Washingtonian released its annual ranking of the D.C. region’s 100 very best restaurants yesterday (Tuesday), championing culinary offerings to seek out in 2026 from across the District, Northern Virginia and Maryland.
For the third year in a row, Joon in Tysons placed higher on the list than any other Fairfax establishment, though at no. 35, it has slipped down from 23rd in 2024 and 24th last year.
Opened at 8045 Leesburg Pike in Fairfax Square in June 2023, the Persian restaurant led by chefs Najmieh Batmanglij and Christopher Morgan continues to receive high marks for its “relaxed elegance” and unique spins on both classic and more contemporary dishes.
“The kitchen turns out such deeply flavorful classic stews as pomegranate-laced duck fessenjoon and beef with dried lime,” Washingtonian’s food staff said in their 2026 summary. “More modern plates, including lamb-and-pistachio meatballs and a grilled whole eggplant with crispy onions, are often flawless, too.”
The next-highest eatery that can be found in the Fairfax area is A&J Restaurant, which moved up a few spots from no. 60 last year to no. 52 on the 2026 ranking.
Winner of a RAMMY award for “Best Brunch” in 2022, the Tang family restaurant remains a reliable destination for homey Taiwanese and Chinese fare after three decades in Rockville, Maryland, and 26 years in Annandale (4316 Markham Street, Unit B).
“Not many restaurants are this consistent — or such a good value,” Washingtonian said, identifying A&J’s pan-fried pork dumplings, dan-dan noodles, mustard-green salad with soybeans, fried chicken and rice, and more as menu highlights.
The magazine also singled out a newcomer to the local food scene, ranking Tiffin Hut in the McNair area south of Herndon at no. 78. Opened last March in the Woodland Park Crossing development (2338 Woodland Crossing Drive, Suite A), the all-day breakfast cafe specializes in south Indian cuisine with benne dosas — a crispy, buttery crepe served with masala, potato curry and other fillings — as its signature dish.
“A short menu can be a great sign, and this Bangalore-style all-day cafe in Herndon has pared its offerings down to the bare minimum: four dosa variations, four idli variations, and chai — all pitch-perfect,” Washingtonian’s staff wrote. “… This is South Indian cooking at its most deeply satisfying.”
The other Fairfax entries in the 2026 100 Very Best Restaurants ranking are:
- Mama Chang in Fairfax City (no. 81)
- L’Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls (no. 86)
- Fava Pot in West Falls Church, with a new location coming to The Boro in Tysons (no. 87)
- Southeast Impression in Fairfax City (no. 88)
- Aracosia in McLean (no. 92)
