American bistro set in a circa-1890 building featuring modern, seasonal fare & a rotating wine list. Based on 348 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.8 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
117 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: (563) 382-9463
Website: http://www.rubaiyatrestaurant.com/
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday
(Labor Day)
|
Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 5–8 PM |
| Saturday | 5–8 PM |
Photo Gallery
Reviews
Dani Bruflodt
Not even sure how many great reviews I’ve written for Rubaiyat over the years, it’s just consistently wonderful. If you visit the lounge DO NOT miss the Duck and Sweet Corn Wontons. Honestly incredible. And you won’t go wrong with the Smoked Salmon board, either.
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Dana Carson
I really like the prime rib on Saturdays, plus a great wine list and Belgium beers. We had lambics and some wine too. We sat in the bar and relaxed and ate!
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Karly H (Exploring the lakes!)
I didn’t like my pasta it was too rich and was sitting in oils. The salads were super good here. The butterfinger cheese cake was my favorite of our whole meal. But the main entrees and drinks weren’t that good.
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Kimberly Theune
We live in Milwaukee, but our favorite restaurant is in Decorah. The toughest thing about dining at Rubaiyat is deciding on your beverage and entree. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Chef Andy creates flavors and combinations that always leave you wanting more. Owner Kim (and her amazing staff) can find a drink (alcoholic or NA) for every taste. They are so warm and welcoming, we can’t wait to come back.
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Lynn Mitchell
We had another wonderful experience here last night. This is a must stop every time we are in the area. The servers are very nice and efficient and we love how the owner greets us like old friends. My husband’s salmon was delicious and I had a pizza made from all fresh spring ingredients–a delightful combination. Our only regret is that we did not leave room for dessert!
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Matthew Franken
We had a wonderful dinner at Rubaiyat after dropping our son off for his first year at Luther. The food and service were excellent and the owner and server were very kind to this teary-eyed father!
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Antrell King
Quite possibly the largest wine selection in iowa. Think over 1000 bottles, i think it is 3000. Some high end wines and the prices are very, very reasonable. In Chicago, those wines go for $600 to $1000 a bottle.
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Angela Smith
Amazing food, service, and atmosphere! Went here for a special occasion and it was well worth it. I had salmon that was perfectly cooked and the best creme brûlée I’ve ever had. My date had chicken Marsala that was excellent and an incredible piece of cheesecake. We will definitely be back!
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Beth Henderson
We once again had a wonderful meal here tonight. We enjoyed prime rib, pasta and pork and they were all delicious and perfectly done. Even the side dishes of sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts with my pork were extremely tasty. The service was excellent, including a stop at the table by the owner who welcomed us like we were old friends after only our second visit. We will return every time we are back in town to visit our daughter! Thanks for another wonderful experience!
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BlueMountain
Rubaiyat’s classy ambiance and professional service are considered high-end among area restaurants; the service is probably the best in Northeast Iowa. The food is often excellent and, depending on the dish, can match the restaurant’s aforementioned attributes. My first visit during the earlier years was highly disappointing, with overpriced ravioli in tomato sauce that tasted like it came from a can (1 star). On another visit, I tried an Asian-style dish that had good flavors overpowered and drenched in a tangy-sweet plum/Hoisin sauce (2 stars). The creamy seafood pasta is fine and accessible (3.5 stars). The duck, potato/grain, and vegetable plate I had on two occasions was superb in texture, flavor, balance, and presentation – some of the best dining I enjoyed in the area (5 stars). My mixed experiences with the food have lended themselves to my overall 4-star rating. The food is usually delicious, though it tends to be rather expensive. The service is consistently impressive. I hope to try some of their other attractive menu options in the future.
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