I had dinner tonight at Café Tatti and it truly exceeded expectations. The slow-roasted lamb shank was unforgettable--fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. My brother's lamb chops were just as impressive--perfectly cooked, juicy, and among the best we've ever had. What really stood out was Chef Giovanni coming to our table. That personal touch, combined with the quality of the food, made the whole experience feel special. It's rare to find a place where everything--from the food to the hospitality--comes together this well. Highly recommended. read more

Love this restaurant! It's quickly become our favorite restaurant in Northern Virginia. On our latest visit, we had Beef Bourguignon, French Onion Soup, Escargot, Trout Amandine, and a wonderful pork dish which we followed up with a magnificent strawberry pie and cappuccino. The food, service, and atmosphere are wonderful for a private/romantic dinner or a festive gathering. read more

This restaurant is a legend in McLean... been there for decades. The interior has not changed at all. A nice atmosphere and easy parking makes it convenient for locals. A casual French restaurant with a new owner as of Jan '25. Great menu with some staple French dishes to some others offered as specials with an Italian slant. I had the calves liver which came with potatoes and French green beans. The veggies were delicious, but the liver portion was really disappointing... very small. Cost $35. Thank goodness for the $14 carrot cake to fill me up. ( which was about average). The beet salad $16 was good. The charcuterie board- $28 and okay as well. Love the very personable owners, the history, the space is great, service is great but the value is just not there . It's a very tough business these days but hard to justify the cost. read more

First. the positive: charming atmosphere, bistro-feel, delicious Fr onion soup (incredible flavor on the broth), wonderful cavatelli pasta with mushrooms and onions and crispy and fresh cannelloni for dessert. My dining companions also enjoyed their quiche/salad and chicken + vegetables dishes. We were all excited to try the prix fixe luncheon menu. The chef spent some time telling us about his culinary history and family background enhancing the feeling of being in a "family" restaurant. His lovely wife served triple duty as hostess, server, and what appeared to be overall restaurant manager. Now the negative: parking was a challenge due to snow still covering many spaces. If one person at the table ordered the prix fixe ($39 for 3 courses), then all must order the prix fixe (you could not order independently ... very strange rule I've never experienced before. There was a warning to that effect at the bottom of the menu.) Finally, as the 3 of us asked for separate checks, Tatti tacked on an additional $3.50 fee each for the privilege of separate checks. We were not warned of this in advance. It was explained that they get large parties that all want separate checks and this covers the time involved to do so. I guess the 3 of us constituted a large party? I can honestly say, again, this was a new experience for me. Every other establishment has a mechanism to quickly/easily separate the bill(s) and the only time I've been charged a "service fee" was at one restaurant in Alexandria that charged for using a credit card ... but never have I ever experienced one that charged per person for separating the check. To be honest, the service was slow. But the restaurant was full and there was only one server + the manager to take care of all the tables (20 some?). I would have given 5 stars plus but for those 2 (the parking issue wasn't the restaurant's fault) issues. Armed with this knowledge, I'd be happy to try Tatti again. read more

Absolutely delicious meal, incredible service and charming atmosphere! Walking into Cafe Tatti is like being transported to a small European town - it's the kind of place the kind that all the locals know about and keep for themselves! The new owners Sema and Chef Giancarlo are so welcoming and kind. Everything we ordered was amazing. It's so nice to have a great restaurant with charm and a true appreciation for quality food in McLean. Much needed and nothing else like it!! We can't wait to be back! read more

No idea how this place has such stellar reviews. They should take notes from l'auberge in great falls. The service was inattentive and flat, and the food was not good. The bread and Caesar salad that accompanied the meal was very tasty but it went downhill from there. I ordered the duck confit and it was terrible. Completely dried out and lacked any flavor outside of the bit of sauce that was on top. While the interior is beautiful and intimate, it attracts an older generation that may not know what French cuisine really should taste like. read more

Cute little place inside the shopping center kinda hard to find. service excellent staff very attentive. Chef came out to talk to you. The food was good. The drinks were weak. Had to order an extra shot. I will return. read more

This was our first visit since the pandemic. We heard about the new owner and how good the food and service was. We can confirm that now. We had beet salad, onion soup, beef bourguignon, veal schnitzel, and shared a slice of strawberry passionflower cake. We're definitely adding this restaurant to our regular rotation. The service was friendly and attentive. read more

We were excited to try Cafe Tatti under new ownership, we had been regulars and enjoyed going for many years, John was a wonderful host. Unfortunately our recent experience was disappointing. The menu was similar to the previous and the food was fine, however a Caesar salad was no longer offered with the meal, also my entre came without any side such as vegetable or potato, yet the meal was significantly more expensive. Not a great value. read more

I recently visited Cafe Tatti for dinner with family and was absolutely blown away by the level of service and standard of dining this restaurant had to offer. From start to end, we received very attentive service from our waiter and I was also very impressed by the cocktail and wine offerings. I would highly recommend Cafe Tatti for an elevated, cozy dinner if you're looking for 10/10 service and food! Thank you Cafe Tatti for such an amazing experience! I will be back! read more

Today a friend and I had a lovely meal at Cafe Tatti and enjoyed the cozy ambience, the delicious food and excellent service. The restaurant has been in McLean for many years, but only taken over for the last year by a new owner who was very warm and welcoming. The place was not very crowded and I wondered whether that is because the location is somewhat hidden. It is in an alcove in the Century 21 building but does not have a sign visible from the car. The new owner is working on getting a more visible presence so people will see this hidden gem. Parking is plentiful and I could not be more enthusiastic about becoming a regular there. The mostly French menu has something for everyone. Bravo! read more

The freshly cooked entrées were so flavourful and delicious. I recommend without hesitation.

We had dinner for the first time in a long time here last weekend. The new chef came out to talk to us and we are really excited to see all the great things he is going to do with the menu! Trout and veal were delicious. read more

Two days ago I wrote a review on Cafe Tatti restaurant in McLean, VA that was less than a high rating. The owner immediately responded, listened to me closely, expressed her regrets at the experience, and asked for the opportunity to set all things right. Her offer indicated that she cares deeply about customer service and that everyone has a good experience in her restaurant. I was very pleased with her outreach and intend to return to Cafe Tatti some time in the future. I am certain all will go well. read more

We love Cafe Tatti, which I have visited over decades and which feels like stepping into a real French country cafe. It is casual but warm with welcoming service, and the food is always delicious. Our party enjoyed the beef bourguignon, sole almandine, shrimp with rice and the crabcake entrees and all were delicious, with lovely options for dessert. This place is a gem. read more

7/6/25: Another Birthday Celebration and another GREAT MEAL at Café Tatti in McLean. Again, their food was wonderfully prepared, service was very good (attentive, but not "in your face all the time") and wine suggestion was right on target. Café Tatti has been in place for over 40 years, but recently changed ownership. The menu has not been changed yet, but the evening specials are superb, worth exploring and show just what the new owner/chef has up his sleeves! If you're looking for a small, quiet mediterranean place with great food, wine and service, do not hesitate going to Café Tatti! read more

Apparent new ownership and/or chef. Menu on website not the same as actual. Limited menu, so-so service, prices excessive for food quality. read more

We were in town to see our son for parent's weekend. A friend recommended we try Cafe Tatti. We really enjoyed our meal. The owners and staff were very welcoming and pleasant to chat with. We felt like we were having a meal at a friend's home. The escargot were tender and bursting with flavor. The onion soup had a delicious broth, tender sweet onions, and a delightfully gooey cheese crust. The tagliatelle bolognese was fabulous and certainly cooked low and slow as the sauce was velvety, complex and savory. The chicken franchise was tender and had a tasty lemon garlic sauce. Our meals were so delicious that we ordered desserts. We usually skip dessert but decided we had to go for it because we might miss something amazing and we were correct. The chocolate mousse was top notch, the chocolate cake was rich and perfectly sweet, and the lemon mango cake was the best- light and airy with a nice lemon and mango flavor. We will definitely be back when we visit the area again. We chatted with Giovanni the chef and owner about the North End in Boston and his visit to Boston. He and his wife were a true delight. What a charming place. Thanks for such a wonderful meal. We wish you much success!!!! read more

Giovanni has taken a solid McLean restaurant to a new enjoyable level. The menu items are very well balanced - the wine list is reasonable and the dining experience is great. I've been a 20 year plus customer and look forward to every additional year. GREAT JOB read more

We have lived in McLean for a long time and cafe Tatti has has a few iterations. The new chef is fantastic and we had excellent service as well. If you have not tried it, you should. If it's been awhile , you should try it again. read more

Things have changed at Cafe Tatti and it can't be our 'go to" FRENCH restaurant anymore. The portions on the new plates are so small that they are embarrassing, as is the few leaves of lettuce on the salad. The sole almondine used to be exquisite and plentiful. Now it is minuscule and tasteless. More than once things on the menu were not available, which was disappointing. The charm is gone, the food is not as good, and the chef is no longer French, which shows. My heart breaks to write this review, but we won't be back. read more

What a great restaurant! Everything I ate was delicious- gazpacho, stuffed mushrooms, shrimp provencale, chocolate mousse. And the rest of my family agreed about their meals (lamb shank, chicken cordon bleu, and chicken Parmesan). My kids rarely touch vegetables but they ate every bite of their salads. The portions are really generous. Our compliments to the kitchen! The staff and owners are friendly and attentive. The decor and atmosphere are lovely - but also really relaxed. My only regret is that I didn't find this restaurant sooner. We will be back! read more

The new chef has revolutionized the menu and quality of the food. We were getting a bit tired of the restaurant but now we look forward to returning often. read more

Fantastic food, wonderful service, European ambiance, and a great date! I highly recommend this old world restaurant for a lovely evening with your special someone. read more

Cafe Tatti - people sitting at tables in a restaurant - French Near Me - McLean, Virginia

I gave Cafe Tatti 5 stars for the following: The food, French leaning, is absolutely delicious; perfect every time. Warm french bread and salad are included. The service is excellent - the owner is on hand to ensure this is so. The atmosphere is comfortable and chill...take your time and enjoy your drinks and dinner inside or outside on the lovely covered patio. read more

Really great food, incredible service, elegant and classy but cozy and welcoming, great selections on menu, reasonable prices, they made me feel like family and very appreciated. One of the best restaurants I've gone to after living in Fairfax County for the last 32 years. The food was so outstanding and I loved that warm, fresh bread and a delicious salad and two excellent side dishes were included with the superb entry. Highly recommend, what a gem! I kept thinking all through dinner, "This is PERFECT." I can't wait to go back. If you had a 10-star rating system I would give them a 10. read more

Fantastic food and service. Been dining here for 20 years and love it. Hearty food with good portions. Salad is included with the entree. Friendly owner makes the ambiance low key and casual while maintaining white tablecloth standards. Veal, duck, fish, beef borgione, etc. are all excellent. Highly recommended. read more

Wonderful establishment. Great menu that is consistently served just the way you want. The lamb shank is incredible. Have the escargot to start and make sure to save some bread for dipping. Tell John we sent you! read more

Last month we dined at Cafe Tatti and thought the food was not up to their usual and thought it was just an off day. Last night a table of 5 with various dishes and every single one was a disaster and barely edible. Will not ever go back. read more

The owner rebuts they have no employee named kiriakos. That's funny this picture of the second guy from the left shows from your old website kiriakos the gentleman who provided awful service. He sometimes calls himself Kirk. You know instead of simply denying such an employee exists or existed an apology would be more appropriate. Now that I've proven his existence I assume I'll get my free Meal as you've promised in your rebuttal. read more

Cafe Tatti - Kiriakos the waiter second from left - French Near Me - McLean, Virginia

Very friendly owners - they come and greet you and remember you from last time, excellent food and cosy atmosphere. Prices are also great.

Our fav French place. Escargot, pâté, fish, orange duck. Love everything. Must try. read more

Best restaurant in mclean. Great service, hospitality, and food. All at great prices. Have been going consistently for 15+ years and will continue to patronize read more

Cafe Tatti is remarkable! I have been there a few times over the course of 3 years, but today was so amazing I had to write a review. It was my child's 8th birthday celebration and the only request was a "fancy restaurant with grown up desserts" This restaurant delivered, and then some! From the moment we arrived (only child in the restaurant) they were kind, considerate and thoughtful about every aspect of our dining experience. They suggested a great seat outside, brought out warm bread immediately, and when the meal was served it was beyond compare. I mentioned it was my child's birthday (as sort of an attempt to explain why I brought a child to this nice establishment) and they went above and beyond in bringing out cake and singing to her. She was so giddy on the car ride home and is begging to go back. Thank you to Cafe Tatti for your amazing service, good and wonderful memories for our family. read more

Apparently the genre is "European", and it used to be owned by a Portuguese woman who sold it to the current owner, who is apparently Greek. I suppose that's keeping with the euro theme? In any case, it is located on Old Dominion in a small commercial building and neighbors some other local eat places. It doesn't however impress despite having seemingly legit local cred. I ordered the Coq au Vin which is a classic rustic dish of braised chicken, burgundy wine, pork fat, and garlic. While this can be an excellent dish, that was not the case here sadly. So much promise walking in as the walls are bare brick and the interior dim. It almost looks like you've walked into a rough basement bistro. My mother (not born in the US) describes American chicken as mushy and flavorless, and I imagine it has a lot to do with the way the animals are fattened on huge commercial farms. The Coq of Vin here falls victim to exactly what my mother described. It's a shame that they couldn't do anything better with it, but truly, it was flavorless and mushy. The potatoes however were well seasoned. While it's important to praise the potatoes, you need to take pause and wonder why the potatoes are better than the chicken? Also, there is no hint of wine. I seriously wonder about this place.... read more

Quaint restaurant. Food is reasonably priced. Wish portion size was a little bigger. GREAT service. Felt like I was in France again. Pâté - good. Not a fan of pate, but tried it anyway. Tasty. Chicken Francaise - 2 succulent chicken breasts, lightly floured. Served with Caesar salad, boiled potatoes and vegetable of the day (green beans when I went). Flatiron steak with black peppercorn sauce - tender. See photo. Included Caesar salad, green beans and boiled potatoes. Not bad for $16. If you've ever been to a restaurant where your water glass never got refilled, that definitely won't happen here. Water glass was full the entire meal - even after we paid the bill. Would definitely return again. read more

Excellent food! I have been to Paris 4-5 times and personally enjoy the French food here locally servers are kind + sweet. Love their flounder belle dish read more

Old school in all the right ways. It definitely fills up with regulars on a weekend night, so I'm glad we made a reservation. I loved the complimentary Ceasar salad. I ordered the Tatti seafood combination, which I would definitely order again. Ambience was really nice, so we lingered with coffee and talked for a while. Will definitely go back. read more

Great little gem that harkens back to the days of Julia Child with classic French cuisine. Coq au vin, Steak au poivre, ossobuco, baked salmon and a fantastic soft shell crab, when in season populate the menu. The Caesar Salad which is served with most entres is excellent. Their cocktails are formatted like something out of the 1960's small but stout. The desert selection is very good. Very reasonably priced for what you receive. Reservations recommended on weekend nights. read more

To the reviewer who complained about the Coq of Vin because they use American chickens, are you for real? You mean Caffi Tatti doesn't import their chickens directly from Europe??? What!? This quaint restaurant has survived in the same location in McLean since 1981. For those that are somewhat familiar with McLean, VA, how many other restaurants have been around under the same management since 1981? Do you know what a feat that is, in and of itself? There is a reason for that. The food here is simply world-class. I particularly recommend anything that is listed in their hand-written Specials... they are guaranteed to be outstanding. While the lamb dishes get a lot of hype, you will also die for any of their fresh fish selections. If you see fresh fish on the Specials menu - get it. Just get it. Put the menu down and get it. Whether it be salmon or Chilean sea bass, it melts in your mouth. I don't even like fish. And I order fish every time here. It's that good. You will also not find a better tasting ceasar salad anywhere. It's more than special. The bread always comes out piping hot, obviously freshly baked, and is the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. If the very nice and personable owner, John doesn't greet you personally when you walk in the door, it's only because he's on the phone or tending to a table. The career waiters are friendly, charming, and make you feel special. Although I'm in my 30's, the regular clientele is an older crowd. There are two reasons for this: 1.) McLean, VA is an older crowd. 2.) Old people know where to get good food. Caffi Tatti has amazing food in a charming setting with wonderful service for a very reasonable price. People come from far away to dine here and it has stood the test of time in a town where so many restaurants come and go. read more