Best Bistros in McLean

A neighborhood gem! Lovely food and fantastic service.

Heading to a concert at the Kennedy Center (it's a very easy approach to Foggy Bottom), we tried Claudio's Table out for the first time. We ate early and got to watch the restaurant fill up with a broad range of families and couples from the neighborhood and elsewhere, bringing a real nice ambience. The food was fabulous: fried artichoke with a green salad started things off beautifully, like being in Rome. The linguini with lobster tail, on a light red lobster infused sauce (a special) is among the best dishes in Washington (et Voila's Norwegian sole is another). Our other dish was the linguini with clams. My wife and I shifted our platters back and forth, with help from staff when they saw us treeing to balance the dishes. Wine was lovely and the lemon cake dessert was a brilliant combination of layers. The portions were also perfect (not too big, nor too little) and we stayed awake through our concert.

The brunch had numerous options. For hors d'oeuvres: the Frissee Lardon was well-dressed and topped with a perfectly poached egg; and the Soup a L'Oignon had perfectly caramelized onions and was topped with delicious golden crust of Gruyere cheese that over flowed the bowl. For entrees: the Tartine featured a buttery salmon and parsley spread that was well complemented by the slightly acid capers and pickled shallots; and the Loup de Mer was perfectly cooked and the butter sauce and nuts added to the flavor and texture of the dish. For dessert: the Pots de Creme was creamy and flavorful with no bitter chocolate aftertaste; and the Mocha Creme Caramel was firm and creamy with the almond praline adding a satisfying crunch. The Mimosa was light and refreshing. The Bloody Mary was average. The ambience was that of a cafe, not a fancy restaurant. The food was as high quality as any french restaurant, and the portions were generous. Highly recommend for a delicious french cafe meal!

As always, had a fabulous meal at this neighborhood gem. Great food, charming servers, and you can actually hear one another talk! Cozy and comfortable dining room. Great place to gather with friends and family. Will be open Christmas Day !

We greatly appreciated the consideration of the staff. The walk to our table for two, both of us elderly and using canes, was difficult. The young host was apologetic and, unbidden, took the price of our soft drinks off the bill. We waited a bit long for our meals, but to be fair, it appeared that many dinners arrived at once. The food, a smash burger, and the salmon en croute, was very good.