Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in McLean

I had set up a reservation for 6 people for a pre- theater dinner. The group was a patchwork of people who did not know each other. I knew it might be easier to converse in a secluded area of restaurant and we were accommodated. Server understood we had a time limit and honored it. Food was excellent and we were able to arrive at theater on time. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Service was pretty slow! Took us 30 minutes to get water…

Our Thanksgiving meal was an inventive take on a traditional holiday meal —expertly prepared, ample proportions, a great blend of flavors, with a couple of memorable touches that inspired ideas I’ll use in my own kitchen. Our engaging server Daniel and lovely hostess (whose name I neglected to get) cared for us in a way that felt like we were home. We tried the chef’s wine selection which struck us as a bit unusual when it was first presented. I’m glad we trusted chef Claudio to find the perfect pairing for our meal. Our experience was one of surprise and delight which suited us well. I noted that the menu could also have satisfied diners less open to adventure. I’m usually the Thanksgiving cook so eating out might otherwise have felt a little sad. Instead, we feasted while being treated like welcomed family by chefs and staff who clearly love what they are doing. This was our first visit to Claudio’s Table but it won’t be our last.

Great family style Italian restaurant experience. We had dinner in one of the little side rooms which added an unexpected degree of intimacy. Shrimp fra diablo was excellent, along with the Caesar salad, and the garlic toast. But the dessert was the best— the Titanic is unforgettable! Excellent service complemented well the exceptionally excellent food.

We luckily picked a slow time, 6:00 PM on Wednesday. Service was prompt and courteous. Everything came on time and as requested. My chicken Milanese was done to perfection. The garlic bread was fresh and just toasted. My wife’s gnocchi with mushrooms was incredible. My picky teenage daughter ate every bit of her spaghetti and even the meatballs. Our guest ate all his spaghetti and chicken. Everything was made from scratch; nothing tasted premade.