Rumi's Kitchen - DC

Rumi’s Kitchen in DC was an outstanding experience. We ordered the dolmeh, Ashe Reshte, lamb shank, and ghormeh sabzi—every dish was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. The flavors were authentic, rich, and beautifully balanced. The lamb shank was tender, the ghormeh sabzi deeply flavorful, and both the dolmeh and Ashe Reshte were comforting and exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone who loves high-quality Persian cuisine.

We stopped in for lunch and ordered the Gheimeh and Ghorme Sabzi. The portions were generous, and the complimentary bread served with fresh vegetables, feta, and walnuts was a fantastic start. The Ghorme Sabzi was delicious—exactly the savory, traditional taste I look for. While we enjoyed the meal, the Gheimeh didn't quite hit the mark for me; it seemed a bit heavy on the cinnamon, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it. That said, the atmosphere is very cordial and pleasant with nice ambient music. With so many kabob and stew options left to try, I’ll definitely be back.

This is the best persian restaurant in the world without any exaggeration. I have had persian food all over the world but this is the beeeeest. Highly recommend you to get shirin poli! It is not sweet but more similar to morasa polo.

I highly recommend stopping at Rumi’s. The service was really amazing, we felt like we were truly cared for by not only the hostess Gisella but the waitress Autumn gave us amazing recommendations. The staff made it so easy to share food family style which is exactly what we wanted. The ambiance was great in the little booths where we could sit next to each other. Great food, delicious drinks, and amazing staff that makes you feel at home

Tables are extremely close to each other. Food is delicious. Very noisy. It is not really date night restaurant but great portion sizes. Do recommend if you like persian food.

We have been here for dinner on Halloween night and the vibe was really good , drinks were perfect , we have ordered kebob platter it tasted well stood up to our expectations.Crispy potato bravas were delicious , we just both non veg and veg options everything tasted good , desserts the sandwich icecream is a must try . Overall we had a very pleasant experience will definitely go back .

Everything was great! I just wish I had a bigger appetite so I could try more of their dishes. The Lamb Shank with Lubia Polo was truly divine.

Excellent food, quick service and great atmosphere. There are a lot of vegetarian options in the appetizers selection. Wish they add a few in the entries. I never had to wait for someone to bring bread or water.

We loved it here! Got the khoobideh kabob (recommend) and the gheymeh (also good!). I subbed half rice for the green salad and my friend upgraded to the shirin rice (quite sweet but well done). Portion sizes very generous!

What a fantastic experience! Everything about this restaurant was absolutely lovely!!!👌🏽 Food, service, decoration, atmosphere, you name it. This is definitely the place to taste authentic Persian cuisine. We had a truly magnificent time. I highly recommend making a reservation and treating yourself to the real taste of Persian food.

This restaurant should be a contender for a Michelin star for consistency of presentation, service and food quality and taste. Never ever got disappointed by the unwavering level of care and quality of service and food !

This is an experience not to be missed. I visited in January 2022 and I'd been thinking of those flavors ever since. The flavors are 👌 every dish is 🤌 excellent from presentation, flavor, ingredients, cooked well. I finally visited again in January 2026. I couldn't possibly leave without revisiting Rumi's so I consolidated my takeout order for my flight home.

Ambience and Exceptional Halal Food! Rumi Kitchen is an outstanding restaurant with a warm, elegant atmosphere and excellent service. The food is full of authentic Middle Eastern flavors — everything from the kebabs to the rice dishes is cooked to perfection. The chicken and lamb were tender and flavorful, and the portions were generous. It’s also a great place for families, with comfortable seating and beautiful presentation. A perfect spot for a relaxing dine-in experience — highly recommended for anyone who enjoys quality halal cuisine!

We had a table outside since the place inside was booked. Although we didn't have a reservation the personnel was very flexible in arranging a table. The waiting staff was very kind and considerate and gave helpful recommendations. The salads were exquisite! The dressing was truly 1A. My lamb kabob was perfectly seasoned and cooked. We spent a great evening. Prepare to leave behind some money, but the food is worth it.

Hairul was very knowledgeable about all the drinks and food choices. Amazing food with so many gluten free choices!! Food was very tasteful!!We were blessed to get a place at the bar on a Friday night!! And watch and learned about the drinks he was entertaining Without a reservation!! Remember to reserve a table a head of time!! Very popular place!!

Omg instant 5 stars. The seabass is HEAVENLYYY!!! Rice is so buttery and fluffy. Some of the most delicious food I’ve had in dc. Customer service is amazing too. The oyster and mushrooms hummus wow so cream & fantastic. Mason our server was exceptional. Rumi I shall be back always

Last minute decision to dine here for lunch. Plenty of tables and got seated immediately. Ambiance is relaxed and cozy. Staffs were friendly and attentive. Our server was very helpful and accommodating. My partner was not hungry so we just ordered an entree for me (kabab barg). They split the order into 2 plates, which were nice so he could have a taste. Well, he ended up finishing the sirloin. The sirloin looked “simple,” however, it was so incredibly tasty. Sprinkle some sumac to elevate it further with citrusy flavor. The beef was perfectly seasoned. It was light and so tender and soft. We didn’t need a knife to cut the beef! Highly recommended and we’d definitely come back again to try other things on their menu.

Wow, what an incredible experience I had at this Persian 🇮🇷 restaurant! The food was absolutely amazing - the flavors were bursting in my mouth! It was so delicious, I couldn’t stop eating. Unfortunately, the restaurant was packed, so I think it’s best to make a reservation to avoid the long line outside. Overall, everything about the restaurant was perfect - the food, the service, and the atmosphere. The staff were super friendly and attentive, and they went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. And guess what? They also have Halal food, which is a great option for Muslims. If you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience in DC, this is definitely a place you should check out. It’s one of the best restaurants in the city, hands down! I highly recommend it, and I’ll definitely be back again. Thanks a bunch for everything today! 😊

The best Iranian food you can have in the U.S. is definitely here. Everything is amazing and truly captures the authentic taste of Iranian cuisine.

Traveled to DC for a conference and was very pleased to find such a great place to eat! The ambiance is great. Rather than bright overhead lights, they have little table top lights with glare guards so that only the table top is lit. It was the most pleasant atmosphere of any of the places I tired on my trip! Service was great and the food was delicious. We ordered hummus, duck fesenjoon, and lamb kabob on our first visit. The fesenjoon was rich and flavorful. The lamb was perfectly cooked to order. They had a bunch of unique rice options that paired nicely with our meal! We enjoyed it so much that we went back again a couple days later. I highly recommend checking this place out! Will definitely return for another great meal the next time I am in the DC area.

As a Persian, I’m pretty picky when it comes to Persian food—but Rumi’s Kitchen really impressed me. The koobideh was juicy and full of flavor, and the rice was spot on, just like back home. The drinks were super refreshing, and the whole vibe of the place is classy but chill. Service was great, and everything came out beautifully. Definitely one of my favorite Persian spots in DC—authentic with a modern twist. (Great quality with takeout options or delivery as well)

First meal in DC! Tried to go to Unconventional Diner but forgot it was Sunday and not Monday and it was a 2hr wait so we were walking to Capital Burger and detoured to Rumi’s for my daughter’s first time trying Persian food…she loved it! Same owners as the Rumi’s in Atlanta with some twists to the menu…service was top notch and a great overall vibe! If you’re in the area, check them out!

Wow! Incredible dining experience. Amazing ambiance, all of the food was prepared hot and coursed- was so delicious. Lilly took amazing care of our large party paying attention to even the smallest details. She made the whole experience even more incredible. She was so great- unhurried, kind, she even brought out a dessert for the birthday boy (we never told her directly it was his birthday, she picked it up in our conversation and made it extra special).

My wife and I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Rumi’s Kitchen in DC last week. We've visited other Rumi’s locations before, but this one truly stands out—it’s exceptional in every way. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and refined. The service was top-notch: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely hospitable. We started with a refreshing plate of vegetables and hot bread, which set the tone perfectly. The kabob was perfectly seasoned and grilled, paired with fluffy saffron rice that brought everything together. And the desserts? Unforgettable. The saffron ice cream sandwich with pistachios was rich and delicate, and the baklava with ice cream was beautifully presented and full of flavor. Even the tea was served elegantly, adding to the experience. This location has mastered not only Persian cuisine but also the art of hospitality. We’ll definitely be back—and next time, we’re bringing friends.

Amazing food and love the atmosphere. Try the Kashobademjan and Gheymeh. The drinks are rly yummy too!

I brought my husband here for Father’s Day and we had such a great experience. The food was absolutely delicious and everything was so flavorful and fresh. We especially loved the chicken kabobs and the saffron rice… just wow. Amazing saffron ice cream. Definitely will be coming back!

Rumi’s Kitchen is easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in DC. From the moment we walked in, everything felt intentional — warm, elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and food that’s rich, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Every dish we tried was incredible, but what really elevated the night was our waiter, Richard. He is genuinely one of the most knowledgeable and thoughtful servers I’ve ever had. He walked us through the menu with care, gave spot-on recommendations, and checked in at exactly the right moments without ever feeling intrusive. Truly the best service I’ve received in my life — full stop. You can tell this place takes pride in both the food and the experience. Rumi’s Kitchen manages to honor tradition while delivering a refined, memorable meal. This is the kind of restaurant you bring people to when you want to impress — and I’ll absolutely keep coming back.

Celebrated my birthday here for lunch with my family, and it was truly one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had. The food was the best Persian cuisine I’ve had at a restaurant (and I’m Persian), every dish was packed with flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly made with high-quality ingredients. The service was exceptional from start to finish. Mason was a fantastic server, and Kenny and Hairul made sure everything at our table was perfect. The hospitality felt genuine, attentive, and top-tier. Outstanding work, I’ll be back for Persian New Year in March!

I had a wonderful experience here. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared — especially the salmon kabobs and saffron rice. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, and the service was attentive and welcoming. I especially appreciate the artisan cocktails. A great spot for a nice dinner out. I’ll definitely be back!

The meal started on a high note. The bread is warm, fresh, and the perfect way to kick off the meal. I also highly recommend the kale salad; it was well-dressed and surprisingly one of the highlights of the night. For the main course, I tried the beef stew. While it was okay, it didn't quite have the "wow" factor of the starters. The rice was good. The service was excellent. Even with the restaurant being completely full, the staff was attentive, fast, and made us feel well-taken care of. The only downside is the layout. The restaurant is very popular and can get quite packed. The dining area felt a bit cramped, and because it was so crowded, the noise level was high. It’s a great spot for a lively group dinner, but perhaps a bit too loud if you’re looking for a quiet conversation.

As an Iranian, I’m very proud to see one of my fellow Iranians opened such a beautiful restaurant in the heart of America(DC). The service was excellent and the staff were clearly working very hard. We were a group of Iranians and ordered Soltani kebabs and ghormeh sabzis. The food quality was good, but the flavors were slightly different from what we’re used to in Iranian cuisine. This is just a small suggestion for improvement, not a complaint. We also ordered an appetizer along with several desserts, all of which were excellent—particularly the Shirazi faloodeh. Wishing the Rumi Restaurant team a great success and many more locations in the future.

Rumi’s Kitchen gives comfortable, homey and charming vibes. It’s such a beautiful restaurant. You can tell a lot of thought went into the design and aesthetics of the restaurant. From the outside you would never imagine how big it is inside. We had a 4pm reservation on 12/31/2025 however arrived about 30 minutes early. We were able to be seated very quickly. Our server was Trudy and she was very sweet. I wasn’t quite sure what drink to order so she recommended a happy hour offering called “Paper Planes” but it didn’t taste that great. Trudy was so sweet and offered to get me a different drink, the SS Poet. The drink was bourbon based and very delicious. For food we selected “Mirza Ghasemi Humus”, “Lamb Merguez Humus” and “Lamb Kabob” which came with saffron basmati rice. The rice and lamb were very flavorful. The eggplant humus was smoky. For dessert, we ordered the baklava and Iranian coffee (alcoholic based). I also ordered sparkling water throughout the meal. The service was good aside from a 10 minute period where my partner and I were waiting on more bread to eat our humus. We didn’t have anymore so we couldn’t eat and were just staring at each other until it arrived lol. Food items are much more on the pricey side however this is likely due to the D.C. location.

Loved the vibe here! The atmosphere is great for a night out. We ordered the Soltani and Lamb Kabobs, Shirazi salad and a Hidden Depths mocktail. Everything was delicious, but we definitely preferred the Soltani (with the Shirazi salad) over the Lamb kabob!

stopped in during lunch without a reservation. The place was pretty busy, so I’m not sure if that’s the norm or if there was an event going on. As a solo diner, I sat at the bar, which worked out well. The bartender was very informative and offered great food recommendations. Everything suggested was spot on and enjoyable. The price point felt a bit high for a casual lunch, but it also didn’t seem like the restaurant was aiming to be a quick-bite kind of place. One downside was that the bathroom could have used some attention. Overall, I’d go back.

I dined at Rumi’s Kitchen in Washington DC three times recently, and overall it’s a solid Persian restaurant worth visiting. The appetizers Mirza Ghasemi and Kashk Badenjoon were both excellent, with rich, smoky eggplant and perfectly balanced flavors that reflect the authentic Persian culinary tradition of boldness combined with moderation. Unfortunately, the Yogurt Duo was my least favorite appetizer, as the yogurt with dried shallots was runny and lacked flavor. Regarding the main dishes—or “Feast,” as the restaurant calls them—the Lamb Shank was the clear highlight. It was tender, fall-off-the-bone delicious, accompanied by fava bean saffron dill rice with a generous amount of fava beans, which is rare not just in DC but across Persian restaurants in the US, Europe, and Canada. The Chinjeh Lubia Polo was tender and flavorful, though I felt the Lubia Polo could be better if the cinnamon and other condiments were used more sparingly. Persian cuisine is known for striking a balance between bold flavors and moderation, so this dish would shine more with a lighter hand on the spices. The Lamb Kabob was decent but my least favorite among the mains. Despite ordering it medium, it wasn’t as tender or grilled as expected, which was surprising given its popularity online and staff recommendations. Overall, Rumi’s Kitchen offers generous portions, warm hospitality, and a thoughtful Persian dining experience. While a few dishes could be refined, the restaurant remains a solid choice for authentic Persian meals in DC. I recommend it and give it four stars.

For food that costs so much, I’d expect nothing less than “perfect” for taste, proportion, presentation etc. but the restaurant lacked in several departments. Tiny lamb shank, small portions of rice, dry-ish chicken, drinking straws sinking in the first minute while several waiters continued to ask and ensure everything was perfect. I guess one wouldn’t need to ask if they believed everything was top notch. I don’t agree with fine dining restaurants charging a butt load of money for less than average food while the strip malls provide better food and service. How long will people be greedy for “””ambiance””” “””good interior decor””” “””state of the art cooking pans””” and continue paying hefty amounts and make such businesses thrive instead of seeking great tasting meals served in generous proportions. Maybe the end is nigh, RUMI, do better! and with that I end my monologue.

If food was the only thing you care about. This is the place for amazing service and food. It was exceptional. It may look high end in the pictures but that did not disappoint us after we were serviced with food and hospitality. I would recommend everyone I know to experience this place who lived around the dmv.

We had a lovely dining experience at this very nice restaurant, which features tasteful and elegant decor both indoors and outdoors. The ambiance is inviting and well thought out, perfect for a relaxed meal. The food was overall very good and of high quality. The rice was outstanding—perfectly cooked and fragrant. The kabob was delicious and well-seasoned, and the kashkebademjan was excellent! Unfortunately, the Ash Reshteh was served lukewarm, which was a bit disappointing. The service throughout our visit was attentive and professional. However, the initial welcome could have been warmer—we missed that friendly first impression. Despite this small detail, we definitely plan to return. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy quality Persian cuisine in a beautiful setting.

Rumi DC has a lovely ambiance. The decor is thoughtful and the space feels warm and inviting. It’s the perfect spot for a cozy meal. The staff was friendly, professional, and attentive without being too forward. The food had some great dishes and some not-so-great ones. The rice was fantastic! The kabobs were okay, not bad, but not something you’d go out of your way to get. The lamb shank, unfortunately, didn’t quite hit the mark. The broth was bland and the meat lacked flavor.

Second awful takeout experience in a row! Just assuming the curly human hair in my kabob was an accident (why shouldn't they wear hair nets!!), the pickup experience is a nightmare at this restaurant. 1. You're charged about 10% for boxing and service just to get your food smashed to the corner due to mishandling 2. Ordering over the phone (perhaps to customize the order) is impossible. They pickup the phone and put you on hold for sooooo long (last time 20 minutes) 3. The personnel at the checkin table ghost people showing up for pickup and treat everyone really rudely. You wait 15 extra minutes looking at your order getting cold and they just tell you it's getting prepared! I seriously expected a lot better from a brand like this!