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    Rumi’s Kitchen

    4.5 (890 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

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    RUMI’S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - Rumi’s Kitchen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sonya E.

    Such a beautiful and vibrant restaurant in DC. With a gorgeous outdoor patio for dining and a romantic lightly dimmed indoor setup -- it's the perfect spot for date night or a night out with amazing people. Sat at the bar. Service was wonderful as their system was efficient and impressive. All the staff were in sync and tag teamed each other to serve everyone and it was a packed house. I really admired the synchronized flow from all the servers, bartenders, and staff -- they have a good thing going on this front. Tried Sabzi for the first time which is offered complimentary to all guests -- essentially fresh herbs, radishes, and goat cheese served on the side to serve as a palate cleanser but also to offer balance to pair with rich cooked Iranian meals. So refreshing and such a great addition to the main entree. Ordered the Chinjeh Lubia Polo ($38) described on the menu as beef sirloin kabob with garlic yogurt, braised green beans, grilled whole tomato, and basmati rice. This was absolutely excellent. The beef sirloin was seasoned heavily and every bite was bursting with flavors of onion, black pepper, turmeric, salt, and I think saffron. Maybe even cumin and cinnamon. The seasonings blended so well together. And can we talk about the garlic yogurt? It was so delicious that I ordered a tube of it to go! Dipping the flatbread into it was such a treat. Loved the food, ambiance was such a vibe, and service was top notch. Would highly recommend over and over!

    Spinach & Date Salad
    Gheeda H.

    Rumi's Kitchen has been on my must-try list for a while, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Some of the best Persian food you'll have. Our waiter was very kind and walked us through the menu highlights, which made the experience even better and we took his suggestions. The Spinach Date Salad was refreshing and well-balanced. The Lamb Rack was delicious and came in very generous portions (the photo only shows half a portion). But the standout for me was the Keshk Badenjoon! Rich, flavorful, and paired perfectly with everything else. The outdoor seating was lovely, though there was some construction going on nearby that was a bit loud. I'd love to try sitting indoors next time for a different vibe. Overall, highly recommend, great ambiance and an even better dining experience. Will be back!!

    ghormeh sabzi
    Hajir S.

    Really solid persian spot in DC that has locations elsewhere (Atlanta, Houston). This is good persian food and great cocktails, but while there are some really strong showings, there are also a few areas where there's great opportunity! The Kobbideh kebab was so good, and almost as good as my grandfather's, and the sabzi coming out to the table when you start is really quite persian. I love both of these things and am not sure they could have been done better. The cocktails also were just truly amazing and inventive, and I loved every aspect of every cocktail I tried! The rice was good, but zereshk polo in my opinion needs more zereshk than what we got. It just felt a little light on the Zereshk and other special ingredients, though I loved the variety of rice options and I was excited to try them. They also had tahdig off menu - it wasn't my favorite tahdig, but it was good to show someone who had never had tahdig what it was. The fesenjoon was soo good. It really was the dish that turned heads for those who had not had Fesenjoon before, and I think doing it with duck is the extra special step that gets it attention that a chicken dish wouldn't get on the menu! I think this is a big win. The labne was a bit boring, but still tasty, I thought it achieved the creaminess and beautiful mouthfeel that you want, but the taste was light to me. With extra sumac it came across a bit better. The Ghormez Sabzi was the real disappointment - I just don't understand why it didn't taste good. It was like the herbs were burned while they were being fried - or something like that. I love Ghormeh Sabzi and this was not it - I wish this was better. Overall solid spot from cocktails through kebab!

    Lamb Kabob + Shirazi Salad
    Nakia A.

    Such amazing Persian food! I've visited twice and both times the food blew me away! Kashk Badenjoon - 8/10 Lamb Kabob - 9/10 Shirazi Salad - 10/10 Persian Ice Cream Sandwich - 8/10 Baklava - 3/10 The service is always top notch and the ambiance is a perfect mood lighting for an evening dinner with friends or a date night. Can't recommend this place enough!

    Falafel and  Crispy Potatoes with Radicchio
    Pranav P.

    Probably one of the best Mediterranean/Persian spots I've ever been to. The falafal's are extraordinarily fresh and crunchy, the potatoes are extremely delicious and shareable. They give pita bread for the table which was VERY filling Got chicken kebab.. crazy delicious with saffron rice Will be coming back

    Falafel
    Guillermo G.

    Rumi's should be on everybody's short list. Classy with a hip vibe. Great spot for date night, but also family friendly. Service was friendly and attentive. We started out with the falafels. Honestly, among the best I've had. Wonderful color on the inside. The pickled beets on the side were very tasty. My wife and I shared the Soltani Kebab. They provide Sumac for those who want to sprinkle a little on their food. I sprinkled a lot. I love sumac. And together with the rice and beef, the best. For dessert we got the baklava. It came with vanilla ice cream. Perfect way to end the night.

    Mushrooms hummus ( must have,amazing)
    Anna P.

    I'm absolutely sure to be in Rumi's very soon and update my review to 5 stars,but today I have to leave it as is. We made reservation for Mother's Day' more than month in advance and we're there on time,but line to check in started from outside despite light rain. After 15 minutes in line,host told they are so backed up that they can't even give estimates and promised to text. Text arrived 30 more minutes later and we were escorted to the table. Started that minute everything was perfect!!! They apologize for delay,gave us 3 appetizers on the house. Food arrived very quickly and everything was perfect to divine. I was amazed that it wasn't that loud inside as it could be considered crowd outside. Decor is urban sophisticated,but food... Fresh bread was to die for,they bringing complimentary herbs with cheese ,which is beautiful start of the dinner. For me star of the night was mushroom hummus,taste was so complex and umami ,I tried to feel and recognize enhancements. I am positive that they added mushroom broth in hummus itself and topped it with crispy and delicious roasted mushrooms. Divine!! We had both eggplant dips,both were amazing. Kashk was textured with fried onions and it was right amount of everything. Albaloo rice was not overly sweet,rather it was tangy with aromatic tart cherries and had slight sweet undertones. All in all,food is terrific. I can't give 5 stars for now,but food is definitely worth it. We were told that this was not usual for them to make people wait 45 minutes past reservation time.

    Mia S.

    Rumi is taking advantage of it's popularity and the quality is getting worse The reservation is also a game! While we reserved they told us we don't have enough sits you can either sit in tables in hallway or go outside( which weather gladly was good yesterday) Prices also increased a lot from 3-4 months ago , chicken kabob was ridiculously dry

    Bread
    Stella L.

    I was in DC for a work trip with a few colleagues when another coworker highly recommended this restaurant. We arrived just in time for the final round of happy hour -- perfect timing. I ordered a margarita that paired beautifully with dinner, refreshing and well-balanced without overpowering the meal. Since it was our first time trying Persian cuisine, we happily relied on our server's guidance. She even showed us how to enjoy the complimentary appetizer, which felt reminiscent of a Persian-style cheese plate and was a thoughtful introduction to the meal. We began with the eggplant and mushroom appetizers, both of which showcased the rich, layered flavors that define the cuisine. To experience as much as possible, we ordered family-style. We shared four different kabobs -- including beef, chicken, and vegetable options -- along with the lamb shank. Every dish was tender, flavorful, and expertly prepared. We also sampled a variety of rice dishes, each infused with its own unique blend of herbs and spices. My favorite was the Baghali rice (fava bean and dill); the delicate hint of dill added a refreshing contrast to the savory meats. The restaurant quickly filled after we arrived, creating a lively yet inviting atmosphere that enhanced the overall dining experience. I would absolutely return on my next trip to DC to explore more of the menu. Ordering family-style is definitely the best way to sample a wide range of dishes and fully appreciate the experience.

    Crispy Chicken
    Winston L.

    Honorary 6 Stars We were researching restaurants on Yelp that were close to our hotel and found Rumi's Kitchen. This restaurant is not associated with K-Pop Demon Hunters, but they received extra points from my daughter for their name. Make a reservation or try to get there at non-peak hours. We got there Tuesday night at 5:30 and snuck in before the crowd. First thing I noticed when walking in was the bass beats of the music. As we were leaving, our waiter noticed my awkward head bobs and noted that the music had its own channel on Spotify (Rumi's Kitchen po). We ordered almost everything off the happy hour menu and added on an entree and a dessert. The food - Koobideh Sliders - flatbread, well seasoned ground beef, yogurt sauce, onion, tomato, pickle, mint, sumac. It's has a ton going on but really gets it done with all the textures and flavors. Roasted Cauliflower & Shallot Torshi - I'm always a sucker for a good vegetable dish since they're usually either fried or not super tasty. This cauliflower is roasted tender with some nice char. A nice creamy sauce brings is all together. Rumi's Sticky Wings - wings with a nice sweet and spicy sauce. Didn't care too much for the kohlrabi as it has a bit of uncooked potato texture. Persian Ice Cream Sandwich - this was 4 ice cream sandwiches made with saffron and rose ice cream. There is plenty here to share. It's a very unique experience as it was an interesting flavor for ice cream to begin with and just slightly sweet, unlike traditional desserts. Mezze Trio - Because I am a sauce person, I feel like this is a must have. Eggplant is on the thicker side, hummus on the thinner. All tasty. Complimentary flatbread + accoutrements - The flatbread is unlimited, but the initial round comes with cheese, walnuts, radish, and a variety of greens including watercress and mint. It's a really nice and fresh way to start the meal. Lamb Kebob - we asked for medium rare and it was cooked to perfect doneness. 5 really large pieces plus a roasted tomato and saffron rice. Our waiter also brought over some sumac for us to sprinkle on top. Za'atar Fry Basket - shoestring fries fried extra crispy. Dipping sauces were thin cheesy dips - red pepper feta and jalapeño feta. Crispy Chicken - Rumi's elegant version of a chicken tender. We doused these in the hot honey dip that was provided. All the food was fantastic and it was hard to tease apart these dishes to rank them. I would have been happy with most combinations of the above. We also liked the two happy hour drinks we ordered - Barrel Aged Old Fashioned (a tequila old fashioned) and the Corpse Reviver (a distant margarita relative). We were parched from the day, and servers probably filled our water glasses five times without us asking. On top of it all, our main server, Zak (Zakaria), was fantastic. He was super attentive, made great recommendations, and had multiple fun interactions with the adults and kids in our group despite the restaurant being packed. At Rumi's Kitchen, they might not have sealed the honmoon, but they definitely destroyed our hunger demons.

    Complimentary
    Joseph M.

    This place is unbelievable. They give you a complimentary plate of mint, basil, walnuts, & radishes to start with some fresh light bread. The grilled shrimp appetizer might be the best incarnation of shrimp I've ever had. The spices blend so well and the heat slowly creeps in. My favorite kind of spicy. Gifts of the Beloved is a a mezcal cocktail that blends lemon, pineapple, & rhubarb in such a way that it tastes like I should be lounging on a beach living my best life. The main course of the sirloin beef kebab, roasted tomatoes, pickles, & saffron tomato and cinnamon spiced rice w/ green beans is just unreal. One of the best meals of my life for real!

    Dessert feast baklava and Persian ice cream
    Jessica M.

    I was visiting DC staying at the Marriott Marquis and so excited to try this amazing Persian restaurant right down the street from our hotel! All the food tasted home cooked and generous portions. The restaurant was quite busy for a Thursday night so good thing we had a reservation. We met the manager who told us they are opening a location in LA so can't wait to be able to go there soon

    Mushroom hummus, can't miss it
    Jordan T.

    Rumi's came highly recommended - and didn't disappoint! The service was probably the best I've had in DC, our server knew the menu front and back and was more than happy to help us through it with suggestions not just in what to eat but to maximize our date nights breadth across the menu! The food was divine - even the simple bread and herb/cheese/walnut/radish thats name is escaping me was an amazing pairing to kick off the night. I got their old fashioned which was a great twist on a classic. We settled on the soltani kabob and lamb shank, both of which were amazing. Can't beat the value and taste here, and the atmosphere was very cool and welcoming. Loved the view of the chefs at work and the bar was super efficient. Will be back!

    Koobideh Kabob

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    Page 1 of 23

    Rumi’s Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rumi’s Kitchen

    Is Rumis full menu halal again?

    Not as of two weeks ago

    What is the noise level like around dinner time (7-ish)? I'd like to dine with an old friend who's in town just for the evening, and would like us not to have to shout to hear each other ...

    The sound on a weekend at a popular restaurant like Rumi, of course, is loud. Weekday might be less. We dined at 6:00 on a weekend and it was loud. That being said I believe the quality of the food outdistances a concern.

    Is the food halal?

    I just received an email from them stating, "At the moment, only our lamb is halal."

    Can we sit next to the mannequins, for the experience?

    Do they offer valet or have parking nearby?

    I didn't see a valet stand but there is a parking garage right next door and a decent amount of street parking.

    Do they offer vegan options or can the chef accommodate?

    Yes, absolutely

    Any gluten free options?

    Persian food in general runs gluten friendly - our spices / stews / sauces don't really have gluten additives If prepared traditionally .... Also kabobs and rice are always a safe bet !

    What is halal here?

    the chicken, stew and beef kobeedeh

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge

    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge

    4.8(98 reviews)
    2.0 miColumbia Heights

    Had a friend in from out of town (a smaller city) who wanted to try new cuisine he'd never had…read morebefore- so we scoped out this spot for Persian. It was a fantastic introduction to some new flavors and the staff was really kind in explaining the dishes and offering recommendations as well. We've had the grilled items before--but really wanted to dive into the stews. Smaller portions but definitely enough to try, especially if you get a few things. We got the kashk bademjan eggplant dish (great with bread and so flavorful), tahdig with khoresh gheymeh, khoresh Fesenjoon (the table favorite for being sweet, sour, tart and a new flavors for us), and ghormeh sabzi. We hung out for a long time to chat and didn't feel rushed to leave, a great spot to take it easy and enjoy a nice meal and chat.

    Just ok but worth a try if you're in the area. We started with hummus, which had excellent flavor,…read morebut the bread it is served with is a hard, stale sesame seed bread that is just not good. A fresh pita would go a long way. For entrees, we shared the ghormeh sabzi and joojeh. Both were good, I especially enjoyed the heavily peppered veggies and pomegranates on the rice. The entrees were solid. However, the ambiance is lacking, and that is one area they could easily improve with dimmer lighting at dinner. The space is washed out with overly bright lighting that makes it feel more like a fast food joint. The cocktails are also lacking. They have interesting drinks, but they are not well mixed, with way too much juice and way too much ice. I would be interested in trying the lunch menu, as the options are different. We came for dinner on a Friday, and while we may have enjoyed the food as a lunch takeout option, it did not hit as a Friday dinner spot.

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    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge
    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge
    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge

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    Divan Restaurant - Chilean Sea Bass

    Divan Restaurant

    4.2(304 reviews)
    8.7 mi
    $$$

    (4) ~ very good overall food & service…read more DRINKS: ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) ** Persian Tea = (4) very good, wish they had rock candy though... FOOD: ** Bread & Dips = (4) very good ** Beet Borani = (4) very good ** Soupeh Joh (Persian Barley Soup) = (4) very tasty (see photo) ** Kabob Torsh (medium) = (4) very good, wish the tomato was charred... ** Faloodeh = (4) very good * Berries Divan = (3.85

    Had lunch here with a friend today. I had the 3-appetizer combo ($25) and chose the Hummus, Maast…read moreO Khiar, and a spinach/yogurt based item. My friend got the soup and salad combo. All three of the dips were a generous portion and the bread accompanying them is delicious. The bread was refilled 3 times during the meal. Very, very good. Each of the dips was different and very tasty. The Hummus was smooth and flavorful and the Spinach (served warm) had a garlic flavor. I took a lot of the dips home - the bread was so delicious, I filled up quickly. My friend thought the salad (Salad Alamut) was ok, but the soup (tomato based) was very good. We each had a decaf cappuccino, which were also very good. The service was outstanding. The bread basket was refilled several times and our water glasses were tended to very well. The place was not crowded and we had a leisurely lunch that lasted almost 3 hours. There was no impatience to present us with the bill, and, after we paid, we were still offered refills on water as we lingered for a few more minutes. Excellent service! We felt very welcomed here. The restaurant has a traditional Persian restaurant appearance. It's nice and light, a bit fancy in appearance, but not stuffy.

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    Divan Restaurant - Busy night!

    Busy night!

    Divan Restaurant - Octopus

    Octopus

    Divan Restaurant - Faloodeh and persian tea

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    Faloodeh and persian tea

    Rumi’s Kitchen - persian - Updated June 2026

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