Focused on creating a tablescape that takes diners on a journey through a mix of flavors, Joon opened its doors in June 2023 with a mission to bring Persian cuisine to Northern Virginia.
The elevated casual concept was started by Co-Founder Reza Farahani and features the culinary talent of world-renowned Persian cookbook author and Executive Chef, Najmieh Batmanglij, and DC’s Michelin-Starred Chef, Chef-Owner, Christopher Morgan.
(From Left to Right: Chef-Owner Christopher Morgan, Executive Chef Najmieh Batmanglij, and Co-Founder Reza Farahani | Photo Courtesy of Joon)
Drawing on flavors from Tehran and the Middle East, Joon seeks to bring the community together around a shared table. The restaurant’s menu features small and large plates, ranging from kabobs and whole roasted branzino to bread and spreads.
Chef Morgan enriches the dining experience by sourcing authentic flavors and local ingredients. The restaurant’s saffron is purchased through Heray Spice, a company that sources the spice from small family-owned farms in Afghanistan and ensures farmers receive a fair compensation. Morgan has also built relationships with local farms, including Moon Valley Farm.
When ordering for a party of four at Joon, Chef Morgan recommends selecting a large format with a few spreads to accompany it or two entrees and a couple of small plates.
Joon has also become a brunch destination. For $50 per person, brunch includes unlimited small plates. In addition, they offer a handful of libations to accompany your meal, including a mimosa tower. For the non-boozy brunch crowd, they also offer coffee and orange juice.
The restaurant just opened their patio, where they are now doing live fire cooking. The outdoor patio is perfect for those looking to dine al fresco or wanting a nice little oasis from the hustle and bustle of Tysons.
Tysons was selected as Joon’s home for a variety of reasons, including its dynamic community, expansive Iranian population, and proximity to DC. Additionally, Farahani knew the previous restaurants that occupied the space.
The people behind Joon are community-focused and seek to create an experience that brings varying cultures together around a common table. It is the team’s hope that by opening Joon in Tysons (8045 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120), they will be a catalyst and inspire other small, independent restauranteurs to open their establishments in Tysons, as well.
The walk-up kitchen at Joon also hosts Franki’s Cookies, Yasmine Kabob, and Pizza Serata. For more information about Joon and to see the restaurant’s full menu, click here.
