Amoo's Restaurant — Restaurant in Virginia

It's time I reviewed this wonderful restaurant, which has evolved over the years from being a rough-around-the edges neighborhood family kabob joint into a legitimate contender for best Persian cuisine in the DC area. Where to begin?

How about with the kabobs, which frankly put the other area kabob joints to shame. In fact, it's a miracle that Moby Dick stays in business when Amoo's is right down the street, serving meat that's leagues ahead in terms of both flavor and tenderness, with veggies that deserve as much praise as the meat, and portions that frankly are big enough to serve two people. I don't know how they get their chicken, in particular, this tender.

Speaking of veggies, the veggie kabob is the best value and also one of the best items on the menu, with rich and flavorful grilled persian eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and onions, served over Amoo's lima bean and dill rice (if you prefer the traditional buttered white rice, you can ask for that instead).

The stews are pricey, but like the kabobs, are a cut above. There are a few regular items, like a lamb shank with eggplant, but do yourself a favor and ask about the special of the day. It's usually something good.

The chicken soup is also something that's not available every day, but oh man, is it good. Richly flavored and loaded.

And don't forget the bread. They really upgraded it a few years ago when they switched from a more lavash-style to a barbari or tandoor-style bread, and it's addicting. Straight out of the oven. Use it to mop up every last drop of your stew.

I generally hate Yelp reviews that overly fixate on the service over the food, but the Amoo's family deserves extra praise for being so darned friendly. It's rare these days to go into a restaurant and feel like you are a welcome guest in somebody's home. Even if you're just picking up takeout, this is a place that welcomes every customer with a smile and a genuine feeling that they are delighted to serve you. 5 stars.

PS - Check in on social media and they give you 10%...

For years I have traveled the country full-time in an RV. We have eaten some amazing food in our travels but this place is one of our favorites in the whole country. We will detour by 3-4+ hours to make sure we eat at Amoo's. I'm always worried that it won't live up to my memory but they never disappoint.

I'd like to offer menu suggestions for Persian food novices. Number one, ask your waiter for suggestions. I've never been disappointed by their suggestions and the workers here treat you like family. These portions come with plenty of food and we usually order for the table and share. Menu suggestions for novices: -- pita bread and hummus. It's good hummus. Try any of their other dips. ---Tahdig + mihicheh- this is a pan crisped rice with a lamb shank that is seasoned and cooked to utter perfection. This dish is magical. Even if you're not a lamb lover-- give this a go. --Koobideh- the menu says this is ground beef but it is SO much more! This is a long kabob of the most tender, flavorful "meatball" you've ever had. --Lamb soltani-- you get the koobideh kabob and a lamb kabob with this plating. If you like lamb, give it a try. --saffron chicken-- this is a nice subtle flavored kabob of chicken, this is the least adventurous option for shy American pallettes but still very good. --Shirin polo-- if you feel adventurous, upgrade your rice to this fancy rice --drink: Doogh-- this is a savoury yogurt drink that you have to try at least once in your life. I've tried several around the country now and I like Amoo's best. Many people love the Saffron tea-- haven't tried it because I don't do black tea but if Doogh isn't your thing-- try this. --- dessert: GET THE SAFFRON ICE CREAM!!! Life changing. We have asked to ship it across the country and they said "sure, we get that request more than you would expect".

If you don't like anything after you try these menu suggestions-- you don't like Persian food. And I am...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Amoo's Persian Fusion in DC, and it was an experience that truly exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the tone for what was an unforgettable meal.

The menu, a vibrant tapestry of Persian flavors fused with modern twists, offered an array of dishes that catered to a wide range of palates. Each dish we ordered was a testament to the chef's expertise in blending traditional Persian ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques to create flavors that were both familiar and excitingly novel.

The standout dish for me were Saffron Chicken, Chimichurri chicken, and Barg an Koobideh, which were a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ingredients were fresh, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes, showcasing the care and passion that goes into every plate served at Amoo's.

The service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable, offering insights into the menu and helping us navigate the extensive options with recommendations that tailored perfectly to our tastes. The attention to detail and the genuine warmth from the staff made us feel truly valued and well taken care of.

To complement our meal, the restaurant offers a curated selection of wines and traditional Persian beverages that perfectly accentuated the flavors of our dishes. The overall dining experience was not just a meal but a culinary journey that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic Persian experience with a modern flair.

Amoo's Persian Fusion is not just a restaurant; it's a place where food, culture, and hospitality converge to create an experience that is both delightfully surprising and deeply satisfying. It's a must-visit for anyone in DC looking for an extraordinary dining experience. I can't wait to return and explore more of what Amoo's...