Rumi’s Kitchen is one of those restaurants where you can feel the quality from the moment you walk in. Yes, reservations are a must and it’s definitely on the pricier side, but once you taste the food, it’s totally worth it. The falafel plate was packed with flavor and super fresh. The pita, the salad, the dips everything felt like it was made with care and attention to detail. I also had their chocolate cake with toasted hazelnuts and it was incredible. One of the most satisfying desserts I’ve had in a long time. Rich, balanced, and just melts in your mouth. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and checked in just the right amount. The overall vibe and hospitality made the whole experience even better. If you’re looking for authentic Persian food that delivers on both taste and service, this place is a solid ten out of ten. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Overview
Rumi's Kitchen - DC, located at 640 L St NW, Washington, DC, offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that blends traditional Persian flavors with a modern, inviting atmosphere. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, vibrant ambiance that immediately sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. Whether you're here for a casual lunch or a special dinner with friends or family, Rumi’s Kitchen delivers both quality and authenticity with every dish.
The first thing that stands out at Rumi's Kitchen is the menu. It’s thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of Persian cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and rich, bold flavors. One of the most popular dishes is their koobideh kebab, a tender ground beef skewer that’s perfectly spiced and served with fluffy saffron rice. The grill marks on the kebab add that extra layer of smoky flavor, making each bite an experience in itself. For those who enjoy something a bit heartier, the fesenjan-a rich stew made with chicken, pomegranate molasses, and ground walnuts-is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect example of Persian cuisine’s balance between sweet and savory.
But what really sets Rumi’s Kitchen apart is its attention to detail and commitment to authentic recipes. The chefs here don’t just serve food-they take the time to craft every dish with the utmost care, ensuring that each ingredient shines. For example, the signature hummus at Rumi's Kitchen is made fresh daily, with a smooth texture and just the right amount of tahini. Pair it with their warm, pillowy flatbread, and you’ll quickly understand why this appetizer is a favorite among regulars.
When it comes to dessert, Rumi’s Kitchen doesn’t disappoint either. Their baklava is a perfect end to any meal. The delicate layers of phyllo dough, sweetened with honey and a touch of pistachio, provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweetness inside. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves you wanting just one more bite-until you realize the whole plate is gone.
Another great feature of Rumi's Kitchen is its variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary preferences without compromising on flavor. The sabzi khordan, a platter of fresh herbs, radishes, and feta cheese, is a refreshing and healthy option to start your meal. And if you’re in the mood for a lighter main course, the ghormeh sabzi, a vegetarian stew made with herbs, kidney beans, and dried lime, is both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Beyond the food, the service at Rumi’s Kitchen is top-notch. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations or explain the menu if you're unfamiliar with Persian cuisine. The restaurant’s location in the heart of Washington, DC, also makes it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're here for a quick bite or a more leisurely dining experience, the atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
If you're looking for a place that combines great food, exceptional service, and a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, Rumi’s Kitchen - DC is definitely worth checking out. The menu is diverse, the flavors are rich and authentic, and every meal here feels like a special occasion. With each visit, it’s clear why Rumi’s Kitchen has earned such rave reviews from its patrons.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Halal food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Lunch reservations recommended âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Paid multi-storey car park âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPets
âś“ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Rumi’s Kitchen gives comfortable, homey and charming vibes. It’s such a beautiful restaurant. You can tell a lot of thought went into the design and aesthetics of the restaurant. From the outside you would never imagine how big it is inside. We had a 4pm reservation on 12/31/2025 however arrived about 30 minutes early. We were able to be seated very quickly. Our server was Trudy and she was very sweet. I wasn’t quite sure what drink to order so she recommended a happy hour offering called “Paper Planes” but it didn’t taste that great. Trudy was so sweet and offered to get me a different drink, the SS Poet. The drink was bourbon based and very delicious. For food we selected “Mirza Ghasemi Humus”, “Lamb Merguez Humus” and “Lamb Kabob” which came with saffron basmati rice. The rice and lamb were very flavorful. The eggplant humus was smoky. For dessert, we ordered the baklava and Iranian coffee (alcoholic based). I also ordered sparkling water throughout the meal. The service was good aside from a 10 minute period where my partner and I were waiting on more bread to eat our humus. We didn’t have anymore so we couldn’t eat and were just staring at each other until it arrived lol. Food items are much more on the pricey side however this is likely due to the D.C. location.
Everything was delicious from start to finish. The appetizers were so fresh and flavorful, the bread came out warm and perfect, and the greens, cheese, and walnuts took me straight back home. The ghormeh sabzi with tahdig was amazing — perfectly cooked, rich, and comforting. The kebab was tender and juicy with fragrant saffron rice that was cooked exactly right. And the dessert with saffron ice cream and faloodeh was honestly the perfect ending. The service was just as impressive as the food. The staff were kind, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. They checked on us at the right times, explained the dishes when we had questions, and made the whole experience feel very warm and pleasant. You can tell they care about both the food and the people who come in. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for amazing Persian food and great service. I will definitely be coming back!
Stunningly good delicious Persian food. We were blown away with the flavours. Service was very attentive. The levels of flavour within the food was outstanding. We ordered the grilled shrimp. Rumi’s yoghurt. Green chilli chutney. Lamb shank and the grilled vegetables. The unlimited bread was also delicious. Will really look forward to visiting this restaurant again.
We stopped in for lunch and ordered the Gheimeh and Ghorme Sabzi. The portions were generous, and the complimentary bread served with fresh vegetables, feta, and walnuts was a fantastic start. The Ghorme Sabzi was delicious—exactly the savory, traditional taste I look for. While we enjoyed the meal, the Gheimeh didn't quite hit the mark for me; it seemed a bit heavy on the cinnamon, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it. That said, the atmosphere is very cordial and pleasant with nice ambient music. With so many kabob and stew options left to try, I’ll definitely be back.
By far the best Persian restaurant I’ve tried in the U.S.! The food was truly exceptional. So delicious and authentic that we came back four times during the five days we were in D.C.! Our waiter, Farhad, was incredibly kind and attentive and made us feel like we were being welcomed by a close friend rather than dining out. An unforgettable experience, and we will absolutely return!
Had dinner at Rumi’s Restaurant in Washington and really enjoyed it. The Soltani was excellent — tender barg, juicy koobideh, and perfectly cooked rice. The Mirza Ghasemi was smoky, rich, and very authentic. Great flavors, good portions, and a comfortable atmosphere. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for solid Persian food.
Rumi’s Kitchen in DC was an outstanding experience. We ordered the dolmeh, Ashe Reshte, lamb shank, and ghormeh sabzi—every dish was absolutely delicious and perfectly prepared. The flavors were authentic, rich, and beautifully balanced. The lamb shank was tender, the ghormeh sabzi deeply flavorful, and both the dolmeh and Ashe Reshte were comforting and exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone who loves high-quality Persian cuisine.