Grill and Greens — Restaurant in Bloomfield

Had a terrible experience for my sister's graduation lunch here. Went on a Thursday at 3pm. There was no one else in the restaurant. Had a party if 7 (not huge but sizeable where you'd think they'd care about service). The service was TERRIBLE. Like absolutely terrible and I personally dont go to restaurants for the ambiance/service but care more about yhe taste/quality of the food. They would come by every 30 minutes and seem bothered when we'd ask for water every 30 minutes... what kind of service is that? We spent close to $300 and they couldn't care to refill our water glasses. They were not accommodating at all and pushing ordering more food when we ordered 5 appetizers, the largest family sized platter and 3 desserts. The food is VERY overpriced, though good quality and overall good. Maybe they think they can charge more because there isn't as much competition in the area. There are much better quality places that are authentic in Paterson/Clifton area. Save yourself the trouble and go there instead. For example, they charge $12 for a child's size mozzarella sticks or chicken fingers, which is highway robbery. Their individual kebab dishes are around $28. They have a cold trio of 3 appetizers and they charge $28 for it snd it came out in this tiny little dish. We got the hummus, graoe leaves and another eggplant/tomato dish, the name of which I'm forgetting. They have 2 grape leaves. That means we spent $9 for 2 grape leaves for an appetizers sampler that is meant to be shared... Please make it make sense. That's comparable to high end/fancy restaurants and way out of line for this restaurant. The family platter that feeds 4-5 is ~$150, which amounts to $25-35 per person. What family meal is more expensive than individual orders... the pricing makes no sense and is a complete ripoff. The appetizers weren't very good, the entree was good and the desserts are not good (probably the worst out of the 3) and are not good quality. The decor and theme of the restaurant was nice and what drew us to it. We have been to many Turkish restaurants and have always loved the food/ambience. This was not it. There are many better restaurants in the immediate area that blow this place out of the water. Extremely disappointed in our experience.

Normally I wouldn't care for the service and whatnot but we went for my sister's medical school graduation and had an awful experience. There were two couples who came after us who sat for at least 20 minutes without anyone coming by to take their order. I'm not sure how this place has so many positive reviews, I would not go back and would recommend others go elsewhere. Please save yourselves the time and effort and...

On Thanksgiving day, just hours before our international dinner, my visiting Jordanian students and I ran out of some key ingredients to prepare the Tabouleh. As the local grocery store had just closed, my students convinced me to walk into the bright, brand new little restaurant RUMI, pleasantly nestled between Conger Street and Glenwood Ave,, and ask if they would kindly spare some tomatoes!

Not only did Arkan and Harkan bestow upon us their last few Romas, but they also revealed to us a brand new world of delectable Turkish food now arrived in downtown Bloomfield. We left armed with some of the best Baba Ganoush on this side of the Mediterranean – I am not kidding —and the gift of an exquisite dessert much like rice pudding, but subtler and far more delicious.

Not only is the staff of Rumi friendly, charming and generous, the freshly made food is truly top-notch. My students, who hold Middle-Eastern fare in the US to their high standards were ecstatic! While waiting, we were treated to fragrant Turkish tea and encouraged to return.

I just did return, and nothing could be more restorative after an hour battling Friday night traffic on the Garden State than the warm, vibrant atmosphere of Rumi, festooned with turquoise lamps and reverberating with the sound of backslapping hugs from friends and neighbors dropping in to pay their respects to the owners.

My kitchen is under construction, but I feel so lucky this evening to be enjoying a take out feast of light and springy calamari, that perfectly charred and smoky Baba Ganoush again, salad, and another gift of a Turkish dessert.

“These feel like my family!” exclaimed Arkan affectionately greeting a couple who had already dined at Rumi four times since it opened!

Returning to Rumi is what it’s all about!!!! Welcome...

Had the most delightful experience today when my friend and I decided to have lunch at Rumi Mediterranean Cafe & Grill.

The lunch special includes a choice of house salad or soup, a choice of a cold appetizer, a half portion size of a choice of several entree items, and a soft drink.

We both had the Lentil Soup, which was a delicious puree, We shared the most creamy Hummus and the Babaganoush that had such a velvety texture and rich smoky flavor.

For the main course, I chose the Falafel, while my friend had the Chicken Shish. Both were outstanding!!

We were going to split a homemade Rice Pudding, but before we could order, one of the owners had provided two complimentary desserts for us to sample along with Turkish Tea. The Almond Silk with crushed toasted Pistachios was perfection.... light and not overly sweet. The Chocolate Pudding Parfait was richly decadent! Neither had a drop left... they were THAT good!

The service was friendly and attentive while not being overbearing. My friend and I were able to enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling at all rushed. Adding to the enjoyment is the simply appointed environment.... sophisticated with just the right balance of Mediterranean influence.

My friend and I agreed.... we will be back to sample other items, especially that Rice Pudding. Our only fear.... everyone else will find out about Rumi, and we won't be...