Moon Rabbit is chef Kevin Tien's Vietnamese restaurant on F Street in Penn Quarter, named for the virtuous rabbit of the Buddhist Jataka tale. Tien, a first-generation Asian American, built the menu as a tribute to his heritage, threading Cajun influences from his Louisiana roots into Vietnamese cooking — dishes like cassava cornbread with lime butter and a pork chop served with sticky rice and peaches carry that blend. The kitchen works from seasonal ingredients and offers both a coursed tasting menu and a la carte dining, served across three dining rooms.
Judy Beltrano and Susan Bae own the restaurant alongside Tien, with Bae also working as pastry chef, and Thi Nguyen leads the bar program.
Moon Rabbit has been listed on North America's 50 Best Restaurants in both 2025 and 2026, selected for the Michelin Guide in 2025, and named to The New York Times' Restaurant List in 2024. Its pastry program has drawn James Beard Foundation recognition, with Outstanding Pastry Chef semifinalist and finalist nods in 2025 and a finalist nod again in 2026. Eater named it to its Essential 38, and Washingtonian included it on its Best of 2025 list.
Judy Beltrano and Susan Bae own the restaurant alongside Tien, with Bae also working as pastry chef, and Thi Nguyen leads the bar program.
Moon Rabbit has been listed on North America's 50 Best Restaurants in both 2025 and 2026, selected for the Michelin Guide in 2025, and named to The New York Times' Restaurant List in 2024. Its pastry program has drawn James Beard Foundation recognition, with Outstanding Pastry Chef semifinalist and finalist nods in 2025 and a finalist nod again in 2026. Eater named it to its Essential 38, and Washingtonian included it on its Best of 2025 list.