Virraaj Fine Indian Cuisine, a sit-down restaurant serving Indian fusion-style dishes, opened in downtown Bethesda on Wednesday.
The restaurant is at 4914 Cordell Ave.
Co-owner Vikas Kakkar told Bethesda Beat that 15 to 20 people had lunch on the first day.
“So far so good. People have appreciated the food,” he said.
Virraaj serves vegetarian entrees such as Paneer Makhan Masala (cottage cheese cubes in a rich tomato cream sauce) and Ma ki Daal (creamy black lentils). There are also meat-based entrees such as Lamb Vindaloo, which has a spicy curry sauce, and Murch Tikka Masala, which is boneless grilled checked sautéed in creamy tomato sauce.
Most entrees are between $14 and $20, according to the menu.
Kakkar told Bethesda Beat over the summer that he had originally planned to open the restaurant in April, but plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kakkar said Wednesday that the restaurant will be open daily for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. He said the restaurant might stay open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, but not yet because of the pandemic.
The restaurant also serves takeout.
Virraaj normally seats 76, Kakkar said. Restaurants in Montgomery County may currently operate at 50% indoor capacity, and County Executive Marc Elrich has proposed reducing that number to 25% — a proposal that the County Council could approve on Thursday.
Robert Dyer first reported on Virraaj’s planned opening this week.
Dan Schere can be reached at daniel.schere@moco360.media