Washington, D.C. is home to some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants, and two local dining destinations have earned national recognition.
Jônt and Moon Rabbit have both been included in OpenTable’s 2026 list of the Top 100 Restaurants in America.
The annual list highlights restaurants that have impressed diners through their reviews and dining demand, putting two D.C. establishments among the country’s most celebrated places to eat.
Both restaurants offer distinctive dining experiences, from an elaborate tasting-menu concept to contemporary Vietnamese cuisine.
How were the 100 best restaurants in America selected?
OpenTable’s annual Top 100 Restaurants in America list is based on a combination of diner feedback and restaurant demand.
For its 2026 edition, OpenTable analyzed more than 11 million reviews from verified diners, alongside dining metrics collected between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
Restaurants were evaluated using several factors, including:
- Diner ratings: Overall customer ratings and five-star reviews.
- Dining demand: How frequently diners set alerts for a restaurant.
- Reservation activity: How far in advance guests book.
- Restaurant capacity: How effectively restaurants fill available tables.
- Direct searches: How frequently diners search for individual restaurants.
Importantly, the Top 100 list is arranged alphabetically rather than numerically.
This means Jônt and Moon Rabbit are both recognized as part of the national selection, but neither receives a specific first- or second-place ranking.
What makes Jônt one of the best restaurants in America?
Located at 1904 14th Street NW, Jônt is an intimate fine-dining destination led by chef and owner Ryan Ratino.
The restaurant is particularly known for its ambitious tasting menus, combining premium ingredients from around the world with techniques and flavors inspired by Japanese cuisine.
Jônt has earned two Michelin stars, making it one of Washington’s most distinguished dining experiences.
Rather than a traditional restaurant setup, Jônt offers an intimate chef’s counter experience where guests can watch the culinary team prepare an elaborate progression of dishes.
Its tasting menu features seasonal ingredients, luxurious products, and creative presentations, with prices starting at approximately $375 per person.
What makes Moon Rabbit one of the best restaurants in America?
Located at 927 F Street NW, Moon Rabbit is an acclaimed contemporary Vietnamese restaurant led by chef and owner Kevin Tien.
The restaurant draws inspiration from Tien’s Vietnamese heritage, first-generation Asian American identity, and upbringing in Louisiana to create a menu blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Moon Rabbit is particularly known for its inventive interpretations of familiar dishes, combining unexpected ingredients and influences from different culinary traditions.
Highlights include:
- Vietnamese-inspired cooking: Traditional flavors reimagined through modern techniques.
- Creative combinations: Dishes incorporating Vietnamese and Louisiana influences.
- Inventive desserts: Unique creations featuring ingredients such as durian, passionfruit, and dill.
- An acclaimed cocktail program: Bar director Thi Nguyen received the Michelin Guide’s 2024 Exceptional Cocktails Award.
Moon Rabbit has also received international recognition, appearing at No. 24 in the North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 selection.
Its combination of Vietnamese culinary traditions, creative cooking, and personal storytelling has helped establish it as one of Washington’s standout dining destinations.
