Reserve now:
RumiReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant Reviews >
Peninsula Restaurant Reviews >
San Carlos Restaurant Reviews >
Fusion / Eclectic Restaurant Reviews
Rumi Reviews List
Rumi
Rumi has become a neighborhood favorite: between the extraordinary fusion of fresh and locally grown California ingredients and outstanding table service, your lunch or dinner at Rumi is sure to be a delicious and satisfying dining experience. Rumi’s ingredient-driven seasonal menu features local and sustainable food and wine from Northern and Central California with flavors and influences of the Southern Mediterranean and the Western reaches of the "Silk Road."
See more Rumi details
66 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 66 reviews
5 stars
(18)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(44)
- fit for foodies(28)
- romantic(19)
- special occasion(13)
- good for groups(7)
- notable wine list(7)
Rumi Reviews List
Review 1 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved everything about the Restaurant. My son took me there for Mother's day and it was delightful. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dining at Rumi was very pleasant. Even though it was Mother's Day and quite a challenge for reservations, Rumi was available and we were quickly seated. They had changed the menu and added many delicious entrees new to us. The service was excellent as well as our meals."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is always good and the service is top notch. It's a very nice, intimate restaurant. We have been here several times and have never been disappointed."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice place to gather with the girls
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I met some friends for a late (1:30p) catch up lunch and enjoyed a nice leisurely lunch with them. The place is modern, nice and clean, not too crowed and they have a nice little wine 'faux cocktail' list. We enjoyed their wine/pomegranate martini's. 2 of us ordered hamburgers medium rare. They came medium well. Disappointed . . . but they were juicy and pretty good, just not as ordered. Nice beet salad, too. Parking is good at that section of Laurel street too. I would come back."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was outstanding - we went for a family birthday celebration and the menu had options for everyone.
Short ribs was a hit and the pasta was excellent.
The service was good - could of had a bit more attention from the waiter.
Overall, an excellent spot!"
Short ribs was a hit and the pasta was excellent.
The service was good - could of had a bit more attention from the waiter.
Overall, an excellent spot!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Spot on
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I booked this restaurant for a dinner with some business colleagues, one of whom is a vegetarian and I am a pescatarian. The clean, airy and casual decor was great, as was the service and food. I would go back."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was way too hot, as if zapped in a microwave. After I left, I realized that I had not got any bread. I don't know if it was just me, or if they don't serve bread. I love good bread, so I missed that. On the positive side, the servers were genuinely friendly."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2002
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was a great place to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a great place to take my great aunt and uncle for dinner.
The food is great and the service is attentive and sensitive.
My wife and I have dined there before, and I am happy to return."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sole entree was mediocre and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sole entree was mediocre and overpriced. $4.00 for bread seemed excessive when you're paying $27. for an entree. Wine choice was mediocre as well. Would not go back."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
losing its passion?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We have been to Rumi many times in the past. In its early days, I feel that the staff were much more engaged and passionate about the food. This time, I felt that the staff didn't really seem to care that much. I was also disappointed that my mom, who is a vegetarian, only had the option of a salad or a plate of vegetables. I know that no restaurant has an obligation to have a vegetarian option, and I understand that the margins aren't as good, but in the Bay Area I expect restaurants to offer at least one hot vegetarian entree. With mediterranean food, you have wonderful vegetarian possibilities.I really like the intimate space and the mediterranean flavors. I hope that they can find their flair again soon."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2003
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My first time there this week.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My first time there this week. I highly recommend this restaurant. Great menu and wine list."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been to Rumi's three
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been to Rumi's three times. The dishes have consistently been cooked nicely, including fish to perfection. The staff is friendly. The dishes have hints of exotic flavors that are not overdone. A good place for dinner if you have time--you are not likely to get quickly in and out during the peak."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food and portion sizes
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and portion sizes were surprisingly good, but not worth the wait. The kitchen was extraordinarily slow, with long waits for the appetizers, meal, and dessert. Service was below average."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very long wait (30 min) for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very long wait (30 min) for entrees. Uneven quality of food (excellent lamb; mediocre gnocchi). High price for what we received."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2002
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice staff, excellent food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice staff, excellent food. I highly recommend the bread pudding."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A quiet lunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I went for lunch- the food was very tasty- the burger on brioche bun was nice. It was very quiet though, like too quiet..."
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rumi was a great find! Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Rumi was a great find! Good food, atmosphere and service! I enjoyed the sole and while i usually avoid sole--this one was very flavorful and enjoyable. Try Rumi, you will enjoy it!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great neighborhood spot. Food is always the star and the servers are friendly."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A solid 4 1/2 Excellent Food Very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A solid 4 1/2
Excellent Food
Very enjoyable"
Excellent Food
Very enjoyable"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Won't return
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sunday night dinner with friends. No host, only a waiter doing double duty. And he was the only waiter in the restaurant that night. He had one helper cleaning tables, serving water, but only if you asked, and then to only the person who asked, even though my friends glasses were almost empty. She spent most of her time flirting with the cook. Others tables served before us. Waiter couldn't remember who ordered what. The food was just OK; we had 2 orders of lamb shank - pretty pink and no great sauce, pasta, hamburger - both good. Other friends boasted about Rumi in the past; maybe this was an off night, but we won't return. Too many other good restaurants in the area."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2003
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we liked it very much. the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"we liked it very much. the proprietor was proud of his establishment and I think that translated well into the food and the overall experience."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
the food and service was excellent!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"the food and service was excellent!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love eating in San Carlos
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love eating in San Carlos as there are so many restuarants. I wanted something new and Rumi did not disappoint me. I am most disappointed that I did not know it was there as I certainly would have and will vbe a frequent visitor. We were there for an early dinner, by the time we left the restaurant was full so I recommend reservations. The menu has good variety, the wine list was good and the prices are very reasponable for the quality of the food. I look forward to returning."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The ambiance was warm and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The ambiance was warm and pleasant, they had done a good decorating job on a simple store front restaurant, giving character and warmth.
We were greeted and seated promptly, my only caveat was requesting we be checked in for our reservation on Open Table and that was not done that evening but later corrected. If you have a reservation thru Open Table be certain they check you .
The food and service were pleasant and friendly. I had the Petrale Sole very light and full of flavor, my husband the Lamb Shank, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
On a Monday evening they were quite busy. We would return and would not have found this neighborhood gem if not for OPen Table.
Cheers and Bon Appetite
Myrna DeFriese"
Dined on 02/11/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous find!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall great find! It is off the grid on Laurel Street so easy to miss but better than most restaurants on Laurel so a great treat when you do finally find it."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Rumi
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice restuarant but...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The ambiance was very nice; it was dim, rich and comfortable. We were captured by the aroma as we walked in. They sat us down and initially attended to us quickly. The food was delivered in a timely manner and the presentation was quite good. My Filet Mignon was just OK, blackened a bit more that I would have liked. The scallops were almost excellent, if they weren't so salty. The waiter never came by to ask how the food was, however she was there to offer desert and bring us the bill. She did her job. Overall I don't believe it was a good value. I would possibly give them another chance in time, simply because it was highly recommended to us. It does seem to attract many people."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Rumi
Based on the average of (40) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate