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I've been directed to numerous Japanese restaurants in the past by both self-proclaimed sushi aficionados and those who eat to fill-up, many with forgettable results. So when a friend invited me for lunch at McLean's Tachibana Restaurant I was expecting more of the same – average sushi at the expense of a smaller bank account.
Apparently, the owners themselves expect their fair share of doubters, evident by the restaurant's cubbyhole of awards at the entrance of the main dining area. Once inside, it becomes painfully obvious that those awards aren't for best interior design. Aside from a few Japanese-inspired novelties and two sushi bars, one off to the side and another discreetly tucked away in the back, Tachibana looks more like a ski lodge lobby than an authentic Japanese restaurant. Then again, I'm here for the sushi lunch special, not the décor.
Like the majority of Japanese restaurants, Tachibana serves house salad and miso soup before the main course, neither of which is anything to write home about. Order the shrimp and vegetable tempura appetizer instead. The batter fulfills its purpose, adding a crisp texture without interfering with the shrimp’s robust flavor. The massive veggies are impressive as well – think green goodness on steroids – despite the well-overcooked zucchini. There have been many instances that have resulted in what I call “tempura headaches,” copious amounts of oil and batter and not enough substance. Not the case here - Tachibana knows tempura.
The centerpiece of the meal was a 12-item plate consisting of a six-piece spicy tuna roll, five assorted nigiri, and a ball of sweet rice wrapped in fried egg white and lightly brushed with a sweet coating of what hints to be honey. Blanketing their rice beds, one could easily mistake the nigiri for a medley of sashimi, all five made from only the freshest, choicest, melt-in-your-mouth quality cuts of salmon, tuna, white tuna, mackerel and shrimp. As for the spicy tuna roll, what it lacks in spiciness it makes up for tenfold in taste. In contrast, the rice ball provided an unexpected but delightful surprise on a plate otherwise ruled by some serious sushi.
Lunch hour traffic is especially heavy on Thursdays and Fridays, so be sure to get there early to guarantee a table. Reservations are taken only for parties of three or more.
Lunch
Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinner
Mon. - Thu. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m
Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m - 10:30 p.m.
Sun. 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tachibana Restaurant
6715 Lowell Ave.
Mclean, VA 22101
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Uh, the name of the restaurant is "Tachibana" ... not "Tachinbana" as your headline suggests. Even the picture shows the proper spelling.
Thanks, captain, it should be fixed now.
I haven't checked Google Maps or whatever, but I'm pretty sure McLean is further from my house than Japan.
Tachibana serves some of the better sushi in Mclean, but every time I've been for lunch, it gets really swamped. When I'm in the area, I prefer Miyagi (6719 Curran St); it's just around the corner, the sushi's just as good, the crowd's thinner, and they have some excellent sashimi.
Be warned that the triangle of 123, Old Dominion,and Chain Bridge Road is an effing death trap inhabited by senile batfarts with turn signals locked in the left position even though they're turning right; morons who cross multiple lanes to make illegal turns; and cellphoners who are looking in the complete OPPOSITE direction to where they're driving. It doesn't help that road pattern was layed out by someone who probably designed lab rat mazes in their spare time. But instead of arriving at your goal and getting the paddle that releases the cocaine or the brain stimulus, you are rewarded by being cut off by a tiny blond in a Chevy Suburban who makes obscene gestures at you while yelling into her cellphone because you were in HER way. Really, if you think Adams Morgan on a Saturday night is a fustercluck, you've never been to that part of Mclean.
What Metro stop is it on? Maybe this item should be posted in Mcleanist.
Sorry, but one more DC-centric complaint. I measure the convenience based on how many times I have to zoom out on Google maps before i recognize the location or can fit DC in the frame. I know Mclean is supposed to be a close-in suburb, but this a 3-clicker.
You know, I really can't argue that that description of McLean driving one bit -- my office is in that triangle of death and I am continually amazed that neither me nor any of my co-workers have been killed by octagenerians in their mink coats driving across four lanes of traffic while simultaneously sneering at the "peasants" that get in their way.
I can think of at least one place that has more lousy drivers, bitter narcissists, and s**ty sushi than Mclean.
Boo hoo, this place is no further than Silver Spring is from Downtown...granted no metro service...yet.
This restaurant is within a tenth of a mile from a Metrobus - 23A from Tysons Westpark Station.
As long as it is along a route of our public transit system, then it should be included in dcist.
for those who have never been to this subhub of dc, stay out and don't exacerbate my commute.
btw, thanks for the post, looking forward to better-than-decent sashimi.
although, should i head straight to miyagi??