We were on our way home from a weekend away in Minnesota. This place has a Sunday brunch that you go to after church. We were not dressed like we'd just gone to church. The staff was friendly and warm. We were seated and had the best meal of our trip. The eggs benedict that we had was the special of the day. Brisket. Oh my goodness was it delicious. One of our daughters had the strawberry banana crepes. It was so pretty, she took a picture of it before eating. Chicken and waffles and a belgium waffle rounded out our table. Everyone was very happy with their meals. Even though we were not dressed the part, we were treated to a fantastic meal with wonderful service. read more

Rubaiyat - Strawberry Banana Crepes - New American Near Me - Decorah, Iowa

Kim makes this place so wonderful. Great food, special people wonderful atmosphere make this a must for anyone. Always so special whenever we visit Decorah. read more

Whenever I visit Northeast Iowa there are some meals I expect to eat: pork tenderloin sandwich, corn, possibly a loose meat sandwich or a chili dog. But Rubaiyat has forever risen the bar on my gastron expectation. It is a food paradise in Decorah, Iowa. I would drive for hours for the duck bacon and sweet corn wontons. They always seem to have some for everyone. Want a large piece of meat cooked to perfection, they have it. Want a lighter plate or seafood? Bingo. I am usually a steak or chicken guy, but I would crawl over broken glass for the Herb crusted Norwegian Salmon Salad. And leave a little room for dessert. The owners are the most wonderful, welcoming, friendly couple. I love supporting a local owned family restaurant like this. All the STARS! Shalom read more

We had dinner here during a weekend trip in Decorah. The service was great. My husband ordered the Salmon, which comes with lobster ravioli, in some sort of mushroom/brie cream sauce. We had to look up exactly how the dish was listed on the menu a couple days later, because he was still dreaming about it! read more

I had already reviewed Rubaiyat once before, but I wanted to add another for the excellent food and service we have received during the COVID-19 pandemic. My husband has multiple health conditions that make it impossible for him to come in to pick up the food, but they have been SO accomodating and bring our food to the car. When ordering, the owner (Kim, i believe her name is) is ALWAYS so friendly. It is such a delight to get food from Rubaiyat and I know that because of how wonderful they have been, our business here has increased and this will continue. Thank you! read more

My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Rubaiyat! The food was delicious and the service was phenomenal. The owner came over to open and serve our wine, and she was so warm and welcoming. Their wine list is very impressive! We loved everything about this place; it was the highlight of our weekend in Decorah. read more

I loved this place when I was in college, but now I anxiously wait for the chance to get back to Decorah so I can stop in! The beer selection is always great----Rubaiyat got me hooked on a 1/2 and 1/2 combo of Ace Pear Cider and Framboise Raspberry Lambic (both on tap usually)---I recommend trying it if you stop in. Or take a look at their martini menu. I love seeing how the menu changes each season and how they cater to what's fresh and local. I really have to tip my hat to the owners for the incredible business they've built...the place always looks amazing and the staff is so professional. I recently hosted a birthday party here for a friend, and had the chefs at Rubaiyat whip up the cake. It was gorgeous and came out topped with fresh berries and sparklers! You can't really beat that experience. The entire party enjoyed their food and everyone kept commenting on how amazing our waitress was! Made me a very proud hostess. Along with a Mabe's pizza, Rubaiyat is a staple for our trips to Decorah. Even if we're just driving through we at least have to stop for a quick drink ;-) Keep up the fantastic work! read more

My wife and I recently moved to Decorah from Chicago and Rubaiyat immediately instituted itself as our favorite restaurant. The menu changes seasonally, and we always watch to make sure that we visit a couple times during each menu. Fresh, local food prepared by a chef who understands how to combine flavors to create cohesive meals. We've ordered pretty much everything -- pork, steak, chicken, fish, duck, pasta -- and leave impressed every time. If you are unsure what to get, go for the pork chop, you won't be disappointed. Portions are good, especially considering the quality of the bread & soup or salad that come with every entree. The wait staff fosters a particularly friendly ambiance for an upscale restaurant -- we celebrate special occasions at Rubaiyat, but we can also bring our one year old for a cozy dinner out. It is worth calling ahead, but you can usually walk in and sit immediately. The bar area is always hopping and they have great beers on tap and an extensive wine list. Rubaiyat is not open for lunch but does have the best Sunday brunch in town -- varied standard menu, quiche of the day, bloody mary bar -- at downright cheap prices. Don't miss it! read more

My wife and I have been to Rubaiyat twice now and have had excellent experiences both times. The bar area is nice and cozy with huge windows that are great for people watching. Great wine selection along with one of the most extensive beer lists you'll find in any town this size. Price are very reasonable for entrees ($15-25) and that includes soup or salad. I've had the mahi mahi which was very good, but on my last trip, I got the beef tenderloin filet and it was excellent. A nice cut of meat that was cooked medium rare with caramelized onions, walnuts, mushrooms and blue cheese on top. The combo of the flavors and textures was perfect. Paired with some tasty garlic mashed potatoes and fresh steamed vegetables. The service is good -- nothing outstanding, but they have only been open for a few weeks now. The place does lose some points for dining room atmosphere. It's a large room in an old downtown building with high tin ceilings - sounds great, right? The arrangement of the booths and tables in this large space just doesn't seem to fit the historic atmosphere and it's less intimate that I would have thought. They also went with commercial carpeting in the dining room rather than hardwood floors. Nothing is wrong with it, it just didn't match the excellence of the food. I'll definitely be back though! read more

Sorry Iowa Falls, but Decorah has become my favorite Iowa town, in part because of fabulous meals offered by places like Rubaiyat. They had my favorite New Zealand wine, available by the glass. The sea bass had two of us practically licking our plates. Service was outstanding and atmosphere - warm and welcoming. Can't wait for my next Decorah visit! read more

If you happen up this way would rival any restaurant I have been to any where in the area , California or Seattle. read more

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Went here the night of TG's Assassin release in the hopes of trying Morning Delight & was able to do so. For a small place, they had an amazing tap list & the bar staff were incredibly helpful & knowledgeable. To be honest, I was happy to finally have a great glass of Cabernet after spending the day with some craft beer junkies & the house Cab was great. Their food looks great but we didn't get a chance to try it (hence the lack of the 5th star). When in Decorah again, we'll definitely visit. read more

The Rubaiyat has great food and a nice wine list. Closes a little early for a Saturday night so we almost didn't make it in, but I'm glad we did. We had great service and everyone was very friendly and welcoming. read more

Good beer (and they sell TG beers to go), good food, decent prices. Nothing else to say really. If it were cheaper I'd rate it a 5 but for me, I'd say 4.5. read more

We were in Decorah, IA for a wedding and wanted dinner before the reception. The reason really doesn't matter but it's nothing awful. Anyway we popped in when they opened at 5 and were told that reservations were advised but they had one table open that we could have. Score! James, our server, was terrific. Knew we were waiting for our friends and got us started on wine, promising to save his "spiel" for their arrival. The house Merlot (California) was fruity and had good legs and finish. We ordered the Kale Caesar with seared Ahi tuna and the Artisnal Cheese Platter with fruit and a fruit jam. The platter came with a list of the cheeses which we appreciated because, so often, you're left wondering if this is the sheep's milk or the goat cheese. The tuna...what can I say? Melt in my mouth yummy. High marks, guys. You rock. read more

My wife and I very much enjoyed Sunday brunch. She had chicken and waffles and I ordered the country fried steak. Having a southern background of southern food they nailed it. Kim and her staff were wonderful as well as the atmosphere. Not to mention the Bloody Mary bar they offer. Kudos for the experience we will be back for sure. read more

Great food, great environment and the workers/owners were incredible! Huge wine, beer, and specialty drink selection to go along with all of their food selections. Even if you're full, make sure you try one of their desserts! 10/10! read more

I emailed ahead of time to see if they would be able to handle food allergies, and received a response very quickly. They even offered to prepare things that were not on the menu that would work. When we arrived, they verified our food needs when we checked in, and made sure the server was up to speed. The food was excellent. Lots of locally grown foods, all prepared fresh, and a very extensive wine list. Knowledgeable staff able to handle food allergies. A real treasure for the town. And we felt the prices were reasonable. Would have paid much more in a large city. read more

Seldom do I get really excited about a meal, but Thursday's dinner at Rubaiyat's was exceptional. A mix of flavors, in a simple mahi salad, that creates a explosion on the palate. The tuna was cooked perfectly as requested. Great selection of wine and beer. All at 1/2 the cost of a Chicago or other metropolitan restaurant. Moreover, the owners take pride and make it personal. read more

We dined here pre-concert at nearby Luther and had a lovely experience. The pace was perfect but not by chance (we pretty much told our waiter to give us quite a bit more time which he dutifully respected and we greatly appreciated). The food was good. I can't say outstanding because I've eaten at some fabulous places that outrank it, but it is perfectly acceptable. We had the daily soup of tomato, feta and artichoke hearts which was delectable and I'll attempt to duplicate at home. The Caesar salad was indeed homemade but didn't hold to "true" Caesar. Wasn't bad, just wasn't authentic. Meals were perfectly prepared and dessert was more than adequate. I had the pasta Rubiayat and it was nicely al dente. Needed a bit of salt but that was easily corrected. My husband had the quail special and enjoyed it. We also had the Kobe Beef spare ribs and a pheasant plate at our table. Everyone finished and was satisfied I was surprised that despite announcing to our server that it was my Mom's birthday, nothing was done. Usually you get at least a complimentary piece of cake. That was really my only disappointment. The prices are more than fair and in fact, I think that they're too low! Dinner for 4 with 2 appetizers, 2 desserts, 4 entrees, 1 bottle of wine and a round of drinks for all was 200. I expected it to be higher. I would happily bring guests back to Rubaiyat. read more

Very reasonable prices for the food served. Excellent selection on the dinner menu, and the Sunday brunch is fantastic as well. Rubiyat never disappoints! read more

Can't say enough good things about this place. I just wish I'd know about it *sooner* so I didn't miss so many opportunities to eat their tasty, tasty brunch food. Love the waitstaff, love the inventive, local foods. Decorah is already one of my favorite places, thanks to Seed Savers & the Norwegian Heritage Museum. Now I have an excuse to come down more often! Woohoo! read more

After finishing our evening at Rubaiyat, my wife and I could not stop reminiscing on our fantastic experience! The serving staff was fantastic from the friendly hello's across the room to James', our server, quick wit and knowledge of nuanced serving techniques. The service, food, and general experience is par none. This is definitely a must for dining in Decorah! read more

Traveling for work Wasn't going here but Walked past and was packed. Had a great burger and local taps

Service was attentive; wine was great! Bread was excellent. I had the bison special which was good but underseasoned. My dining partners all got the Pasta Rubaiyat. The seafood tasted fishy, just a little off. The dish was soupy and the sauce was separated. Disappointed in our meals after reading other rave reviews. read more

If you are lucky enough to be in Decorah go to The Rubaiyat. The food, wine list, decor and service are all worthy of a visit

A nice restaurant, nicely decorated. The wine list was four+ pages long. Service was very attentive with a friendly waitstaff. Wine and food arrived with nice timing. A very pleasant experience. Best of all the food was interesting and tasted good. I was surprised to fine a restaurant of this quality in Decorah. read more

Their food is great and such a variety to choose from! Their drink list is endless, and changes seasonal! My brothers and I love to go in the fall and get pumpkin beer! The staff are very friendly and helpful! read more

Stayed at the Hotel Winneshiek (great) for an overnight get away and had dinner reservations at Rubaiyat. It was an amazing dinner and service. We had drinks in the bar area first and then were seated by the owner Kim, she took amazing care of us, making sure we were happy throughout our dinner. My husband had the filet mignon and I had the bacon wrapped turkey. They were both cooked to perfection. The bread and deserts were exceptional as well. Yummy food and great atmosphere. We'll be back!! read more

I have been here several times and the service has been excellent no matter who waits on me. From entrees to appetizers they have all been excellent. Would be one of my top choices to take a visitor. read more

I have been to Rubaiyat a number of times, I have had almost everything on the last three menus. Rubaiyat rivals most restaurants in Chicago, where I am from and I eat out a lot - like 10 times a week. I have travelled all over the states from CA, CO, TX, GA, NY, ID, HI, MA, as well as around the world, from Australia, to Africa, and all over Europe - including the Donelli in St Marks Square. Rubaiyat serves fantastic food, has a wonderful wine list that fits any budget or imagination, but the real gem is the food, in spite of the awesome wine list that no one would expect to find in NE Iowa. I also like to cook, and am quite often dissatisfied with restaurant food. If you are anywhere nearby - make the trip, trust me, it's well worth it. The owners are very personable, know most everyone by name, remember your favorite cocktail and dish, and are lovely people. I highly recommend Rubaiyat as one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Go. It's awesome. read more

If you're looking for a quality meal or drink, Rubaiyat is the place to be! Their beer and wine lists are the best around, and happy hour appetizers are to die for. Make-your-own bloody marys with an excellent and reasonably priced brunch menu on Sundays. Located in the heart of downtown Decorah, Rubaiyat is of the best acquisitions our little town has seen in recent years. read more

Oh come on people. $16 for a hamburger in Decorah, IA? $21 for a piece of flank steak? The place does have a lot of snob appeal. When we excused ourselves to our waitress because we didn't find anything of interest on the menu, she even had the gall to tell us that we could always find something at Mabes pizza or Happy Joes. I'm sorry, but we won't be back. read more

Very good restaurant. Staff was very friendly. The food was excellent. They understand how to cook a steak. Medium rare should be red and melt in your mouth and this did. My wife had the salmon and said it was terrific. Price is moderate and well worth it. read more

I recently ate at rubaiyat. Our group was from out of town, taking a class at Vesterheim Folk Art School. We didn't have reservations and apparently the female owner was mad about that. We were treated rudely. Service and food we're okay, but the way we were treated ruined our evening. read more

Had dinner here recently on a Friday night. My husband and I were having a mini getaway in Decorah so we went all out, drinks, appetizers dessert, the works, which did add up to a sizeable bill (about $110 with tip). However, it was definitely worth it. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. As an extra perk, when we ordered our food the waitress specifically asked if there were any food allergies they needed to be aware of. As someone with a severe nut allergy, this type of extra touch greatly impresses me, since some restaurants treat people with legitimate food allergies as a hassle, rather than trying their best to accommodate. I would definitely return on future trips to Decorah, and would recommend this for anyone looking for a high quality meal read more

Very interesting menu and beer choices are great. Large portions for those who care so decent value. Service was excellent as well. The food was very good but not fantastic but would definitely come here again. read more

To start: arrived on a Weds evening party of 4- hostess asked if we had a reservation. No we did not but looking in dining room there were 10 empty tables or more- but oh we cant seat you for atleast 25-40 minutes. REALLY! Food is very good but to operate a business model like that- I would think twice before returning. read more

Wonderful experience! Not rushed although the restaurant was quite busy. Hope, our server, is the best there is. She smiled the entire time. My meal was blackened brie, wedge salad, mahi mahi. My wife had the house salad and salmon. Pistachio cake and coffee round out the meal. This is a must visit. Andy, the chef and owner, was just named one of the Best Chefs of America. I will be back. read more

I am so happy a place like Rubaiyats has opened in our area. I have lived and traveled quite a bit and love to try local fare. Rubaiyats is a great representation of our area featuring locally grown food items artistically prepared. I was fortunate enough to have tried both the winter and now the summer menus, both worth the drive...definitely. The restaurant is warm and inviting. The original tin ceiling, the warm colors, and cozy booths make any visit special. The service you receive "sets the bar" for all others to aspire to. I really like that not everything is "ala carte". The entree' includes a choice of 3 salads, all are wonderful and hard to choose from. I have had the opportunity to be able to try a great many items on the new summer menu such as the bacon wrapped pheasant with a lingonberry sauce, orange ginger scallops, Greek chicken, and the Rubaiyats name sake pasta marrys flavors together that make it a true signature dish. The wine list is also very impressive, but don't be intimidated if your not sure what to try, just ask and they can suggest something from the exstensive menu. I can't say enough, this is what dining is all about. read more