Best Historic Restaurants in McLean

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

District of ColumbiaMaryland - DC SuburbsVirginia - DC Suburbs

Areas

Adams MorganArlingtonBethesdaCapitol HillColumbia HeightsDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

57 restaurants available nearby

1. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29919)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 383 times today

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.

A photo of Filomena Ristorante restaurant

2. Filomena Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(17394)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Italian • Georgetown

Booked 259 times today

Filomena Now over 40 Years and counting!Filomena is a Washington DC landmark restaurant now with over 40 years of serving some of the finest Italian food you can enjoy. Our Pasta is fresh made by hand just like it was done for centuries in Italy. Our bakery is in-house, and we make over 20 different desserts to choose from. During Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas you can experience some of the most incredible decorations you can find! Four decades of making not just a great dining experience but a memorable one. Filomena has recently introduced a full line of homemade pasta, sauces, desserts that can be shipped nationwide too!

3. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3862)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 53 times today

Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years. Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir came to the Tabard in 2023, bringing with him experience from various fine dining restaurants around D.C. such as minibar by José Andrés, Cranes, Revelers Hour, as well as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, MD. He also shares the Tabard's longstanding commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.

4. The Dabney

4.8

Exceptional(313)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 21 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

5. Amazonia

4.8

Exceptional(195)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Peruvian • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 46 times today

Venture into the relaxed ambiance of Amazonia, our inviting upstairs bar, dining room and rooftop hideaway. As one of the first Amazonian restaurants in the U.S., discover the exotic flavors and ingredients from Peru's rainforest, as well as favorite Peruvian staples. Here you can explore a thoughtfully curated selection of pisco and imaginative cocktails. The dishes you'll enjoy in Amazonia are meant for sharing, and are expertly prepared by the very same skilled kitchen team from Causa downstairs.

6. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(3008)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 59 times today

Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We accept reservations for dinner on a rolling 30 day basis. Reservations can be made for parties up to 6 guests for bistro dining. Our private dining room can be reserved for large parties (7-16 guests) by contacting our event coordinator at events@chezbillysud.com. For general inquiries, please contact us at info@chezbillysud.com.Depending on the weather, our patio is available on a first-come basis. Please check with your host upon arrival for patio seating.Our Bar à Vin (located right next door) is open for dinner and drinks 7 days a week and requires no reservations. Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!

7. 1789 Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(6356)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Georgetown

Booked 27 times today

1789 is a historic fine dining restaurant and bar located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.

8. Iron Gate

4.7

Exceptional(3045)

€€€€Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

Booked 23 times today

Iron Gate, located near Dupont Circle, stands as one of the district’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and is split between a sumptuous dining room, a wisteria covered patio and a handsomely enclosed carriageway that houses the bar.Chef Anthony Chittum, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and his team have revitalized the space with a menu that takes inspiration for the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques using the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic.Iron Gate also serves as an idyllic oasis for fine private events both large and small, so please consider us when planning your next fête, we'd love to have you as our guests.

A photo of The Liberty Tavern restaurant

9. The Liberty Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(4034)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Arlington

Booked 44 times today

We are not just a restaurant, but an institution in Arlington. The first floor of our restored historic property houses an inviting bar and lounge that remains vibrant all hours of the day. Our upstairs dining room offers professional service, a warm ambiance, and a menu featuring rustic, modern American cuisine. We are devoted to in-house production: we bake all of our own bread and pastas, sausages, and desserts. Our beverage program features creative specialty cocktails, a diverse wine list, and a great selection of premium draft and bottled beer. We are known for our unlimited small plates brunch on the weekend and late night dancing Friday through Sunday. Liberty To-Go offers a separate carry-out entrance on Irving Street where wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, fresh salads and other specialties are offered for enjoyment at home.

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

10. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

Exceptional(1105)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Lois
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was our second visit to The Dabney and it was just as good as the first time. The food is amazing, beautiful and delicious beyond belief. The staff is so attentive in a good way and explains each course (we did the tasting menu). We sat by the kitchen and it was great to watch the fire, the cooking, the careful prep of each plate and the camaraderie between kitchen and serving staff. It’s expensive and we can’t do this often, but it was worth the splurge.
More info
The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
•
4.8
K
Kaxiomara
Caribbean •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food is delicious and the portions are enough to share ( unless you eat a lot 😉 ). Our server was super friendly and attentive.
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Filomena RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Georgetown
•
4.8
R
Robert
Dallas - Fort Worth •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious and original. The chef’s access to fish from the Tokyo fish market, and the inventive options for the fish preparation, makes for an outstanding dining experience in a casual and fun setting.
More info
AmazoniaPrice: Very Expensive• Peruvian• Mount Vernon Square
•
4.8
C
Carole
Greater Boston •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Always a wonderful experience…delicious food, fantastic staff and a lovely atmosphere.
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
F
FredVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Mar 2025
Super great food, pleasant and warm staff, good live music, comfortable, cozy, sophisticated vibe.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.7

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