Rumi’s Kitchen: Exquisite Persian Dining Experience in Washington, DC

We had a wonderful birthday lunch here this past weekend. We loved the opportunity to try lots of things, but the stand out was truly the baklava. It came with what was probably the best vanilla ice cream I’ve ever had. Service was excellent and at no point did we feel rushed—we really got to relax and enjoy ourselves. Would highly recommend!

Visited Rumi’s Kitchen and really enjoyed the meal. The koobideh with saffron rice was perfectly grilled and flavorful, and the Kashk-e Bademjan was rich, balanced, and beautifully presented. The fresh herbs, feta, walnuts, and radish plate added a nice traditional touch. The ambiance is elegant and lively—good for dinner with friends or a special night out. Service was attentive and professional. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality of ingredients and overall experience make it worthwhile.

Rumi’s Kitchen is one of those restaurants where you can feel the quality from the moment you walk in. Yes, reservations are a must and it’s definitely on the pricier side, but once you taste the food, it’s totally worth it. The falafel plate was packed with flavor and super fresh. The pita, the salad, the dips everything felt like it was made with care and attention to detail. I also had their chocolate cake with toasted hazelnuts and it was incredible. One of the most satisfying desserts I’ve had in a long time. Rich, balanced, and just melts in your mouth. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and checked in just the right amount. The overall vibe and hospitality made the whole experience even better. If you’re looking for authentic Persian food that delivers on both taste and service, this place is a solid ten out of ten. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Rumi’s Kitchen is an exceptional Persian dining experience in DC. The flavors are rich, authentic, and beautifully balanced, with every dish prepared to perfection. The duck fesenjoon was a standout—luxuriously tender, with a deep, complex walnut and pomegranate sauce that felt both comforting and refined. The chicken barg was equally impressive, perfectly marinated, juicy, and grilled with exceptional precision. The atmosphere is warm and elegant, making it ideal for both special occasions and relaxed evenings. Service is attentive and genuinely welcoming, which elevates the entire experience. Rumi's Kitchen stands out even among DC’s strong Persian dining scene and is a place I recommend with confidence. A restaurant that honors tradition while delivering a refined, memorable meal.

We recently visited Rumi’s Kitchen based on a recommendation from friends, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The food was flavorful, beautifully presented, and clearly prepared with care. While it may not be strictly traditional in every detail, the dishes were vibrant, well-balanced, and very enjoyable. From the perfectly grilled kebabs to the fragrant rice and freshly baked bread, everything was served hot and full of flavor. The spice levels were balanced and approachable, making it a great option for a group with different taste preferences. The atmosphere was lively yet refined, and the staff were attentive and professional throughout our visit. It was a memorable dining experience, and we would definitely recommend it to others visiting Washington. We would also recommend reserving a table in advance to avoid a long wait, as it can get quite busy.

Lina gave us a phenomenal experience at Rumi’s kitchen. This is my second time here, but her hospitality and charisma combined with the delectable dishes, made this is definitely not the last. We ordered the koobideh kabob which you can’t go wrong with. The ground meat is not gamey at all, very tender and almost buttery with each bite - one of my favorites here. But the unexpected surprise that you must try, if you can eat meat, are the grape leaves. They’re warm, served with yogurt sauce, and have a tangy flavor. This combination will keep you coming back for more. I know I’ll be back for the dolmeh alone.

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.

We had a great experience here! The restaurant was very busy, so I highly recommend making a reservation before coming. The food was absolutely delicious — everything was flavorful and perfectly prepared. Special thanks to Farhad for taking care of our table. He was incredibly welcoming, professional, and truly hospitable. We really appreciated his kindness and great service. We will definitely be back!