Rumi's Kitchen - DC

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.

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!

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 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

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.