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    Rumi’s Kitchen

    4.5 (898 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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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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    Pita and garnishes
    Fatu D.

    HANDS DOWN: one of the best restaurants I have ever experienced in DC. Firstly, the service staff were so kind. We arrived a little bit earlier than our reservation and it was crowded for a late dinner, but they promptly sat us at our reserved time. And I did not know have time to realize my glass was low as the waitress was always around the corner to fill it up. Now for what you all have been waiting for, the food: immaculate! We were advised to order 2-3 feasts to feed the table and it did not disappoint. Everything is served as family style. My favorite were the roasted salmon and the kashk badenjoon with the pita bread. The two were beyond filling. I could not get enough and have to immediately send my compliments to the chef and their team as I was blown away. If you are looking for a cozy ans busy environment to bring your family to feast, look no further than Rumi's Kitchen. 10/10 would highly recommend. I will be back soon! Hopefully they are doing something for Restaurant Week.

    Tina T.

    I recently visited Rumi's Kitchen in DC and overall had an average experience. The service was good and the staff was attentive throughout the meal, which I appreciated. I ordered the gheymeh along with the yogurt and cucumbers, while my friend got the herb stew. The food was decent, but having also been to the Houston location, I personally felt the flavors there were much stronger and more memorable compared to the DC restaurant. One nice touch was the complimentary herbs, cheese, and bread they bring to the table, which added a traditional Persian hospitality feel to the experience. The inside of the restaurant is also beautifully designed with a very traditional Persian-inspired atmosphere, including artwork and Persian dancer designs that make the space feel elegant and unique. Overall, it's a nice spot for the ambiance and good service, though I preferred the flavor and overall food experience at the Houston location a bit more.

    Rita P.

    10/10 vibes, food, and service! Happy Hour from 4-6 is definitely worth checking out. Our wine from the HH menu was really nice. We sat inside but are excited to come back for the patio on a less rainy day. Complimentary sparkling water! Loved the sumac on my steak.

    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 dish
    ladan s.

    Always consistent best service and food. The staffs are very polite and friendly. Any food we tried is scrumptious. The best Persian restaurant in DMV. Always high quality service and food. The restaurant is very well decorated and clean. Nice music always playing. I wish they open more restaurants in Virginia and Maryland

    Courtney C.

    Service was great. However the food could've been better. Would not recommend the eggplant dip as it is a bit different than expected. Joojeh was great. Koobideh was on the saltier side.

    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.

    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

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    Page 2 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

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    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge

    KooKoo Restaurant & Lounge

    4.8(99 reviews)
    2.0 miColumbia Heights

    Went with a group, we ordered a couple of shareable items such as the Potato Gratin, Beef and…read moreChicken Skewers, the Lamb with rice, Falafel - all amazing dishes. Went during lunch and wasn't too busy. Honestly, I walk past this place all the time and I think what this place might need is better signage. I'm so glad I stopped by, it was sooooo good. I will definitely be coming in more. You won't regret coming here! Also, the decor is super cultural and clean.

    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.

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

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    Joon - Inside

    Joon

    4.3(622 reviews)
    10.9 mi
    $$$
    Private events
    Large group friendly

    Fantastic service, cute little elegant ambience, loved the velvet upholstery and interior decor…read more Complimentary valet was deff a plus. Came here with a friend for my bday brunch. They brought out complimentary little cakes with candles, super cute. We did the a la carte entree option, I ordered lamb potato hash which was delish. Deff would come back! Pro tip: If you're using Waze, it may not take you right to the restaurant entrance! I ended up driving right past it and looped around just to be able to find it.

    Retail parking on the other side of Tiffany's. No patio today but they seated us next to the window…read moreand it was nice and bright. Not too many diners on a Sunday during lunch time, surprisingly. Quick and attentive service, and the food came out in good time. The coffee was really good - loved the cinnamon and cardamom and I substituted oat milk. Would try to get it a little less sweet next time but overall good. French toast was different but really good. I didn't like the whipped (cheese? Cream?) that much--too lemony for me. But the toast was yummy. Texture is different but good. Very moist. Liked the nuts. The lamb and potatoes were really good. Great flavor. Big portions. Lamb was super tender and juicy. Potatoes soft and well seasoned. I got a side of toum and it was sooooo garlicky but great. Overall really liked it and would recommend.

    Photos
    Joon
    Joon - 7 Sin Nowruz 2025

    7 Sin Nowruz 2025

    Joon - Haleem Bademjoon

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    Haleem Bademjoon

    Maydan - Roasted carrots

    Maydan

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$$

    Maydan is amazing. FYI, it's the green door that has their name on it. It's obvious, but for some…read morereason, none of us in our group clocked that and we accidentally ended up confused and in thier event space. XD. Anyway, misadventure aside, our group of 6 was in the upstairs room. For groups of 5 or more they have you do the tasting menu but we asked to do a la carte and they allowed us. We got a lot of food, all of which I can't remember, that included the shakshukah, one of the salads, 3 of the spreads, the veggies and a few others. The cocktails drew rave reviews as did my wife and i's mocktails and we loved how substantive the list was. The fresh, constantly coming bread was amazing. Everything was delightful and incredibly tasty and well seasoned. One note: the bathroom music is REALLY loud (it's the same music as in the restaurant) so if you've got loop earplugs or ones you can easily pop in that don't block out your company, that'll help. Oh and also, the currently on offer bitter orange sorbet isn't actually bitter. It's just the name.

    Some restaurants serve an excellent meal. Maydan creates an experience…read more This reservation had been on my wish list for quite some time, and when everything finally aligned, it exceeded every expectation. The restaurant itself is stunning. Walking in, you're immediately greeted by the massive open hearth where much of the cooking happens. Watching the chefs tend the fire throughout the evening adds another layer to the experience and sets the tone before your first bite even arrives. Our server explained the tasting menu ($95 per person) and optional wine pairing ($75 pp), but we decided to order à la carte--and I wouldn't change a thing. We started with the Carrot Havuç spread. It was impossibly light, silky, and beautifully whipped. I'll admit, the bread seemed understated at first, but after the first bite, it became clear that the spread was meant to be the star. Every bite was packed with flavor. The lamb shish kebab was incredibly tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The Omani shrimp arrived with five enormous shrimp that were cooked flawlessly. Then came the whole roasted chicken. Watching it roast over the fire as we entered made us excited, but nothing prepared us for how incredible it would taste. It was, without question, some of the best chicken I've ever eaten. Moist, deeply flavorful, beautifully seasoned, and delicious completely on its own. It came with an accompanying sauce that was excellent, but honestly, use it sparingly--you don't want anything distracting from the chicken itself. When a dish can stand entirely on its own, that's greatness. Since it was a whole chicken, we happily went home with leftovers (which felt like winning the lottery). The cocktails deserve their own standing ovation. A special thank you to Nancy upstairs-- Great bartenders don't just make drinks--they elevate the entire experience, and she certainly did. The Serpent was beautifully balanced with bright citrus and herbal notes, while the Medina Palmer was refreshing, unique, and one of the most memorable cocktails I've had in a long time. Every drink felt carefully crafted rather than simply mixed. In the beginning of our night they asked if we were celebrating anything and I immediately answered, "my friend graduated from nursing school." Little did we know, they came with glasses of bubbly at the end of our dining experience to celebrate! Such a lovely gesture to end our evening. The word that kept coming up throughout dinner was divine. Service was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about guiding us through the menu. A few practical tips: * Reservations book well in advance, so plan ahead. * Street parking is limited. We chose to Uber and were glad we did. This was one of those meals where every course made us look at each other and say, "Wow." I can't wait to return.

    Photos
    Maydan - Wood oven front and center

    Wood oven front and center

    Maydan - Shrimp

    Shrimp

    Maydan - Spiced chocolate mousse

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    Spiced chocolate mousse

    Maman Joon - Part of their menu

    Maman Joon

    4.4(187 reviews)
    4.4 miTenleytown
    $$

    Place is clean, no parking lot at the restaurant but street parking close-ish, up north on Belt rd…read more(ok in good weather but you wish it was closer if bad weather). I was craving kebab and this unfortunately did not hit the spot for me. We got lamb and chicken kebab combo (#5) and ghormeh sabzi. The meats were bland and very dry. Usually when I order lamb kebab I expect full of flavor and juicy, but this lamb was TOUGH like I had to really chew and there was no flavor. Ghormeh was bland too and not that many cubes of beef. Pita bread and rice were both good. The staff were friendly but not really helpful...we asked what ghormeh was and he just said it's "beef." I would say gourmet bazaar (Rockville) is much better.

    This chain has several locations, but it is notable that the one in DC appears to offer more on the…read morevegetarian side that some of the others do, so this one is specifically what I'm reviewing. The entree was a bit of a cafeteria style thing, but it fit the bill; the menu says it offers not only tofu but some red kidney beans in a stew of greens with lime flavor, and while I can't think of any similar combination I've had in all my travels, it works. The yogurt they offer on the side is a Persian staple, but what really shined was the fresh bread whose odor wafted through my vehicle as I drove my takeout elsewhere. A delightfully thin and browned creation, it was 100% worth adding despite the fact that they already gave me a massive pile of rice (with a bit of saffron rice on top of the plain white rice). This isn't high-end cuisine, but they delivered distinctive flavors in a timely and convenient fashion, and with a good range of vegetarian choices. Of their other locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, some of them offer these stews with tofu mixed in and some do not, though falafel and a few other options remain available.

    Photos
    Maman Joon - Perfectly broiled chicken kebabs

    Perfectly broiled chicken kebabs

    Maman Joon - Appetizer menu

    Appetizer menu

    Maman Joon - Delicious beef kebab!

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    Delicious beef kebab!

    Rumi’s Kitchen - persian - Updated August 2026

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