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Rumi's Bistro Reviews List

Rumi's Bistro

What you are about to experience is centuries in the making. Afghanistan has been a melting pot for many cultures and tradition over the centuries, and you will find these influences in variety of Afghan dishes such as Qabili, Aushak and Dolma. You can detect the similarities of Afghan food with Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Persian and Indian dishes. Different ethnic groups including the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Baluchis and Turkmons have also left their mark on Afghan traditions and food.
See more Rumi's Bistro details
32 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
(32 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 32 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(10)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
Service 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.3 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(27)
  • fit for foodies(23)
  • special occasion(10)
  • romantic(9)
  • good for groups(4)
  • kid-friendly(2)
Rumi's Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent place! We intend to go back again soon. The food was fantastic. We had lamb chops and stuffed pepper."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 2 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A delightfull surprise! Located

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A delightfull surprise! Located in a small strip mall, upstairs over its siblling which sservess Kaabobs and take-out. A charming, cozy space with seven or eight tables serving sensational regional food. Highly recommend. The server told us they are getting their full liquor license within the month, which will make some patrons very happy. We'll be back and will bring friends."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 3 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

excellent food served in semi-casua

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"excellent food served in semi-casual setting."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 4 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a great time at Rumi's

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had a great time at Rumi's Bistro. It is a small and cozy restaurant. The food was excellent and the service was great. I will definitely go back with my wife and try different dishes."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2011
0points
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Review 5 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My girlfriend and I dined

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My girlfriend and I dined on a Wednesday, there were only 2 other occupied tables so it was rather quiet. Being that they only have 7 tables, I don't imagine it gets too loud here. The food was fantastic (highly recommend the lamb in pomegranate reduction, and the hummus trio), service was outstanding, and the overall atmosphere was very charming. We'll be back for sure."
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 6 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delightful, Unusual Cuisine

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Really delicious Afghan food (similar in flavors to Ethiopian food without the spongy bread) and Mediterranean appetizers. Beautiful dining room and incredibly nice, attentive (but not clingy) staff."
Dined on 03/25/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 7 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Neighborhood gem--Afghan style

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Rumi's is the more dressed-up, upstairs room of this 2 level establishment owned by a lovely young Afghan couple. The husband cooks & the wife, Samara, runs the dining room, treating all her guests like old friends. The Afghan dishes are delicious--rich and assertively spiced, and nicely presented. Portions are large. If you like aushak, you'll love their version. The stuffed peppers are also excellent. Finish with some rice pudding and some cardamom tea."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
0points
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Review 8 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Stop reading this and just

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Stop reading this and just go! Great local restaurant with amazing food."
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 9 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great hole-in-the-wall find.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"Wonderful hole-in-the-wall find. Rumored to have belly dancing on Saturdays. The food was delicious! Our server/hostess was fantastic. Definitely go for the hummus trio for an appetizer."
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 10 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

for the upstairs in-restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"for the upstairs in-restaurant dining section, they need to add another server. we went on a thursday evening, and the single server (with no bussing staff), while very pleasant, was clearly "over-subscribed." in addition, if they hope to attract an in-house dining clientele, they need to pay some attention to the wine list. the only bottle of sauvignon blanc, which was the most expensive white wine, had no taste. the pinot grigio we had substituted was only ok. more and better choices are needed. ambiance also could use a little help; although the restaurant has been open only a year, the decor looks faded. but the food, when we got it, was absolutely, mouth-wateringly excellent!!!!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 11 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Definitely a Keeper!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Wow. This is a keeper for sure! Some of the best Afghan food around. My husband ordered the lamb special. The lamb was "melt in your mouth" tender, the flavor was fabulous and the rice was plentiful. I ordered the Dulma (sp?) and was equally pleased. First rate all around. The wait staff was helpful and attentive. We will certainly return!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
+1point
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Review 12 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Rumi's is a great find. The

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Rumi's is a great find. The atmosphere is small and quaint and food was wonderful. You must try the sampler with the pumpkin for an appetizer and the Dolma out of this world."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 13 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of my favorite restaurants!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is my second time at Rumi's. I went with some girlfriends and we all tried something different. We started out with the Rumi's Sampler. All four sauces were delightfully different. I especially liked the Haleem. Entrees we chose were the Aushak (amazing dumplings). This is a big dish. Next time I'll share, I think. One of my friend's chose the Qabili and it was delicious, also. The last time I went I chose the stuffed pepper dish. I think that's definitely my favorite. I love going here because it's so warmly decorated and the service is impeccable."
Dined on 02/18/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
+1point
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Review 14 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The belly dancing was excellent

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The belly dancing was excellent and a great addition to the restaurant on special occasions."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 15 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We went for valentines day.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went for valentines day. their prix fixe menu was great. the service was great. very intimate setting. next time it would be fun to reserve their couch seating."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 16 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Unique and exotic

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My wife and I wanted a treat on the night before Valentines day and we were not disappointed by this lovely little dining room. Rumi's Bistro is upstairs from a casual dining Kabob place, offering delightful main dishes from the same kitchen as the place downstairs, in a unique and comfortable, eclectic setting. A small dining room with a few tables, purple walls and mirrors, Arabic music and on some nights a belly dancer, this is an experience hard to get outside of Beirut or Kaubul. The menu has all the standards and the food is prepared extremely well - I had chicken kabob with two rices and chick peas and my wife had the special pomegranate lamb. We brought a bottle of our own wine and there was a reasonable 10.00 corkage fee."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
+1point
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Review 17 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Delicious Afghan food, charming

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Delicious Afghan food, charming dining room, gracious service. The Afghan-style decor makes you feel like you're walking upstairs into a different continent. In addition to regular dining tables, they have several cozy seating areas around small tables that would be perfect for a date or having drinks and food with friends."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
+2points
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Review 18 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

the food is wonderful, the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"the food is wonderful, the atmosphere is cozy and the decor is definitely memorable."
Dined on 02/04/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
+1point
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Review 19 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic and authentic

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"we were four for dinner. We all thought the food delicious. Two had the Dulma, a great Afghan dish with just the right spices and portion. I went for the lamb which was excellent. The fourth was a special for the night which was also great but can't recall the name. Bread was baked on order and served hot. Very good freshly pre-pared houmouses. Understand that on some occasions Belly Dancer also there and can be booked. Ask Samara to explain anything."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
0points
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Review 20 for Rumi's Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful Afghan restaurant!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My girlfriend and I went there on a Monday night and we had a wonderful time. The owner served us and she was delightful. The food is incredibly good. We started out with the Baba Ghannoush...the best I've tasted. Then, went on to have the stuffed bell peppers. They aren't on their downloadable menu and I can't remember the name of the dish but they were to die for! We had a lamb and yogurt dish as well, which was tasty, too. I love the atmosphere here. It's done in aubergine and mustard...so cozy and friendly. Remember, it's upstairs from the kabob restaurant."
Dined on 01/14/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Rumi's Bistro
Based on the average of (12) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
Service 
4.8 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.8 / 5
Ambiance 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Noise Level
1.2 / 3
Moderate