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In today’s review… we’ll cover a Japanese-inspired small bites and cocktail bar that boasts some of the District’s best views.

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The Ratings

Our simple & honest checklist covers a restaurant’s key ingredients:
Ambiance, Service, and Food.

8/10

Open since November 2022, Moonraker — the rooftop bar in the Wharf’s most luxurious hotel, the Pendry — boasts quite the views. Overlooking the river and the East Potomac Park, Moonraker offers a gorgeous vantage point for your eyes to feast on… and is an excellent spot, especially during the warm summertime when you can fully enjoy the chic venue’s outdoor patio. Regardless of when you visit though, the forecast is always elegance and classy modern sophistication.

While the views are stunning, the eatery’s interior decor is equally well orchestrated with seating arrangements encircling the bar in the center of the room. The only downside is that indoor seating for larger groups can be tricky given the space’s layout, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

7.5/10

For an upscale bar, the service is spot on and everyone from the hosts to the waitstaff are pleasant and attentive. Our snacks were brought out at a decent pace and we were never left with an empty glass.

6.5/10

How delightful! Moonraker’s snacks, bites, and sushi are quite scrumptious — if you can tolerate paying an Alexander Hamilton per bite (sadly, each piece of nigiri sushi will cost you $10). If you’re in the mood for an elegant night out or are looking to impress, Moonraker is a good spot to kick off or end your night in style and with yummy little snacks.

If you’re looking for a larger and more filling dish, we highly recommend the Chanan Pork Belly Fried Rice ($28) as the serving size will be the closest dish to a regular entrée. Not to mention, the flavors are lovely.

For the rest of your nibbling adventure, do go for the Pan Fried Shrimp Dumplings ($22) as the chili oil adds a nice, but subtle kick. Definitely try the Crispy Rice, Spicy Tuna ($22) as it is delicious. Honestly, we really wonder why more DC Japanese restaurants don’t offer this dish. It’s easy to make and is great with a drizzle of unagi (eel) sauce and a slice of avocado (for those of you home cooks, you now have a new midnight snack to make). The menu also has an Ora King Salmon ($22) as well as a Charred Japanese A5 Wagyu ($48) version of the Crispy Rice. In terms of the sushi rolls, we would point you to the fancy Spicy Tuna Roll ($23) which is topped with some edible gold.

Lastly, for some closing bites, the Yuzu Profiteroles ($16) are yummy. Each of the five honey butterscotch profiteroles is filled with a yuzu cream, covered in a mango-passion fruit coating, and is enjoyed with chocolate dipping sauce.

Reservation & Menu: