Located across Lafayette Square from the White House, Bombay Club has been a favorite of one administration after the other (and the reporters that cover them) since it opened in 1988. This was Ashok Bajaj’s first restaurant in D.C., and though he has added a slew of well-reviewed dining rooms since, most notably Rasika, Bombay Club is special, a gracious veteran appealing to everyone. A pianist plays nightly in the dining room, which is decorated in hues of pale pink and yellow. You don’t have to be from India to appreciate the cuisine (although the Indians I know say it is the real thing). Among the popular dishes are the crispy spinach and arugula chaat, a savory snack served with date-tamarind chutney; the chicken tikka, prepared with coriander, cumin, garlic, black pepper, and yogurt; mango fish curry; and tandoor-oven roasted eggplant with sautéed onions, ginger, and yogurt. If you like spicy, try the chili- and ginger-infused duck kebab appetizer. To sample an assortment of tastes, order a house thali.