DC Indian Restaurant To Open Sister Restaurant In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A new Indian restaurant is coming to Old Town Alexandria's Tavern Square in 2021.

Kismet Modern Indian, a sister restaurant of DC's Karma Modern Indian, will open at 111 N. Pitt Street. The restaurant comes from founders Sachin Mahajan and Ricky Singh and Executive Chef Ajay Kumar, who will bring his award-winning cuisine from Karma Modern Indian. The restaurant is aiming to open in fall 2021.

Karma Modern Indian combines fine dining and modern Indian cuisine, aiming to please diners familiar with Indian cuisine and those trying it for the first time. The restaurant earned the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand designation in 2021 for value-focused dining.

"We’re delighted to be in a position to build on the success of our first endeavor and bring to Kismet Modern Indian the same commitment to excellence that our customers have come to know and love at Karma," said Mahajan. "Kismet will allow us to reach more diners and broaden our influence while we continue to elevate the impression of Indian cuisine."

Mahajan is an international financial executive who opened Karma Modern Indian in 2017 to provide DC diners with authentic contemporary Indian cuisine and make Indian approachable for any occasion. He along with Chef Kumar are natives of New Delhi and seek to bring high-quality food, drinks and service in a stylish setting.

"We want to leave guests with a new understanding of what Indian cuisine can be," said Kumar. "Whether that’s Lobster Masala with Beetroot Poriyal, Pan-Seared Scallops with Sesame Seeds and Red Pepper Sauce, Lamb Chops and Cumin Potatoes, or one of our unexpected daily creations, the food is intended to tickle your curiosity about Indian cuisine. We want to see our guests on a more regular basis, not just for special occasions."

While Karma is named for the effects of actions on a person's life and the lives of others, Kismet refers to a person's destiny and luck. Karma takes that message to heart by donating a portion of sales to local and global nonprofits helping children in underserved communities.

Kismet Modern Indian will be located in the space formerly occupied by BurgerFi, which Alexandria Times reported closed in 2017.

Until Kismet Modern Indian opens in the fall, diners can visit Karma Modern Indian, at 611 I Street NW in downtown DC. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. For more information, visit karmamodernindian.com.