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Welcome To Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge
At Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge, located in the heart of Washington, DC, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Persian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our journey begins with authentic dishes like perfectly grilled kabobs, aromatic saffron rice, and flavorful stews that evoke a true taste of home. We pride ourselves on not just the food, but exceptional service, where each guest is treated like family. With a menu crafted from the finest ingredients and a commitment to quality, every meal becomes a delightful experience. Join us at Kookoo, where culinary passion meets heartfelt hospitality, making every visit memorable.
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About
Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge
Welcome to the enchanting world of Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington, DC, at 3310 14th St NW. This restaurant promises a culinary journey that transports you straight to the rich landscapes of Persia, where flavors and traditions come alive.
From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a classic and relaxing ambiance, ideal for enjoying the exquisite dishes that Kookoo has to offer. Each dish is a celebration of authentic Persian cuisine, characterized by the careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Flavorful Cuisine: Customers rave about the delightful kabobs, particularly the tender koobideh and juicy joojeh. The aromatic saffron rice is often highlighted as a standout, expertly complementing the robust flavors of the protein choices.
- Traditional Starters: Begin your meal with warm fresh bread served alongside cheese and herbs, a custom that sets the stage for the flavors to come. Popular dishes like Kashk-e-Bademjan and Ghormeh Sabzi showcase the restaurant's dedication to time-honored recipes bursting with taste.
- Exquisite Desserts: Don’t miss the chance to try the rose water and saffron ice cream, an indulgent treat that leaves patrons wishing they could take some home!
What truly elevates the dining experience at Kookoo is not just the food, but the warm hospitality that greets every guest. The attentive service, often personalized by the manager himself, creates a welcoming environment conducive to memorable evenings with friends and family.
While the menu is compact, each item is crafted with care, proving that quality triumphs over quantity. Be sure to sip on one of their thoughtfully curated cocktails, which harmoniously blend Persian-inspired flavors with creativity.
In summary, Kookoo Restaurant and Lounge stands as a beacon of authentic Persian cuisine in DC. The combination of flavorful dishes, exquisite hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Persia. So gather your loved ones and prepare to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience that will surely leave a lasting impression!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We had an amazing experience at Kookoo Persian Restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious — everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. From the perfectly cooked kabobs to the fragrant saffron rice, every bite felt like a taste of home. What really made our visit special, though, was the outstanding service. The manager personally checked on our table, made sure we were well taken care of, and went out of his way to make us feel welcome. His kindness and attention to detail truly elevated our evening. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for authentic Persian cuisine and genuinely warm hospitality. We’ll definitely be coming back! ”
“ This restaurant offers delicious and aromatic Persian cuisine in a classic and relaxing atmosphere. Mr. Yahya, the manager, was very dignified and kind, making the experience even more enjoyable. I absolutely loved the Kashk-e-Bademjan — it was full of flavor. The beef kebab was tender and delicious, and I also really enjoyed the Ghormeh Sabzi. We were warmly welcomed with fresh bread, cheese, and herbs, which was a perfect start to the meal. The aroma and taste of the rice were truly exceptional, adding to the authenticity of the experience. ”
“ Excellent Persian food served with passion and class. Cocktails were heavenly! (To our Persian taste buds at least). So were the food and desert/bastani. Food was delicious and plentiful although options were a bit limited- due to delivered meat not being of the quality their chef expected, per owner’s response. Quality food and generous portions. Very fair for the price tag compared to other Persian venues in DC. Service could have improved. The owner was pleasant and helpful but service staff may improve (they appeared a little “dast o pa cholofti” not knowing or presenting menu with confidence). Interior is smaller but cute and well maintained. Bathrooms could have been cleaner. Very happy with our visit, overall. Will be back! ”
“ If you are looking for authentic Persian food and surpassingly fun drinks this place hits the mark. The entire experience was top-notch, from the delicious food and drinks to the outstanding service. We started with Tahdig and soup. The Tahdig, served with khoresht gheymeh, was fantastic, the best we've had at a restaurant, just like homemade. The soup was also great. For the main course, we chose Joojeh Farangi (koobideh and joojeh) and Bakhtiari (koobideh and chenjeh). Both the koobideh and joojeh kebabs were flavorful and delicious. While the chenjeh could have been juicier, still very good, everything else was spot on. The drinks, Sekanjabin dream and Yar, were well balanced with unique persian inspired flavors. The excellent service made the experience even better. Overall, it was a very good experience, and we look forward to coming back soon for more delicious food and interesting drinks. ”
“ Expectations exceeded! Food was so tasty, flavorful, meat was juicy and tender, stew was packed with flavor! The rose water, saffron ice cream was AMAZING I wish they sold it in pints to take home! The waitress was so kind! I would return in a heartbeat to try more dishes ”
“ I came to Koo Koo with my partner for the first time and it was such a memorable and genuine experience. The staff was so friendly, and came by and spoke with us throughout our meal. The lamb shank was incredible, it was moist, tender, flavorful and falling off the bone and we were lucky to get it since it takes 4 hours to make. We also ordered the fava bean beef stew, it was full of dill and I enjoyed it as well. I left with a huge smile on my face, the whole experience was so wonderful. Thank you all, will be coming back! ”
“ Fantastic food, service, and decor! Every dish was lovingly made with care. The wings, aubergine dip, and lamb shank were particularly excellent — flavorful and the meat fell right off the bone. ”
“ An Outstanding Persian Dining Experience at Kookoo at Kookoo From the moment we walked into Kookoo, the experience was exceptional. The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfectly capturing the essence of Persian culture. Our server, Ingrid, was fantastic—attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and truly passionate about the food and drinks. That’s exactly how great service should be! The owner was also incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home. The drinks were spectacular—definitely worth trying! For our meal, we ordered authentic Iranian stews with chicken and beef, and they were absolutely delicious. Everything about this place was top-notch: the service, the food, the cleanliness (even the restrooms were spotless!), and the overall atmosphere. I loved every bit of it and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend it—100%! ”