Rubaiyat Restaurant — Restaurant in Decorah

We actually went twice during a recent stay in Decorah. The first night we had made reservations and had a lovely meal. The wontons were a nice starter but the squash soup before the entree was really good. My wife had the seafood pasta in a creamy garlic sauce which she really enjoyed. I had the blackened tuna special that exceeded my expectations. The tuna was properly seared without overcooking the fish which was still rare at the center. Prices were very reasonable (especially compared to a similar meal in the twin cities) Our last night in town on Saturday we hadn't made plans so we decided to try our luck again. They were completely booked but we were able to grab a table in the bar. Again, the food was great and the bar tender was really good but he was the only server in the bar along with filling orders for all the regular tables. We weren't in a hurry so it was no problem for us, but it would have been a challenge if we were trying to get in and out. The other note, in the bar they only allow one food order so if you were planning on taking your time and ordering apps first, you get them with your entre. Again, the food was great, I really enjoyed my chicken and waffle - spicy, sweet and savory with a perfect over easy egg on top. My wife had the salmon - she had hoped it would be rare like my tuna but it was more toward medium - not dry...

I expected better. The place and bathrooms were nice, but the food was mediocre. I was most disappointed that, despite me asking, they did not give me a break on the price of a menu item that had an option to leave out the meat. It was good they offered this option, but as you're getting less of the most expensive part of the dish, you should get a couple of dollars off. Most places do this. And it encourages vegetarianism or veganism which is better for our planet. What they did offer was no extra charge on the gluten-free version, but why was there an extra charge for gluten free at all? It usually isn't more expensive in a restaurant. For a restaurant with such a reputation and so expensive, this seemed mean. The chef's excuse for not giving me a break on the price for leaving out the meat was that this was not how the dish was meant to be prepared. That seemed feeble. Then don't offer that as an option and make another menu item that is vegan or vegetarian! Service wasn't great either, but it was the server's first day and she tried. She made a few mistakes and didn't know if the fish was sustainably caught either. I don't blame her as much as poor training or selection of employee. Do better. One of the friends I was dining with is a writer who has given good publicity for this restaurant and recommended it. Not sure she will...

My fiance and I ate dinner there last night for our anniversary. Our server (I believe his name was Mathew) was top-notch. Not only did he check in on us the right amount for a upscale restaurant but he was charming and extremely friendly. Still on the topic of service, the owner paid our table multiple visits to make sure everything was satisfactory. She was a fantastic hostess and even found out were I could get their amazing Minnesota wild rice from. Excellent conversations all around. This leads me to the food. I must say, we've eaten at Michelin star restaurants before and Rubaiyat most certainly should be considered for one. The portions were generous but not too large. The food came out hot and not because of a heat lamp. The Mahi Mahi was devine, asparagus crisp and green, and the wild rice cooked to perfection. We really got the sense from talking with the staff and owner that they truly cared for their business. One final note that is truly the icing on the cake. There are empty wine bottles they use to decorate their restaurant. I've seen this done several times before but the one thing that Rubaiyat does that the others don't is that they actually dust the bottles. This one little detail shows their level of dedication and pride for their establishment. Rubaiyat is a bright and shining gem in a beautiful little North Eastern Iowa...