Rumi's Kitchen - DC — Restaurant in Washington

I am delighted to share my 5-star review of Rumi's Kitchen - DC, a phenomenal Persian restaurant that left me thoroughly impressed. This establishment truly deserves every bit of praise it receives.

First and foremost, I highly recommend securing reservations on Open Table before visiting Rumi's Kitchen. This place is incredibly popular among both locals and tourists, and securing a reservation will ensure a smooth and hassle-free dining experience.

Situated next to the Washington Convention Center and within walking distance of Chinatown DC, Rumi's Kitchen is conveniently located. However, it's worth noting that street parking can be a challenge. Thankfully, there is garage parking available at a cost, providing convenient options for those driving to the restaurant.

Upon entering Rumi's Kitchen, I was immediately captivated by the amazing decor. The ambiance was inviting, and it truly set the stage for the incredible dining experience that awaited me. The restaurant's atmosphere creates a sense of anticipation for the delicious food that is about to be served.

One of the standout features of Rumi's Kitchen is the open kitchen. As you dine, you can catch glimpses of the skilled chefs preparing the delectable Persian dishes. It adds an element of excitement and engagement to the dining experience.

The bar at Rumi's Kitchen is well-stocked with a selection of allocated bourbon and other spirits. These beverage options perfectly complement the flavors of the Persian cuisine and enhance the overall meal. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or want to explore new flavors, the bar at Rumi's Kitchen has something to offer.

When it comes to the menu, every item is top-rated. From the appetizers to the main courses and desserts, Rumi's Kitchen delivers exceptional flavors and meticulous attention to detail. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the rich and vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine.

Rumi's Kitchen is a place that you'll want to visit more than once if you're in the area. With such a diverse and delicious menu, there are endless opportunities to explore and savor the different flavors and culinary delights they have to offer. It's a testament to the quality and consistency of their food.

For those who prefer vegetarian options, Rumi's Kitchen has you covered. They offer a range of vegetarian dishes that are just as satisfying and flavorful as their meat selections. It's a true hit for those looking to pass on the meat options without compromising on taste.

Speaking of meat, Rumi's Kitchen truly excels in their lamb, duck, chicken, and beef dishes. Each one is prepared to perfection, showcasing the mastery of Persian cooking techniques and the high-quality ingredients used.

Lastly, Rumi's Kitchen offers outdoor seating along the L Street side of the building. It allows diners to enjoy their meal in the fresh air while enjoying the weather. It's a lovely option, especially at sunset.

Rumi's Kitchen - DC is an exceptional Persian restaurant that deserves all the praise it receives. With its popularity among locals and tourists, it's highly recommended to secure reservations in advance. The amazing decor, open kitchen, well-stocked bar, top-rated menu, outdoor seating, and vegetarian options make Rumi's Kitchen a must-visit dining destination. Whether you're a meat lover or prefer vegetarian options, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the flavors of Persian cuisine at...

Overrated Restaurant with Overpriced Food

On our first day in Washington, D.C., we were craving authentic Persian food. After an extensive Google search, we found Rumi’s Kitchen and decided to give it a try.

We walked for over 45 minutes and arrived around 1:00 PM. The restaurant space was clean and simple, with an open kitchen and red tables. However, the atmosphere felt quiet and empty, with only three or four tables occupied.

We were greeted by the hostess and seated promptly. As a Persian and an experienced chef, I didn’t have many questions. Still, I specifically asked if they served Jojeh Kabob Soltani (Cornish hen with an extra skewer of ground beef kebab). The server understood immediately and placed the order. I also asked if they offered a carbonated yogurt drink.

Upon reviewing the menu, I was shocked by the prices:

The chicken kebab was $33, with an additional skewer of ground beef raising the total to $36.

Barg (filet mignon) kebab costs $44, and with ground beef, it reached $48.

The extra ground beef kebab I ordered alongside my Jojeh Kebab was $11—the price of a children’s meal—making it 300–400% more expensive than similar add-ons.

We ordered one Barg Soltani, one Jojeh Soltani, and two carbonated yogurt drinks.

The meal began with a plate of fresh herbs, feta cheese, and freshly baked bread. The yogurt drinks were poured directly from bottles into glasses, and it was apparent that they weren’t properly mixed—the yogurt settled visibly at the bottom.

Our main dishes arrived within minutes: two plates of rice, and all the kebabs served on a separate dish as we ordered. Unfortunately, one rice plate and the kebab dish were both served on chipped dishes, which immediately gave the impression that the restaurant was not professional at this price point.

The food itself was disappointing: The Cornish hen was heavily seasoned with coriander to the point of tasting like soap. The ground beef kabob was extremely fatty, with a 25–30% fat content, making it heavy and unpleasant. We couldn’t finish more than half a skewer each. The filet mignon kebab was unevenly cooked—medium-rare on top, yet charred on the bottom, likely due to the yogurt marinade burning on the grill.

For just two main dishes and two yogurt drinks, the total was $121, and with gratuity, the bill exceeded $145.

Overall, my expectations were high for a restaurant that is often praised as one of the best Persian dining spots in D.C. Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming, overpriced, and disappointing.

Rumi’s Kitchen may look refined, but the quality, execution, and value simply don’t...

There are places that whisper history, and there are those that sing—Rumi’s Kitchen in Washington, DC, chants.

Tucked into the slick, glass-and-marble modernity of Mount Vernon Square, Rumi’s isn’t chasing trends. It’s chasing something older. Something primal. Fire. Smoke. Poetry. The kind of flavors that make you close your eyes and picture caravans, silk roads, and the perfume of saffron wafting from open-air stalls somewhere between Shiraz and the Caspian.

Walking into Rumi’s is like being wrapped in a velvet revolution. The lighting is moody, like the low hum of a jazz riff you can’t shake. You can smell the charcoal before you see the skewers. You can hear the cocktail shaker before you taste the house-made cardamom bitters. And then, the feast begins.

Let’s talk about the bread—taftoon, blistered and warm, arrives like a sacrament. You rip it open, dip it into mast-o-khiar so creamy and cooling it could calm a Tehran summer, and you realize: these people aren’t messing around.

The lamb kabob is an act of worship. Charred just to the edge of reason, rosy in the center, it’s seasoned like someone remembers their grandmother whispering spells over it. Paired with rice that’s more than rice—it’s pilaf, it’s ceremony, it’s crusted with saffron and jewelled with barberries—it feels like the kind of meal that could end a war or start a love affair.

And here’s the thing—Rumi’s doesn’t feel performative. It doesn’t feel like it’s pandering to the DC power lunch set, even though half the clientele probably signs laws or leaks them. No, this is food that refuses to apologize. Persian cuisine as it should be—deep, proud, confident in its own rhythm.

You’ll want a drink. Maybe the Tehran Mule—bright, gingery, a slap of lime like the punchline of a good joke. Or something darker, like The Silk Road, heavy with smoke and anise and the weight of stories untold.

Dessert? Sure. But it’s not an afterthought here. The saffron ice cream with frozen pistachios isn’t a bow on a meal—it’s a mic drop. Sweet, cold, unapologetically Persian.

This isn’t fusion. This is roots, plated. This is a kitchen that knows exactly who it is. And in a city of calculated personas and curated plates, Rumi’s dares to speak in poetry.

So go. Sit. Tear the bread. Let the spices burn a little. Drink the cocktail. And if you’re lucky, maybe—just maybe—you’ll hear Rumi himself, laughing somewhere in the sizzle and smoke, telling you, “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.”

Yeah....