By Stefanie Gans and Rina Rapuano
Rangoli
Manassas | Indian | $$
If you’re craving a run-of-the-mill Indian lunch buffet, Rangoli can fulfill your cravings for $12 on weekdays. But if you’re interested in Indian dishes that are expertly cooked, wonderfully spiced and reliably excellent … well, Rangoli fits that bill, too. When hoping to order off the menu during lunchtime, call ahead to make sure the kitchen isn’t too slammed to accommodate. Even when they are too busy, a kind server can be cajoled into asking the chef if it’s OK—and you’ll likely be rewarded. Order the chicken chettinad, a South Indian dish made fiery from an alluring black pepper curry; the soft, spicy patty on a bun known as the Bombay burger; or juicy, bright saffron shrimp pulled out of the tandoor at just the right moment. Veg lovers will want to try the pureed smoky eggplant or the gigantic dosa filled with flavor-packed potatoes and onions. // 10223 Nokesville Road, Manassas
This post originally appeared in our November 2019 issue’s 50 Best Restaurants cover story. For more food reviews, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
