Rumi's Kitchen - DC

A true gem for Persian food lovers! Every dish was bursting with authentic flavors, from the perfectly seasoned kebabs to the deliciously aromatic stews. The saffron-infused rice was fluffy and fragrant, and the fresh bread was a delightful touch. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service was exceptional. Highly recommend for an unforgettable dining experience!

I would go back to DC just to eat here again. Definitely make a reservation because it’s very popular even on weeknights, and gets busy! Great atmosphere, fun ceramic plates and presentation of food. You can see the grilling and bread making which is very cool. Our server was extremely helpful and nice. Mains are big portions with a lot of rice, so bring an appetite. They also give you a complementary small plate of yummy cheese, radish, greens and bread. We ordered the smoked eggplant (delicious), and the Chilean sea bass and lamb kabob mains. Fish and lamb were PERFECTLY cooked, and I loved my rice with raisins and lentils.

The food was very good. Didn’t give it a 5 star since the things we ate didn’t feel exceptional and have had better. The ambience and service are very good. Tried the cauliflower, jumbo shrimp, chicken kebab and cardomom cake and all of that was pretty good. No complaints.

The service here is amazing!!! Our server,Richard, was the best and he was so detailed on explaining the menu to us. The complimentary sides were great with the hummus. The portions are so generous - plenty of leftovers at our table. The rices are also so tasty and unique! The atmosphere has a great vibe without being distracting. Very attentive service and the team works so well together. Food came out very fast! Will be back for sure!!!

Based on the reviews, I expected a lot more. I would consider this extremely mediocre Persian food. The rice was embarrassing. It tasted like butter rice. It did not taste like persian rice. We had the Soltani kabob, it lacked flavor and seasoning. The appetizers were OK and the bread was good, cocktails were creative but overall, if you’re coming for an authentic Persian experience or fusion Persian experience I would not consider this a good choice. The ambience is nice, but I would rather pay for good food

Everything we had at Rumi’s Kitchen was delicious - love that there are so many vegetarian options! The hummus was a real standout and the falafel some of the best I’ve had in the District. Great vibes inside too - cozy, low-lit atmosphere, with lights on the table to make the food pop! Highly recommend the cauliflower too :)

A friend recommended this Restaurant and I am so happy we came. The vibes are cute. Drinks are delicious and so was the food. We got Mushroom Hummus, Fried Eggplant to start and for dinner we got the Sea Bass, Duck Fesenjoon, Pickled Veggies, Ghaimeh Stew and it was all so good. Loved everything. So much flavor. Service was great and attentive. Definitely going back.

Rumi's Kitchen is a consistently delightful experience. Each dish is generously portioned and bursting with flavor, vibrant herbs, spices, and colors. The falafel is among the best I’ve tasted, the hummus perfectly creamy, and the steak tender and melt-in-your-mouth good. The warm atmosphere adds to the charm, and even seated at the bar, the friendly bartender made sure I knew exactly what I was enjoying. Highly recommended!

Rumi's Kitchen was recommended to me by a friend, they mentioned this was their favorite restaurant in Washington DC when they had previously lived there. I'm really glad they recommended this place to me! I had an awesome experience dining here while visiting Washington DC! The restaurant was very nice and had a pretty upscale but relaxed environment. We sat at the bar and received great service from the bartenders and staff. We ordered the Labne, Roasted Cremini & Oyster Mushroom Hummus, and the Lubia Rice. Everything was delicious and very flavorful! I would highly recommend all 3 of these dishes and would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite.Their bread was also incredible, served hot and fresh. We had planned for this to be the start of our meal and order more items after, but were pleasantly surprised at how large the actual portions were- the prices were also very reasonable for DC! I cannot recommend this restaurant enough and will definitely be going back next time I'm in the DC area!

The food is amazing. Our server, Josh, was so sweet. Those who brought our food were also lovely. The chicken wings are amazing the food portions are massive. The restaurant is packed tight with dim lighting and amazing music. The only reason why it's not 5 stars is because how rude the hostesses were. We had a reservation at 7:15. We got there at 7:30 and were told to "wait at the bar" for a table. I asked would we have enough time to order a drink and she annoyed I asked her a question. The other hostesses/employees by the stand would run into us, bump us and yelling back and forth about some random conversation.

I came here on a whim after hearing about Rumi's Kitchen from a coworker, and, wow...I'll be sure to take more recommendations from her in the future! Rumi's Kitchen has quickly become one of my favorite spots in DC, with unbeatable Persian food, an upbeat but relaxing vibe, and super friendly staff. The meal starts with their grazing plate with pita, herbs, walnuts, radishes, and feta. While they don't have any gluten-free pita available, we did snag a plate of sliced cucumbers and grape tomatoes, which were a great replacement to pair with the aromatic herbs and briney, creamy cheese. My friend and I weren't super hungry, so we ended up just ordering a selection of their appetizers (the "taste" section of their menu) to share. My favorite had to be the roasted cremini and oyster mushroom hummus -- the hummus was rich and creamy, and it was packed with flavor from the tahini. The roasted mushrooms were the perfect touch and gave the already rich dish a great punch of umami. The pine nuts provided a nice crunch, which went perfectly with either the soft, warm pita or crisp veggies. The hummus was quickly followed by the mirza ghasemi, a delightfully smoked eggplant mixed with tomato and garlic -- the whole dish, while simple, was a concert of flavors: it was rich and smoky from the eggplant, but lightened / brightened up by the fresh tomatoes. It was another perfect accompaniment to both the pita and side veggies. Our final appetizer was the roasted cauliflower, which, as simple as it sounds, was absolutely delicious -- the cauliflower was perfectly roasted, with a phenomenal charred flavor and perfectly tender, yet crisp texture. It was paired with a light and refreshing spritz of lemon, as well as a sprinkling of green onion, parsley, and urfa chili. While the cauliflower may look like a humble little vegetable, it had a ton of flavor, and was also a great pairing with our other appetizers -- different notes from the lemony, herby cauliflower shined when combined with the umami-packed hummus or smoky, yet acidic eggplant. Three starters provided the perfect amount of food for two people, especially if you want to save some room for their dessert -- you can never go wrong with some good ol' baklava or their flourless chocolate hazelnut torte! However, if you're in the mood for a bit more protein / have a larger party to share with, I can't recommend their Chilean sea bass enough. It's one of my favorite restaurant fish dishes of all time (and, as a pescatarian, that's a pretty tall order) -- the fish is perfectly flakey and buttery, and the tender fillet pairs gorgeously with the saffron, onion, dill, and fava beans. All in all, whether you're looking for meat or veggies, feasts or tastes, I truly can't recommend Rumi's Kitchen enough!

Love this restaurant. I have been here several times and have taken my friends here. Every single item is so flavorful. They have the authentic rice with the dried fruit. One of my personal favorites is the hummus with meat. It is incredible. The portions are big and there is sumac at every table. I really liked the shrimp as well, they are big, but the order only comes with 2. They also bring some extra vegetables on the side to eat with your bread and appetizers. The decor is so unique and really encapsulates Persian culture. The service is wonderful and they do a wonderful job explaining everything on the menu.

This placed exceeded my expectations for food quality and service. I came in a Monday and was so surprised at how busy this place was as well as how amazing the food tasted. I got the grape leaves and OMG these are amazing. They were hot, fresh, and beyond flavorful! The Lebanese red wine I had was to due for and a must to add to my collection. The hanger steak was cooked to perfection and had a delicious accompaniment of potatoes. This is a must try for anyone who loves great food, amazing service, and a dining experience.

My two good friends and l, who go back over 20 years, were in town and decided to grab drinks at Rumi's Kitchen before heading to Petite Cerise for dinner. Both spots are conveniently located on the same block, and I'm so glad we chose Rumi's for our pre-dinner drinks! Let me tell you, the restaurant and bar were packed, creating an amazing, lively atmosphere that was simply infectious. We tried two of their most popular drinks: Rumi's Old Fashioned ($19) and the Orange Umbrella ($17). Both drinks were nothing short of incredible! The ambiance was fire! The light fixtures and beautiful paintings added a unique charm to the place, making it an inviting spot to relax and enjoy. The service was stellar as well. The bartenders were cranking out those specialty drinks with impressive speed. A special shoutout to Bartender Mike, who tantalized my taste buds with the Orange Umbrella! I'm looking forward to coming back with friends to dine and explore more of what Rumi's Kitchen has to offer!

Had an incredible experience at Rumi's. The staff is wonderful, the food is delicious, and the decor and overall atmosphere are perfect.

Rumi's might be the best spot I had while in DC! The koobediah and chicken kabob were full of flavor, juice, and really good portions! I ordered the combo with Torshi (pickled veggies) a salad and rice. The service of this place is incredible as well. Really ambience and decor inside is top tier. I've been craving Rumi's since I left DC!

Nice restaurant with great food! My friends and I arrived late in DC and were happy to see that Rumi's Kitchen open late because we wanted to try Persian food. We ordered a cauliflower appetizer and each a different kabob as our entree. The beef, salmon and chicken kabobs were all very delicious. The ambiance of the restaurant was very nice and the portion of the dishes were quite big so one can different bring home leftovers and have it the next day. All the staff were friendly and we had a great time.

The food was very good. The restaurant has a variety of options and gives you large portions. The sea bass was flaky and flavorful. The lamb chops were a little tough, but seasoned perfectly. The baklava was way too sweet. The service was phenomenal. The waiter was very attentive and provided us explanations of the most popular dishes on the menu. The ambiance of the restaurant was perfect. The music wasn't too loud, they dim the lights very low after 7pm, and the decor was beautiful. Overall, the restaurant and food was good, but I don't think it's worth how expensive the prices are.

KenScale: 8.0/10 Visit: March 2024 My wife Jun and I have long been fans of Middle Eastern food, and any given day we would absolutely enjoy dipping on hummus and taking a bite out of lamb kebabs. One DC restaurant that had been on my radar since a co-worker recommended to me was Rumi's Kitchen in Mount Vernon Square. Named after Jalaluddin Rumi, a Persian poet from the 13th century, Rumi's Kitchen (the restaurant also has a few branches in Georgia) offers classic Persian dishes brought by chef Iran-born chef Ali Meseghali. On our recent visit, we had a lot of fun exploring the region's delicious food. The menu at Rumi's Kitchen looks fairly standard, starting with starters under "Taste" section and larger dishes under "Feast" section. I do recommend that you start your meal here with a few starters, including some hummus (we tried the one with roasted cremini and oyster mushroom that was quite solid). Are you an eggplant fan? Then, you would absolutely love the kashk badenjoon featuring fried eggplant with crispy onion and cream of whey. Of course we had to try some kabob dishes, and the lamb sirloin at Rumi's Kitchen was superb, showing lovely texture with no hint of gamey flavor. Aside from the lamb kabob, we also tried ghormeh sabzi, a stew of scallion and beef along with red kidney bean. The stew was quite memorable with its distinctly addictive flavor that quite aptly captured the soulful and hearty character of Persian cuisine. Compared to all the delicious savory dishes, the dessert of ice cream sandwich was a slight letdown (a bit too much saffron flavor), but nonetheless we walked out the restaurant quite happy (and extremely stuffed). We were pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant almost packed with diners from all kinds of background when we arrived for early dinner. If you are looking for a prime-time reservation, booking in advance is highly recommended. There is full bar with cocktails cleverly incorporating ingredients from the region. The service was somewhat uneven but it was understandable given how busy the restaurant was accommodating everyone inside a fairly spacious dining room. Jun and I would be happy to come back to Rumi's Kitchen, preferably with other people so we can try as many other dishes as possible (it certainly was a struggle to choose from the menu since there were so many dishes that sounded amazing).

Had the pleasure of eating at Rumi's Kitchen not once but twice while out in D.C on a long business trip. And I don't use the word "pleasure" lightly: truly, all the dishes and entrees here are absolutely fantastic. I had high hopes coming from Los Angeles aka Tehrangeles where I am spoiled with good Persian food. But, Rumi's is highly rated for a reason, and that also shows why it's completely booked at 9pm on a weekday night. I was starving, and so were the folks I was with apparently: we got a range of items including both eggplant appetizers, shirazi salad of course, and then the mains plus a few sides. EVERYTHING was perfect - so flavorful and very large portions. My favorite was the chicken barg that I ordered the first night; I was so glad that I came hungry because I devoured that whole skewer like an animal. So well-seasoned, very moist and tender meat, and almost enough to split (but I was hungry and ate it all!). Rice sides are buttery but not too much (the dill rice was particularly chef's kiss with the chicken). I appreciate that you can sub the regular rice side for a pretty healthy and fresh salad too. Then, on to desserts: we sampled the hazelnut torte, Persian pistachio ice cream sandwich, and faloude - the ice cream sandwich was favorite, but the faloude was fresh and unique, and a nice palate cleanser. Service was prompt, quick, and very knowledgeable; zero complaints. The restaurant itself is going of course for a Middle Eastern vibe but it ends up being fairly elegant and tactful. Some whirling dervishes on the wall, but no big camel motifs at least.

Amazing place for any time of day and any occasion. I would recommend everything in the menu-- fresh, great flavor, kind staff, and lovely decor. Truly my favorite Persian food place in the DMV.

Close to 700 reviews and a 4.5 star rating, and here's why. Rumi's Kitchen will have your taste buds dancing! Always on the prowl for new date night spots, Rumi's was up next. We came around 5 and quite honestly, it looked like a light crowd until we opened the door and was amazed by how busy this place was so early on a random weekday. We were greeted with a friendly smile and immediately seated for our reservation. Our server could not have been more engaging. She offered great suggestions that we took to heart and we were sure glad that we did! The lamb chops and the Chilean Sea Bass were so good we could not think of any restaurant that had better. The giant prawns were the perfect appetizer and the signature drinks were amazing. Rumi's Kitchen is a Persian inspired restaurant and it has perfected the cuisine with traditional and non-traditional dishes. The bar scene was also bustling, as we ended the evening with after dinner drinks. I'm loving everything about this popular restaurant and cannot wait to go back!!

I am really sorry but to me Rumi's is chaos. I originally stopped in on a Saturday last week without reservations and the place was packed and a zoo atmosphere.No worries.... I'll make reservations and come back another night.... Went back last night with 7:15 reservations for a Thursday. Once again at the door just a massive traffic jam and can barely reach the host desk. Everything about coming into this restaurant is a stressful environment. It's not like a fun busy it's just chaos. There is absolutely no place to wait for a table and everyone is just bunched at the door. We waited 20 minutes for our table for two while being pushed and bustled cause there is no standing room. They should seriously reconsider the layout of having a 6 person seating by the host stand and just open it to high tops for the bar. When we were seated service was good and plenty of what I assume were managers came by ... at least 4 ... to ask if things were good. Seemed odd as we didn't have any food yet. As far as the food we got the lamb hummus. It was great, and for the first thing we got I was excited for the rest. Sadly, all our meat was cold. It was baffling since we were by the kitchen and as packed as it was surely food wasn't just sitting around but absolutely cold meat entrees is what we got. Flavor was good though so that's something. Rice was hot though. We had planned to order dessert cause pics looked great online but honestly we were both just ready to go. Last thing I'll say is the bathrooms.... Single stalls that have no indicator of if they are occupied. Why? This led to a traffic jam at the bathrooms as well. Of people just asking repeatedly the first person waiting " did you try all the doors?" Put some indicators on the doors. Honestly, I don't know why the lay out is how it is and just the whole thing makes no sense. Seems like they want a hip vibe but it's just a stressful vibe in my opinion. That said, I would try one more time. Either much earlier on a weeknight or on the weekend when I have more energy for chaotic mess. They do offer suggestion cards with the bill but no pen till they bring back the signed copy which they immediately took back.

I love trying out new places. I came here with my foodie partner in crime, aka Chess Champ, on a Tuesday. I told him it didn't look busy, and I was WRONG! Our reservation was at 6:00 p.m. and the restaurant was busy. That's a great sign. Service is stellar! Ran like a fine dining establishment. Love that! The light fixtures and paintings were beautiful. The FOOD!!!!!! 5 stars. We started off with grilled shrimp, we loved them. My Chess Champs lamb chops were delicious. My sea bass was one of the best I've ever had. Baklava was just okay. Not sure I would get that again. The service was executed with precision. We hung out at the bar to keep the fun going after dinner. Drinks were good, bartenders were busy. Overall, we'd come again! Chess Champ says he thinks they are on their way to a Michelin rating. He's always right so we will see, well earned if they get it! Another good review in the books! DC never disappoints me. #inlove

I came here for dinner on a Wednesday night and was not disappointed! While it's a little pricey, I found it to be worth it. Between 2 of us, we split the falafel and lamb kabob, and it ended up being the perfect amount. If you tell them that you're splitting the kabob, they will plate it separately which was great! This was some of the best falafel I've had in DC, it melted right in your mouth. The lamb was also perfect! I definitely recommend going family style and splitting these meals so you can try more, you don't want to miss out.

I can't get over how incredible this place was. Came in from Texas, visiting friends and this was our best meal of the trip. We tried a little bit of everything on the starters menu, and got different kebabs for the main. The drinks were incredible, and the ambiance. Will be back every time we're in town!

Very very solid Persian dining experience! Starting with an excellent pita, flavorful and strong drinks including Breeze at Dawn, and Rumi's wings, we were excited for the entrees to come. Rumi's wings were grilled perfectly in spicy lemon saffron, which was good that my friend wants to order an entree size portion on our next visit. Our waiter was kind, patient, and helped us make menu selections tailored to our preferences. The entire wait staff was even attentive to the parking situation, making sure each guest knew that the parking garage was closing earlier than expected on the Saturday night we dined there. Dim lighting and Persian art color the interior, giving it sexy date night vibes or setting the stage for a long summer DC night. I ordered the Soltani Kabob and switched one skewer for the chicken kabob. The citrus saffron marinade used on the chicken kabob is my new favorite flavor - savory with a helpful hint of lemon zest. Mix tomato and saffron in the side portion of white rice to add flavor. I'll be back soon!

Best rice ever! The food was fresh and made so well! I want to come back to dc just to eat here!

So this place is hyped for all the right reasons! My new fav spot in DC- anything you order from menu and its never a miss! Food is so well prepped! Service is so on spot and they are very attentive throughout your visit! Place has a great ambiance too- Their ultimate best is Hanger steak but seriously anything on the menu is equally good- went with a large group and we all ordered various things from menu and all loved it. Ann absolute MUST TRY!!

Rumi's kitchen is a wonderful place where the flavors of each dish pop. This is a city that's no stranger to mediterranean flavors but there's a special kick about Rumi's kitchen. I'm not sure whether it's the inviting space or the otherwise festive ambiance but the types of dishes that are present is quite eclectic. I would also say that the place is great for large groups, which is a rarity in this part of town. Lastly, I would recommend ordering on the lighter end. It's one of those places that will say several dishes per persons but needless to say, they're not stingy on quantity.

Excellent service and ambiance. Our waiter was very verse in the menu and helped us with ordering the items.

Rumi once wrote that after gazing at the fire, he had become "burnt kabob." Thankfully, everything was cooked to the perfect temperature without any char at his namesake restaurant near the DC Convention Center. As a New Yorker who has been forced to live with a mediocre smattering of Persian offerings, perhaps my bar is too low for cooking from the region, but I found all the flavors here spectacular. The favorite dishes of our late lunch were the zeytoon parvardeh (generously marinated olives) and the ash reshteh, my all time favorite noodle soup served with an excellent garnish of fried shallots. Rumi also wrote in the same shayari of his soul being drunk, and while I was at best tipsy on this given afternoon, the orange umbrella cocktail was a drink I would certainly order again.

Been here a number of times and have always enjoyed my experience, but this time felt different. Came on a week night and was seated 15 minutes late to one of their later reservations. Typically this would be fine, but there is nowhere to wait inside the restaurant and frequently the bar is full. Tight turn around times also meant our table was still wet (and even my seat) upon being seated. Overall, I felt the service was good. But I was disappointed by the food this time. Usually, I can't get enough. Maybe it was the sweetness that washed out the duck, maybe it was the dry lamb kabob. It just didn't feel like my experience justified the price this time around.

Great staff and great food. Went here on a whim with friends and couldn't be more glad we ended up here. The food was amazing though a bit lacking in vegetarian options for a main course. I

Large, pleasing space. Covenient to the convention center but was packed so make reservations on Open Table if there is a big convention in town. Out of this world pita. Had the Duck Fesenjoon which might have been a mistake only part because Im not a huge fan of sour food. It was good but next time I come here I'll order something else and hopefully upgrade their score.

Terrific Persian food. Tried the soltani and chicken kabob. Both were juicy and flavorful, especially the chicken. I'm pretty convinced all their food is packed with flavor. Portions were very generous and price is reasonable. Everything was delicious and I would come back.

My absolute favorite Persian restaurant. I feel like I am transported back to Iran. I was a glutinous diva and had the soltani with shereen polo which was *almost as good as my Persian mother's. And the portion was so huge we ate it three times (my dad even thought the small leftovers he got were amazing three days later) Can't wait to take my parents there!

Overall a pleasant dining experience. Not a fan of the table set up-- everything is too close together and I had to ask to be moved since the first two top we were sat at had my hair basically in someone else's plate. Then we ended up next to a really loud guy who didn't STFU during his parties entire meal. On to the food. The shrimp appetizer was really good but there were only TWO shrimp. Come on! We also ordered wings which were 1) way too dry and 2) a little too spicy for my liking. We both had lamb kabob and it was excellent. Super tender and moist. The accompanying rice was delicious. Would definitely come back for the entrees and maybe go in a different direction w the apps.

I had a nice time at Rumi's Kitchen last night except for some minor issues. The food and drinks were incredible. I ordered the labne, which I've eaten before in Jordan, and couldn't stop eating! I also appreciated the free sabzi and loved learning about a new to me food item. I also got the Chilean sea bass, which was spectacular. Baklava rounded out an amazing meal, and the two cocktails I ordered were complex and delicious. My server was great and the bar staff was super welcoming. However, the hosts were kind of abrupt. When I asked if I could move to a table to eat, the host simply replied "no". I waited for a table and was seated, but it was close to the bar and people waiting for tables would wait right in front of me. One woman walking by accidentally knocked my bottle of water and I had to rearrange the table. The food was excellent, but I wish I had not been seated in such a crowded area. The crowded loud ambiance affected my dining experience.

I cannot say enough great things about Rumi's Kitchen!! Absolutely everything about the restaurant is top notch, and each and every cocktail and menu item has been well thought out and expertly executed with its plating. My friend and I were in the area and looking for somewhere to eat. As she is vegetarian we made sure to take a look at the menu to see if there would be enough options for her to choose from - and there were a whole range! We were ooo so fortunate to get a table at the bar without a reservation. And honestly this made the entire experience even more special, as the mixologists are super knowledgeable and engaging and talked us through each and every one of our drinks and menu options. I loved the Barg Kabob, Hummus and Falafel! Really honestly truly loved everything about the restaurant... This was one of those experiences where before leaving I was already thinking about when I could visit again

Food is so good and the service is incredible. The waiter took so much time to explain the dishes and give us the best experience. We ordered the fried eggplant appetizer which was amazing and got a side portion of it. I loved the cauliflower appetizer. Every appetizer comes with the leafy greens plate and bread. All of it was amazing. For the entree, we got the lamb kebab and they put it into 2 pastes for us since we ordered 1 entree to share. The portion size is massive and it's such a good deal. I loved the rice.

SIX STARS Being persian I'd usually say that the best persian food is home cooked by the loving hands of your relatives. BUT Rumi's Kitchen (OMFG) does more than enough to challenge this belief of mine. Rumi's is truly chefs kiss (x2) from food to service to ambiance. We ran in at around 8:30pm on a rainy Tuesday night and the incredible scent of nearly every spice exchanged along the Silk Road hypnotized me as we settled in at the bar. (I might sound dramatic but this place deserves it believe me.) The place is enchanting, decorated beautifully with a persian bohemian vibe and music that had my man making frequent visits to the bathroom just to Shazam almost every song. Mike, the bartender was not only helpful in helping us narrow down our options, but he was also great company sharing about the restaurants story as well as local insider tips of DC. We started with drinks, which were uniquely inspired by persian flavors. But the item that stole the show in a way that I've never experienced at a restaurant before was the Merzeh Ghazemi appetizer. My man got the lamb shank with baghali polo and adas polo while I went for the chenjeh with lubia polo and shirin polo. As the amazing texture and mixture of spices melted in our mouths, so did we nearly melting off the bar stools. These are dishes I don't usually make at home nor do I experience them at this level of quality while in other persian restaurants (San Diego really needs to take it up a notch). Although we came in starving after a long day of museum hopping, we still ended up walking away with a little bit of left overs which were happily enjoyed the next day. Damn my mouth is watering as I reflect on this experience. I really hope I can have more culinary experiences like this and share them w other noniranians and family back in SD.

I was quite excited to try Persian food! - my dining companion lead the way with what to order: Mirza Ghasemi, Dolmeh, Kashk Badenjoon, and the Chicken Barg - I am going through such an eggplant phase right now (ha!) so I was estatic at not one but TWO eggplant dishes. the badenioon was fascinating, the onion and eggplants are fried but then somehow made into a dip consistency. the taste was super unique and did not have the classic burnt eggplant babaganoush flavor I'm used to - the mirza ghasemi was very similar to a classic babaganoush except it was much more garlicky. the serving size was quite large for a starter - the dolmeh were meh in my opinion, meat was good and not too vinegary. the bread as well, I wish the dips came with vegetables or something as the bread was very plain and tough and the first basket was served cold - the "feast" aka large plate we got was the chicken breast dish. not pictured here. the chicken itself was cooked well and not too dry or tough. the lemon sauce reminded me so much of something that would go on a white fish dish with some capers. good but not worth the price, if I go again I'd stick to small plates or try a stew! - restaurant itself is soooooo pretty. outdoor seating is available but the dining room is huge and stunning so I was happy there even on a nice day. our waiter was .... bizarre. he hyper explained every move he made (like I don't need to know why you're clearing an empty plate) and made all of us second hand anxious for him! I bet at some point they were accused of poor service

The ambiance was great. It was so cute inside. The service was also phenomenal. Our waitress was friendly and efficient! For appetizers I tried the grilled shrimp, hummus and falafel. For my main fish I had the lamb kabob with saffron basmati rice and a beef kabob on the side. The portion sizes are big (the pictures don't do it justice). Everything was really tasty and had a lot of flavor. I would definitely come back. For cocktails, I got the SS Poet and Gifts of Beloved. They were both great but I'd pick the SS Poet over Gifts of Beloved! Lamb Kabob - 4/5 Beef Kabob -3/5 Grilled Shrimp - 4/5 Hummus - 4/5 Falafel- 4/5

My recent experience at Rumi's Kitchen in DC was nothing short of extraordinary. I went for dinner with my boyfriend last weekend. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance of the restaurant exuded warmth, setting the stage for a culinary adventure that surpassed my expectations. The SS Poet, a bourbon-based cocktail, kicked off the evening with a delightful symphony of flavors that lingered on the palate. Next, the roasted cauliflower and shallot torshi, served as an appetizer, was an absolute revelation - each bite bursting with rich flavor. The lamb rack with saffron rice, my chosen main course, was wonderful. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the saffron-infused rice provided a harmonious complement that elevated the dish. For dessert, I had the chocolate hazelnut torte. It was decadent, velvety, and precisely sweetened. It was so good!! Throughout the evening, the attentive staff added a touch of hospitality that elevated the dining experience at Rumi's kitchen.

Very good food; tasty and good quality. Lovely ambience fit for a date night or friends evening out. Nice collection of drinks too.

i love the kabab meat and the rice meat with the raisin i love to come back here soon again whenever i am in the washington dc area again

Rumi's is one of my fav restaurants!! this was my first time at the DC location after being a frequent visitor in Atlanta & it did not disappoint. Service was so great and sweet for my birthday they gave me free Baklava. The mocktails were delicious. Sitting outside was perfect with the heaters and the vibes. Along with delicious food per usual

Came here for a business lunch based off of a friend's recommendation. It was amazing!! First the interior is beautifully decorated and the service was top notch. We started out with the sodas (passion fruit, mango and peach). They were housemade, not overly sweet and really refreshing. As this was our first time our waiter walked us through the menu and had an explanation of each dish. The complimentary bread, cheese, herbs were first. He explained the traditional way to eat it, followed by nuts and radish as the palate cleanser. Next were the appetizers, we ordered rumi's wings, Kashk Badenjoon and Roasted Cauliflower and Shallot Torshi. The rumi's wings were grilled with spicy lemon saffron providing the perfect balance. I wanted to order a second round to go lol! The kashk badenjoon is fried eggplant , cream of whey, crispy onion, mint reminiscent of a chunky baba ganoush. The flavors worked well together. Last was the roasted cauliflower - well cooked and appropriate texture. I've been on a cauliflower kick and this did not disappoint. For mains we ordered the chicken barg, soltani kabob (beef koobideh kabob, beef barg kabob), and Lamb Shank. We wanted to try a variety. The lamb was my favorite, however all meats were tender and well seasoned. You're able to substitute rice choices without extra charge so we tried 3 different types and it was topped with the plan saffron rice. My favorite was the adas rice, but all were great honestly. There was an traditional spice that we could place on the rice ( I cannot remember the name), but it was tasty. For dessert we tried the Persian ice cream sandwich and Persian tea. We were able to share one ice cream sandwich cut in four. Let me tell you I wanted a pint of saffron ice cream and pistachios to go. As for the Persian tea it can be served dark, medium or light. We opted for medium with a bit of raw sugar. Overall the experience here was phenomenal. If you haven't been you're missing out!! I will certainly be back! Still dreaming of the wings and the ice cream sandwich!

Delicious food and great atmosphere. Walking into the restaurant already smelled amazing! The hummus and eggplant were great starters to share with our group. All the meats we got were cooked perfectly and I especially loved the beef. Service was fantastic, our server was very helpful with suggestions on what to order. The restaurant was also packed on a Saturday night, which made it a little loud towards the end of our meal.

Great team, went with a group of friends on a Saturday, expecting to have rushed service due to time of day but they treated us very well and took their time. I am very picky about lamb as I have always felt that it can be very gamy. This was easily the best I have ever had. Really recommend stopping by. The restaurant itself was very minimalistic and great place to be with a group of people.

Holy crap, I have never had Persian food before and this was a great first experience! I believe our server's name was Connor and he shared with us that he just finished his training. But, honestly he seemed like a pro. He explained the menu in detail, gave us suggestions, and checked on us very often. The complimentary bread along with the herbs was a great combo, especially with the cheese. It was goat cheese which I am normally not a fan of but it brought everything together really well. For the entree I got the lamb skewer and subbed my rice for a veggie skewer. I usually don't get lamb as I find it a bit gamey but decided to give it a shot. It was not gamey at all and was super tender! I ate the whole plate hahaha. Although this place is pricey I feel like its super worth it for the service, the food, and the ambiance.

Randomly saw this on Yelp as I was searching for decent food near convention center ( and it's mediocre food offerings). Rumi's has a simple R on the door- no big sign- I literally walked right by before noticing it. Easy to make reservations on open table. Does get busy on weekends so reservations recommended. Anyways- I now have a new DC fave! Soltani kabobs, Chilean sea bass, watermelon salad, the fresh herbs & cheese, our wine & housemade mango soda- everything was like "wow" delicious. Yet never felt heavy. Portions were great we very much enjoyed our leftovers the next day. Can't recall his name but we had an Asian Am server who was efficient, informative, went out of his way to help us when a downpour of rain started at the time we had to depart. I recommended this to 2 other convention attendees & they both enjoyed it too. We will be back regularly!

Everything I tried was well balanced and flavorful. Server was very knowledgeable about the food and the best cocktails for the dish we chose. The vibe was very chill and intimate.

Most delicious food I've had so far on my trip. Chicken Barg was flavorful and tender. My boyfriend said his Lamb Kabob was nice and juicy. The ambiance is beautiful and there's inside and outside dining. The server was also exceptional. Overall experience 10/10. Highly recommend!

Our waiter was CJ, he was so down to earth and kind. The food was awesome. In the lamb kabob, I was so skeptical about the raisins in the rice but I was kinda mad at how much I loved it. The wings had right amount of smokiness in them. The sauce!!!! I put that sauce on everything we ate. The complimentary appetizers were awesome. The grilled onions were wonderful too. The scenery was everything a date night needed as well.

The ambience was nice but it did get a bit loud at times. The service was really good-- everyone was super nice and very helpful in navigating the menu. The food was pretty good-- I especially liked the meat dishes, as the meat was cooked well. The cocktails were probably my favorite part of the whole experience-- they were really really good!