined on 4/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Outstanding creative Indian cuisine from the four regions of India. The chef has accommodated requests (for mild dishes or less ghee). We have enjoyed many dinners there."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Loved the elegant decor of Passage to India. The food was very good, although on the expensive side compared to other Indian restauarants I've been too. Their week day lunch is a bargain, so I'll go back during a week day and save the weekend or evening for a special dinner. Our server, dressed in a suit, was professional and attentive."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"I have been to Passage to India on many occasions over the years and have never been disappointed. The restaurant's breakout of dishes by region sets it apart from most Indian restaurants and the food is authentic, as attested to by an Indian colleague who ate there with me twice during a visit some time back and raves about it. Definitely a place to return to again and again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"The menu at Passage to India is very unique in that all four regions, East, West, North and South, are represented. I usually order my same standard curries and Tikka Masala, palak paneer or some lentils, but at Passage to India, the menu really encouraged me to try something new. This may also be due in part to the combination platters that are available. My boyfriend and I ordered a vegetarian platter which allowed us to sample a variety of flavors. It came with salad and appetizers and a little dessert. It really could have been enough on its own, but we ordered a lamb dish as well. Truly excellent and I know we will visit again."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Can't say enough nice things about Passage to India. Went mid-week for dinner so not very busy, but food was amazing, wait staff knowledgable, friendly and efficient. Love Indian food as can share everything -- would recommend that you order fewer entrees than people as the 4 of us were overwhelmed with tasty options and had enough left over to feed another 2 or 3 people. (we had 3 starters / 4 mains / 2 sides / 2 naan)"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"First time there, there are many choices and vegan choices My BAINGAN BHARTA (Roasted eggplants with stewed onions and tomatoes) was a good vegetarian choice recommended by our waitress. My friend ordered the spicy FISH VENDIAM CURRY which had nice flavor. We love their breads - Roti and Garlic Nan were great. Services thtere were excellent. Definitely going back."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We seem to like this place more every time we go. It has an unusual Indian menu, at least in our experience -- there are dishes here we haven't seen elsewhere. And everything has been very good. I do wish that they offered brown rice as an option, though."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The food was very good as usual, but the sauce for the mussels lacked the complex flavor that it had previously. The wine prices are very reasonable, with some excellent bottles priced at $40 or less."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Met up with a friend for lunch. Not too crowded or loud, and excellent, quick service and good prices in a fine dining location. Everything was delicious. Will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
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"Great menu choices, very pleasant service and ambiance. Tandoori chicken very tasty but less spicy than the best. Same with the nan. The fritter appetizer delicious."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Hadn't been in a few years. Menus were quite worn. Few diners for a Sarurday lunch. Table was too smal. For two Chef's Special lunches. Vegetarian was better than chicken and lamb."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2006
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"Saturday night dinner for two was disappointing. We were crammed into a small table for two right next to a wall and uncomfortably close to the two-top right next to us -- might have been better simply to introduce ourselves to the other couple and talk, rather than trying to ignore each other's conversations. Restaurant was full and noisy. The food was good and the service efficient, but we couldn't wait to leave. Forget about parking at the garage across the street -- it was full at 6:45 p.m. when we arrived (and at 1 p.m. on another Saturday). Best to take advantage of the valet parking, though there's on-street parking if you don't mind walking a few blocks. This part of Bethesda on a Saturday at lunch or dinner is seriously crowded."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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"We are vegan, and Passage to India has a wonderful and varied vegan menu. They also prepare a delicious vegan sampler. I love this restaurant because it is quiet, beautifully appointed, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is perfect!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"We had a spectacular evening. I'd go so far as to say this has been my favorite Indian food experience in the US (I'm from India). It's great to find a place that goes beyond the stereotypical Indian restaurant menu -- PtI has some well-crafted West and East Indian dishes."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"A fine selection of South Asian dishes that are reasonably priced and invite experimenting. I gave the food a 4 only because the lamb in my lamb and apricot dish was not as tender as I expected and have experienced at other South Asian restaurants. That did not detract from the taste. My wife enjoyed her chicken saag dish and the garlic nan was good. Although I am not a vegetarian I have dined there with a friend who is and it is one of the better Bethesda restaurants for vegan variety including deserts."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Perfect Indian restaurant. Delicious dishes from a wide range of Indian regions. Dinner for 3 including 2 desserts and 2 glasses of wine was $80. County parking garage across the street is free on weekends and couldn't be more convenient."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The lentils, mussels, and scallops were all very well prepared. We especially like the sauce on the mussels. The does a very good job with balances strong spices so that no single one dominates. The wine list, while not extensive, is well chosen and very reasonably priced. There are only two wines priced at as much as $40 a bottle."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"I had a lovely dinner- delicious food (the mussels were amazing), attentive service, and great ambiance. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion (date night or dinner with family and friends) and will be visiting again very soon."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Excellent food and great setting for dinner. The tables are a little close to each other so at times we found ourselves following the conversation of the table next to ours. The wait staff was so good, they kept trying to remove my plate before I had finished it."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"It was the first visit for both couples and we enjoyed it very much. Everything was delicious and as ordered; portions were for the most part ample (portions on the thali seemed a little scanty). The room was sufficiently quiet and conversation was easy. Service was gracious and not intrusive."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"The food was great, but service marred by a request to change from initial request of separate checks to a single check so one person could pick up the tab being denied outright. A little flexibility would have been appreciated."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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"The food is always amazing! Delicious and presented beautifully. We go here for special occasions but prices are decent. The tandoori chicken and mixed platter is exquisite and the nan with dried fruit..."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"I had eaten at this restaurant before and enjoyed the food. But this time, it wasn't very good. The samosa appetizer had a thick and gummy crust. I sent it back and was still charged for it. My shrimp was overdone and the sauce wasn't that good. My husband's tandoori salmon was overcooked and dry. We were both disappointed in the food. Otherwise, the service was good and the waiters were pleasant and helpful."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Waiters not always fluent in English. They were a little 'pushy' about ordering and didn't allow time to schmooze before dissecting the menu. Food was good but not outstanding"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2006
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Passage to India - Bethesda