"Joon continues to rack up accolades for its upscale takes on Iranian cuisine since opening in June 2023, with James Beard semifinalist nods, joining the New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in America, and more. It’s easy to see why, with the tucked-away Tysons Corner spot serving up inventive Persian dishes like the sour orange and ginger infused pistachio soup and braised lamb shoulder served with pickled garlic and tomato honey, all dreamed up by Persian cookbook author and executive chef Najmieh Batmanglij and chef-owner Christopher Morgan. If you’re looking for smaller bites, any iteration of the hummus and kashke bademjan (a roasted eggplant dip topped with crispy onions) pairs perfectly with drinks at May Bar, a beautiful lounge in front of the royal blue dining room where diners sip on classic cocktails with Persian flavors. Great choices include a rich fig Old Fashioned or the Tehrooni Negroni with saffron ice. During the warmer months, don’t miss Morgan’s lively outdoor grilling nights, Live Fire Fridays, that combine entrees grilled on the patio by Morgan himself and eclectic live DJs. If you drive: There is complimentary valet parking at the entrance, along with free self-parking in the massive lot in front of nearby Patsy’s." - Tierney Plumb