Rumi’s Kitchen: A Persian Gem in the Heart of DC
It feels a little redundant saying this, but Rumi’s Kitchen has been on my list for a few months. I finally made it there earlier this week and I was not disappointed. So yes, I can officially check it off the list… but let’s be clear: I’ll definitely be back.
They specialize in modern Persian cuisine and have several locations in Georgia. I thought it was interesting that their only spot outside the Peach State is in DC, which made me even more curious to try it.
The Location… Rumi’s is at 640 L St. NW, right across from the Washington DC Convention Center. Depending on the day, you might luck up with street parking, and there are a few garages nearby. That said… DC has its own special vibe when it comes to cars and “street activity,” so if you value your peace of mind (and your windows), I’d suggest grabbing an Uber or garage parking.
The Vibes… This place was giving everything I want in a restaurant: dim but not dungeon-dark, warm, intimate, and just stylish enough to feel special. 10/10 for date night ambiance. There’s a mid-sized bar on the right when you walk in, a wide-open dining space, and a really cute outdoor patio—perfect for those warm DC nights creeping in.
The hostess was sweet, and our server? Knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly knew the menu. No complaints here.
The Drinks… I stuck with my usual dirty martini and ended up ordering another. That alone should tell you everything you need to know. My friend went for a spicy margarita and was just as happy. They have a list of specialty cocktails, too, but we were feeling classic that night.
The Food… Let me just say—flavor was not lacking. Every first bite earned a smile or an “mmm” from both of us. Major props to the chef and kitchen staff, because the seasoning was seasoning. Here's what we had:
They started us off with complimentary bread paired with cheese, herbs, walnuts, and radish. A server recommended layering all the elements together on the bread for the full experience. I skipped it—not really my thing—but my friend got into it and said it was surprisingly good, so I’ll take their word for it.
Rumi’s Wings – Smoky, a little char from the grill, citrusy, and cooked just right. These were a win.
Grilled Shrimp – Only two per order, but they were large and juicy with a garlic, black pepper, and saffron blend. Perfectly cooked—no rubbery shrimp here. I would’ve happily eaten a full plate.
Labne – I love Labne, but this one wasn’t my favorite. It was giving cream cheese—thick, a bit dense, and not as smooth or tangy as I’m used to. Not bad, just not what I expected.
Chicken Barg with Saffron Rice – This was fine. Nothing wrong with it, just didn’t wow me. Next time, I’m going for the Chicken Kebab.
Roasted Cauliflower & Shallot Torshi – Listen. This stole the whole show. My friend literally said it was the best cauliflower they’ve ever had, and I had to agree. The flavor combo was spot on—savory, rich, slightly tangy, and balanced. Not too salty, not too anything. Just delicious. If you need a veggie moment, this is the one.
Final Thoughts… If you’re looking for a new spot in DC with great food, solid drinks, and a cozy vibe, give Rumi’s Kitchen a try. And if you go, please don’t skip the cauliflower. Thank me later.
The end…
