“ The food was 8.5/10 for me. My meal here was a very good experience. I got the beef Rendang and the Ayam Bakar were both very well seasoned and every ingredient shone in their own respective ways. I would love to go back and get these two items again. I have never tried Indonesian food before so this was a very good introduction to the cuisine. These do not include rice so you will have to order that separately and that is probably because they use coconut milk or cream when cooking the rice. It will have a mild salt and coconut flavor. The service was really great. Very kind and thoughtful individuals work here. The self serve complimentary tea and coffee is a very nice touch. The ambiance was really wonderful very pleasant, dim lights and friendly chatter and lovely indonesian cultural and modern decor. On the other hand while this was a great experience I omitted 1.5 stars for a few reasons. Perhaps it was late in the day on a Sunday, but the meat was a bit dry. Also, my friend noted that the sauce/marinade/curry did not reach the center of the meat so it was a bit bland without throughly coating each bite with sauce. I was fine with doing so and I'm sure most people would be. I would like to note that the beef was slightly pricey considering that there was no rice included and the size of the portion, but it is a small business and inflation is driving up prices. I will still come back, but not often due to my preference for the beef rendang and its corresponding (probably deserving) price. Parking is unusual but not impossible. You will have to gauge your level of risk and use your common sense (shouldn't block doors) because they say you can park anywhere behind the restaurant. ”

“ One of the more "intriguing" meals I've had in 2024...and I don't use that adjective often. Artha Rini opened in August of 2023, and refers to the name of the founder/owner who prior to launching her restaurant, she spent years running a home daycare business in Silver Spring, MD. But cooking recipes from her native land was her true passion, and along with her husband, she has bought the authentic flavors of Indonesia to their small restaurant in Kensington. According to recent census data, Indonesia is 87% Muslim (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/03/28/5-facts-about-muslims-and-christians-in-indonesia/#:~:text=Indonesia%20is%20about%2087%25%20Muslim,as%20Hindu%2C%20Buddhist%20or%20Confucian) so all of the food is Halal certified at Artha Rini. Walking into the shoebox sized dining room, one wall has a selection of pottery, artwork, and crafts for sale; while the other wall has a small selection of grocery items. Thankfully, I was dining with someone of Indonesian descent, so she was able to serve as my guide. We started off with Tahu Gerjrot which is fried tofu with spicy and sour cream. This is similar to a Chinese dish I grew up eating, but the spices had that sweet/savory flavor profile which was unfamilar, yet comforting. The appetizer was served with a bowl of the Tengkleng, or curry lamb soup. The broth was deep and rich in flavor and the meat was "stewed all day" tender. The entree was the sate maranggi which were skewers of lamb tenderloin in a sweet and lightly spicy corriander sauce. Neither the soup or the skewers had any of the "gamey" flavor which somtimes accompanies lamb, which is a testament to the skill of the chefs. The rice cakes were probably the most interesting thing I ate this evening. While you can order "plain" white rice, I learned that a more common starch served at meals are what are loosely referred to as "rice cakes." White riced is boiled, ground into a paste, and then steamed in banana leaves. The texture is both at once, firm and soft. Perfect for sopping up the sauces. And speaking of sauces, don't forget to ask for the spice tray which has a selection of house made chili and shrimp paste sauces. Dessert was ES Doger...essentially the Indonesian version of shaved ice. Tapioca pearls, fermented cassava and black sweet rice, along with jackfruit are layered atop of shaved ice and syrup and coconut milk. Great dessert for sharing. This is a "mom and pop" operation, so service can be slow at times; but it was always friendly and they answered all my questions. Water is self-serve via a pitcher on the wall. TIP: There is a sink in the main dining room to wash your hands, but to use the restroom, head outside and up the stairs and ring the doorbell. Someone from the kitchen will let you in to the facilities next to a banquet room. I can't attest to how authentic the food was, but I did think it was tasty. Apparently, this place has garnered quite a following among the DMV Indonesian population, so I'm glad I was able to try it out. Dinner for two people, with appetizers, entrees, dessert, and just water came out to roughly $55 with tax and tip. ”

“ If you had told me last week that I'd be chasing anchovy heads around my leftovers, I probably would have looked at you like you were nuts. And yet, here I am. My friend and I stopped by Aretha Rini for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner. I got the Nasi Uruk - coconut rice with a grilled chicken drumstick and then sides of sliced up egg, fried anchovies and peanuts, and shrimp and (sweet?) potato. It was pretty awesome, although I will admit to being a little trepidatious to eat a bunch of little fish that were quite frankly staring at me. But it was a great combination, especially with a little bite of everything together. Also, the grilled chicken was simple and yet amazing - I might just get that next time. We also got the fish cake with egg filling - I liked it but my friend not so much. Next time I might try the other type of fish cake, without the egg. As usual, the service was very friendly and everyone seemed to be enjoying their dishes! ”

“ Wonderful find! It's a chill neighborhood spot with a few tables, quick and efficient service, and most importantly delicious food. We tried the Gado gado, which had spicy peanut sauce over a bunch of vegetables including tofu green beans cucumber tomato and lettuce; the flavorful beef rendang with rice, and the rawon beef soup with rice, a mashed potato fritter, half a salted egg, and a couple of puffed rice crackers. I liked the flavor of the rawon a lot though the soup itself is a little thin and doesn't have any vegetables in it. We all enjoyed the meal immensely. Great flavors and a nice homey meal. We will definitely be back to try other things. ”

“ Artha Rini - A Taste of Home in the DMV! As an Indonesian, I'm always on the lookout for a spot that can serve up authentic flavors from back home. So when I heard about Artha Rini, I had to check it out -- and I decided to bring some friends along to introduce them to Indonesian cuisine. Let me tell you, this is the most authentic Indonesian spot in the DMV that I've come across. A lot of places mix in Malaysian flavors, but not here. Artha Rini stays true to the Indonesian roots. We ordered a feast: Ayam Bakar, Rendang, Sate Kambing, Sate Maranggi, Rawon, and of course, some spicy sambal on the side. My favorite? Hands down, the Sate Maranggi. Tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor -- it reminded me of home with every bite. The Rendang and Ayam Bakar were rich and packed with those deep, savory flavors Indonesian food is known for, and the Rawon brought that comforting, hearty taste that hits the spot. Now, I have to say, most of the dishes tasted just like my mom's cooking -- which says a lot. But if I'm being honest, mom still has the edge! Still, it was incredible to find a place that brings such authentic Indonesian flavors to the table. If you're curious about Indonesian food or want a true taste of home, Artha Rini is where it's at. You'll leave full, happy, and probably planning your next visit. ”

“ Still amazing food. Lovely ownership. Since launching, Artha Rini continues to deliver tasty original Indonesia cuisine with a smile. The venue is small and usually hosts a few customers but a table is generally available. They have a large banquet room in the back you can rent. My wife has been here three times THIS week! When the Indonesian President comes to DC, he orders from here. ”

“ Homely and cosy spot serving authentic Indonesian food. I was super stoked for its opening as it's the first dine in spot serving Indonesian food in dmv area (envious that Philly has so many good spots!) It has been on my list for the past one year and I have been meaning to go there. I finally went there yesterday for lunch with an Indonesian friend and we got a rice platter each (with 3 items). The chili is super legitimate and spicy. It feels really nostalgic eating southeast Asian cuisine again whilst abroad. We chatted with the owner for a bit and he let us know that they've been serving catering food for a long time, but just opened this resto a year ago. The desserts that we have during receptions at the Singapore embassy also comes from them! Please go with an empty stomach as the portions are generous and hugeeee. ”

“ Artharini is about as authentic cuisine from Indonesia, as one could expect in the states. Prepared with care and served the same way, the restaurant delivers on the flavors of Jakarta, Sumatra and beyond in many ways. The Rendang is flavorful and not overly spicy. The beef is tender enough. The Gado is perfect for any appetizer. We got the Siomay fish and shrimp. Check out the kerupuk chips with any meal. The only reason for 4 stars is lack of air conditioning and 1 person to take orders, deliver food to tables and cashier. But, you did not come to this restaurant to rush through a several course dinner. Looking for authentic Indonesian cuisine, don't overlook Artharini! To other reviewers, who found the restaurant hard to find, just follow the directions from Yelp. Easy to see easy to get to plenty of parking in the back. ”