Rumi's Kitchen

3 Houston Restaurants to Try This Weekend: May 16 | Eater Houston

"An Atlanta import that has won local approval, this Persian-rooted restaurant leans into refined, old-world presentation and a moody, intimate atmosphere. Start with a labneh with charred tomato — thick, strained yogurt uplifted by tomato, Urfa chili, basil purée, and lemon salt — then move to mains like a dill-scented Chilean sea bass served with fava-bean basmati rice or an assortment of kabobs. The Shirin rice is a standout, bright with orange zest, barberry, pistachio, and almond. Prices skew higher than many Mediterranean options in the city, a premium attributed in part to the carefully curated ambiance: a dim dining room, an illuminated bar with a spherical bottle installation, rustic décor and plating meant to evoke an old-world feel, and ceiling fans that recall the swirling skirts of Sufi dancers. The cocktail program includes a signature Old Fashioned built with bourbon, Oleo, and bitters that arrives with a poem as a garnish and souvenir." - Brittany Britto Garley