Award-winning

Rumi's Kitchen - DC

Name: Rumi's Kitchen - DC
Address: 640 L St NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20001-3615
Telephone: (202) 900-9106
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1727 Reviews

$31 to $50

Persian

Top Tags:

Rumi's Kitchen first opened more than a decade ago in Atlanta, the result of years of development by Chef / Owner Ali Mesghali. Showcasing the flavors of Iran -- fresh herbs, kabobs cooked over an open-fire grill -- quickly won loyal guests at the original location in Sandy Springs, GA and set us on pace to open our first restaurant outside of Georgia in 2020. Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet whose words and life teach us how to find inner peace, happiness and love. We invite you to Rumi’s Kitchen where fresh, healthy food and attentive Persian hospitality await you.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 90 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Cuisines
Persian, Middle Eastern
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 900-9106
Website
http://www.rumiskitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ali Mesghali

Location
640 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001-3615
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Mount Vernon Square
Cross street
L St NW between 6th and 7th
Parking details
Parking garage on site or metered on street parking.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,727 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

1,727 Reviews

a
antelope
Washington DC
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
This is an interesting place with interesting food, very well prepared. It is crowded and noisy and we were initially seated right next to the door used to serve the outside tables. Fortunately, we were able to move to another table.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Really delicious Persian food beautifully presented. Portions are quite generous be careful not to over order-
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H
Hasmig
Washington DC
56 reviews
vip
5.0
56 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
I had ordered takeout previously, this was our first time to eat in the restaurant. We were a party of 5 and everyone really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. The duck fesenjan was delicious! We'll be back!
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K
Karen
Baltimore
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very much enjoyed the food, attentive service and screened in outdoor patio. Inside restaurant was quite noisy. Would definitely recommend and go there again.
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EG
ElsaG
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jesse was a great server! Waited about 10 minutes after reservation time for table
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NA
NarineA
Washington DC
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience4
The server sucked. She was in her own world. She probably stopped by 2 times? Like hello lady can i have some more bread as i ordered multiple dips/ appetizers that require it? And maybe a refill as i can actually scarf down my food? Too much to ask for? Wake up?!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely delicious and exotic fare. Prompt, attentive and , friendly service. They even pack your doggy bag for you carefully without mixing items. You walk out with a fancy shopping bag instead of playing jenga with styrofoam boxes. They are master grillers and the spicing is exquisite without overwhelming the meat flavor. Their ‘shirin’ rice is a treat by itself!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible food, ambience and service from start to finish. Beautiful place and presentation, and just really enjoyable.
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JA
JAMESofSTERLING
Washington DC
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall3food5service3ambience3
Great food! Table was so close to other tables that waiters and other patrons would bump into you when they passed by. Lighting is so low we had to use phone flashlights to see. Service was below standard for DC fine eating.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love love love Rumi’s. My fav restaurant. Highly recommend Rumi’s they won’t disappoint.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely amazing- such depth of flavor - the entire dining experience was perfect!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal! And our waitress was excellent ! First time trying Persian food, very aromatic. I am familiar w Mediterranean and Lebanese , but this had a different twist. Really enjoyed it
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
Had to wait 15 plus minutes after reservation time to be seated- absolutely no sense of urgency from front desk whatsoever.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
By far the best Persian restaurant we have in the area.
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SG
ShirinG
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience1
They dimmed the lights and make it too dark. Can’t see the menu and people around you. Two of our friends aren’t coming back because of very dark conditions.
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TM
TracyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Connor provided amazing service to us from start to finish. His knowledge of both the menu and spices was shared and his suggestions for dinner were perfect. We were seated on the screened patio and the noise level was nice out there with ambient music versus the louder interior. Will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is amazing! We have been here many times, the food never disappoints - if you like Fesenjan, get that - the kabobs and rices are amazing as well. The desserts are worth getting, all delicious, and the wine choices are voluminous. We will keep going back at least once a month and we do not live in DC.
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CM
CraftyMom
Phoenix
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Jasmine our server was FANTASTIC. Very knowledgeable and helpful with the menu, even giving tips on how to combine different ingredients on our plates and how to take the Persian Tea! Everything was delicious and flavorful. We will be back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience4
The food was excellent, the service was great, but I don’t think I will be going back. This restaurant utilizes its exceptional efficiency to rush the diner to the point where the experience becomes unenjoyable. What makes it worse is the fact that the food is so great you simply want to take the time to enjoy it properly.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Mexico City
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience3
This place is actually overhyped. We chose this place because of the good reviews online and we love Kabobs, but the kabob platters feel like a scam to us. Meat were either overcooked and dry or too salty that we felt too miserable towards the end to finish them. I don’t think I’d recommend this place or come back again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall2food5service3ambience2
Food and service at Rumi’s kitchen is consistently excellent. Be cautious if your choice of seating (inside/outside) is important to you. Recently, on arrival with three guests for a late sitting I found that my confirmed booking for an outside table had been arbitrarily changed to inside due to a later customer having booked the entire outside area for a private event. I find it unacceptable that the business failed to advise in advance of this change to our booking, leaving us with a difficult decision as one of our number was immuno-compromised.
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best Iranian restaurants in the U.S. While the prices were on the higher side, it became evident that it was very worth it. I don’t usually write up a lot of reviews, but am doing this because I feel particularly strongly about this place. The service was excellent as well.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Service. Great Food. Decor and presentation is also very elevated.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best Persian restaurants in North America
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food and Leila our server was super knowledgeable and catered to all our demand in allergies
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing great quality Persian food with great service . Wish they would open one in NYC
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G
Gloria
Omaha
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service, food was so delicious. Such a great server who was knowledgeable and attentive, a great resource for a first time patron.
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s
spandanab
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Decor is tasteful and refined and the food is delicious
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Exceptional food always. The service was excellent. We have been patrons since the early days of Rumi’s kitchen and have never been disappointed. Wilson, our server, was outstanding.
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FF
FrankF
Greater Boston
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Authentic persian cuisine with new and creative twists. Service was friendly and knowledgeable, and helpful in explaining the dishes. Prices were reasonable, compared to other DC area restaurants of this quality.
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SC
SusiC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our meal at Rumi’s was super and the service was excellent. We loved the cauliflower and smoked eggplant and the chicken barg was fantastic. The vegetable kabob was disappointing for the lack of variety. Lots of onion and pineapple (Wasn’t expecting that but it was good) but no zucchini, one mushroom - the kabob was generally not worth having.
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VP
VasilisP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exquisite food further beyond our high expectations. Quick and polite service. Prices are insanely good for the quality and the quantity of the food. Amazing experience. Continue the fabulous work!
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LF
LaurenF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
If I could rate the service higher, I would! I had a great experience at Rumi's Kitchen. I tried the keshk badenjoon (eggplant dip), which was delicious. For the main, I had the duck fesenjoon, which is in an incredible walnut and pomegranate stew. It's served with saffron rice. The stew was rich and flavorful, and the duck was perfectly cooked. The flatbread and salad are complementary, and they were also solid. The bread on its own isn't a standout, but as a vessel for eggplant it was perfect. I tried a scoop of the saffron ice cream for dessert. It wasn't like anything I'd had before in an ice cream flavor, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the little pieces of pistachio mixed in. The waitress couldn't have been more amazing. She explained all the dishes, made great recommendations, and was incredibly accommodating. The portions are also more than generous - I took home enough for at least one or two more meals. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a wonderful meal with standout service!
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ME
MegE
Austin
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were both outstanding! I look forward to coming back again when visiting DC.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great and service was speedy. Will be eating here again for sure.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing, I love the lamb hummus is absolutely fire! The ambience is perfect, they dim the lights and turn up the music as the sun goes down. The service was quick, appetizers, entrees and a dessert all in an hour and a half! 10/10
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SV
SamVA
Richmond
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience3
Service was bad as usual and food was good but they increased the price and reduced the portion :-(
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J
Jen123
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, atmosphere and service! Will definitely be back
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LN
LeiliN
San Diego
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food - accommodating service - worked with us to add chairs last Minute. Overall always great
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YP
YavuzP
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorite restaurants in DC, extremely friendly staff from start to finish. excellent food so many great choices !!
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FAQs

Rumi's Kitchen - DC is rated 4.8 stars by 1727 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 90 times today

640 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001-3615

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
L St NW between 6th and 7th
Neighborhood
Mount Vernon Square
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Persian, Middle Eastern
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking garage on site or metered on street parking.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ali Mesghali
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.rumiskitchen.com/
Phone number
(202) 900-9106

Rumi's Kitchen - DC

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 1,727 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Rumi's Kitchen - DC restaurant rated?

Is Rumi's Kitchen - DC currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information