Moon Rabbit’s new location offers a warm, inviting space, combining sleek modern design with Vietnamese cultural touches. The moss-green furniture, custom-made and imported from Turkey, adds to the serene and sophisticated aesthetic. Large windows bring natural light into the dining area, creating an open and airy environment, while wood tones and minimalistic decor offer a sense of calm. Tien’s team has decorated the built-in shelves with personal artifacts, including tins of Café du Monde chicory coffee and family photos, giving the restaurant a personal, homely feel. The atmosphere is both casual and refined, with a business casual dress code, attentive yet approachable service, and a soundtrack of soft jazz or modern beats that creates a relaxed ambiance. Meanwhile, the open kitchen design allows diners to watch their meal being prepared, adding an additional element to the dining experience.
Tien’s background is as diverse as his culinary creations. Born in Texas and raised in various parts of the US, from Hawaii to Louisiana, Tien was exposed to different culinary traditions early on. His love for food, combined with his Vietnamese heritage and Southern American upbringing, has shaped his innovative approach to cooking. After beginning his career in business analytics, Tien switched to the culinary world, working in renowned restaurants like Uchi in Houston and Momofuku CCDC in Washington DC. He then co-founded the critically acclaimed Himitsu before opening Moon Rabbit in 2020. Tien has received numerous accolades, including multiple James Beard Award nods and a place on Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs list.
Moon Rabbit has also garnered plenty of recognition since its original opening. The restaurant was featured in The Washington Post’s Top 10 Restaurants list and has earned rave reviews from critics and diners alike for the creativity of its menu, that succeeds in blending Vietnamese flavors and a touch of Southern sass. Tien’s innovative fare continues to impress diners, with signature dishes such as Vietnamese hot chicken and monkfish wrapped in collard greens. With its reopening in 2024, Moon Rabbit is poised to continue its upward trajectory, consolidating its place in DC’s competitive dining scene.
