KooKoo Restaurant and lounge

Great atmosphere, vibes, and hospitality! We had the Mirza Ghasemi, Mast O Laboo, Tehrani, Baghlava, Kookoo Sangria and the Kookoorita - all were delicious and would recommend. The staff were very attentive and friendly, will definitely be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My partner and I had the best dinner here. The food exceeded my (already high) expectations, and the portions were very good! The service was also fantastic. Our server and the owner were warm and lovely to speak with. We will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was our first time having Iranian food, and we loved everything we ordered. The Mirza Ghasemi (a smoky version of bhurji) and Kashk Bademjan (rich and creamy) were both excellent dips with bread, and even though I have had the Indian and Middle Eastern equivalents of mashed eggplant, these were different and more flavourful than any other version I'd tried before. I also loved the Potato Gratin, which was filling and perfectly prepared (I just needed to add a bit of salt for my own taste buds). My friend got the Lamb Shank, which from the reviews, seems like one of their highlights.

Overall, the food is on the more expensive side if you get multiple dishes/mains, but given how unique and satisfying every dish was, I'd highly recommend giving it a try.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delicious! The Kashmiri Bademjan is indescribably tasty. And it’s a very welcoming place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Kookoo isn't just a restaurant; it's a heartfelt expression of a family's passion—from Parastoo's incredible art on the walls to the time-honored recipes on the plate. It has a wonderful ambient and its a celebration of high-quality ingredients, and the simple joy of sharing a fantastic meal. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Persian cuisine or a curious newcomer, Kookoo Restaurant is a must-visit. It is, without a doubt, one of the most reliable and delicious destinations in the DC area. We are already planning our next visit! And did I mention that piece of the tahdig—the crispy, golden-brown layer of rice from the bottom of the pot that everyone must try? You can follow Parastoo's incredible arts collections at: @parastoo__atelier

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Thank you for excellent service; Ali took great care of us.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything my group tried was delicious, and the service was great. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was deeply disappointing, especially given the price. I ordered ghormeh sabzi and joojeh koobideh, dishes I know well. Both lacked depth: the rice was mushy and completely flavorless, and the overall seasoning was bland. I’m genuinely upset that I overpaid for food that did not meet even a basic standard for Persian cuisine. Who ever was the cook suggests a lack of familiarity with these dishes.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Incredible option especially for meat lovers. The KooKoo wings with the pomegranate sauce are a delight, and the grill dishes are amazing. Can’t go wrong with any of the grill plates—the Chenjeh is just delicious tenderloins but the ground beef skewers that the Koobideh is also a great option if you want a chicken dish; you can also get the ones that combines these two! Although all of these are great options, the absolute star of the show is the Gigot of Lamb with a marvelous tomato sauce—it’s pricey but you will not regret it. The restaurant is meat heavy, which is great for a meat lover like me, but the small plates have a lot of great vegetarian options. Just an amazing restaurant overall with great service, vibe, and food. I am happy to have them in my neighborhood.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beef Chenjeh, KooKoo Wings

Atmosphere was great. Wings with pomegranate was delicious. However, Kobideh dis not have a good quality. It was hard to chew. Rice was not fresh. Finally service could be better.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 1

Had a joojeh for their lunch deal and it was delicious :) great spot in Columbia heights!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great quality cuisine and fantastic service! I would highly recommend this spot. Parking options available within a block’s distance with low prices.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delightful. Food was flavorful, perfectly cooked and our host and waitress were so happy to answer our questions and make suggestions. We will absolutely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely love this restaurant - food is amazing and the service is too! Highly recommend going for a great meal at a great price!

Kookoo offers great Persian food within an island of intimate calm in the frenetic DCUSA shopping district. The service is friendly and attentive. Perfect for a meet up, a couple, or just a quiet shopping break.