Location: McLean
Top Restaurants in McLean
Top Things to do in McLean
Where to Eat in McLean: The Best Restaurants and Bars
McLean (/məˈkleɪn/ mə-KLAYN) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. McLean is home to many diplomats, businessmen, members of Congress, and high-ranking government officials partially due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. and the Central Intelligence Agency. It is the location of Hickory Hill, the former home of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. It is also the location of Salona, the former home of Light-Horse Harry Lee, the Revolutionary War hero. The community had an estimated total population of 53,673 in 2015, according to estimates prepared by the United States Census Bureau. It is located between the Potomac River and the town of Vienna. McLean is known for its luxury homes and its nearby high-end shopping destinations: the Tysons Corner Center and the Tysons Galleria. The two McLean zip codes - 22101 and 22102 - are among the most expensive ZIP Codes in Virginia and the United States. In 2018, data from the American Community Survey revealed that McLean was the 3rd wealthiest city in the United States, based on its poverty rate of 2.6% and its median household income of $190,258.
Things to do in McLean
1. Kazan Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By BigMac1949 - Austin, Texas
Arrived in town to visit relatives and were taken here for dinner. It was a very nice evening. Started with the Calamari and Stuffed Eggplant appetizers, both excellent. We all had the Doner Kebab, the gals with double veggies because the accompanying rice is made with orzo...seemed a little unusual. Mine was served with the yogurt and pita bread pieces and topped with tomatoes, very tasty and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Baklava for dessert, at least for us two guys, very nice but a bit too sweet for me. All in all, a fine dining experience.
2. Nostos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
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Reviewed By RichardinOhio - Williamsburg, Virginia
I am not certain that Nostos is deserving of such a high standard in Washingtonian's Top 100 Restaurants for 2018. It is a very high class place and reservations are simply a must. It is a very contemporary atmosphere, superb service, but the food is no better that several other Greek restaurants we've experienced in the city and the prices are high for a small-plates experience.
It occupies the first floor of an office building across highway 7 from Tysons Corner Mall. Their outside sign was not lit last night, adding to the challenge of finding it. The service was superb, just as you'd expect from a place with their reputation.
Our group of four shared a Greek salad (what you'd expect from such a dish, except too heavy on tomatoes), flaming cheese (excellent!), and tzatziki (also excellent). My swordfish skewers were done perfectly--the best dish of the night. The spanikopita was not warm enough. The other couple had octopus and said it was overdone: tough and chewy.
We had been to the Loudon County wineries during the day, so we opted only for water with dinner and our bill, WITHOUT drinks, was $180 including a 20% tip. Very high for small plates and water. None of us had an expensive entree.
I think you can get great Greek food several places in DC for much less money.
3. Taco Bamba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Amy B
Seriously, these are the best tacos in the world. They are fresh, original and prepared quickly. I love the spicy shrimp taco!
4. Coastal Flats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By MelanieW542 - Sterling, Virginia
Great service, food is good with gluten free options. Personally I would prefer less fried choices and more grilled seafood with steamed veggies. Reservations are definitely needed since it's a popular location for groups of friends, family or co-workers.
5. Amoo's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Misiper - Vienna, Virginia
Let me say that the service was extremely attentive with the owner making a formal welcome visit to the table. The staff cared deeply about our satisfaction. However, the food, although adequate, was so much like other various Persian and Afghan restaurants that we have frequented over the years. The standard dish has a skewer of meat (chicken and lamb for my order) with a heaping portion of rice. The meal was large enough to share. However, it lacked flavor. The bread was delicious.
This is not to stay that you will be disappointed. It’s just that with such amazing service, the food did feel like it was a bit of a letdown. All four of us in our dining party felt the same way.
6. Seasons 52
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
Seasons 52 is a casually sophisticated fresh grill and wine bar that invites you to discover the sensational flavors of our seasonally inspired menu. At Seasons 52, you'll enjoy a warm, welcoming ambiance with rich mahogany accents, custom built wine cellars, and lush greenery that create an air of casual sophistication. With an award-winning international wine list of over 100 wines, with 52 or more available by the glass, we will find the perfect match to complement your menu selection. Our restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, with extended hours on the weekend. We also feature live entertainment at our piano bar nightly. If you are searching for a place to host your event, look no further. Seasons 52 is the perfect setting for your private or semi-private event. We also feature a Chef's table for smaller groups or more intimate settings. Together we will create the event of the season!
Reviewed By Helena L - Malmesbury, United Kingdom
Visited for a business dinner and enjoyed the set $30 menu. The steak was heavenly as was the key lime pie. Only downside was the speed with which the food came out. We had not finished the Entree and the mains were delivered.
Overall worth a visit.
7. Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By Anonthego
We went for a friends bday dinner with 10 people. We were greeted and seated promptly and our waiter was very attentive and friendly. Few people ordered the pomegranate mule totally disappointed. The maverick was the best cocktail by vote. We got the calamari which was decent if you like sweet foods. The lobster tacos were sloppy and very forgettable. For mains I got the surf and turf the steak was charred and very over seasoned . The lobster tail was also very salty. New York strip was ok. The sole was liked by two people. As for sides : Au gratin potatoes were greasy and the actual potatoes were super Aldente to the point they were crunchy. Brussels sprouts came with a mountain of bacon on top . You might love this if you like bacon I don’t ! Overall I would say this trip to Eddie vs was quite disappointing. I think capital grill in Tyson’s delivers a much more refined level of quality.
8. J.Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood
Overall Ratings
4 based on 416 reviews
J. Gilbert's is an "upscale casual" steakhouse serving prime-aged beef cooked over a mesquite wood-fired grill. Guests enjoy various cuts of steak, fresh seafood (including award-winning crab cakes) & other house made favorites like the Maytag Bleu potato chips & Carrot Cake. The cozy atmosphere includes fire side dining, rich wood, brick & soft lighting where you can enjoy a quiet table or host a large party. The extensive martini & wine list offers the perfect compliment to an excellent meal delivered with attentive service. J. Gilbert's is open for weekend lunch, dinner 7 days a week & Sunday Brunch. Reservations are recommended.
Reviewed By 35Russell - Warminster, United Kingdom
First time to McLean and restaurant was recommended. An excellent meal, service was good and staff polite. Even though it was a Monday night the place was very busy and the car park full and I would recommend booking a table if possible.
The food was excellent, whilst I went for the cheapest steak ($29 sirloin) it was fantastic and I cannot fault it, cooked as requested and tasted wonderful.
Good atmosphere, and would happily return.
9. The Capital Grille
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
You are cordially invited to join us for an evening or afternoon of relaxed elegance and exceptional cuisine. Our impressive menu of nationally renowned dry aged steaks and the freshest of seafood will ignite your culinary imagination as our award-winning wine list of more than 5,000 bottles awakens your inner sommelier. And as our gracious, knowledgeable servers delight you with their uncanny ability to anticipate your every need, you’ll experience firsthand why the American Culinary Federation recently bestowed upon us their “Achievement of Excellence Award.” Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or hosting a business luncheon or dinner, we can help you flawlessly pull off any private dining event. Our event planning staff has extensive experience and the ideal materials to work with—a capital setting, distinctive food and unmatched service. Located on the corner of International and Route 7.
Reviewed By BenD0ver - Manassas, Virginia
There was a time this was the best steskhouse around. They are becoming just another chain. Dinner Thanksgiving day they ran out of bluecheese olives for dirty matinis. How is that possible? Stuff more. They ran out of pumpkin cheesecake and apple pie. Really? We were there two days ago and the ran out of Makers Mark Bourbon. Huh? A guy at the bar was so slobbering drunk, I was actually concerned there was going to be an issue. He kept trying to talk to us which was very uncomfortable for all of us. But they kept serving him. The food is still good but all in all, this place has lost it.
10. Tachibana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Sand T
This is my third visit to this restaurant. So far, it's one of the two authentic Japanese restaurants around greater DC. A waiter usually tells me that there is a place for sushi, but I found it disappointed. I would say go for Japanese homemade dishes. Nabe (Pot dish) , Gindara Misoyaki (Broiled Black Cod), Tonkatsu(this one is pretty good!).
However, raw fish here is overrated. I ordered Chirashi + Yellowtail +Salmon sushi. First, I was extremely disappointed with their salmon for the third time. I should have remembered I ordered it before. For sushi/sashimi, salmon is supposed to serve 100% raw, right? Tachibana did cook it a bit, you can see from its color. And I'm not sure whether they soaked salmon in salt water or not. You wouldn't taste a freshness and natural sweet of salmon from this place. I would say avoid it. Yellowtail fish was fine. Chirashi --> still have a problem with salmon. I would give 4 star if I consider it's one of the good Japanese places around this area. But, if considering only the taste, I give only 3.
