Rumi's Kitchen

"This stunning Persian restaurant is known for its flavorful dishes that capture Persian and Mediterranean flavors, and now that extends to its new brunch service, held on weekends from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Along with its regular menu, diners will find a mix of traditional and more modern dishes, such as Dutch baby pancakes served with sour cherry jam and cream, Persian omelets made with Turkish sujuk sausage and tomato, a Zabuton steak and eggs paired with potato, shishito hash, and turmeric-fried eggs, and bread baskets filled with freshly baked Jerusalem bagels, za’atar biscuits, and traditional Persian sangak. Cocktails also capture the breadth of Persian flavors, with Naranj Bellinis made with sour orange, and refreshing Kish Island Ice Teas that blend vodka with Persian tea, mint, and orange blossom water. For something more bold, the Iranish Coffee combines Bruichladdich unpeated scotch, nocino, coffee, and cream, with a sprinkle of nutmeg." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Rumi’s Kitchen’s “Eshgh o Hal”, meaning happy hour bliss among friends in Farsi, is offered from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. During this time, signature cocktails like Rumi’s margarita, gimlets, and French 75s are discounted to $12, and specials are offered on the restaurant’s signature Persian dishes, like chickpea fries, burrata and bastirma, and koobideh sliders — all priced under $15. Insider tip: If you think you’ll enjoy more than one of Rumi’s barrel-aged Old Fashioneds, opt for the three-for-$30 special." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Rumi’s Kitchen debuted in October in the mixed-used development on Post Oak, marking the fifth U.S. location of the upscale Persian restaurant, which serves eye-catching dishes of jeweled rice, kabobs, and sides. Equally as stunning is the decor and the private dining area. Accommodating up to 40 people, the room’s skylight and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and though closed off, there’s plenty of glimpses into its bustling main area." - Marcy de Luna, Brittany Britto Garley

"The Houston locale of Atlanta’s opulent Persian restaurant Rumi’s Kitchen captures the warmth of a Persian home with its food and decor. Designed by the Johnson Studio, the buzzy, upscale restaurant, takes up 5,500 square feet in the Galleria area and features an open kitchen with a turquoise tile backdrop, a bespoke chandelier above the front bar, photographs by Iranian contemporary photographer Shadi Ghadirian, and 15 custom light fixtures that symbolize the skirt of a whirling dervish. Menu options include wagyu zabuton kabob, charred Chilean sea bass, kibbeh nayyeh, and corn ribs." - Marcy de Luna, Brittany Britto Garley

"For a modern take on Persian cuisine, head to the Houston branch of Rumi’s Kitchen, a small chain of restaurants originally launched in Atlanta. Helmed by Iranian chef and co-owner Ali Mesghali, Rumi’s Kitchen serves up reimagined Iranian classics such as beef kabobs made with American wagyu, grilled shishito peppers, and red onions, as well as badenjoon kashk, which features fried eggplant topped with cream of wheat, crispy onions, and mint. But beyond the food, one of the most delightful things about Rumi’s Kitchen is the space itself. Sleek and contemporary, it serves as the perfect backdrop for both enjoying a killer meal and taking a selfie." - Mae Hamilton