Kismet Modern Indian
Experience modern Indian cuisine with a creative touch from Michelin-recognized Chef Ajay Kumar in a chic Alexandria setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Kismet Modern Indian
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience modern Indian cuisine with a creative touch from Michelin-recognized Chef Ajay Kumar in a chic Alexandria setting.
"The Goat Cheese Naan is a must-try, and the modern ambiance makes for a truly pleasant dining experience."
Reserve Ahead
Consider making reservations, especially during peak hours, to avoid potential wait times.
Beware of Gratuity
Check your bill for an automatically added gratuity before tipping extra.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Indian
Price
Mid-range
Address
111 N Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Website
kismetmodernindian.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Modern Twist on Indian Classics
Experience traditional Indian flavors reimagined with innovative flair by Chef Ajay Kumar, a Michelin-recognized talent.
Must-Try Goat Cheese Naan
Indulge in the unique and flavorful Goat Cheese Naan, a dish frequently highlighted by diners for its deliciousness.
Inviting Modern Ambiance
Enjoy a relaxed and stylish dining experience in a contemporary setting perfect for a pleasant meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
Consider making reservations, especially during peak hours, to avoid potential wait times.
Beware of Gratuity
Check your bill for an automatically added gratuity before tipping extra.
Communicate Allergies
Inform staff about any nut allergies or dietary restrictions for a safe dining experience.
Taste Chef's Innovations
Explore traditional flavors reimagined with a modern twist by Chef Ajay Kumar.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
Consider making reservations, especially during peak hours, to avoid potential wait times.
Beware of Gratuity
Check your bill for an automatically added gratuity before tipping extra.
Communicate Allergies
Inform staff about any nut allergies or dietary restrictions for a safe dining experience.
Taste Chef's Innovations
Explore traditional flavors reimagined with a modern twist by Chef Ajay Kumar.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners frequently praise Kismet Modern Indian for its flavorful dishes, particularly the naan and chicken tikka masala, and its inviting modern ambiance. While the food is consistently lauded, some guests have noted issues with lengthy service times and occasional communication lapses regarding dietary restrictions, though the staff is generally described as friendly and accommodating.
"Delightful lunch. Chicken Tikka Masala had tender chicken and flavorful sauce. The Goat Cheese Naan is a must-try. The Roasted Eggplant was flavorful. The restaurant’s ambiance is inviting and the service is attentive."
Toni Krasnic
"Dined here with my partner for the first time during restaurant week. Honestly the food was very tasty and the portions were just right. However the service was incredibly disappointing. After being served appetizers we had to remind the server that we were still waiting on naan. We ate both appetizers and entrees without anyone offering to refill our water which at this point was an hour into the meal. I also have a nut allergy which I informed the waiter of. After waiting nearly 45 minutes for dessert, both of our dishes were brought out garnished with pistachios. The menu has a nut symbol used to indicate which dishes have nuts, neither of which the desserts had. It then took another ten minutes to receive new desserts without the garnish!"
Christy D'Adamo
"Kismet is a modern Indian restaurant with a name that traces its roots to Farsi/Arabic—meaning “part” or “portion”—and in Turkish, it translates to “destiny.”
The staff was super friendly and accommodating. That said, keep in mind there’s a 20% gratuity automatically added to the bill. Personally, I think tipping should be left to the patron’s discretion and not be mandatory, but I’ve noticed this is becoming more common in touristy areas like Miami Beach or Old Town Alexandria
As for the food—it was good overall. The cauliflower was just okay. My chicken tikka masala was about a 7 out of 10; the chicken itself felt a bit tough, almost like it was added to the sauce after cooking rather than being simmered in it. The naan was fresh and delicious, though, and I really enjoyed the appetizer—a cone filled with puffed rice, herbs, and a generous amount of sauce.
Overall, I’d give Kismet a solid 7 out of 10."
behn farahpour
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the Goat Cheese Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala, and the unique house-made Rose ice cream.
It is advisable to make reservations, particularly during peak hours, to ensure a table and avoid wait times.
Yes, the restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions. It's important to inform your server about any allergies, especially nut allergies.
The restaurant offers a modern and inviting ambiance with a relaxed vibe, making it a comfortable place to dine.
Yes, some guests have noted that a 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill, so check before tipping separately.
Spice levels can vary, but some dishes are described as not overly spicy, while others offer traditional spice. It's best to communicate your preference to the staff.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
10 Best Indian Restaurants In DC
Kismet, the sister restaurant to Karma, offers a more modern feel to the traditional Indian eatery, featuring contemporary light fixtures, walls lined with bright pieces of artwork and expansive open windows that make the endless food offerings the cherry on top. Naan bread, lamb seekh kebab and palak paneer are the foundational dishes of Kismet’s extensive menu and would make the perfect complement to a fresh glass of Sbagliato Bianco. 111 North Pitt St., 703.567.4507, kismetmodernindian.com
The Best Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria Right Now
At Kismet, you’ll be able to enjoy dishes from Chef Ajay Kumar, whose cooking has earned him a couple nods from the Michelin Guide in the form of Bib Gourmand honors. The food at this restaurant is inspired by the chef’s mother and grandmother, though Chef Kumar has elevated some of these homey dishes before bringing them to your table. The tangy sweet potato is a favorite, featuring a pan-grilled sweet potato along with tamarind sauce.
Here Are the 4 Best Restaurants in Alexandria
If I am making lamb, I have to grind all the spices right before making it,” chef Ajay Kumar told us last year. “If you compare with other restaurants, you can see the difference.”. There are plenty of innovations on the menu — think paneer stuffed with seasoned ricotta, served in a spicy tomato sauce — but the best way to taste what Kumar is talking about is to partake of his classics.
15 Best Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria
Kismet Modern Indian offers flavorful Indian dishes created by Chef Ajay Kumar. This restaurant has garnered attention and accolades from the Michelin Guide, solidifying its status as a notable destination for Indian cuisine. The menu features a variety of traditional flavors reimagined with a modern twist, appealing to both the seasoned connoisseur and those new to Indian dishes.
7 brilliant things you must do in Alexandria, Virginia
And Kismet Modern Indian on N Pitt Street showcases the Michelin recognised cuisine of Chef Ajay Kumar, whose traditional Indian cooking techniques are combined with unexpected ingredients.
Four Alexandria restaurants snag spots in Northern Virginia Magazine’s regional restaurant ranking
Northern Virginia Magazine also recommended Kismet Modern Indian, an acclaimed Indian restaurant at 111 N. Pitt Street in Old Town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit